HVAC School - For Techs, By Techs

20 Years in Family Business from the Kalos Founders

30 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In this special live panel session recorded at the 7th Annual HVAC/R Training Symposium, the three founders of Kalos Services — Bryan Orr, his fathe...

Permanent Load Reduction As a Sales Driver - Short #284

28 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

This short podcast episode is Jeremy Begley's Bry-X session from the 7th Annual HVACR Training Symposium: "Permanent Load Reduction in HVAC – The Hi...

Cold Climate Evacuation Livestream - Pandora's Box

23 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In this long-awaited live episode of HVAC School, host Bryan Orr reunites with three industry veterans — Jim Bergmann of measureQuick, Roman Baugh (...

Training Refrigeration: Building Technicians Who Think, Not Just Fix - Short #283

21 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Training the refrigeration technician is about building technicians who think, not just fix. In this engaging conversation from the 7th Annual HVAC/R ...

Succession in Family Business w/ TruTech & Kalos

16 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In this special collaborative episode between the Building HVAC Science Podcast and HVAC School, host Bryan Orr sits down with his father and co-found...

Adding Plumbing To Your HVAC Business - Short #282

14 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Looking to Add Plumbing To Your HVAC Business? Learn the critical pitfalls to avoid before you make the leap! In this livestream from the 7th Annual H...

Troubleshooting Tips and Tricks w/ Let's Be Techs

09 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of the HVAC School Podcast, host Bryan sits down with Johnny, the creator behind the popular social media channel "Let's Be Techs." Jo...

Heat In....Heat Out: All About Heat Transfer w/ Joe Joe The HVAC Man - Short #281

07 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Join Joey Henderson LIVE from the 7th Annual HVAC/R Training Symposium in Florida! This essential training breaks down the science of heat transfer in...

Building Science at the Kitchen Table: Using Testing to Close the Sale

02 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Recorded live at the 7th Annual HVACR Training Symposium, this episode brings together Roman from HVAC School and building science practitioner Brynn ...

Hard Lessons w/ Roman, Tim D., Nathan O. and ELK

31 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Join industry veterans Tim De Stasio, Roman Baugh, Eric Kaiser, and Nathan Orr as they share their most memorable HVAC lessons learned the HARD WAY. T...

Better Seen than Viewed w/ Jim Bergmann

26 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In this heartfelt and wide-ranging episode, host Bryan reconnects with Jim Bergmann of measureQuick after nearly three years apart. The reunion is any...

Symposium - What Good Techs Do Different W/ Data

24 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Discover what separates elite HVAC technicians from average ones in this eye-opening session from the 7th Annual HVAC/R Training Symposium. Shelby Bre...

Heat Recovery from Data Center w/ Jeff Staub

19 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of the HVAC School Podcast, host Bryan sits down with Jeff Staub, Director of OEM Sales for Danfoss North America, to explore one of t...

All About ESCO with Renee Tomlinson and MeasureQuick's Latest Features with Jim Bergmann

17 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In this short episode, the HVAC School team members talk with Jim Bergmann (measureQuick) and Renee Tomlinson (ESCO) about the latest and greatest tha...

Building Tools & the Trade w/ Tony G. from Fieldpiece

12 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Recorded live on the third day of the AHR Expo 2026 in Las Vegas, Nevada, this episode of HVAC School brings together host Bryan and longtime friend o...

Symposium - Do Inverters Suck?

10 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Join us for this eye-opening session from the 7th Annual HVAC/R Training Symposium featuring industry experts Roman Baugh, Jon Esquivel, and Adam Mufi...

Recovery Pro Tips w/ Jesse from NAVAC

05 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Recorded live on the floor at the AHR Expo 2026, this episode of the podcast brings together host Bryan and his guest Jesse, National Training Manager...

Symposium - What is the House Trying to Tell Me?

03 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Join Chris Hughes and Adam Mufich at the 7th Annual HVAC/R Training Symposium as they interview building scientist Tessa Murray. In this eye-opening c...

