HVAC School - For Techs, By Techs

Using Refrigerant Troubleshooting Charts w/ Joey Henderson

27 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

This episode focuses on understanding and effectively utilizing various refrigeration system charts and measurements for troubleshooting and diagnosti...

Wiring in Condenser Fan Motors - Short #199

25 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this short episode, Bryan talks about wiring in condenser fan motors, including aftermarket motor considerations and the different wire configurati...

Committing to HVACR Education w/ Copeland

22 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

This podcast episode focuses on the critical shortage of HVACR technicians and installers across the industry. The hosts discuss the massive gap that ...

The Chemistry of Combustion w/ Rachel Kaiser

20 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of the HVAC School Podcast, Bryan interviews Rachel Kaiser, a chemist with a passion for making science more accessible and understand...

Hoses / Types and Applications w/ NAVAC - Short #198

18 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this short episode of the HVAC School podcast, Bryan talks about hoses and their various types and applications, particularly focusing on NAVAC hos...

Have Fun With CRAC (Computer Room AC)

13 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of the HVAC School podcast, Bryan interviews Pat Ward, an HVAC technician who specializes in servicing and maintaining computer room a...

Rack Refrigeration Class Part 2

11 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In Part 2 of the Rack Refrigeration Class at Kalos Services, Matthew Taylor discusses safeties, service, and more. Part 1 focuses more on the basic re...

What's your summer triage strategy w/ Kevin Hart

07 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

This episode dives into an interesting and pragmatic discussion about how HVAC contractors can better balance their workload throughout the year. Kevi...

Toasters, Desk Chairs and Socrates w/ Ty Branaman

06 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this insightful episode of the HVAC School Podcast, Ty Branaman, an exceptional educator and trainer, shares his unique approach to making learnin...

Rack Refrigeration Class Part 1

04 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

This podcast episode is Part 1 of a Kalos class on rack refrigeration given by Matthew Taylor. This first segment focuses on the basic refrigerant cir...

What is Standard 310? w/ Eric Kaiser & Chris Hughes

30 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Standard 310 is a technical workflow created by ACCA, ResNet, and ANSI for grading the installation of HVAC systems, typically in new home constructio...

Q&A - Kitchen Exhaust and Makeup Air - Short #197

28 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this short Q&A podcast episode, Bryan answers Gunther's question about kitchen exhaust and makeup air. Gunther asked if there were any studies that...

Duct Leaks - Measuring, Preventing & Repairing w/ Sam Myers

23 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

This episode featured Bryan Orr interviewing Sam Myers, the building science consultant at Retrotec. Retrotec manufactures products like blower doors ...

Q&A - RTU Tips - Short #196

21 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this short Q&A podcast episode, Bryan answers Jeremy's question about checking the charge on rooftop units, and he gives some RTU tips. Rooftop uni...

Practical Loads, Ducts and Sales w/ Brynn Cooksey

16 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

This episode features an insightful conversation with Brynn Cooksey, an experienced HVAC contractor and trainer from Southeast Michigan. Brynn shares ...

Q&A - Starting an Internal Training Program - Short #195

14 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this short Q&A episode, Bryan answers podcast listener Cooper's question about starting an internal training program. Eugene Silberstein has been o...

Bryan Orr - Humility in Thought Leadership

09 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

This podcast episode is Bryan Orr's presentation at the 6th Annual HVACR Training Symposium: "Humility in Thought Leadership." Bryan reflects on his o...

Q&A - Tech to Service Manager Tips - Short #194

07 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

This short podcast is a Q&A based on a question submitted to us by Andy Holt. Bryan gives some tips on how to go from service tech to service manager....

LIVE From the ACCA Conference 2024

02 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

This episode was recorded live on location at the 2024 ACCA conference in Orlando. Bryan starts by interviewing Marissa, a co-founder of Conduit Tech,...

Positive Productive Client Communication

30 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this insightful podcast episode, the host delves into the crucial aspects of positive and productive client communication, drawing from his extensi...

