HVAC School - For Techs, By Techs

Custom Performance Home w/ Spohn

31 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In this podcast episode, Bryan talks with Bill Spohn about his most recent project, SpohnHome. SpohnHome explores Bill's journey in custom home perfor...

Service Valve Tips - Short 105

29 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In this short podcast episode, Bryan talks about some tips you can use when working with a multi-position service valve. A service valve will have a l...

Refrigeration Scroll Compressors

24 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In this podcast episode, Bryan and Trevor Matthews from Emerson talk through scroll compressors in commercial refrigeration equipment. Scroll compress...

Bert's Top Soft Skills Tips

17 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Bryan and Bert talk about soft skills. They also discuss why soft skills are important in highly technical trades. Bert's class defin...

Gas Furnace Diagnosis & Inspection w/ Jim Bergmann

10 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In this podcast episode, Bryan and Jim Bergmann talk about gas furnace diagnosis and inspection. They cover the ins and outs of furnace assessment. A ...

Pitot vs. Static Pressure Probe - Short 104

08 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In this short podcast episode, Bryan talks about the differences between pitot tubes and static pressure probes. He also explains how each one works. ...

Balancing Evaporators in a Circuit Using the TXV

03 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In this podcast episode, Bryan and Nathan discuss balancing evaporators in a multi-coil circuit. They specifically focus on using the TXV to do so. Wh...

Mass Flow vs. Volume Flow - Short 103

01 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In this short podcast episode, Bryan discusses the difference between mass flow and volume flow when referring to HVAC equipment processes. When you a...

Freezing Evaporator Fun Facts & Frippery

26 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Bryan and Sam discuss freezing evaporator coils. They explain why frozen coils happen and how to address them. When the coil's surfac...

Drain Cleaning - More To It Than We Think

19 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Mike Klokus and Corey Cruz from Kalos come on the podcast to talk about drain cleaning. They discuss their tips and some best practices. Approximately...

Open v Closed Refrigeration - Short 102

17 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In this short podcast episode, Bryan talks about the differences between single-phase and two-phase refrigeration. This particular episode is about th...

Changing Refrigerant Regulations w/ Bluon

12 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Bryan talks with Peter Capuciati and Bryan Johnson from Bluon. They discuss how refrigerant regulations keep changing and how technic...

Single Phase v Two Phase Refrigeration - Short 101

10 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In this short podcast episode, Bryan talks about the differences between single-phase and two-phase refrigeration. This particular episode is about th...

Floating Head Strategies

05 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

CO2 Architecture

29 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Don Gillis joins us again to talk more about common types of CO2 systems and how they differ

Heat Pumps in Cold Climates

27 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we are joined by three people who know a lot about heat pumps and cold weather. We also cover everything from the way technologies ha...

Demand Cooling + Liquid and Vapor Injection

22 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Trevor Matthews is back and dropping more compressor knowledge on us. This time, he talks about demand cooling and liquid and vapor injection. In low-...

Intro to CO2 w/ Don Gillis

15 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Don Gillis with Emerson joins us on the podcast to teach us the basics of CO2 as a refrigerant. He explains how it works and its applications. Carbon ...

Building Performance QA with Sam Myers

01 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Sam Myers of Retrotec joins Bryan and Kaleb on the podcast to discuss building performance. He also answers some of our listeners' questions. Checking...

What is Correct Airflow?

28 Sep 2020

Contributed by Lukas

The great Ed Janowiak (Jon-Oh-Wok) joins us to talk about what correct airflow really looks like. He also explains how to design for it appropriately....

Digital Compressor Facts

24 Sep 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Have you ever heard a compressor that keeps changing in sound as it runs? Trevor with Emerson tells us more about what that is all about and how the d...

Small Refrigeration Talk

21 Sep 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Joe and Eric join us, and we have a general conversation about small self-contained refrigeration units, including residential and commercial. Small r...