Don't Die! w/ Louise from UEi

26 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, recorded live at AHR Expo 2026, Bryan sits down with Louise from UEi (United Electronics Inc.) for an in-depth conversation about one...

Heat Exchanger Crack Comment - Short #280

24 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In this short podcast episode, Bryan responds to a comment we received about cracked heat exchangers and how they were characterized in a recent combu...

Dehum Innovations and Essentials w/ Nikki K.

19 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In this live episode recorded at the AHR Expo 2026 Podcast Pavilion in Las Vegas, host Bryan sits down with longtime friend and industry expert Nikki ...

Lifetime of HVAC/R w/ John Pastorello - Short #279

17 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In this short podcast episode from AHR Expo 2026, Bryan sits down with John Pastorello for a discussion about the latter's lifetime of HVAC/R. John wa...

Vapor Injection + Modulation Innovation w/ Copeland

12 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In this live episode from the AHR 2026 Podcast Pavilion, Bryan sits down with Copeland's Josh Souders (Manager of Commercial Unitary Product Manageme...

TXV vs. EEV - Short #278

10 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In this short podcast episode, Bryan breaks down the differences between a thermostatic expansion valve (TXV) and an electronic expansion valve (EEV)....

Electric Heat Talk w/ Bert

05 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In this informative episode, host Bryan welcomes guest Bert for an in-depth discussion on the often-overlooked but critically important topic of elec...

Vapor Diffusion Ports, Hygric Buoyancy, and Fruit - Short #277

03 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In this short podcast episode, Bryan talks about some building science concepts, including vapor diffusion ports, hygric buoyancy, and... fruit packag...

Gas & Combustion Safety w/ Bert

29 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In this informative episode, Bryan and Bert dive deep into gas appliance safety and combustion analysis from the unique perspective of Florida HVAC t...

WHY SQUARE FOOTAGE ≠ TONNAGE - Short #276

27 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In this short podcast episode, Bryan dives a bit into equipment sizing rules of thumb and why square footage does NOT equal tonnage in today's world. ...

EPRs and Rack Refrigeration w/ Matthew Taylor

22 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Matthew Taylor delivers an expert-level presentation on EPRs, building on his previous work on parallel rack systems. While his earlier content focus...

Combustion vs. Compression - Short #275

20 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In this short podcast episode, Bryan covers the history of the great heating debate: furnaces vs. heat pumps or combustion vs. compression. He also gi...

HVAC In the Northeast w/ Leo & Paul Sharkey

15 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In this engaging episode of the HVAC School podcast, host Bryan Orr sits down with Leo and Paul Sharkey, a father-son duo of mechanical engineers who...

Superheat in Heat Mode: Why Heat Pumps Get Weird - Short #274

13 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In this short podcast, Bryan answers a listener-submitted question and explains why heat pumps get a bit weird: when it comes to superheat in heat mod...

What We Learned From NCI Duct / Balancing Training

08 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In this engaging and informative episode, Bryan sits down with Elliot to discuss his recent training experience with the National Comfort Institute (...

HVAC Systems for Architects: Making Sense of the Alphabet Soup - Short #273

06 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In this short podcast, Bryan answers a question submitted to HVAC School by an aspiring licensed architect who wanted to learn more about the many dif...

Sizing Breakers and Conductors (for HVAC) – Have Things Changed?

01 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In this essential episode, Bryan Orr sits down with Elliot, the residential install supervisor at Kalos Services, to unpack a critical issue that's c...

Absorption Cooling - The Rise and Fall and Rise - Short #272

30 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this short podcast episode, Bryan goes on another history journey, retelling the story of the rise and fall and rise of absorption cooling. Some o...

Combustion Analysis w/ Tony G.

25 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this comprehensive training session from the symposium, Tony Gonzalez, Training Director at Fieldpiece, delivers an engaging and practical guide t...

Give Until it Hertz - The Battle Over Frequency - Short #271

23 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this short podcast episode, we go back into the history of the trades, namely the battle over frequency (and how each side had to give until it her...

