#r-454b

Tech Tips:

This tech tip was written by Dr. Chuck Allgood from Chemours. Thanks, Dr. Chuck! As the ramp-up of new AC units and heat pumps with low-GWP refrigerant R-454B accelerates, it may be useful to look at some of the basic properties of R-454B refrigerant as compared to the legacy gas it’s replacing: R-410A. This tech tip […]

New A2L Refrigerants – “Easy as ABC”

This tech tip was written by Dr. Chuck Allgood with Chemours. Thanks, Dr. Chuck! While the ever-evolving world of refrigerants can often seem overwhelming with what seems like a never-ending parade of new gases being developed, taking a simplified approach may help clear the clutter. It can be as easy as A, B, C—that is, […]

“Flammable” Refrigerant Facts for Residential HVAC

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In this short Q&A podcast episode, Bryan answers Edward’s question about how to deal with customers who ask, “Why didn’t you notice it last time?”

There isn’t an easy answer to that question. The truth is that air conditioning and home health and comfort issues are complicated, and it’s entirely possible that an issue simply went unnoticed (or the symptoms simply weren’t apparent yet). The HVAC industry doesn’t have a standard slate of tests that can give a comprehensive view of everything that’s wrong with a system all at once. It’s similar to how a doctor can offer a second opinion that differs from the first doctor you saw.

You have to determine whether the customer wants to place blame or solve the problem when they ask, “Why didn’t you notice it last time?” Sometimes, we need to dig deeper to find the root of the problem. We can offer advanced diagnostics and be honest about what that will entail (including pricing), though it’s natural for customers to be apprehensive about being sold options. However, we don’t want to avoid pursuing solutions either.

There are ways to talk about previous sloppy or incomplete work without placing blame on another technician. The immediate problem is what requires attention, not the last person who worked on the system. Ask the customer to state their goals and the results they want to see, and you can forge a path ahead.

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