HVAC Real World Strategy for Technicians to Prevent AC Failures with 5-Year Replacement Rule

In this solo episode of the HVAC Know It All Podcast, host Gary McCreadie, Director of Player Development and Head Coach at Shelburne Soccer Club and President of McCreadie HVAC & Refrigeration Services and HVAC Know It All Inc, shares a real-world story about residential HVAC service and why changing capacitors and contactors on a schedule can help avoid system breakdowns. He explains how a small overlooked issue led to a callback and how techs can prevent this by replacing aging parts before they fail. Gary talks about the impact of weather, usage, and location on these components and offers honest advice based on his own experience. It’s a clear, simple guide for techs looking to avoid headaches and keep customers happy.

Gary shares a real-world HVAC story that shows why replacing old capacitors and contactors can stop bigger problems later. He explains how a small part failure caused a callback and how that could’ve been avoided with a simple replacement. He talks about how heat, moisture, and age can wear down parts and why changing them every five years is a smart move. Gary also points out that doing this isn’t about upselling, it’s about being honest and helpful. It’s a simple guide to keeping systems running and customers happy with fewer breakdowns.

Throughout this episode, Gary shares how one missed part led to a system failure and why techs should change old capacitors and contactors before they break. He explains how weather, age, and corrosion wear out parts and how a simple check can save a service call. Gary gives advice on when to suggest part replacements, how to talk with homeowners honestly, and why this isn’t about sales, it’s about smart service. His tips help techs avoid callbacks and keep systems running better in hot weather.

Expect to Learn:

• Why replacing old capacitors can stop system failures.

• How heat, age, and moisture damage key parts.

• When to suggest swaps to avoid callbacks.

• Why this advice isn’t about upselling.

• Easy steps to keep AC units running longer.

Episode Highlights:

[00:00] - Intro: Real-world HVAC service vs textbook rules

[01:40] - How a corroded capacitor caused a callback

[04:20] - Why swapping old parts can prevent failures

[06:20] - Five-year rule and honest service advice

This Episode is Kindly Sponsored by:
Jobber: http://getjobber.com/hvacknowitall 

Follow the Host:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gary-mccreadie-38217a77/
McCreadie HVAC & Refrigeration Services: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mccreadie-hvac-refrigeration-services/
HVAC Know It All Inc: https://www.linkedin.com/company/hvac-know-it-all-inc/
Shelburne Soccer Club: https://shelburnesoccerclub.sportngin.com/

Website: https://www.hvacknowitall.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/HVAC-Know-It-All-2/61569643061429/ 
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