Residential vs. Commercial HVAC Sales

18 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this candid conversation, Nathan and Bryan dive deep into the often-misunderstood world of sales in the construction and HVAC trades. Nathan, who ...

When Ammonia Ruled the World - Short #270

16 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this short podcast episode, Bryan takes us on a history journey back to when ammonia ruled the world. In the mid-1800s, before R-12, many inventors...

Humidity, Airflow, and Refrigeration

11 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of the HVAC School podcast, Bryan and Nathan dive deep into the challenges of humidity control in grocery stores and other refrigerat...

The Finned-Tube Coil - Short #269

09 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this short podcast episode, Bryan explores the history of the finned-tube coil, which is what we use for heat exchange in air-source air conditione...

Are Two Are Better Than One: Understanding Tandem Compressors

04 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this comprehensive episode of the HVAC School podcast, host Bryan Orr sits down with three experts from Copeland to demystify tandem and trio comp...

The Tech That Tried to Beat the Compressor - Short #268

02 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this short podcast episode, Bryan tells the story of the technology that tried to beat the compressor... and still may someday. We associate coolin...

VRF, Ductless and Humidity Control w/ Roman

27 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this comprehensive episode, Bryan and Roman dive deep into one of the most challenging topics in modern HVAC: making VRF (Variable Refrigerant Flow...

The History of the Thermostat - Short #267

25 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this short podcast, Bryan gives another history lesson and goes over the history of the thermostat. Before 1883, automatic temperature control simp...

Tech Support Highs and Woes w/ Roman

20 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this candid and comprehensive episode, Bryan sits down with Roman to tackle one of the most frustrating yet crucial aspects of the HVAC industry: t...

The Current War - Tesla, Edison & Westinghouse - Short #266

18 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this short podcast episode, Bryan is back for yet another history lesson. This time, the subject is the current war with Tesla, Edison, and Westing...

An R-454B Ramble w/ Elliot

13 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this raw and unfiltered episode, Bryan sits down with Elliot, a senior service tech and newly minted install supervisor, to discuss the realities o...

Psychrometrics and the Magic Line - Short #265

11 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this short podcast episode, Bryan talks about psychrometrics and the magic line inside a messy-looking chart. The psychrometric chart is a key tool...

Learning Hydronics, Boilers and Steam w/ Ray Wohlfarth

06 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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How Duct Tape Got Its Name (and Why It Shouldn't Be on Ducts) - Short #264

04 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this short podcast episode, Bryan explains how duct tape got its name and why it shouldn't actually be used on ducts. Duct tape is a versatile home...

The Art of De-escalation

30 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this comprehensive discussion, Bryan and Bert tackle one of the most critical yet underdeveloped skills in the trades: conflict resolution and de-e...

Legionnaires' Disease: The Cooling Tower Killer - Halloween Short #263

28 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this spooky Halloween short podcast episode, Bryan tells the story of the cooling tower killer: Legionnaires' disease. In the summer of 1976, the n...

Group Training - What We Have Learned

23 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of the HVAC School podcast, Bryan Orr sits down with Bert and Leanna to discuss Kalos's first official cohort apprenticeship program, ...

How Air Conditioning Saved the Movies - Short #262

21 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this short podcast episode, Bryan explores an interesting story in the history of HVAC: how air conditioning saved the movies. In the summer of 192...

Just Do it! w/ Chad Simpson

16 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this candid conversation recorded live at the NCI Summit in Austin, Bryan Orr sits down with Chad Simpson, owner of Simpson Solutions, for an unexp...

Analyst vs. PM vs. Operations - Short #261

14 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this short business-oriented podcast, Bryan breaks down the differences between three commonly confused positions/roles: analyst vs. PM (project ma...

How to REALLY get S&!# Done! w/ Nate Agentis

09 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

_*]:min-w-0 !gap-3.5" In this powerful episode of the HVAC School podcast, Bryan sits down with Nate Agentis, third-generation plumber and author of ...

