Articles by Dave Yates

Well, isn’t this just great: the faucet they purchased from the big box story stinks and now that’s my fault?! On arrival, I could not detect any odor at all, but they insisted there was an odor - except when I was there.

Weather emergencies have steadily increased in frequency and severity over the past six decades. In addition to a gasoline-powered high-volume dewatering pump, we maintained an inventory of submersible sump pumps and if it looked like severe weather was potentially headed our way, I increased our inventory.

We didn't fully grasp the dangers since no one was OSHA certified or required to comply. It wasn't until one employee reported feeling faint while testing backflow preventers in a large underground pit that I recognized the risks. My right-hand man, also the Deputy Chief of the local hazmat team, had expertise in air quality testing.

In a here-we-go-again move, we must now transition from HFC to A2L mildly flammable refrigerants. The good news is the operating pressures are virtually the same and this time, the refrigerant oil is the same.

If a customer complains about an air conditioning odor, mention bacteria in condensate drain pans and lines, which is bacterial zoogloea. It thrives in dark, moist, warm settings and can infest the indoor evaporator coil in extreme neglect. The bacteria feed on dust and organic matter not caught by filters.

Since home warranty companies deal with numerous customers and service contracts, they can provide a steady stream of work, which helps maintain cash flow, even in slow seasons or during economic downturns.

Every time we try flushing our toilet, it just swirls around the bowl and ever so slowly goes down. Does it do this on every other flush? No. Well, that ruled out an after-fill tube having slipped off of the overflow tube and, sure enough, once on site with tank lid removed, the ballcock’s after-fill tube was securely inside the overflow tube. 

Eye candy would best describe many of the products on display at the great AHR Exposition recently held in Orlando Florida’s Convention Center.

GSHP systems have one primary significant difference: the outdoor refrigerant coil and fan are absent. Instead of these components, the functions of the outdoor condenser have been integrated into the indoor unit, resulting in a hybrid condenser and evaporator unit.

As the morning passed, crowds thinned and by midmorning, you have unfettered access to folks working booths who are happy to see you and eager to show off their wares. This is by far the best time to establish inside contacts and create bonds with manufacturers.