PSA: Subcontracting mini-split installs is a nightmare waiting to happen

Been in the Chicago area my whole career, and subcontracting out HVAC jobs has bitten me twice now with these ductless systems. Last summer I lined up a sub to handle a Mitsubishi Hyperheat install on a tight commercial deadline, but the guy shows up with the wrong line set and no vacuum pump that could pull down to 500 microns. We're talking R-410A refrigerant leaks that took an extra day to chase, and the client was pissed about the delay. If you're gonna sub out work like this, vet them hard on tools and experience, or you'll end up footing the bill for their screw-ups. Saw a similar rant in the HVAC Techs Network group last month, and it got me checking references twice as much now. Don't learn the hard way, folks.

man, that sucks. had a sub flake on a Trane unit swap last year and i was left holding the bag on a $2k overtime bill.

preach. i always make subs sign off on a checklist for brazing and evacuation before they touch my jobs.

frustrated as hell with subs who think a $20 harbor freight gauge set is pro level. ended up firing one mid-job on a Carrier Infinity system.

hit 6 figures last year by ditching subs altogether and training my own crew on Uponor PEX for the hydronic side.

ugh, subs are the worst for emergency calls. got called out at 2am for a frozen coil cuz the sub botched the install.

total crap-show when subs dont know zone 4 loading calcs. had one overload a system in atlanta heat and it grenaded the compressor.

controversial take: subs are fine if you pay them journeyman rates, but most hvac shops cheap out and get what they deserve.

proud of my setup now, but it took eating a $1500 loss on a bad sub job to switch to vetted partners only. check their nate certs and run a trial run first.

helpful tip: use jobber to track sub performance with ratings after every gig. keeps the bad ones out.