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Discussion starter · #1 ·
My father-in-law would like a DIY home central heat air repair book with good illustrations, can some one please recommend a title?

Thank you.
 
Discussion starter · #3 ·
I believe I asked for a book title? Your useless response was unneeded and in no way effectively answered my question. MY father-in-law is a Vietnam veteran who has taught himself all forms of repair including installing ductwork and central units by himself. The reason I asked for a book title is because he would like to learn more of central units since he maintains all of his rental properties himself and does not want to pay grossly inflated repair fees.
 
#4 ·
Time life makes soem books as well as the public library. However why do you want to insult us by saying "our grossly infalted service fees" , maybe he should pick up a couple of books on surgery and he could save you some money on in future surgery you may need.

Maybe denistry too.

I have no problem with someone who wants to maintain their own equipment, but we have spent years and invested thousands of dollars in tools ans training and hardly think our service rates are grossly inflated, we earned them.

Also I too am a vietman vet but that doesn't even get me a happy meal at mickey d's.

Semper Fi.
 
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#5 ·
You can try this site or Amazon.com gives good descriptions

http://www.books4hvac.com/default.aspx


Of course would still recommend a couple of training courses at a local college just for good measure, Books can only give some Ideas and buying all the tools to do the job right is not really cheaper then having a Tech come out and fix it right the first time even if the price seems a little steep.
 
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Discussion starter · #8 ·
Thank you "retired btc" and "twilli3967" for your constructive replies. I have looked at the time life books, but they seem to be more geared to the beginner.

twilli3967 - I understand where you are coming from as far defending your rates as I am Computer service business owner. However, where we live most companies charge $100.00 just to come out, then whatever the service fee is, so to me that is grossly inflated.


 
#9 ·
829 said:
However, where we live most companies charge $100.00 just to come out, then whatever the service fee is, so to me that is grossly inflated.
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you are right, since the average cost to the company for that service call is $90, how dare they try to make $10 in profit. of course you can find one who will come out for $19.95, but they have to make up the difference somewhere. ask yourself, which one would you rather do business with. as for me, i'll take the 100 dollar one, at least i know the tech's not under pressure to sell me something.
 
#10 ·
Try a community college or vo-tech that teaches HVAC. They usually have a bookstore. But be prepared to spend alot. Last book I bought was a small book about low pressure boilers--$55.00. Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Technology--$100.00.
 
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#11 ·
Now you know if he is serious about this, he will have to get at least an EPA class 2 certification. Class 2 will allow him to work on most residential systems.
Next he is going to need to buy a freon recovery machine and tank, and register that with the EPA
Then he will need a good vacuum pump to pump down the system after repair
Good air/acetylene torch for brazing and tanks.
He will need a set of manifold gauges
At least one, but should have 2 digital themometers
Good clamp on Amp gauge
multi-meter

He can expect to spend at least $1,200 but more likely a minimum of $2,000 just to get started. Couple that with the books and tech manuals he will need, and its a fair sum.

If he wants to tackle some of the maintenance himself, he can change filters every month, Keep the outside condensors clean and free of leaves and grass clippings. And just pay attention to how all the units are working.

If he does this, he may head off a serious problem, Without all the technicalities needed to open the refrigerant system.
 
#12 ·
Now you know if he is serious about this, he will have to get at least an EPA class 2 certification. Class 2 will allow him to work on most residential systems.
Next he is going to need to buy a freon recovery machine and tank, and register that with the EPA
Then he will need a good vacuum pump to pump down the system after repair
Good air/acetylene torch for brazing and tanks.
He will need a set of manifold gauges
At least one, but should have 2 digital themometers
Good clamp on Amp gauge
multi-meter
Freon leak detector

He can expect to spend at least $1,200 but more likely a minimum of $2,000 just to get started. Couple that with the books and tech manuals he will need, and its a fair sum.

If he wants to tackle some of the maintenance himself, he can change filters every month, Keep the outside condensors clean and free of leaves and grass clippings. And just pay attention to how all the units are working.

If he does this, he may head off a serious problem, Without all the technicalities needed to open the refrigerant system.
 
Discussion starter · #13 ·
you are right, since the average cost to the company for that service call is $90, how dare they try to make $10 in profit. of course you can find one who will come out for $19.95, but they have to make up the difference somewhere. ask yourself, which one would you rather do business with. as for me, i'll take the 100 dollar one, at least i know the tech's not under pressure to sell me something.
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That is the same as me saying when I send a guy out, I charge $100.00. I would assume you mean a company that does not charge exorbited prices are lacking in knowledge, thieves or high-pressured to sell? I am almost certain, but not 100% that my technicians spend as much if not more time in school as a HVAC tech. I do not charge near as much for service calls for service as any of my competitors, because we make up for it in volume. I do not understand why companies need to have high prices to make money. I am sure they are making more than $10.00 profit.

