HVAC Know It All Podcast

Compressor Failure w/Trevor Matthews and Matt Waxer

04 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

On this episode Trevor Matthews from Emerson and HVAC Tech Matt Waxer hop on with me, we chat about compressor failures and how to prevent them. Check...

High Limit Switch and Spark Ignitor Troubleshooting

01 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

On this episode we discuss a high limit switch and spark ignitor that were diagnosed as faulty through a series of troubleshooting steps. Check out th...

A General Guide To HVAC/R Troubleshooting

27 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode we talk about needed tools to perform a diagnosis, sequence of operation, and the steps to completing a successful HVAC/R service call...

Working On Your Business Instead Of In Your Business w/Danielle Putnam

20 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Danielle brings it in this episode, we discuss how to move out of working in your business to working on your business and implementing processes to m...

Mini Split Installation w/Gerry Wagner

13 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

On this episode we talk to Gerry, VP of HVAC Technical Training at Tradewinds Climate Systems Inc. Gerry and I discuss mini split installation from st...

Chiller Evacuation Set Up

11 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

On this episode we discuss evacuation on a 75 ton McQuay chiller. Check out the article and videos https://www.hvacknowitall.com/blogs/blog/567966-the...

Large Scale HVAC Project Management w/Jessie Hernandez

07 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

We talk to Jessie about her role as a VP and HVAC project manager. Jessie reveals her day to day experiences in dealing with inspectors, her crew and ...

Residential Flood Protection w/Steven Foss and Brandon Bruce from Stream Labs

01 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

We talk to Steve and Brandon about their product from Stream Labs that will help prevent flood damage in a home and detect micro water leaks. Save 8% ...

Crawl Spaces, Attics and Sales w/Reyna O'neill

23 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

I had a great chat with Reyna about her career in the HVAC field, we talked about her hospitalization from attic heat exhaustion and her transition in...

Money As A Tool w/Caleb Guilliams

16 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

I take the opportunity to speak with Caleb about money and finances. Using money as a tool rather than chasing it is beneficial to all of us within th...

Skilled Trades Health and Wellness w/Dave Elliot

13 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

I talk to Dave about how we can be healthier individuals in the trades. It's important when you're young to preserve the body to increase your longevi...

Building A Skilled Trades Business The Right Way w/Daniel Guest

07 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

I get a great opportunity to speak with Daniel, a triumphant ambassador for the skilled trades, a thoughtful leader and community advocate that is gro...

She's A Nerdy Girl Mechanic w/Sara Benoy

02 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

On this episode we get to know Sara, we learn about her nerdyness, her love for mechanical work and and her transition into the HVAC field. Sara also ...

Why Did The Roll Out Trip?

24 Sep 2020

Contributed by Lukas

I pulled some audio from a service call I did last winter. The unit roll out switch had previously tripped and and was off again. Here are the steps I...

NATE CHP-5 Exams w/Anthony Spagnoli

18 Sep 2020

Contributed by Lukas

We talk to Tony from Nate about their new CHP-5 exams that were released on July 1 2020. The 5 exams cover HVAC service, install, electrical, comfort/...

Virtual HVAC Training w/Doug Donovan from Interplay Learning

16 Sep 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Very cool conversation with Doug about his virtual, on demand training platform. VR training is catching on and could be the go to for many industries...

Smart Home Filtration w/Michael Petgrave

14 Sep 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode we talk to Michael about the Alvi filter, how it was born, how it works and how it performs compared to the standard pleated filter. C...

How To Change Your Vacuum Pump Oil and When

10 Sep 2020

Contributed by Lukas

It's debatable when to change your vacuum pump oil but no matter what method you use to make your decision, it still needs to be done. In this quickie...

Heated Drive Way Install And The Rapping Plumber w/Danny Gronendyke

09 Sep 2020

Contributed by Lukas

We talk to Danny G about his life as a plumber, a snow melt system he installed for his driveway and a unique rapping talent he is taking to new heigh...

Open Breaker And Finding The Fault

28 Aug 2020

Contributed by Lukas

On this episode I take you on another serivce call with me as I investigate an open breaker and find the fault. Here is the YouTube video link so you ...

Carrier RTU Service Call - Compressor Won't Start

21 Aug 2020

Contributed by Lukas

This podcast uses some extracted audio from a repair video of a Carrier RTU. The problem and repair were simple but not simple if you haven't experien...

