HVAC School - For Techs, By Techs

Samsung Ductless LIVE From AHR - Short #139

01 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Rick Nadeau, Director of Training and Technical Services at Samsung, talks with Kaleb Saleeby live from AHR. He explains some of the exciting ductless...

How to ACTUALLY Measure Airflow w/ Steve Rogers and Eric Kaiser

27 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Steve Rogers from The Energy Conservatory (TEC) joins Eric Kaiser to talk about airflow measurement at AHR 2022. Steve is an expert in fluid dynamics ...

Commercial Rack Refrigeration Component Identification

24 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Brett Wetzel and Kevin Compass from the Advanced Refrigeration Podcast join us to discuss commercial rack refrigeration and identify components. In su...

Universal Boards and Controls w/ Eric K. and Jim F. LIVE from AHR

23 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Jim Fultz from Emerson joins Eric Kaiser at AHR to share his knowledge of universal boards and controls. Jim's work focuses on electronic controls wit...

Malco - New Tools and Education Focus with Rich Benninghoff - Short #138

22 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this short podcast from AHR 2022, Leilani Orr and Eric Kaiser talk with the president and CEO of Malco Tools, Rich Benninghoff. Rich discusses some...

HFC Phasedown W/ Jason O and Nathan O LIVE from AHR

20 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Jason Obrzut joins Nathan Orr with the HVAC School podcast live from AHR. In this episode, they discuss A2L refrigerants and upcoming regulations. The...

HVAC Training Past, Present & Future w/ David Holt

17 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

David Holt with NCI returns to the podcast to discuss the evolution of HVAC training; we cover the past, present, and the possible future of training ...

Proper System Commissioning w/ Jim Bergmann from AHR Live

16 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Jim Bergmann returns to the HVAC School podcast live from AHR 2022 to discuss a bit about proper system commissioning. He explains the commissioning m...

3D Load & Energy Calcs w/ Duct Design

15 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Russ King joins us for a short podcast episode about using 3D load and energy calculations with duct design. Russ has developed the Kwik Model 3D soft...

A History in HVAC Chemical Chemistry w/ John & Mike Pastorello

13 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this live podcast from AHR Expo 2022, John and Mike Pastorello of Refrigeration Technologies give us a history lesson in HVAC chemical chemistry. T...

Upgrades and Proposals That Lead to Clarity & Profit w/ Michael Housh

10 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Michael Housh returns to the podcast to discuss upgrades and proposals that are worth considering. These upgrades and proposals can actually benefit t...

Free Tech Support w/ Clifton Beck

08 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this short podcast episode, Clifton Beck joins us to talk about Bluon's free tech support and resources available to technicians and installers. Cl...

Blower Doors Don't Need to Be So Confusing w/ Genry Garcia

03 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Genry Garcia returns to the podcast to talk about blower doors and why ACH50 may needlessly complicate efforts to tighten a building envelope. A large...

Introduction to Psychrometrics w/ Eugene Silberstein

01 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Eugene Silberstein, a co-author of Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Technology (RACT manual), joins the podcast to give us an introduction to psychr...

Prepare For Refrigerant Changes w/ Brandon Marshall

27 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Brandon Marshall, Chemours's North American marketing manager for thermal and specialized solutions, joins the podcast to discuss refrigerant changes ...

The History and Future of Refrigerants w/ Chuck Allgood

25 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Chuck Allgood with Chemours joins the podcast to cover the history of refrigerants and discuss what the future might hold. In the late 1800s, before F...

Overcoming Conflict at Work w/ Andy Holt

20 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Andy Holt joins the podcast to discuss the ever-relevant topic of overcoming conflict at work. Some people end up in conflicts often, so Andy recommen...

Commercial HVAC Estimating

30 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Matthew and Nick Wavra join the podcast to discuss everything that goes into job estimation in commercial HVAC. Nick has a lot of fieldwork and projec...