Single Pole Contactors & Crankcase Heaters

17 Sep 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Kaleb, Joe, and Eric join us again to discuss some myths about single-pole contactors. We also cover some weird crankcase heater wiring configuration...

Electronic Expansion Valves

14 Sep 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Trevor Matthews with Emerson Canada comes on the podcast once again to talk about electronic expansion valves (also known as EEVs). He explains how th...

Introduction to CoreSense

10 Sep 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Trevor Matthews from Emerson Canada joins us on the HVAC School podcast again to talk about CoreSense by Emerson. Each CoreSense module has the potent...

How to Get The Most From Online Education

03 Sep 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Alex Meaney from MiTek/Wrightsoft joins us again because he's an awesome trainer and knows a thing or two about how to more out of online education f...

Preventing and Troubleshooting Compressor Issues

27 Aug 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Our good friend Trevor Matthews from Emerson Canada joins us to talk about compressors, mostly preventing compressor failure and troubleshooting issue...

Suction Line Temperature - Short #100

25 Aug 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In this short podcast episode, Bryan discusses the importance of suction line temperature and what it can tell you about an HVAC system. There are two...

Duct Installation Best Practices

20 Aug 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In this podcast episode, Neil Comparetto from Comparetto Comfort Solutions joins Bryan and Kaleb to discuss some duct installation best practices he h...

Compressor Overheating - Short #99

18 Aug 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In this short podcast episode, Bryan explains what happens to a compressor when it's overheating. He also covers possible causes and troubleshooting s...

Troubleshooting & Commissioning Q&A

13 Aug 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In this podcast episode, Kaleb, Joe, Eric, and Bryan answer some troubleshooting and commissioning questions from Facebook. Whether we're talking abo...

Advanced Fresh Air w/ CERV2

06 Aug 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In this podcast episode, Ty Newell from Build Equinox comes on to discuss the CERV2 and how it embodies "advanced fresh air." The CERV2 is the second-...

Combustion Analyzer Facts and Mistakes

30 Jul 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Our main man, Bill Spohn, joins us again to talk specifically about combustion. He also explains how to select and properly utilize a combustion anal...

Advice on Starting an HVAC/R Career - Short #98

28 Jul 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In this short podcast, Bryan shares some of his advice for people looking to get into the trades by starting an HVAC/R career. When you step into the ...

Air Flow Hood Considerations w/ Dwyer

23 Jul 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Jaden Lane joins us to discuss some best practices when using an air flow hood. She also explains how the Dwyer Smart is innovating in the hood space....

3D Duct Modeling For Residential

16 Jul 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Russ King joins us to discuss simplifying duct design for residential contractors. We focus on using 3D software for duct modeling. While computers ar...

How to Effectively Choose and Use Test Instruments

09 Jul 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Bill Spohn with TruTech Tools joins us to talk about why being "approximately correct" is better than being "exactly wrong" when it comes to test inst...

Going Deep on IAQ Sensors and Instruments

02 Jul 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Bernadette Shahin of Aeroqual joins Bryan and Kaleb as they all dig very deep into indoor air quality (IAQ) sensors and instruments. They also cover t...

VRF and VRV Piping and Installation Overview

25 Jun 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Jordan Cummings is back to discuss some of the most important points in the proper installation of VRF and VRV systems. We especially cover piping bes...

Time Management for HVAC Techs

18 Jun 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Bryan and Eric Mele have a relaxed conversation on time management on the job. They also explain how to manage time in life as a whole. Some people ar...

Suction Line Traps - Short #97

16 Jun 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In this short podcast episode, Bryan explains what suction line traps and inverted traps are. He also covers the purposes they serve. It's a bit hard ...

Preventing and Overcoming Price Objections - Short #96

09 Jun 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In this short podcast episode, Bryan explains how you can prevent and overcome price objections in your HVAC business. You can prevent price objection...

