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Heating, Air Conditioning, Fridge, HVAC/Expert Profile
Expertise
Feel free to ask me anything. I'll do my best to give you a clear, friendly response. I have a good general knowledge of most heating systems. I am an oil burner expert. I'm certified by the Beckett Oil Burner Co. I've taken oil heating courses. I also have experience with industrial vacuum and heat treating furnaces. I don't have great experience with a/c and refigeration so I may kindly reject questions of that nature. There's really no such thing as a stupid question. My answers possibly, but questions- no.
Experience in the area
10 years oil burner experience in residential, commercial and industrial settings. Over 9,000 homes and over 1,000 business and industrial service calls. From mobile homes to century-old factories, new mansions to multi-story apartment buildings I've seen it all.
Education/Credentials
Many oil burner courses and factory training sessions available in the Mid-Atlantic area.
What do you like about this subject?
Helping the environment by improving efficiency in heating systems. The mechanical aspects are interesting. Helping a little old lady who's heat broke in February and the house is freezing. Fixing the problems that no-one else is able to fix.
What do you still hope to achieve/learn in this field?
Publish a guidebook for the homeowner.
Something interesting about this subject that others may not know:
Most of your heat and money goes up the chimney.
Something controversial or provocative about this subject
There are so many liars out there. There are many technicians that really don't have a clue. I'm working on a book about the fallacies and scams of the oil and plumbing industry. It's pretty sickening.
Average Ratings
Recent Reviews from Users
K = Knowledgeability C = Clarity of Response T = Timeliness P = Politeness| User | Date | K | C | T | P | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| dave | 10/21/09 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | |
| Al | 10/14/09 | 10 | 8 | 10 | 10 | Thanks for the guidance and timely response ..... |
| Jerry | 10/12/09 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | |
| john | 10/07/09 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | Thanks for the quick response. |
| Tony | 10/07/09 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | Thanks, very timely. |
Recent Answers from Adam Shive
2009-10-13 Damper Actuator:
It sounds like its just a simple fix. After you cleaned the contacts it seemed to work better? Sometimes the metal housings/part can twist or succumb to thermal expansion and cause malfnction. Don't buy
2009-10-12 Oil Furnace:
A 50 year old boiler can actually be more efficient than some new ones. Don't take that word for word though. Efficiency depends on several factors but the key would be a new burner. If you've got a relatively
2009-10-11 Furnace Swap?:
You can change just the burner/furnace portion and leave the air handler. Keep the oil furnace though, as oil may (miraculously) become cheaper than nat gas some day and you may want to hook that up again
2009-10-10 Air duct cleaning:
Vaccuum cleaner, brush, muscles. Use quick evaporating cleansers that won't leave residue. Don't use anything flammable. 409 works well, windex works too. Most of it is just dust keep an eye out for
2009-10-10 Cold Air Return in Living Room:
Do you mean one of those freestanding fireplace things? They're often advertised as being made by the Amish. I live just a few miles from the Amish countryside here in PA. I've never seen the factory but
Answers by Expert:
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