Organic Refrigeration Discussion w/ Chris Caissie

19 Aug 2020

Contributed by Lukas

On this episode we talk to Chris about refrigeration. We get into defrost, drain heaters, differences between AC and refrigeration and head master con...

Charging Refrigerant As A Liquid w/Bryan Johnson

14 Aug 2020

Contributed by Lukas

When charging refrigerant as liquid, we must take caution to ensure we aren't adding too much at once through the suction line to avoid liquid sluggin...

Work Life Balance And Why It's Important

09 Aug 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Stress is a silent killer and can creep up in many forms and cause an array of health issues. It's important to find a work life balance...Before you ...

Kansas City HVACing w/Hannah Dahlor

31 Jul 2020

Contributed by Lukas

From the get go, off the hop, however you wanna phrase it, Hannah brings it on this podcast. Another female in the skilled trades that is dedicated an...

Troubleshooting Overcharge, Undercharge and Liquid Line Restrictions

24 Jul 2020

Contributed by Lukas

On this episode I go through some common refrigerant side issues and how to troubleshoot them in the field. Supco M500 video https://youtu.be/wMG_E0sS...

1st Year Apprentice And The Family Business w/Jessica Bannister

17 Jul 2020

Contributed by Lukas

We speak to Jess about her switch over to HVAC/R apprentice from an administrative role and how she plans to take over the family business with her br...

When Is It Time To Switch Companies?

11 Jul 2020

Contributed by Lukas

All HVAC techs out there wonder if the grass is greener somewhere else. No one really knows until the switch is made, but...Here are some factors that...

Closed Loop Water Treatment w/Garett Selestow and Darren Wilkinson

03 Jul 2020

Contributed by Lukas

We chat with Garett and Darren about closed loop water treatment systems, how to set them up and maintain a healthy system. We also talk about the X-P...

The Perfect Technician Academy w/Dr. Thomas Moorman

26 Jun 2020

Contributed by Lukas

We speak with Dr. Thomas Moorman, Provost of the Perfect Technician Academy about how the academy operates to help create skilled trades workers with ...

HVAC Self Help Tips

19 Jun 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Quikie podcast on how to seek out info, types of resources available and what you can do on your own to help your progression in HVAC. CompanyCam http...

Four Trades One Man w/Jonathan Diaczun

18 Jun 2020

Contributed by Lukas

We talk to Jonathan, who lives in Edmonton, Alberta. Jonathan holds 3 licenses, plumbing, gas, and sheet metal and is currently in an apprenticeship f...

From Four Year Degree To HVAC w/Matt Showers

11 Jun 2020

Contributed by Lukas

We get to learn about Matt and his journey from college degree to HVAC tech. We hit on some other topics like hierarchy within small companies, and wh...

Skilled Trades Coaching w/Ken (Coach) Midgett

04 Jun 2020

Contributed by Lukas

On this episode we talk to Ken about when and where we should start promoting the trades to young kids. We talk about the rise of women in trades and ...

The Right Service Call Approach

27 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Quick micro podcast on how to approach a service call and what should be checked before moving on to the next step. CompanyCam https://companycam.com/...

Walk-In Box Education w/John Broughton

19 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

I talk to John Broughton from Danfoss to discuss walk in box construction, design considerations, defrost, and refrigerants. Sign up for the Danfoss N...

Indoor Air Quality And UV Lights w/Brandon Glancy

12 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

I speak to Brandon Glancy of Aprilaire about the main factors of indoor air quality. We touch on UV lights, as they are a polarizing topic at the mome...

Covid 19 HVACing in NYC, On Call Schedules and Aaon Discussion w/Mike Clark and Matt Waxer

05 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

I get together with Mike and Matt, previous guests of the show. Mike tells us about his journey through Covid 19 in New York City, we discuss on call ...

Sensi Predict And Measure Quick w/Brian Feenie and Jim Bergmann

27 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

We speak to Brian Feenie of Emerson and Jim Bergmann from Measure Quick to find out more about Sensi Predict. In essence, Sensi Predict uses 10 sensor...

Air Flow Ignorant: No More w/Will Clayton

21 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

It was super awesome to talk with air flow expert Will Clayton on air flow test and balance methods. I learned a ton and so will you. My YouTube video...

Blue Collar Tech Support By: Blue Collar Guru

16 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

So...I've gone and done it. I'm all in with my app idea to help connect the blue collar industry. An industry that is in need of constant information ...

