HVAC Techs Battling Antique Equipment
51 posts across 11 communities in the last 30 days; 47% from r/hvacadvice.
“Hello everyone, I am an apprentice refrigeration technician, and I am currently working on a repair that I am trying to resolve on my own before reaching out to my supervisor. I would appreciate your advice and the benefit of your experience. I am working on a Mitsubishi…”
“I like efficiency and I’m literally the annoying person who reads manuals before buying a toaster lol. But HVAC efficiency shopping is a different animal. One contractor is pushing a basic single stage, another says I’d be dumb not to do an inverter heat pump, and a third…”
“Background: had an old modular Carrier AHU that had a busted evap coil. Craned up a custom-built Johnson Controls, generic-ass coil. The piping was not even remotely the same. Anyway. Talked to a chill customer that basically said "yeah no problem, it can be down". I ran into…”
HVAC technicians are frequently encountering older, unreliable equipment leading to unexpected repairs and downtime. Common issues include failing blower motors, contamination of refrigeration systems, and persistent leaks that require significant troubleshooting.
SOURCES (60)
“Hello. Just to summarize things, my grandfather recently passed away and I live in his house which has a Bryant furnace from the seventies or eighties. Since it's getting close to winter time, I live in PA, we've tried to turn it on a few…”
“I would like to know what the oldest installations of plastic fittings you have seen are, it will help me formulate a history book I am working on. Thank you submitted by /u/LongjumpingStand7891 [link] [comments]”
“Now go ahead and roast my pump control panel also for a small hp well pump submitted by /u/AdmirableExtreme6965 [link] [comments]”
“Tell me how you would/wouldn't do it. Guy said its had a small Crack and leaked since he got it, recently got bigger😂. I know yall like to speculate so have at it. submitted by /u/ItsNotInflammatory [link] [comments]”
“Found doing hvac In an old house new construction. Owners said if we find anything we keep it submitted by /u/Longjumping_Agent165 [link] [comments]”
“Hello everyone, I am an apprentice refrigeration technician, and I am currently working on a repair that I am trying to resolve on my own before reaching out to my supervisor. I would appreciate your advice and the benefit of your experience. I am working on a Mitsubishi MXZ-4F72VF5 multi-split system using R32 refrigerant, with three 2 kW units upstairs and one 3.5 kW unit in the living room. The issue is that the previous installer appears to have mismatched some of the electrical wiring with”
“Received this pic from the tech. Wanted to get another opinion. Thanks. submitted by /u/Electrical_Pepper_14 [link] [comments]”
“I've been working on repairing a pool heat pump as a personal project for a friend. The unit was basically brand new (less than a year old) and had some PVC pipe damage in the heat exchanger section from a hard freeze and the heat exchanger coil was removed for about a month and a half and the refrigerant lines capped. I just got the heat exchanger repairs finished and went back to the unit to discover one of the caps fell off the line after the filter dryer. The shop it's sitting in is”
“I currently have a old r22 Armstrong central air and furnace. it's going on 25 years old and my central air has required a a pound of freon in the 10 years I have lived here so I know it has a small leak somewhere. The furnace still runs well but the blowers are getting noisy and the initial flame on start up is noisy as well. I was curious if the new products are still durable. I don't expect the same 25 years but it least 15 to 20 would be nice. My products were still made in Ohio I kn”
“Hello first post here. This is an ongoing job and a kick in the dick. Decided not to include ductwork but i think this is looking pretty good so far. What do yall think about it? submitted by /u/No_Contribution_5854 [link] [comments]”
“Hey y'all, finally got to pulling my blower motor after it wrapped out on me a few weeks ago. Yes I tested power and communication for every possible wire and have a constant 120v and combined 240v everywhere it needs to be, and 26v going to the motor for the fan speed. All wiring is good. My pops is a certified electrician so I had some help as to not miss any bases. Even rigged up some wiring after it was pulled to see if it would kick on, nothing. Anyway... motor thats in it is a Genteq x”