Condensate Drains Install & Service

25 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Roman Baugh, Matthew Condron, and Luke Peterson discuss the importance of proper condensate drain installation and maintenance, particularly in commer...

EEV Types - Short #193

23 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this short podcast episode, Bryan explains electronic expansion valve (EEV) types. EEVs perform the same function as TXVs, but they operate electro...

Heat Pump COP and Low Temp Lock Out

18 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

This episode of the HVAC School Live Stream covers the key concepts around heat pump efficiency and understanding the coefficient of performance (COP)...

Motor Protection Types - Short #192

16 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this short podcast episode, Bryan talks about motor protection types, including overloads. The most common overload we see in residential HVAC is a...

Expansion Valves - What Does and Doesn't Matter?

11 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

This podcast features a lively discussion on expansion valves, particularly thermostatic expansion valves (TXVs or TEVs), with a panel of expert guest...

Q&A - How to Learn Superheat & Subcooling - Short #191

09 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this short podcast episode, Bryan answers an audience member's question and explains how to learn superheat & subcooling, two fundamental aspects o...

Focus of Your Goals w/ Refrigeration Mentor

28 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of the HVAC School Podcast, Bryan Orr and Trevor Matthews delve into the importance of setting goals, focusing on them, and taking act...

When to Switch to Emergency Heat? - Short #190

26 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this short podcast episode, Bryan talks about when to switch to emergency heat. He talks about coefficient of performance (COP) and how it's a deci...

Manual J in 15 Minutes?

21 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Shelby Breger, co-founder of Conduit Tech, joins Bryan Orr on the HVAC School Podcast to discuss her company's innovative lidar-enabled design and sal...

Combustion Venting Categories - Short #189

19 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this short podcast episode, Bryan talks about the four different combustion venting categories for gas appliances as set by ASHRAE and where you'll...

The Gift of Security and Learning w/ Jennifer Manzo

14 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of the HVAC School Podcast, host Bryan Orr speaks with Jennifer Manzo, founder of HVA-Chicks Coalition. Jennifer shares her unique bac...

Belt Talk - Short #188

12 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this short podcast episode, Bryan dives into some belt talk, including some bits about pulleys and sheaves. He also shares some belt tensioning tip...

Using the Roomulator w/ Chris Hughes

07 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of the HVAC School Podcast, host Bryan Orr speaks with Chris Hughes of The Energy Conservatory (TEC) about using the Roomulator card a...

Primary & Secondary Air in Combustion - Short #187

05 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this short podcast, Bryan dives into a gas heating topic: primary & secondary air in combustion. Primary air is the air and oxygen content that ent...

Learning Outside the Box (Live Rebroadcast)

29 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

This podcast episode is a live rebroadcast of a livestream with Craig Migliaccio (AC Service Tech) and Ty Branaman (love2hvac). It focuses on differen...

Making Family Business Work w/ Leilani Orr

22 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this podcast episode, Bryan has an enjoyable conversation with his wife Leilani about navigating family relationships while building a business. Th...

Heat Pump Basics in Plain Language

15 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this solo podcast, Bryan provides an introduction to heat pumps, explaining the basics of how they work and key considerations in a way that is eas...

Women in HVAC (Live Rebroadcast)

08 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

This podcast brought together several women working in the HVAC industry to discuss their experiences and offer advice. The conversation focused on th...

History of AWG - Short #186

06 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this short podcast, Bryan explains the history of AWG, or American wire gauge, which is the sizing system we use for conductors in the United State...

A2L Update With Chemours Live from AHR

01 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Don Gillis and Dr. Chuck Allgood from Chemours join the show to discuss their new easy as "1,2,3" branding around the A2L refrigerants R454A, R454B, a...

What is DX? - Short #185

30 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this short podcast episode, Bryan tackles the following question: What is DX?  In short, DX stands for "direct expansion," which means that you co...