Creating Solutions For The HVAC Industry w/Mike Mabry and Will Frey From Bluon

14 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Will and Mike pop onto the podcast to discuss many interesting topics including slashed budgets for new equipment, tech support, and unique solution f...

Ecobee Home IQ w/Andy Kahn And Rob Cammalleri

08 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

We chat with Andy and Rob about Ecobee products, Home IQ and solutions for residential and commercial applications. Company Cam. https://companycam.co...

Social Distancing For Mechanical Trades Via Technology w/Aaron Salow From XOi Technologies

02 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

We speak to Aaron Salow from XOi Technologies on how their platform can help with social distancing for the mechanical trades. Aaron has also put toge...

My First HVAC Job

30 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

As I drove by the first shop I ever worked at, the memories came storming back. These are a couple of stories from my first HVAC job. Navac https://n...

IoT Water Management w/Adam Bartman From Reed

27 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

We talk to Adam about his journey as a plumber and creating a water management solution from scratch. Navac https://navacglobal.com/ Testo https://w...

Excellent HVAC Round Table Discussion w/Ken Goodrich and Matt Waxer

19 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

What a great discussion with Ken Goodrich, CEO of Goettl Air Conditioning and Matt Waxer, a PHD in developmental cognitive neuroscience and now HVAC T...

8 Steps To A Successful Service Call w/Greg Fox

12 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

I get the priviledge to speak with Greg Fox from Fox Family HVAC and we get his thoughts on how to start and complete a service call successfully. Nav...

Respect Thy Electrical w/Frank Bond

05 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Great discussion with Frank on a few topics pertaining to electrical safey, electrical tools and anecdotal discussion. Free CMPX passes, use code HVAC...

Frozen Coils Will Kill Evaporator Efficiency

01 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

On this quick micro podcast I cover a call I responded to on a Darwin Chamber that was not reaching set point. Check out the video https://youtu.be/Df...

HVAC Commercial Sales w/ Daniel Allison

28 Feb 2020

Contributed by Lukas

On this podcast I chat with Daniel about his positive outlook on life and HVAC commerical sales. https://infogram.com/danfosscool https://www.housecal...

Oil Sands HVACing w/Ivan Dykeman

19 Feb 2020

Contributed by Lukas

I speak to Ivan about his experience as an oil sands HVAC technician in Alberta Canada. Navac https://navacglobal.com/ Testo https://www.testo.com/e...

High Superheat High Discharge Temperature - Not Good

11 Feb 2020

Contributed by Lukas

On this episode, I go over call a recent call I was on. The compressor of a heater/chiller was shutting down during process, let's find out why. Navac...

Loving HVAC After Battling Addiction w/ Rob Vanalst

07 Feb 2020

Contributed by Lukas

I got to talk to Rob about his struggle and journey through addiction, how he overcame it and how he is now HVACing with the rest of us. Navac https:...

HVAC Business Start Up From A Three Year Owner w/Stephen Dorst

01 Feb 2020

Contributed by Lukas

On this episode we speak to Stephen Dorst, owner of Pro Air in the San Francisco area. He talks about his journey on starting up his HVAC business. Da...

R22 Replacement Refrigerant Podcast w/Jed Kennedy and Nate Facine

30 Jan 2020

Contributed by Lukas

On this episode we speak to Jed and Nate from Bluon about their R22 replacment TdX 20 (R458A). XOi Technologies http://www.xoi.io/hvac-know-it-all-dem...

Commercial HVAC Service Manager Chat w/Jason Urich

25 Jan 2020

Contributed by Lukas

On this episode we talk with Jason about his role as a commercial HVAC service manager. Save 8% on your purchase at https://www.trutechtools.com/ with...

Pump Cavitation and Impeller Damage w/Peter Wolff

18 Jan 2020

Contributed by Lukas

On this episode we talk with Peter Wolff from Armstrong Fluid Technology. We discuss, pump cavitation and the damage it can cause to pump impellers. S...

From Battling Depression To Badass HVACer w/Scott Kline

13 Jan 2020

Contributed by Lukas

On this episode, we speak to Scott Kline, a senior HVAC technician out of Pennsylvania. Scott hit hard times in his younger years suffering from depre...

Random HVAC Thoughts Part 2

08 Jan 2020

Contributed by Lukas

On this episode I discuss randomly, static electricity when charging through a manifold, R22 replacement plans, and high limit switch propaganda. Save...