Disappearing Latent Capacity - Short #95

26 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In this short podcast, Bryan explains why latent capacity is prone to disappearing. He also explains what actually happens when the latent capacity dr...

Demand Cooling in Low Temp R22 w/ Jeremy Smith

21 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In this podcast, Jeremy Smith joins us to discuss demand cooling in low-temperature applications that use R-22 refrigerant. R-22 is NOT an ideal low-t...

Low Voltage Electrical Basics

14 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Bryan and Kaleb cover the basics of low-voltage electrical applications. They focus on the practical stuff, not just the theory that confuses techs. M...

Impacts of Compression Changes - Short #94

12 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In this short podcast, Bryan talks about the impacts of compression and airflow changes. He also discusses some of the ramifications of those changes...

Superheat and Subcooling Basics

07 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In this podcast episode, we ONCE AGAIN talk about superheat and subcooling. This episode is a recap to help people who struggle with the concept. You...

Psychrometric Basics

30 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In this psychrometric basics podcast, Bryan and Kaleb talk about the properties of air. They also discuss dry-bulb, wet-bulb, dew point, and relative...

A Huge Pricing Mistake - Short #93

28 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Many contractors make a huge pricing mistake: confusing markup with margin. The distinction between those two things can be the difference between bei...

A Frank UV discussion w/ Ron Saunders from Fresh-Aire UV

23 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In this podcast, Ron Saunders from Fresh-Aire UV comes on and answers questions about UVC. He clears up misconceptions and pulls no punches. Fresh-Ai...

Q&A with Richard, Ross, and Evan Trethewey

19 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In this free-flowing conversation, the Trethewey family talks about growing up with This Old House, what the show is like behind the scenes, what Rich...

Blower Doors ACH50 vs. Natural Infiltration

16 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Two of the great air and infiltration expert minds of our time, Gary Nelson and Steve Rogers from TEC (The Energy Conservatory), come on the podcast ...

Keeping your Scruples when Selling IAQ - Short #92

14 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In this short podcast episode, Bryan explains how to keep your humanity and make moral decisions when selling IAQ products. As the COVID-19 pandemic h...

Real Indoor Air Quality w/ Nikki from UltraAire

09 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Nikki Krueger joins us to talk about how humidity impacts indoor health and some ways to make our indoor air quality better (for real). Indoor air qu...

Manometers - Short #91

07 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In this short podcast episode, Sal Hamidi of ProductsByPros joins Bryan to discuss what manometers are and how they measure pressure. Manometers measu...

Is The Future of Air Conditioning Self-Contained Propane Chillers?

02 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Michael Housh and Jim Bergmann join Bryan to look into the crystal ball to see the future of air conditioning and design the PERFECT residential syste...

Filter + Fan = IAQ Revolution

01 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Thomas Talhelm, the founder of Smart Air, joins Bryan on the podcast to talk about how a filter and a fan in China sparked an IAQ revolution. The sim...

The Inverter Voltage Problem - Short #90

31 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In this short podcast episode, Bryan talks about the steady-state voltage problem that can take out inverter boards and what to do about it. Inverter...

Testing A/C Vitals w/ Jim Bergmann

26 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Jim Bergmann and Michael Housh join Bryan to talk about testing A/C vitals. They discuss the new vitals mode in MeasureQuick and how it works. As with...

Short #89 - Liquid Line Temperature

24 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In this short podcast episode, Bryan explains how to use liquid line temperature as a quick diagnostic indicator on split A/C systems. Liquid line te...

Viruses, Bacteria, and Fungus #LIVE

16 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In this live podcast episode, we discuss viruses, bacteria, and fungi. We also explain how they interact with HVAC equipment, their effects on indoor ...

Short #88 - Science vs. What Works

10 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In this short podcast episode, Bryan talks about science and how to balance practice and experience with the "why" behind what we do. He also explains...