Vacuum and Recovery in an A2L World with Jesse Stewart

24 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this podcast, Bryan Orr interviews Jesse Stewart from NAVAC about A2L refrigerants and compatible tools and safety procedures. They discuss how NAV...

Safe Chemicals are Good Chemicals w/ Mike Pastorello

24 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

This podcast covers refrigeration technologies' growth and focus on providing safe, high-performing chemicals for HVAC technicians without hazardous i...

How Better Truck Stock Makes the Trade Better w/ Jim Fultz

24 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

This live podcast from AHR Expo 2024 discusses the costs of truck rolls for HVAC technicians and how technicians and companies can reduce those costs....

The VCRT Redesigned + More w/ Fieldpiece

24 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this podcast, Bryan chats with Tony Gonzalez of Fieldpiece about their latest innovations for service tools, including the redesigned VCRT, as we...

Absolute vs. Gauge Pressure (Micron Gauge vs. Manometer) - Short #184

23 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this short podcast episode, Bryan covers the differences between absolute and gauge pressure, as well as measuring pressure with a micron gauge or ...

Is Dual Fuel the Answer? w/ Tom Buescher

18 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this HVAC School podcast, Bryan and Tom Buescher with Copeland discuss dual-fuel heat pump systems as an intermediate step towards more sustainable...

NTC, PTC and Thermocouples - Short #183

16 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this short podcast episode, Bryan dives into NTC, PTC, and thermocouples. NTC and PTC are two types of thermistors, and all three tools are used to...

How to Save Energy with Grocery Store Refrigeration

11 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

This podcast episode focuses on practical ways to save energy with grocery store refrigeration systems, with Matthew Taylor from Kalos Services sharin...

An ACCA Form You Probably Never Heard Of w/ Ed J.

04 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

The podcast is a conversation between Ed and Bryan about using the ACCA Residential Plans Examiner Review Form, an ACCA form you probably never heard ...

Solving & Preventing Oil Issues in Rack Refrigeration

28 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this HVAC podcast episode, hosts Bryan Orr and Matthew Taylor (refrigeration leader and trainer at Kalos Services) discuss oil management and consi...

What is A2L Mitigation Going to Look Like? w/ Clifton B.

21 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this podcast, Bryan and Clifton discuss the upcoming transition to A2L refrigerants, like R-32 and R-454B, and what A2L mitigation is going to look...

Healthy Air Supplements vs. Pillars w/ Kevin Hart

14 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Bryan and Kevin discuss indoor air quality solutions in terms of healthy air supplements vs. pillars of IAQ, drawing an analogy between IAQ supplement...

Hot Deck, Cold Deck - Short #182

12 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this short episode, Bryan discusses the unique features of hot deck, cold deck systems. These systems have separate heating and cooling components ...

Common Callbacks and Failed Inspections on Install

07 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of HVAC School, hosts Bryan Orr and Bert discuss practical tips for preventing callbacks and failed inspections in residential HVAC in...

When Permits Are Not Needed - Short #181

05 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this short episode, Bryan talks about the situations when permits are not needed to install HVAC/R (or HVAC/R-related) components. A few codes are...

What's Different About Pool Heaters w/ Bert

30 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this podcast, Bryan Orr and Bert discuss various aspects of pool heaters, focusing on issues that make them different from typical HVAC systems. Th...

Farads, Micro and Pico - Short #180

28 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this short episode, Bryan explains the fundamentals of capacitance, focusing on the unit of measure: farads, including micro and pico. Farads are n...

All About 90% Furnaces

23 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Bryan Orr hosted a live podcast discussion all about 90% efficient furnaces with HVAC professionals Ty Branaman, Adam Mufich, and Matthew Bruner. They...

Analog vs. Digital Sine - Short #179

21 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this short podcast, Bryan breaks down the differences between analog and digital sine waves. Analog readings deal with an unlimited number of value...

