Mekko Donathan Refrigeration Basics Quiz September 20, 2022, 4:34 pm - HVAC School

Search In:

Event Videos Tech Tips Apps Books Podcasts Users

HVAC Feed
Resources
Content
Courses
Events
Jobs
- Create a Job Post
- Job Posts
Shop
Partners

Search In:

Event Videos Tech Tips Apps Books Podcasts Users

+

Chinese (Simplified)

Get Tech Tips

Subscribe to free tech tips.

BACK

Mekko Donathan Refrigeration Basics Quiz September 20, 2022, 4:34 pm

September 20, 2022

Print Friendly, PDF & Email

Share this Tech Tip:

Check out our most recent video

How to Evacuate an AC system, Full Vacuum Procedure

Our latest Podcast

HVAC School – For Techs, By Techs

HVAC School – For Techs, By Techs

Real training for HVAC ( Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration) Technicians. Including recorded tech training, interviews, diagnostics and general conversations about the trade.

Audio Player

Band-Aids, Hacks, and Ethics – Short #244

HVAC School – For Techs, By Techs

Band-Aids, Hacks, and Ethics – Short #244

In this short podcast episode, Bryan talks about band-aids, hacks, and ethics. He explores ethical “band-aid” solutions and how to charge for them. He also[...]

0.8
1
1.2
1.5
2

Facebook
Twitter
Linkedin
Copy episode link Copied
Download

00:00

10:57

Band-Aids, Hacks, and Ethics – Short #244

byBryan Orr

In this short podcast episode, Bryan talks about band-aids, hacks, and ethics. He explores ethical “band-aid” solutions and how to charge for them. He also covers the difference between patching up equipment ethically and unethical repairs.

Temporary fixes and ugly permanent fixes fall into the ethical gray area for a lot of people, especially if technicians or HVAC business managers don’t know where to draw the line between replacing a part completely and patching up issues. Patching condenser coils is an example of repair work that can be ethical. Some protocols say that the copper needs to be cut out and couplings need to be installed, but you can often patch tubing in areas where there isn’t too much vibration. As always, you want to make sure that the system can hold pressure whenever you patch up a leak.

The ethics question comes into play when the longevity of the equipment or repair is questionable. Bryan draws the line when the system has structural integrity issues, including damaged fins and severe corrosion. Beyond a certain point, patching a system up either won’t be effective or will be an added expense without a payoff. Some companies also strongly favor sales over repairs, so some of those decisions may also come down to company policy.

The key to ethical and successful “hack” work is situational awareness; you need to know which repairs you’re capable of, your company’s policies, and the client’s needs. You ultimately need to make sure your actions are legal and safe for you and the client.

Have a question that you want us to answer on the podcast? Submit your questions at https://www.speakpipe.com/hvacschool.

Purchase your tickets or learn more about the 6th Annual HVACR Training Symposium at https://hvacrschool.com/symposium.

Subscribe to our podcast on your iPhone or Android.

Subscribe to our YouTube channel.

Check out our handy calculators here or on the HVAC School Mobile App for Apple and Android

Search Episodes

Band-Aids, Hacks, and Ethics – Short #244

06/10/2025

Bryan Orr

Why VRF Compressors Die w/ Roman

06/05/2025

Bryan Orr

No Serve Situations – Short #243

06/03/2025

Bryan Orr

Locked Compressor Mistakes w/ Bert

05/29/2025

Bryan Orr

When 0V Isn’t Safe – Short #242

05/27/2025

Bryan Orr

Compressor Ohm Mistakes w/ Bert

05/22/2025

Bryan Orr

Motor Ambient Rating – Short #241

05/20/2025

Bryan Orr

Superheat Talk w/ JD Kelly

05/15/2025

Bryan Orr

How to Deal w/ Too Much – Short #240

05/13/2025

Bryan Orr

Delta T Talk w/ JD Kelly

05/08/2025

Bryan Orr

Search Results placeholder

Check our latest Tech Tips

Checking Disconnects 5 Capacitor Facts You Should Know Discovering Mental Reference Points

Nylog Blue Gasket -Thread Sealant for AC/R Systems

<strong>Nylog Blue Gasket -Thread Sealant for AC/R Systems</strong><br> One drop of Nylog on your rubber hose gaskets prior to attaching your core tools, hoses or vacuum gauge will assure that things do not bind or leak during evacuation. Derived from refrigeration grade lubricants. Non-hardening, non-drying fluid which bonds tenaciously to many different substrates. Typically, one drop of Nylog can be stretched about three feet before breaking.