“What would be the best way to improve this? (Register removed) A heat pump was installed 40 plus years ago before I purchased this house, and as I uncover things, I run into more and more crappy installation. I'm handy with tools and could do the tear out and simple sheet metal fabrication. submitted by /u/GuitarHair [link] [comments]”
“Compressor and fan is working smoother than most new systems I see lol. submitted by /u/JuicySpark [link] [comments]”
“I like efficiency and I’m literally the annoying person who reads manuals before buying a toaster lol. But HVAC efficiency shopping is a different animal. One contractor is pushing a basic single stage, another says I’d be dumb not to do an inverter heat pump, and a third basically gave me a bedtime story about comfort curves. I asked for the AHRI certified certificate because I wanted to compare actual ratings instead of vibes, and that helped, but it also made the whole thing more confusing. S”
“Long time listener first time caller. I have a walk in cooler condenser pumped down that’s full of r-12, I was doing a replacement for a school districts outdated equipment a few years back and set it to the side to reclaim and use or sell later on when I had time. I always recover my refrigerant and swap out my tanks at URI, but I figure selling to a reclaim company may be worth my while on this one. That said, I’ve never used one of those companies and figured I’d ask the community for advice.”
“Somebody check my math here. I’ve got a 21 year old Trane XL16 heat pump in my house for downstairs. I replaced the upstairs unit in 2024 when the old XL16 finally bit the dust with a Trane XV17. Other than a failed TXV in 2020, the downstairs unit has been okay, doesn’t heat particularly well and it’s loud (only two speeds) but A/C is decent. And well, it’s already paid for and the house is livable. I am considering proactively replacing it now while the season is slow so I don’t have to deal w”
“It sounds like it’s coming from the back of the motor but it’s still spinning and pumping water. I inspected the impeller and didn’t see anything. submitted by /u/Ill-Bother-9126 [link] [comments]”
“On Startup system would only turn on in heat. Found out my reversing valve was unplugged. Jumped in the condenser to plug it back in and saw these beauties submitted by /u/m3x_aries [link] [comments]”
“My home's HVAC system is on its last legs and needs replacing. What brands is everyone using? I’m looking for something with excellent cooling performance. submitted by /u/Old-Towel-5566 [link] [comments]”
“It's making this noise, and everytime I try to add refrigerant it just stays at 60psi and the sight glass doesn't fill, assuming it's shot? submitted by /u/AppropriateLie2186 [link] [comments]”
... Man I've been doing this too long. It's a navien too I bet.
“I have a furnace from 1999 and decided to get a tune up and inspection from a pretty big heating company. Right away the guy said this unit looks like it’s on its last leg. I assumed he was giving a sales pitch, but after the inspection, he provided me photos. One of the big issues he notified me on was the heat exchanger. He didn’t see any cracks or holes but he did say at this rate we are on borrowed time. And that we might as well get a new furnace before we replace just the heat exchanger si”
“Ok I will try to keep this short and detailed. 8 year old Trane residential split system, straight cool. Call was system was froze up so they wanted to leave it off and I come diagnose it the next day. First I found blower wasn’t running because the capacitor had failed which would explain the frozen system. Noted that the Condenser coils were filthy so I washed the condenser coils from inside out. Tested the system and the compressor tried to kick on for 2-3 secs and shuts off. Capacitor is goo”
“Background: had an old modular Carrier AHU that had a busted evap coil. Craned up a custom-built Johnson Controls, generic-ass coil. The piping was not even remotely the same. Anyway. Talked to a chill customer that basically said "yeah no problem, it can be down". I ran into the guy above him and his vibe was "what the hell?! Why is this down, my office workers are melting at 77°F, I'm gonna send some of these folks home if you don't get some temporary cooling going."”