New Business Processes #LIVE

06 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

We discuss some of the new, possibly strange-sounding business processes we've decided to implement at Kalos in 2020. First of all, we are going to a...

A Groundbreaking Motor Technology

05 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Ben with Infinitum Electric comes on to tell us more about his super-innovative, groundbreaking PCB (printed circuit board) motor technology that we ...

Refrigerant Management Strategies w/ Rick Roland

27 Feb 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Rick from Certified Refrigerant Services joins us to talk about recovery and refrigerant management. He also explains what to look for and do to get ...

New Refrigerants from Honeywell

26 Feb 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Chris LaPietra, vice president and general manager of Honeywell Stationary Refrigerants, joins us to talk about some new releases from Honeywell. He ...

EPA Myths and recovery Best Practices #LIVE

21 Feb 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Eric Kaiser comes on the live podcast to talk through some commonly repeated EPA myths. We also discuss how to get the most from your recovery machin...

News from NATE w/ Gurminder

20 Feb 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Gurminder Sidhu joins us from NATE to talk about what NATE is all about and bring us some news about the new changes and improvements. NATE was create...

HVAC Design Mythbusting #LIVE

17 Feb 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Alex Meaney from MiTek/Wrightsoft joins us at AHR 2020 to talk about some HVAC design myths and how to bust them in your mind. It was a really fun ta...

Mentors and Role Models w/ Andrew Greaves

14 Feb 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Andrew Greaves joins us again from AHR 2020. This time, he discusses what mentors and role models do in our trade and why they're important. Mentors a...

AHR 2020 Roundup from the Floor

12 Feb 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In this podcast, HVAC School team members Kaleb and Leilani walk the floor and talk to various people about their products and companies at AHR 2020....

Building Performance Round Table

10 Feb 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In this live recording from the AHR Expo, Kaleb Saleeby, Nate Adams, Michael Housh, and Steve Rogers discuss building performance. The building scienc...

Live w/ Mike from Refrigeration Technologies

08 Feb 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Mike from Refrigeration Technologies talks to us about his journey in business, some new and old products, and how well the business is growing. Refr...

Richard w/ This Old House Shares His Story

06 Feb 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Richard Trethewey from This Old House joins Bryan on the podcast and tells his incredible story and shares some encouragement and laughs. Richard wor...

Micron Gauges - Products by Pros

03 Feb 2020

Contributed by Lukas

This podcast is by Sal at Products by Pros, featuring Bryan Orr of HVAC School. In this episode, Sal asks Bryan all about micron gauges.   Products b...

Connecting STEM and HVAC w/ Rachel Kaiser

23 Jan 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Rachel and Eric Kaiser join us to talk about connecting STEM concepts to the trades. They also explain how to teach STEM in a way that sticks. STEM re...

Short #87 - Our Install Reminders

21 Jan 2020

Contributed by Lukas

This short episode is a review of a list of installation reminders made by Kalos manager Jeff Crable. Kalos is doing a bunch of these installs for a ...

Reversing Valve Diagnosis & Replacement w/ Kaleb

16 Jan 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In this face-to-face discussion, Bryan and Kaleb share some tips for diagnosing and replacing the reversing valve on a heat pump. These valves may al...

Short #86 - Hoodwinked

14 Jan 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In this short podcast episode, Bryan talks about the times he has been hoodwinked in his career. It's time to name and shame. One time at a trade show...

Pool Heater Talk #LIVE

12 Jan 2020

Contributed by Lukas

This live podcast episode is all about pool heater talk. We cover gas pool heaters and pool heat pumps, explaining how they work and common issues. P...

R290 Facts and Service w/ True Refrigeration

09 Jan 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Alejandro Rios from True Refrigeration comes on to talk about self-contained R290. He explains what it is, why to love it, and how to service the sea...

Short #85 - Low Voltage, Low Voltage

07 Jan 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In this short podcast episode, Bryan explains what happens when your low-voltage circuit puts out a lower voltage than it should. Bryan recently recei...