Furnace Sequence of Operation - Short 137

28 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this short podcast episode, Bryan goes over the basic gas furnace sequence of operations. There are a few variations, but the sequence of operation...

Starting an Internal Training Program w/ Trevor

23 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Trevor Matthews, the founder of Refrigeration Mentor, returns to the podcast to talk about starting up an internal training program for an HVAC/R comp...

Flame "sensing" - Short 136

21 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this short podcast, Bryan explains the basics of flame sensing, also known as flame rectification. Flame sensing/rectification is a form of proving...

Grow a Business Through Customer Experience - Throwback Bonus

16 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This podcast episode is a throwback to one of Bryan's first small business podcasts. In this old episode, Australian electrician and businessman Joshu...

Refrigeration Defrost Termination & Fail Safe - Short 135

14 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this short podcast episode, Bryan covers the differences between defrost termination and failsafe. He also covers the basics of defrost in refriger...

Intro to Project Management - Throwback Bonus

09 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This podcast episode is a throwback to one of Bryan's first podcasts about small businesses. Cesar Abeid, former VP of construction camera company Rem...

Dealing with Imposter Syndrome - Short 134

07 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Bryan discusses impostor syndrome, what it is, and how it may actually be useful for us. When we feel that we're frauds and that others wouldn't like ...

Transforming Grocery and Cold Storage with Data

02 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Amrit Robbins of Axiom comes on the podcast to discuss how we can use data science to transform grocery and cold storage. Axiom Cloud uses cloud analy...

Superheat Talk - Short 133

23 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this short podcast, Bryan goes over the basics of superheat and explains why it matters to us. Superheat is the temperature increase above a substa...

Liquid Quality vs. Subcooling

18 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this podcast episode, Bryan and Eric Mele talk about sight glasses, the significance of subcooling in refrigeration, and liquid quality. While we m...

Aluminum Repair Tips - Short 132

16 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this short podcast, Bryan explains the basics of repairing aluminum, such as on coils or tubing. Repairing aluminum can save lots of time on missio...

Specifically About Heat - Short 131

09 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this short podcast, Bryan goes over energy transfer and heat, specifically specific heat. BTUs per ton is a common measurement; a BTU (British ther...

Pressure Measurement Pro Tips w/ Steve Rogers

04 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this podcast, Steve Rogers from The Energy Conservatory explains some pro tips for pressure measurement. There are three common types of pressure m...

Copeland Reciprocating CS Compressors w/ Trevor

28 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Trevor Matthews from Refrigeration Mentor comes on the podcast to talk about Copeland reciprocating CS compressors. He and Bryan cover Bulletin AE4-1...

Adiabatic Cooling - Short 130

26 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this short podcast episode, Bryan explains the science behind adiabatic cooling. Adiabatic cooling occurs in specific HVAC/R applications and in ou...

Fighting Boredom at Work - Short 129

19 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this short podcast episode, Bryan shares his top tips for fighting boredom at work. You can use these tips to help you get out of a rut if you don'...

Review Of Vacuum For Service Revisted

14 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this podcast episode, Bryan goes through the addendum to the book Review of Vacuum for Service Engineers. He and Jim Bergmann had the honor of rev...

Electric Heat - Short 128

12 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In today's short podcast, Bryan discusses electric heat, how we use it in our work, and what it does. Also called heat strips or heat elements, electr...

Introducing Refrigeration Mentor w/ Trevor

07 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Trevor Matthews comes on the podcast to discuss his newest project, Refrigeration Mentor. Refrigeration Mentor uses Trevor's experience as a trainer a...

Effective IAQ Measurement & Control w/ Haven

05 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this podcast, Ben from HAVEN IAQ, Kaleb, and Bryan discuss how to control indoor air quality and take effective, meaningful, accurate measurements....

College vs. Skilled Trades w/ Ryan Gorman

30 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Ryan Gorman comes on the podcast to discuss the differences between a college education and early career opportunities in the skilled trades. Many par...