“HVAC service tech here. Trying to get in contact with West Allis HVAC out of MKE to clear something up on a system they previously serviced at my sister’s house. Haven’t been able to get ahold of anyone, and I’d really like to talk tech-to-tech with whoever was last there or someone who knows their way around a split system. Their report recommended furnace replacement due to a “faulty door switch,” but they also documented the resistance reading of the switch, which appears to indicate the swit”
“I had a leak earlier this year come from the flashing Manufactured house Coleman furnace Don’t even know where to start with this submitted by /u/SecretCry95 [link] [comments]”
“Doing a demo on a bathroom and found this relic from 2007, oldest I ever found was from the 70’s Texas Pride lite beer 😂, what’s the oldest y’all ever found ? submitted by /u/Glittering_King1228 [link] [comments]”
“Is this a DIY job? If I remove that tape, am I gonna have access to clean it? submitted by /u/Wallaroo_Trail [link] [comments]”
“Does anyone have any experience with old R22 units leaking? We’ve owned our house for 5 years or so now, built in the early 80’s has an old R22 unit. Recently it’s gotten rather beat up looking, idk from what or how exactly but the fins are getting really raggedy somehow. I know R22 is supposed to be a gas that disperses rapidly/immediately if it is leaking somewhere Does it leave any oil residue that can soak into the ground or if it’s leaking in the house somewhere can it leave a residue? If i”
“Hi everyone! I had an HVAC tech came in yesterday for our furnace's annual inspection (we are new owners to this house that is 14 years old and the furnace as well). Got it checked the first time and he shows with his camera some small signs of rusting at 2-3 places and tiny holes. He says this appears to be leak from HX and apparently tagged it stating that it is unsafe for the home owner to run Heat without replacing HX or getting a new furnace. Also turned off the gas valve. He did not ru”
“Hey guys could you please give me reassurance that this is a crack in our heat exchanger? Had my yearly check up today and thought our 9 yr old furnace was fine, but it this crack was brought to my attention. I’m a little skeptical of the company bc I asked for the heat exchanger results, but none were given to me after requesting it multiple times. I also feel like they’re pushing me to bundle with a new a/c unit and water heater since they’re all the same age. There are discounts if I bundle,”
“Two years in Harrisburg and I still dont have a go to HVAC company. Every time something breaks I just google whoever and hope for the best. Last two companies sent totally different techs who straight up contradicted each other on the same system. One said the capacitor was fine then next guy says it had to be replaced immediately. Im over it. Who do people actually stick with around here long term? Consistency matters more to me at this point. submitted by /u/TommieChungus [link] &”
“Any ideas on why or how it’s coming off, and how to fix? submitted by /u/Strict_West898 [link] [comments]”
“Went to fix a boiler today and found this water heater still hooked up and working. Serial starts with 74 which makes me think 1974. submitted by /u/KrazyWafflez [link] [comments]”
“HVAC is coming in the early afternoon and I just am curious because I don't want to plan something in the evening if it's going to take a few hours. :) submitted by /u/laceandpaperflowers_ [link] [comments]”
“New (to me) home, came with an approx. 20 year old system. Decided to be proactive and do maintenance and... heat exchanger has massive cracks and holes. Like I got to handle the camera to verify he wasn't doing something to trick. Also had a second vendor already confirm. So yeah... furnace is condemned. Not surprised, just didn't need it right now. I'm now comparison shopping like mad, and I'm trying to figure out what my best options are. Going to go full system (AC is also 20”
“1962 Lennox GHR6-120M original to home. Is there such things as "museum quality" when it comes to furnaces? When I bought this home last year, I had a couple HVAC inspectors insist I replace it... No cracks in exchanger, zero C02 readings. Their main complaint was long cycling. I cleaned it up, found & dug the pile of dust from and replaced the Hammock style filter, made it through last winter without a hitch, would still long cycle though. Dug back into it today and found the issu”
“First time the compressor has blown while I was on location. I went to disconnect the compressor plug and one of the pins came out with it submitted by /u/Capt_Spaz3141 [link] [comments]”
“That's definitely not a clicking noise. It's more of a clacking. Did you check the fluid levels and pressures? My guess is there in lies the prob.”