The Hidden Cost of Killing Radiant Load - Short #260

07 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this short podcast, Bryan talks about the hidden cost of killing radiant load, especially when it comes to installing radiant barriers in attics. ...

Balance Point Explained w/ Jim Fultz

02 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

_*]:min-w-0 !gap-3.5" This comprehensive episode dives deep into one of the most critical yet misunderstood concepts in HVAC: balance point calculati...

Dehumidify with a Waterfall? - Short #259

30 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this short podcast episode, Bryan talks about history and HVAC science: how to dehumidify the air with a waterfall and how cold water became the fi...

What are User Requirements? w/ ELK

25 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

_*]:min-w-0 !gap-3.5" In this comprehensive session, Eric Kaiser walks through the critical importance of establishing proper user requirements befor...

Static Pressure is like Blood Pressure - Short #258

23 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this short podcast episode, Bryan explains the science behind a common HVAC simile: static pressure is like blood pressure. He covers the similarit...

How To Be a REAL Comfort Consultant

18 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this comprehensive episode, Bryan Orr sits down with Tim De Stasio to explore the world of comfort consulting and performance contracting in HVAC. ...

Non-bleed TXVs and Hard Starts - Short #257

16 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this short podcast episode, Bryan talks about non-bleed TXVs and whether they need hard starts. A non-bleed (hard shutoff) TXV is a metering device...

Scroll Compressors & New Refrigerants w/ Copeland

11 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this essential episode, Bryan sits down with Jeff and Tom from Copeland to dive deep into the world of scroll compressors and the critical topic of...

Leaky Ducts = Sweaty Houses - Short #256

09 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this short podcast episode, Bryan explains how leaky ducts can lead to sweaty, uncomfortable houses. Moisture issues are common all across humid an...

Is Starting an HVAC Business Smart?

04 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

_*]:min-w-0 !gap-3.5" In this insightful episode of the HVAC School podcast, Bryan Orr sits down with successful small business owner Matt Bruner to ...

The Downside to Intentionality - Short #255

02 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this business and building-oriented short podcast episode, Bryan discusses the limitations and downsides of intentionality. He also talks about the...

What to Do in a Nuke Disaster - W/ Bill Nowicki

28 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

_*]:min-w-0 !gap-3.5" In this fascinating episode, Bryan welcomes back longtime friend and nuclear industry veteran Bill Nowicki to discuss a recentl...

Making Stuff Real - Short #254

26 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this short podcast episode about a bigger-picture topic, Bryan talks about making stuff real. He talks about how to make ideas, businesses, podcast...

Is HVAC School Worth It?

21 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

_*]:min-w-0 !gap-3.5" In this comprehensive discussion, Bryan sits down with Brad Cooper, an experienced HVAC instructor from Arkansas, and JD Kelly,...

Split-Phase vs. 3-Phase - Short #253

19 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this short podcast episode, Bryan breaks down the differences between split-phase and 3-phase power in HVAC systems. Split-phase is a form of sing...

IAQ for the HVAC Technician w/ Brynn Cooksey

14 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

_*]:min-w-0 !gap-3.5" In this episode from the 6th Annual HVACR Training Symposium, Brynn Cooksey, a home performance contractor from Michigan and te...

Bi-metal & Magnetic Switches - Short #252

12 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this short podcast episode, Bryan covers some basics on bi-metal and magnetic switches. Bi-metal switches are made of two dissimilar metals that ar...

Fan Law 2 for Techs w/ Adam Mufich

07 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

_*]:min-w-0 !gap-3.5" In this educational session, Adam from National Comfort Institute (NCI) delivers a comprehensive deep dive into Fan Law 2 and i...

Understanding Voltage Drop - Short #251

05 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this short podcast episode, Bryan drops some knowledge to help with understanding voltage drop, a few different causes of it, and NEC recommendatio...

Understanding Airflow: David Bowie, a Used Car Lot, and a 40¢ Tool

31 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

_*]:min-w-0 !gap-3.5" In this enlightening presentation, Alex Meaney breaks down the fundamental concepts of airflow in HVAC systems using practical ...