Firing Valve Tip and Fresh Air Damper Problem

31 Dec 2019

Contributed by Lukas

On this episode, I go through a couple of recent service calls, one where I utilized the firing valve. I also walk through a problem and fix on a fres...

Down East HVAC w/Liz Sandwith

21 Dec 2019

Contributed by Lukas

On this episode we talk with Liz Sandwith, a Candian HVAC Tech. We talk about her story and achievements as she works along side her husband, also an ...

Defrost Time Clock Problem

18 Dec 2019

Contributed by Lukas

On this episode I cover a recent service call that had me frustrated with a freezer defrost time clock circuit. Save 8% at https://www.trutechtools.co...

Running An HVAC Company At 24 w/Callen Kusmik

14 Dec 2019

Contributed by Lukas

We talk to Callen about his experience running a mid sized HVAC comapny at 24 years of age. Save 8% at https://www.trutechtools.com/ using promo code ...

Generating Business In The Skilled Trades With Personal Branding and SEO w/Matt Bertram

10 Dec 2019

Contributed by Lukas

We talk to Matt Bertram about self branding and search engine optimization to generate more business in the skilled trades. Testo Fall Promo https://w...

After Hours Low Voltage Short

06 Dec 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Low voltage electrical shorts can be difficult to track. Add in after hours, snow, working in the dark and it's a perfect storm for a good HVAC story....

Combustion Analysis w/Jim Bergmann

04 Dec 2019

Contributed by Lukas

On this episode I pick Jim's brain on some combustion analysis tips and best practices. Save 8% on your purchase at https://www.trutechtools.com/ with...

Manufacturer "Voids" The Warranty Discussion w/Bryan Orr

28 Nov 2019

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Bryan and I hook up to discuss why technicians take so much stock in the, "it will void the warranty" if you do this...or do that! Xo...

Business Management Solutions w/Jake Gibson from Phyxter

27 Nov 2019

Contributed by Lukas

On this episode I speak to Jake about his journey from HVAC tech to the app/software business. Phyxter came from an idea and is now being executed to ...

Extensive Product Testing and Air Flow Tool Reviews

22 Nov 2019

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode I break down the extensive testing I have done on AC Smart Seal Quick Shot. I also give a quick review of the Testo 410i rotating vane...

HVAC Entertainment w/Chris Keddie

20 Nov 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Chris and I discuss his HVAC story and how he has found a calling entertaining us with his wit, humour and love for music...Keeping the content HVAC r...

Manufacturer Warranty Rant

13 Nov 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Voiding manufacturer warranty.... Are you willing to step outside your comfort zone when a solution may result in voiding warranty? I give my thoughts...

Flame Sensor Issues and Important Electrical Saftey Tip

08 Nov 2019

Contributed by Lukas

On this podcast I cover a real important safety tip that every tech should be aware of. I also discuss indoor environments that could potentially effe...

How Condenser Flood Back Controls Work To Maintain Head Pressure In Low Ambient Conditions

07 Nov 2019

Contributed by Lukas

On this episode I speak about condenser flood back controls and how they work to maintain system head pressure in low ambient conditions. We cover the...

Carbon Monoxide PPM Facts And UEI Carbon Monoxide Meter Reveiw

01 Nov 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Carbon monoxide is a silent killer, having personal protection against it is a non discussion for HVAC techs. I run a quick review on the UEI Wireless...

Calculating Actual Heat Output Of An RTU

29 Oct 2019

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode I run through an exercise that had me using the Testo 405i and 605i Smart Probes to determine the actual heat output of a rooftop unit...

Blue Collar Woman w/Melissa Yarb

25 Oct 2019

Contributed by Lukas

The skilled trades are quickly filling up with females, this is not only refreshing but a glimpse into the future of the "Blue Collar" industry. I tal...

New Part Failure, Or Something Else?

22 Oct 2019

Contributed by Lukas

On this micro podcast I go through some recent troubleshooting on a Lennox Packaged Rooftop Unit. The main control board on the unit originally would ...

The Inquiring Mind Of An HVAC Apprentice w/Chase Jacht

17 Oct 2019

Contributed by Lukas

I talk to Chase Jacht, a 23 year old HVAC apprentice out of the Atlanta area who has impressed me with his online inquires, prompting him to learn and...

Make Up Air Units: A Quick Discussion

15 Oct 2019

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode I touch on make up air units, applications, types and a job I did back in day, where I wired in sail switches to interlocking exhaust ...