A2L Refrigerant Facts w/ Jason Obrzut

23 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Jason Obrzut comes on the podcast to discuss A2L refrigerant facts. Jason is a member of AHRI's Safe Refrigerant Transition Task Force and author of t...

Dealing with Difficult People at Work

16 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In today's podcast, Bryan and some Kalos employees discuss how to deal with difficult bosses and coworkers in HVAC/R work. Whether your coworkers have...

The ACCA Manuals w/ Ed Janowiak

09 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In today's podcast, Ed Janowiak comes onto the podcast to talk about the Air Conditioning Contractors of America manuals. Ed started off in the field ...

Money Conversations for Techs

02 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In today's podcast, Bryan and Jesse talk about how technicians can have conversations about finances and money in the HVAC business. The first step fo...

Sleeve vs. Ball Bearings - Short 127

31 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In today's short podcast, Bryan explains the differences between sleeve and ball bearings. Techs often make some avoidable mistakes because they eithe...

Horizontal Scroll Compressors w/ Trevor

26 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In today's podcast, Trevor Matthews from Emerson talks about horizontal scroll compressors. Throughout the podcast, we refer to Bulletin AE4-1338 (R3)...

Buck & Boost Autotransformers - Short 126

24 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In today's short podcast, Bryan discusses buck-boost (auto) transformers and what they do. Autotransformers are not automatic; the "auto" prefix comes...

An Effective IAQ Process w/ John Ellis

19 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In today's podcast, John Ellis joins Bryan to talk about indoor air quality (IAQ). He also explains the ideal process for providing IAQ solutions. Joh...

Caring for Technician Mental Health

18 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In today's podcast, Scott Krasman from TZOA, Andrew Greaves, and Kaleb Saleeby join Bryan for a conversation about mental health in the trades. We hav...

Troubleshoot the System! w/ Jim Bergmann

12 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In today's podcast, Jim Bergmann talks about troubleshooting the entire system. He takes a holistic approach to the art of troubleshooting, NOT just a...

How to Measure Total System Airflow w/ Steven

05 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In today's podcast, Steven Rogers joins Bryan to talk about measuring total system airflow. Fluid measurement is NOT restricted to liquids; a fluid is...

HVAC/R Career Advancement - Short 125

03 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In today's short podcast, Bryan explains how growth happens in an HVAC/R career. He also gives tips to get "unstuck" if you feel like you aren't movin...

Mini-Split Controls Strategy w/ METUS

29 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In today's podcast, Bryan and a team of Mitsubishi Electric Trane HVAC US (METUS) managers (Mike Schaefer, Charles Miltiades, and Sly Grimm) discuss m...

Key System Performance Factors - Short 124

27 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In today's short podcast, Bryan discusses the key factors for system performance WITHOUT doing a deep dive into system commissioning. "Performance" re...

Copeland Scroll Compressor Multiples for Air Conditioning w/ Trevor

22 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In today's podcast, Trevor and Bryan discuss Copeland Scroll Compressor Multiples for Air Conditioning. "Multiples" refer to equipment setups with mul...

Margin, COGS, Markup & Profit Confusion - Short 123

20 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In today's short podcast, Bryan clears up the differences between markup and profit margins in HVAC businesses. The number one mistake that people mak...

Planning and Layout of HVAC Projects

15 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In today's podcast, Eric Mele and Bryan explain the planning, layout, and execution of HVAC projects. They mostly cover commercial ductwork but also t...

Startup vs commissioning - Short 122

13 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In today's short podcast, Bryan explores the differences between startup and commissioning. Startups typically involve going in during the constructio...

How to Make Mentorship Work w/ Eric Kaiser

08 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In today's podcast, Eric Kaiser and Bryan talk about mentorship in the HVAC industry. They discuss what it means to be a good mentor, how to find a go...