Why and How of Combustion Analysis w/ Tyler Nelson

09 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Bryan Orr interviews Tyler Nelson, an HVAC expert with over 20 years of experience as a contractor. They have an in-depth discussion about combustion ...

Checking a Heat Pump in Heat Mode - Short #178

07 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this short podcast, Bryan talks about checking the charge of a heat pump in heat mode. This skill will become more critical as ambient temperatures...

An IAQ & Dehum Case Study w/ Genry & Nikki

02 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Nikki Krueger and Genry Garcia return to the podcast to talk about a recent IAQ & dehumidification case study on a vintage home in Miami. The home was...

Creating a Business Where Everyone Wins w/ Tommy Mello

26 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Skilled trades entrepreneur Tommy Mello joins the podcast to talk about creating a business where everyone wins: business owners, employees, vendors, ...

Tips for Supermarket Rack Service w/ Trevor

19 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Refrigeration Mentor Trevor Matthews returns to the podcast to share some of his tips for supermarket rack service. The supermarket refrigeration worl...

Traps, Vents & Drains - Short #177

17 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this short episode, Bryan covers traps, vents, and drains. He explains some common misconceptions and best practices for fabricating drains, especi...

Cracking the Home Health Comfort Code: IAQ's Illusory Ideals

12 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

HAVEN IAQ founder and CEO Kevin Hart returns to the podcast to discuss cracking the home health comfort code, diving into IAQ's illusory ideals. Even ...

Tubing Insulation Tips - Short #176

10 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this short podcast episode, Bryan goes over a few tubing insulation tips. Tubing insulation is also commonly known as Aeroflex, Armaflex, and Therm...

The New HSI Module from White Rodgers

05 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Jim Fultz returns to the podcast to talk about the new HSI module from White-Rodgers, the 50E47U-843. You can learn more about this new universal HSI ...

Locked Compressors and Hard Starts - Short #175

03 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this short podcast episode, Bryan talks about locked compressors and hard starts. He explains what actually happens when a compressor locks and cov...

Residential Exhaust Codes and Best Practices

28 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Licensed mechanical engineer Tony Amadio joins the podcast to talk about residential exhaust codes and best practices. He also put together a presenta...

Wiring Refrigerated Cases w/ Nathan & Phil

14 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Phil Barr and Nathan Orr join the podcast to talk about wiring refrigerated cases in commercial spaces, including convenience stores and supermarkets....

Things to Keep out of the System - Class

07 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

This podcast is a class taught by Bryan: Things to Keep Out of the System. He covers some installation best practices along the way to keep contaminan...

ACH (Air Changes Per Hour) - Short #174

05 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this short podcast, Bryan talks about air changes per hour, also known as ACH, and what it means in HVAC design and indoor air quality (IAQ) discus...

Oil Return and Refrigerant Charge in VRV w/ Roman Baugh

31 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Roman Baugh joins the podcast to talk about oil return and the refrigerant charge in VRV systems. VRV systems—also known as variable refrigerant vol...

Magical Air Cleaning Oxides? - Short #173

29 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this short podcast, Bryan talks about oxidation and all the buzz behind "magical air-cleaning oxides" and other similar IAQ products. Oxidation is ...

Can Filters Capture Viruses? - Short #172

22 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this short podcast, Bryan talks about filtration and IAQ, especially as they relate to virus control. He also answers the age-old question: "Can fi...

Heat Pumps + Inverters w/ Joey H

17 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Joey Henderson returns to the podcast to talk about heat pumps and inverters. The reversing valve, defrost cycles, and auxiliary heat can cause confus...

Get Air Where it Needs to Go W/ Joey H.

10 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Joey Henderson joins the podcast to talk about airflow and how we can get air where it needs to go. Duct design is one of the subjects that fuel Joey'...

Business Round Table - Tersh, Peterson, Holt

03 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

This podcast episode contains some of the questions and topics from the Business Round Table at the 4th Annual HVACR Training Symposium. Panelists inc...