He is not looking to replace the freon (as last I thought you had to have EPA cert to even buy the stuff,) he wants to be able to maintain more than filters. I looked over the PCB on my unit and spoted a blown fuse while the repair man that was sent to get my unit working scratched his head, so I am not sure that other than checking load and wiring there is a whole lot to it before a person would need a cert. Please, if you having anything to say other than the topic at hand, please be an adult and move on.


Now back to the point at hand, book titles?

[Edited by 829 on 05-16-2005 at 01:33 AM]
 
#14 ·
I am almost certain, "but not 100%"
that my technicians spend as much if not more time in school as a HVAC tech. I do not charge near as much for service calls for service as any of my competitors, because we make up for it in volume. I do not understand why companies need to have high prices to make money.

I am sure they are making more than $10.00 profit.

But we dont work for sears. and since you are sure they make more than $10.00 on a service call , please tell us how much we make

When you are the one that pays a techs wages-buys a service vehicle-and a million dollars insurance coverage- and pays for all of the other costs of running a busniess, you know exactly how much you have to charge for a call.

You may not have noticed , but the costs of fuel to get to each stop has rizen sharply over the past couple of years
and everything associated with fuel has risen also. The costs of workmans comp insu , health insurance for the employees has risen

How much per call do you feel an hvac contractor should loose before you feel you are being charged a fair price.

Do you complain when you buy gas? Do you complain when you go to the grocery store? their prices rise daily-- I 'll bet not

Why would you come here and Badmouth the people that you are asking for FREE advise from
 
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Discussion starter · #15 ·
Who works for sears?

since you are sure they make more than $10.00 on a service call , please tell us how much we make
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[/quote]

I cant answer that, but if you were only making $10.00 profit, you would be out of business.

When you are the one that pays a techs wages-buys a service vehicle-and a million dollars insurance coverage- and pays for all of the other costs of running a busniess, you know exactly how much you have to charge for a call.
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You may have missed this, but I own my own computer service business, so I think I know how this works and a million dollar insurance policy is not that expensive.

You may not have noticed , but the costs of fuel to get to each stop has rizen sharply over the past couple of years
and everything associated with fuel has risen also. The costs of workmans comp insu , health insurance for the employees has risen
Click to expand...
My guys and I are buying the same fuel as you and we also drive low MPG trucks.

How much per call do you feel an hvac contractor should loose before you feel you are being charged a fair price.
Click to expand...
Never said anyone should loose money, but if the consumer can do most of the work themselves, why call a tech?

Why would you come here and Badmouth the people that you are asking for FREE advise from
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That is just it, I have been under attack from the time I started this thread. Only a couple of people have answered this post with respect to it's title and you are not one of them. I can see that trying to get an answer out of the "professionals" mouth was a waste of time, since most of you have seen this as an attack on your well being.
 
#16 ·
Fees

I remember when I handed the repair bill to the home owner. He looked it over and with much consternation remarked, " I'm a brain surgeon and I don't make that much an hour!"

My reply, "Sir, I didn't make that much when I was a brain surgeon either."

Everyone wants something for nothing, and usually complain when the true value is discovered.

 
#17 ·
When I went thru the latest training program a couple of years ago, we were issued a book called Modern Refrigeration and Air Conditiong the publisher is The Goodheart-Willcox Company, Inc. the manual is authored by Althouse-Turnquist-Bracciano. I use this as a reference quite a bit. I am sure you can find a copy at your local tech school supply store, or technical book store (we have a store actually called proffesional book sellers in my area). If your uncle or whoever buys this book and understands how the refrigeration effect actually works, he is ready to do some maintenance on his own stuff. Warning: some of the information is pretty technical and hard to figure out without some assistance kinda dry/boring/technical stuff also. I see nothing at all wrong with a owner being knowledgable about his own property. Once he understands all the info in the book he will be able to buy a set of guages/a accurate thermistor type thermometer/ a good multi meter and be able to evaluate his units hisself, as he goes thru and does the normal coil cleaning and other regular checkups. I am sure he will call for service when he finds that the unit has developed a leak or bad compressor etc. as the cost of purchasing all the equipment and acheiving the certification required for purchasing refrigerant for say compressor/coil replacement would not be cost effective unless he had a whole bunch of units. Most units will last many many years if properly maintained. UNCONDITIONAL GUARANTEE If the above information does not meet with your (the buyers) approval I will gladly return all the money that you paid for it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! OU812
 
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