Returns - Passive? Active? Sizing? w/ Adam & Matt

24 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

_*]:min-w-0 !gap-3.5" In this episode of the HVAC School podcast, Bryan Orr sits down with Adam and Matt to tackle one of the most misunderstood aspec...

Fan of Fans - Short #250

22 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

If you're a fan of fans, this is the podcast for you! In this short podcast episode, Bryan shares how installing ceiling fans can be a smart HVAC desi...

Keys to VRF Maintenance w/ Roman

17 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of the HVAC School podcast, Bryan Orr sits down with Roman Baugh, a leading VRF (Variable Refrigerant Flow) specialist and co-host of ...

Maintenance Mindset - Short #249

15 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this short podcast episode, Bryan explores the maintenance mindset. Maintenance procedures require a different skill set from troubleshooting, espe...

IAQ, Ethical Selling & Building Better Techs w/ Brynn Cooksey

10 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of the HVAC School podcast, Bryan welcomes back Brynn Cooksey from Air Doctors and HVAC U to discuss critical topics facing the HVAC i...

Crankcase Heaters - Short #248

08 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this short podcast episode, Bryan talks about crankcase heaters, including their different types, what they do, and when we need to use them. Crank...

The Contactor Reimagined w/ Copeland

03 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of the HVAC School podcast, Bryan welcomes back Jim to discuss the groundbreaking SureSwitch contactor technology from Copeland. This ...

Capacitor Testing and Replacement - Short #247

01 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this short podcast episode, Bryan goes through the process of testing and replacing a run capacitor.  Run capacitors provide continuous phase-shif...

Cold Coil vs. Desiccant Dehumidification

26 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this comprehensive episode of the HVAC podcast, Bryan hosts an in-depth discussion about dehumidification technologies with two industry experts: D...

Learning Better - Short #246

24 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this short podcast episode, Bryan talks about learning styles and gives some tips for "learning better" and getting more out of continuing educatio...

Intro to The Sigma Capacitor

19 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Sharon Goepferich from Cool Air Products joins the podcast to discuss cutting-edge capacitor technology and innovative HVAC solutions in an introducti...

What's up with Refrigerant & System Regulations w/ Copeland

18 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

_*]:min-w-0 !gap-3.5" In this insightful episode of the HVAC School podcast, host Bryan sits down with Jennifer Butsch, Director of Regulatory Affair...

TXV Troubleshooting - Short #245

17 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this short podcast episode, Bryan walks through some common thermostatic expansion valve (TXV) troubleshooting scenarios. Many of the same principl...

Learning and Teaching GRIT w/ Ty Branaman

12 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of the HVAC School podcast, host Bryan Orr and guest Ty Branaman have an in-depth, hands-on conversation about the philosophy, structu...

Band-Aids, Hacks, and Ethics - Short #244

10 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this short podcast episode, Bryan talks about band-aids, hacks, and ethics. He explores ethical "band-aid" solutions and how to charge for them. He...

Why VRF Compressors Die w/ Roman

05 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Bryan and Roman dive deep into the world of Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) systems, focusing on the persistent issue of compressor f...

No Serve Situations - Short #243

03 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this short podcast episode, Bryan talks about some no-serve situations he's encountered as a technician and HVAC business owner. He also talks abou...

Locked Compressor Mistakes w/ Bert

29 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this informative HVAC podcast episode, Bryan and Bert dive deep into the complex world of locked and internal overload compressors, focusing specif...

When 0V Isn't Safe - Short #242

27 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this short podcast episode, Bryan covers some unique electrical cases: when 0v isn't safe. When you measure voltage, you're finding out the electri...

Compressor Ohm Mistakes w/ Bert

22 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Bryan and Bert dive into the often misunderstood world of compressor testing, focusing on common mistakes technicians make when using...

Motor Ambient Rating - Short #241

20 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this short podcast episode, Bryan talks about what the ambient rating means on a motor. These ratings can be found on both condensing fan motors an...