Cap Tubes and Flow Facts - Short #171

01 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this short podcast, Bryan goes over some information about cap tubes (capillary tubes) and flow facts. Cap tubes are metering devices; they're long...

Filter Driers and System Cleanup w/ Copeland

27 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Jim Fultz and Jim Hagl from Copeland join the podcast to talk about filter driers and system cleanup. Filter driers come in many types and sizes; they...

So... What Do You Do? - Unconformed - Short #170

25 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this short episode, Bryan goes over the fourth chapter of his new book, Unconformed. The chapter is called "So... What Do You Do?" Parents always w...

Pipefitting Best Practices

20 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

This podcast is based on a Kalos meeting about pipefitting best practices, particularly in commercial refrigeration applications. It begins with a few...

Filter Driers and System Protection - Short #169

18 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this short episode, Bryan talks about filter driers and their important role in HVAC/R system protection, especially in accordance with Copeland's ...

Alex Meaney - HVAC Design Backwards, Forwards, and In Between

13 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

This podcast episode is one of Alex Meaney's HVACR Training Symposium presentations: HVAC Design Backwards, Forwards, and In Between. Load calculation...

Santa Fe Panel with Andy Ask and Ken Gehring

06 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

This podcast is the Santa Fe Panel from the 4th Annual HVACR Training Symposium. The panel focused on dehumidification, was moderated by Nikki Krueger...

Where to Place the Micron Gauge - Short #168

04 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this short podcast, Bryan talks about where to place the micron gauge during evacuation and how to think about micron gauge positioning. Evacuation...

From Resi Tech to Industry Leading Refrigeration Trainer w/ Brett Wetzel

29 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Brett Wetzel joins the podcast to talk about his journey from resi tech to industry-leading refrigeration trainer. Brett is best known for his educati...

Oil Talk - Short #167

27 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this short podcast episode, Bryan gets into some oil talk, covering some common refrigerant oil terms and types. Esterification is the process by w...

Megging a Scroll - Short #166

20 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this short podcast episode, Bryan talks about using a megohmmeter on a scroll compressor (or "megging" a scroll). Scroll compressors are among the ...

Being an HVAC Creative

15 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Matt Bruner joins the podcast to talk about what it's really like being an HVAC creative. Matt is a young HVAC business owner who has recently written...

EER, SEER and TXVs - Short #165

13 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this short podcast episode, Bryan talks about TXVs and their impacts on energy efficiency ratings (EER and SEER). EER (Energy Efficiency Ratio) is ...

High Performance Maintenance w/ Jim Ball

08 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Jim Ball from NCI joins the podcast to talk about high-performance maintenance contracts and agreements. A high-performance maintenance agreement requ...

Steve Coscia - HVAC Soft Skill Training Resources

06 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

This episode of the HVAC School podcast Steve Coscia's symposium presentation: HVAC Soft Skill Training Resources. Likability is a superpower in any j...

I Installed an A2L and Lived to Tell About It!

01 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Roman Baugh returns to the podcast to talk about the time he installed an A2L system and lived to tell the tale. Roman used most of his same R-410A to...

Motor Speed - Short #164

30 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this short podcast episode, Bryan talks about motor speed and other basic electrical topics as they relate to motors in HVAC equipment. In a typica...

Growing in Productivity and Confidence as a Tech w/ Refrigeration Mentor

25 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Trevor Matthews returns to the podcast to talk about growing in productivity and confidence as a tech to avoid feeling stuck in your career. They talk...

The Art of Unteaching w/ MeanHVAC

18 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

This podcast episode is Alex Meaney's 2023 HVACR Training Symposium session: "The Art of Unteaching." We may have flawed understandings of HVAC concep...

Floating vs. Fixed Suction and Head - Short #163

16 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this short podcast episode, Bryan talks about compression ratio and efficiency, particularly how floating or fixed suction and head pressure affect...