Using A Hiring Platform To Find Skilled Trade Opportunities w/Steven Gurley from Hirago.com

11 Oct 2019

Contributed by Lukas

I speak to Steven Gurley, co-founder of https://www.hirago.com/ about how he transitioned from Hollywood to helping skilled trades companies. We discu...

How Paperless Dispatching Systems Help: An Honest Review w/ Texas from Texas

09 Oct 2019

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode we speak with Texas, an HVAC business owner from Texas. He gives us a complete and honest review of Housecall Pro dispatching and invo...

Filter Drier Best Practices and Myths w/Henry Papa

04 Oct 2019

Contributed by Lukas

I talk to Henry Papa from Parker Sporlan about filter drier best practices and myths. Great episode. Hirago.com "Best In Trade" Testo 300 https://www....

Cheaper Is Not Always Better

30 Sep 2019

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode I speak on a recent experience that directly effects my life as a service tech. Customers looking for a cheaper price should beware. N...

My HVAC Life w/Josh Zolin

27 Sep 2019

Contributed by Lukas

The tables are turned, I am interviewed by Josh Zolin on his, Blue Is The New White Podcast. Josh asked me some great questions during the interview a...

Using A Megger

25 Sep 2019

Contributed by Lukas

I've pulled put my megohmmeter on many occasions and it's proven to be valuable everytime. Listen as I go through this service call step by step. Nava...

The Future Of Tech Support Created By Vision w/Aaron Salow

19 Sep 2019

Contributed by Lukas

I talk with Aaron Salow of XOi Technologies about their Vision platform and how it's changing the landscape of tech support in the Electrical and Meca...

TXV Stuck Open

16 Sep 2019

Contributed by Lukas

I discuss a recent call where the TX valve was causing a flooded evaporator due to over feeding. Listen as I go through the symptoms. Testo Smart Prob...

No Refrigerant Gauges No Worries w/Jim Bergmann

13 Sep 2019

Contributed by Lukas

I talk to Jim Bergmann about not using refrigerant gauges on systems when performing air conditioning preventative maintenance. We discuss how Measure...

A Non Condensables Story

10 Sep 2019

Contributed by Lukas

A story of my first experience with non condensables, how it was fixed and why I'll never forget to use a solenoid magnet ever again. Use promo code "...

Technicians And Human Skills w/Brigham Dickinson

06 Sep 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Brigham Dickinson of Power Selling Pros brings us an interesting conversation regarding technicians and their human skills and reaching customers on a...

The Confident Technician

03 Sep 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Confidence as an HVAC technician is crucial to your success but it must be built over time through experience and mistakes. Navac Battery Powered Flar...

Navac HVAC Tool Education w/Kevan Mayer

28 Aug 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Kevan hops on the podcast to talk Navac products in an educational way. We talk recovery machines, vacuum pumps and evacuation procedures, smart charg...

Portable Air Conditioner Call

27 Aug 2019

Contributed by Lukas

A small two ton portable air conditioning unit threw me for a loop. It was cycling on and off after a condensate pump clean out. Listen to how I solve...

Danfoss Learning And Danfoss Apps w/Brian Dail

22 Aug 2019

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode we hook up with Brian Dail of Danfoss to discuss the Magnetic Tool App, The TXV Superhear Tuner App and Danfoss Learing modules. Magne...

My Residential Service Call

21 Aug 2019

Contributed by Lukas

A good friend needed help with her AC after calling in an HVAC company that walked away leaving the system off and zero options going forward. I handl...

Micro Podcast Nitrogen Brazing And Why We Do It

16 Aug 2019

Contributed by Lukas

In this micro episode, we talk about the advantages of nitrogen brazing. Why it is a must these days and what can happen if we don't practice this met...

BlueCollar Round Table

09 Aug 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Got invited by Greg Crumpton, to sit in with himself and Sean Heath of Market Scale to discuss the trades and and blue collar industries.

Social Media As An HVAC Tool w/Eric Vanderford

02 Aug 2019

Contributed by Lukas

We hook up with Eric to discuss how social media has helped him grow the HVAC company he currently works at. We also chat about how social media can h...

Micro Podcast: Single Phase Vs. Three Phase Compressors and Emerson Scott-Tee Three Phase

29 Jul 2019

Contributed by Lukas

On this micro podcast we discuss the difference between single phase and three phase compressor windings. We also touch on the Emerson Scott-Tee three...