Codes and Failed Inspections #LIVE

02 Jan 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In this live podcast from the Castbox app, we talk about codes and common causes for failed inspections. We talk about these topics both broadly and ...

FURNACE TALK #LIVE

20 Dec 2019

Contributed by Lukas

In this live podcast episode from the Castbox app, we have four techs join us to talk about common furnace issues and best practices. Those of us in h...

Mixed Air Temperature w/ David Richardson

19 Dec 2019

Contributed by Lukas

David Richardson with NCI, author of Duct Dynasty, joins us on the podcast to talk about mixed air temperature and more topics of interest. When yo...

Short #84 - Power Passing vs. Consuming

17 Dec 2019

Contributed by Lukas

In this short podcast, Bryan briefly explains why we use a voltmeter to measure "voltage drop" across loads and switches. He also covers some of the ...

Impactful HVAC/R Instruction

12 Dec 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Ty Branaman from NTI comes on the podcast to share his passion for teaching. He also discusses his approach to impactful HVAC/R instruction. It can be...

Short #83 - Practical Safety Improvements

10 Dec 2019

Contributed by Lukas

In this short podcast, we take a quick look at Bryan's take on practical safety improvements. He also discusses the safety year in review at Kalos. Ka...

Descaling Large Equipment

05 Dec 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Tim Fregeau from Goodway joins us to talk about descaling large equipment. He also discusses best practices and why they matter to you. Scale refers t...

Short #82 - Brazing Temperature

03 Dec 2019

Contributed by Lukas

In this short podcast episode, Bryan talks a bit about brazing temperature. He also covers how to heat your copper to the proper temperature. You can ...

Heat Pumps, Charging & Defrost #LIVE

01 Dec 2019

Contributed by Lukas

In this live episode, we talk about heat pumps, why Bryan likes them, why other people don't, charging and diagnosing them, and defrost. Even though h...

IT DOESN'T VOID THE WARRANTY #RANTCAST

28 Nov 2019

Contributed by Lukas

In this crossover episode (rantcast), Bryan talks with Gary from HVAC Know It All. They vent about some of the phrases that techs throw around that a...

Short #81 - Air vs. Nitrogen vs. Oxygen

26 Nov 2019

Contributed by Lukas

In this short podcast, Bryan discusses the differences between air, nitrogen, and oxygen. He also explains why we should only use nitrogen for purgin...

Inverter Driven Systems & Over-Voltage #LIVE

24 Nov 2019

Contributed by Lukas

In this LIVE episode, we talk about diagnosing inverter-driven systems. We also discuss some of the issues and solutions for over-voltage. Inverter-d...

High Efficiency Gas Furnaces, Common Issues w/ Jim Bergmann

21 Nov 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Jim Bergmann is back on the podcast. This time, he talks about common faults with high-efficiency 90+ condensing gas furnaces and their installation. ...

Short #80 - 3 Differences Between Followers and Leaders

19 Nov 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Bryan explains the core differences between followers and leaders. There is nothing wrong with being a follower, but if you are ready to move into le...

Ductless and VRF - Good, Bad & Ugly #LIVE

16 Nov 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Some great live guests join the podcast to discuss the advantages, disadvantages, and challenges of ductless and VRF equipment. We started off working...

Floating Head w/ Jamie Kitchen

14 Nov 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Jamie is back on the podcast. This time, he talks about the merits and pitfalls of floating head pressure and why you might care. There is a relations...

Short #79 - Circuit Breaker Facts

12 Nov 2019

Contributed by Lukas

In this short podcast episode, Bryan talks about circuit breaker facts. He also explains why they trip, what they do, and some different types and co...

The Lost Art of Steam - Revisited

07 Nov 2019

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode from the archives, Dan Holohan joins us on the podcast and talks about his vast experience in the lost art of steam learned from long...