“Curious what everyone’s standard practice is for documenting replacement part specs on site so the info stays with the equipment. Where do you usually leave it? submitted by /u/Equipment-Tracker [link] [comments]”
Yes but I think the gas involved was steam for a radiator.
“Hello all, hope you are all having a nice weekend! I am currently undertaking a bare shell restoration, My first compressor went kaput, my fault as was sandblasting in the same room and let the filter get clogged and it died after the oil went black and magnetic, expensive lesson learned. I have bought a new compressor, just making sure i am taking care of it, will be moved to a dust free environment soon linked to my old compressor receiver but i have noticed that it gets VERY hot at a extremel”
“Last three digits of the S/N are often month year. But everyone else in this thread is just guessing. Nothing else makes sense for a date stamp on this name plate.”
“The last time we had a HVAC guy out, he said these things are gold quality and we should never get it replaced. I've read that these, being over 50 year olds at the least, are a risk because of the cracking heat exchanger.. but the pictures I saw looked a bit different from this one and I'm not an expert so I really am just searching in the dark lol. What do you guys think of this? submitted by /u/echotops [link] [comments]”
“I respect that attitude. It's something I wish was more prevalent. I've had to temper that myself with the mantra "A wise man knows his limits."”
“Hi all, We bought this 1960s house in 2023 and had the boiler replaced when we moved in. We have 3 radiators in the house and honestly never really looked at them. The last time they were seen were when the boiler was replaced and the tech had to bleed them I suppose. They didn’t say anything about a leak or noticeable damage, but it’s totally possible the rusting was already there. I started noticing a gross smell earlier this summer but assumed it was cat spray so I didn’t investigate too much”
“Heya dads, so my AC went out call a AC guy he comes out. He lets me know my unit's motor is seized and a fan blade was hanging on by a frog's pube. Apparently the previous owner was a weekend warrior and messed up electricals with a "double tap" (apparently that's a thing) so my electric set up is apparently illegal. I got an estimate for a replacement for roughly $22,500. I applied for financing, denied, get a co signer with my mum (well established and makes $2000 a month”
“Sheet metal screwed new fan where the old one went also had to change the condenser? Out submitted by /u/monkeysexriot [link] [comments]”
“Just thought I’d show off this jug of 22 a customer had. I’d never seen one like it before. Looks like it was from Lennox. submitted by /u/Whoajaws [link] [comments]”
“My house haha It's 1921 or so. And this is all very new to me. Amateur hour working on this. Can I just not use that T area and it's hammer with the new braided line or should I connect the new line directly to the T/hammer area?”
“Hi All, hoping I can get your thoughts on this furnace - I've added a few pictures of the overview, the burners and a quick shot of the heat exchanger as best as I could. Sorry for the quality of the internal pictures (can't find an sd reader to transfer from endoscope). It runs completely fine, but after a routine gas meter replacement, the tech gave me a violation notice. There were no gas leaks or any other issues. I'm assuming the violation notice is because of ABS piping, but I&”
“So long story short, when cutting out a Evap coil that had to be replaced, this black and very thick refrigerant oil came out of the system. This system did have a compressor burnout in the past but I’m in aware of what measures were taken to clean up the system when that happen. My gut is telling me that we should replace the accumulator and receiver and flush the system at a minimum to get out all of the crappy oil. Other coworkers I talked to said that just installing a remove able core liqui”
“that isn’t a modern liner, it’s how lining was done back in the 80s by pulling through a heated soft pvc pipe”
“Can someone tell me what the service dude did to my thermopride furnace lmao wtf man submitted by /u/Routine_Bid891 [link] [comments]”