VENOM PACK CONDENSER PURE CONCENTRATE COIL CLEANER

<strong>VENOM PACK CONDENSER PURE CONCENTRATE COIL CLEANER</strong><br> Venom Pack Condenser Cleaner is a high foaming pure concentrate liquid designed to tackle the toughest soils. The proprietary blend of specialty detergents will liquify heavily embedded grease and grime to restore heat transfer and increase the efficiency of the coil.

Viper Condensate Pan and Drain Treatment

<strong>Viper Condensate Pan and Drain Treatment</strong><br> Viper Condensate Pan and Drain Treatment is a sprayable gel. It coats the pan, p-trap and drain piping with a lubricative film to improve flow and prevent future soil adhesion. The slow dissolving enzyme gel will outperform and outlast conventional tablets and strips.

Nylog Blue Gasket -Thread Sealant for AC/R Systems

<strong>Nylog Blue Gasket -Thread Sealant for AC/R Systems</strong><br> One drop of Nylog on your rubber hose gaskets prior to attaching your core tools, hoses or vacuum gauge will assure that things do not bind or leak during evacuation. Derived from refrigeration grade lubricants. Non-hardening, non-drying fluid which bonds tenaciously to many different substrates. Typically, one drop of Nylog can be stretched about three feet before breaking.

VENOM PACK CONDENSER PURE CONCENTRATE COIL CLEANER

<strong>VENOM PACK CONDENSER PURE CONCENTRATE COIL CLEANER</strong><br> Venom Pack Condenser Cleaner is a high foaming pure concentrate liquid designed to tackle the toughest soils. The proprietary blend of specialty detergents will liquify heavily embedded grease and grime to restore heat transfer and increase the efficiency of the coil.

Viper Condensate Pan and Drain Treatment

<strong>Viper Condensate Pan and Drain Treatment</strong><br> Viper Condensate Pan and Drain Treatment is a sprayable gel. It coats the pan, p-trap and drain piping with a lubricative film to improve flow and prevent future soil adhesion. The slow dissolving enzyme gel will outperform and outlast conventional tablets and strips.

Nylog Blue Gasket -Thread Sealant for AC/R Systems

<strong>Nylog Blue Gasket -Thread Sealant for AC/R Systems</strong><br> One drop of Nylog on your rubber hose gaskets prior to attaching your core tools, hoses or vacuum gauge will assure that things do not bind or leak during evacuation. Derived from refrigeration grade lubricants. Non-hardening, non-drying fluid which bonds tenaciously to many different substrates. Typically, one drop of Nylog can be stretched about three feet before breaking.

NAVAC

FROM AUGUST 2024 TO MARCH 2025 BUY NAVAC TOOLS FOR A CHANCE TO WIN A MOTORCYCLE! Any purchase of NAVAC HVAC Tools is eligible to gain entries for a Grand Prize of a Harley Davidson motorcycle.

NAVAC

Find out more about the Innovative <strong>NAVAC</strong> line of Vacuum Pumps

NAVAC

FROM AUGUST 2024 TO MARCH 2025 BUY NAVAC TOOLS FOR A CHANCE TO WIN A MOTORCYCLE! Any purchase of NAVAC HVAC Tools is eligible to gain entries for a Grand Prize of a Harley Davidson motorcycle.

NAVAC

Find out more about the Innovative <strong>NAVAC</strong> line of Vacuum Pumps

NAVAC

FROM AUGUST 2024 TO MARCH 2025 BUY NAVAC TOOLS FOR A CHANCE TO WIN A MOTORCYCLE! Any purchase of NAVAC HVAC Tools is eligible to gain entries for a Grand Prize of a Harley Davidson motorcycle.

Comments

To leave a comment, you need to log in.

Related Tech Tips

What is "Cascade" Refrigeration? Read more

Do Small Air Leaks Matter? Read more

Refrigeration Pump-down Cycle Read more

loading

To continue you need to agree to our terms.

Terms and Conditions

The HVAC School site, podcast and tech tips
made possible by generous support from

Interested in a HVAC Career?

Find A local trade school

Resources

Calculators
Tool list
Apps
Great Books
Software and Business
Other Resources we like
Unconformed

Content

Start
Podcasts
Videos
Social Media
Tech Tips
Quizzes
Courses

Events

6th Annual HVAC/R Training Symposium
Upcoming Events
Create an Event
Event Partnership

Jobs

Job Posts
Create a Job Post

Partners

Partners
Carrier
Copeland (Emerson)
Fieldpiece
NAVAC
Refrigeration Technologies
Santa Fe

Get Tech Tips

Subscribe to free tech tips

Email Address

First Name

Terms and conditions & Privacy Policy
EULA
Reuse License

©2025 - HVAC School | All rights reserved