Alternatives for College That Parents Should Consider

01 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In today's podcast, Bryan explores the upsides of choosing a career in the skilled trades instead of going to college. He also covers ways to prepare ...

Triple Evacuation - Short 121

29 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In today's short podcast, Bryan explores triple evacuation. Many people believe that we don't like triple evac, but that's simply NOT true. We're here...

How to Teach the Physics of Everyday Life

24 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In today's podcast, Bryan explains how he teaches physics. He believes that teaching physics is about continuously building a mental model, and he cov...

Be Careful With Cold Tanks - Short 120

22 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In today's short podcast, Bryan explores the dangers of cold tanks during refrigerant recovery. Whenever you have a recovery tank, you only want to fi...

Dehumidification Facts w/ Nikki

17 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In today's podcast, Nikki and Bryan discuss dehumidification. They cover the relationship between cooling and dehumidification, humidity control, and ...

TXV Troubleshooting w/ Trevor

10 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In today's podcast, Trevor and Bryan discuss how to troubleshoot thermostatic expansion valves (TXVs/TEVs). They also dive into the various types, app...

Push Pull Recovery - Short 119

08 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this short podcast episode, Bryan discusses push-pull recovery, how it works, and what we need to know about it. Push-pull recovery is a somewhat c...

Small System Vacuum Tip - Short 118

01 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this short podcast episode, Bryan goes over one of his most valuable tips for pulling a vacuum on a small system. It can be very difficult to pull ...

How to END Callbacks

20 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this podcast episode, Bryan and Eric Mele explain how HVACR technicians can END callbacks with a few best practices. Rushing through calls will oft...

Compressor Overheating Diagnosis & Prevention

13 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this podcast episode, Bryan and Eric Mele discuss the diagnosis and prevention of compressor overheating in HVAC and refrigeration. The main causes...

Re-tapping Transformers - Short 117

11 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this short podcast episode, Bryan and Eric Mele talk about re-tapping transformers for single-phase equipment in 208v applications. Most single-pha...

Indoor Air Quality Map & Compass w/ TZOA

06 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this podcast episode, Ben Reed from TZOA, a disruptive air technology brand, joins us to discuss the indoor air quality map and compass. We spend a...

Copeland 2-stage ZPS Scroll Compressors

29 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this podcast episode, Bryan and Trevor Matthews of Emerson Canada discuss the Copeland 2-stage ZPS scroll compressors. Please join us by following ...

Screw Compressor Talk w/ Vilter

22 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this podcast episode, Bryan, Trevor Matthews, and Jim Dick of Emerson talk about the screw compressor and how it works. This time, they focus on th...

Condensation Problem Solving - Short 116

20 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this short podcast episode, Bryan talks about condensation and how HVAC technicians can solve condensation-related problems. He also discusses humi...

ECM Types and Applications

15 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this podcast episode, Bryan and Chris Mohalley of Regal Beloit discuss the different types of ECM. They also cover applications where you can expec...

The Right and Wrong Way to HVACR w/ Eric Kaiser

08 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this podcast episode, Bryan and Eric Kaiser discuss the right and wrong way to do HVAC/R jobs and approach HVAC/R work. Breaking things down into "...

How EC Motors Work

01 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this podcast episode, Bryan and Chris Mohalley from Regal Beloit discuss EC motors. They also describe ECM applications and how those motors work. ...

Stacking Liquid vs. Mechanical Subcooling - Short 115

30 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this short podcast episode, Bryan compares strategies for increasing the subcooling, including stacking liquid and mechanical subcooling. Subcoolin...

Proper Design For Ductless and Ducted HVAC Systems

25 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this podcast episode, Bryan, Chad, John, and Allison discuss proper design for ductless and ducted HVAC systems, especially mini-splits. They also ...

Atmospheric Pressure - Short 114

23 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this short podcast episode, Bryan explains what atmospheric pressure really is, pressure units and conversions, and why those are matter. Atmospher...

