6 replies to this topic

[Sonic]

I'm thinking of taking the plunge and buying the equipment I need to start doing sealed system work. I don't want to break the bank but I do want good stuff that will work well and not break down after the first use. The really big ticket items like recovery systems, vacuum pumps, scales and so on are the ones I would really like your opinions on. Thanks

[certified tech group 51]

Buy the best tools you can afford....No breaking of equipment in the middle of a repair job.......I have a ' yellow jacket', 4 way manifold with low loss fittings....Robin-air vacuum pump..... A Sup-co digital vacuum gauge ( not really fond if it ).....Turbo-Torch acetylene kit.... acetylene and dry nitrogen tanks can be bought at local welding supply stores......... most reliable HVAC shops have every thing you need.....in this neck of the woods , it is Johnstone supply....... Also look for 'slightly' used equipment from fellows that are in the trade, ( who doesn't need a reason to sell the old unit for money towards a new one ) that way, you can save some clams for better new equipment....worse part about getting the tools, it takes a while before you get enough of the tools to do the repair correctly.... ....... Good luck....

[Tuco]

Why are you getting into sealed system work?

[DylanConner]

I have the Victor Oxy Acetelyne kit with a 00 tip, Robinaire Cool Tech 4CFM Vac pump, a slimline scale from Johnstone, and some decent Yellow Jacket gauges, and a few hand tools ie: swaging tools etc. You can find some good deals on this stuff on eBay and Amazon. You will probably spend $800-$1500 at the start and invest a little more along the way. The cool thing is: you will make good money doing the work. Many companies will walk from a Sub Zero evap or compressor change, but there is money to be made doing it, if you can do it well. Good luck, and have fun!

[Tuco]

Dylan, I'm sure you do a good job with sealed system work.

I was/am afraid to get into doing domestic sealed system work. Mainly because of the high cost of the equipment, EPA regs, and the high probability of getting a call back.

Have call backs been a problem, or is this an urban myth?

[Sonic]

I do warranty work for several manufacturers and two retailers and they all cry for sealed system work. I am afraid its going to be a major headache but I'm not sure how long I can avoid it.

[appl.tech.29501]

Dylan, I'm sure you do a good job with sealed system work.

I was/am afraid to get into doing domestic sealed system work. Mainly because of the high cost of the equipment, EPA regs, and the high probability of getting a call back.

Have call backs been a problem, or is this an urban myth?

No reason to get a call back if the jobs done properly. As with any repair most call backs are due to
the technician getting in a hurry and not checking behind themselves (assuming they do know
what their doing ) . However you will hardly ever do sealed system work on most standard refrigeration
(unless you do warranty work).

You may get a Sub Zero or other high end built- in occassionally.

You also have to be very careful. Most of the units that are worth a sealed system repair are in
very nice homes. The units most often have custom panels and nice flooring that can easily get
burned with a torch or damaged by all the equipment you have to lug in.