Diagnose and Prevent Compressor Short Cycling

11 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this podcast episode, Bryan and Trevor Matthews discuss compressor short cycling. They discuss how to diagnose and prevent that issue. Trevor and B...

Recovery Tips and Best Practices w/ AC Service Tech

04 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this podcast episode, Bryan and Craig Migliaccio (AC Service Tech) discuss some HVACR recovery tips and best practices. When you select a recovery ...

Swaging and Flaring Tips w/ AC Service Tech

25 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Bryan and Craig Migliaccio (AC Service Tech) talk about some best practices you can use while swaging and flaring copper. There are a...

Are Contactors Obsolete? (SureSwitch)

24 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this podcast episode, Bryan and Jim Fultz discuss the White-Rodgers SureSwitch and determine whether contactors are obsolete or not. Contactors are...

Don't Miss The Tech Training Event

23 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Other Uses for Nitrogen - Short 113

23 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Bryan and Craig Migliaccio (AC Service Tech) discuss all the ways that nitrogen can make your job easier. Nitrogen is an inert gas th...

Is Ultrasonic Leak Detection Best?

18 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this podcast episode, Bryan and Craig Migliaccio, AC Service Tech, talk about ultrasonic leak detection. They discuss its effectiveness and if it's...

Universal Defrost Controls w/ Jim Fultz

17 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this podcast episode, Jim Fultz with White-Rodgers joins us to discuss universal defrost controls. He also explains when and why you might use univ...

Maybe Don't Buy New Tools - Short 112

16 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this short podcast episode, Bryan and Craig Migliaccio discuss why you maybe don't want to buy new tools. Whenever you get new tools, you have to a...

How Craig Became "AC Service Tech"

11 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this podcast episode, we find out how Craig Migliaccio became "AC Service Tech." He makes educational materials and has even written a book. You ca...

What Skills and Knowledge Should You Start With? - Short 111

09 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this short podcast episode, Bryan and Craig Migliaccio discuss the skills and knowledge you should have to start in the HVAC industry. Of course, b...

Controlling Liquid Refrigerant in A/C

04 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this podcast episode, Bryan and Trevor Matthews of Emerson Canada discuss strategies for controlling liquid refrigerant in A/C and refrigeration sy...

TXV Power Element / Power Head - Short 110

02 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this short podcast episode, Bryan talks about the TXV power element or power head. He explains what it does and why it's important. A TXV power ele...

How to Value Engineer Better w/ Alex Meaney

28 Jan 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Bryan and Alex Meaney talk about value engineering. They discuss what it means to value engineer better when it comes to construction...

TXV Bulb Placement - Short 109

26 Jan 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this short podcast episode, Bryan talks about the placement of the TXV sensing bulb. He also explains how it affects the opening force on the TXV. ...

Dealing with Difficult Customers

21 Jan 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this podcast episode, Bryan, Erich Vinson, and Anthony Marino talk about dealing with difficult customers in the HVAC industry. When working with c...

Hydrostatic Pressure - Short 108

19 Jan 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this short podcast episode, Bryan explains how hydrostatic pressure can build up in refrigerant cylinders and present a hazard to technicians. Your...

Introduction to Industrial Refrigeration

14 Jan 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this podcast episode, Bryan, Trevor Matthews, and Jim Dick from Emerson give us all an introduction to industrial refrigeration. Jim works with con...

Prevent Refrigerant Migration - Short 107

12 Jan 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this short podcast episode, Bryan talks about the strategies we can use to prevent refrigerant migration during the off cycle. We often see refrige...

Weird Transformer Talk

07 Jan 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this podcast episode, Eric Mele joins Bryan for some weird transformer talk. They discuss corner-tapped transformers and some thought experiments. ...

Internal vs. Externally Equalized Valves - Short 106

05 Jan 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this short podcast episode, Bryan compares internal and externally equalized valves. He also covers how forces act upon the TXV. Equalization does ...