HVAC School - For Techs, By Techs

What Makes a White Shirt Tech #LIVE

04 Nov 2019

Contributed by Lukas

In this honest—maybe overly honest—live podcast, we talk about the dark side of white shirt techs. We also discuss ways the industry can make mon...

Callback Prevention Principles

31 Oct 2019

Contributed by Lukas

In this podcast episode, Bert joins Bryan to talk about what he has learned to help prevent the dreaded callback on the job. Callbacks are bad news f...

Short #78 - 7 Tips for Newbies

29 Oct 2019

Contributed by Lukas

This short podcast is for the newbies out there. For HVAC trade newbies, Bryan recommends applying 7 tips to help you win. When you start off in the ...

Why is a Power Quality Meter Useful? w/ Jim Bergmann

24 Oct 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Jim Bergmann returns to the podcast to talk about the power quality meter. He also discusses what it is good for and how to use one. A power quality m...

Short #77 - What Causes Capacitors to Fail

22 Oct 2019

Contributed by Lukas

In this short podcast, Bryan talks through (once again) what REALLY causes capacitors to fail and what we can do about it. High temperatures and over...

Commercial PM Best Practices #LIVE

20 Oct 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Eric Mele, Eric Kaiser, and John Oaks come on the podcast to talk about commercial PM best practices and what matters most. Drain cleaning is a criti...

The Skills Gap and Training #LIVE

17 Oct 2019

Contributed by Lukas

In this live podcast from CASTBOX, we discuss the skills gap and how we are going to get more people into and trained in the HVAC/R trade. Instead of ...

Who is Responsible for Proper Sizing?

17 Oct 2019

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Nate Adams and Michael Housh give the HVAC 2.0 rebuttal to the idea of standard load calculations. They take a different, possibly mo...

Short #76 - The Freon Sniffer (A True Story)

15 Oct 2019

Contributed by Lukas

In this true story from Bryan's teen years, you learn about the "Freon Sniffer:" what inspired him to become an HVAC/R technician (maybe). When Bryan ...

How to Use a Combustion Analyzer w/ Jim Bergmann

10 Oct 2019

Contributed by Lukas

In this podcast, Jim explains how to use a combustion analyzer. He also talks through the process of combustion analysis using Accutools BluFlame. Th...

Short #75 - Stop Duct & Unit Sweating

08 Oct 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Duct and air handler (unit) sweating is a common issue in humid climates. Bryan talks about what causes it and what to do about it. Many people try to...

Stop Designing Ducts Backwards w/ Alex Meaney

03 Oct 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Alex from Wrightsoft is back to discuss duct design. He also explains a common mistake made when designing ducts using a Ductulator. The Ductulator i...

Short #74 - So You Wanna Start a Business Eh?

01 Oct 2019

Contributed by Lukas

In this short podcast episode, Bryan explains what you need and the things you need to consider if you want to start a business in HVAC/R. When you st...

The Dangers of Like-for-Like Tonnage

26 Sep 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Alex Meaney from Wrightsoft joins us to talk about Manual J and S. He also discusses how load calculations and equipment selection apply to real-worl...

Gauges, Probes & NIST #LIVE

24 Sep 2019

Contributed by Lukas

In this live podcast from the Castbox app, we talk about analog vs. digital, digital vs. probes, and probe vs. non-invasive testing of A/C and refrig...

Short #73 - Ambient CO

24 Sep 2019

Contributed by Lukas

In this short podcast episode, Bryan talks about ambient CO. He also explains why it matters and what you do to check for it. CO, carbon monoxide, is...

Geothermal System Considerations w/ Michael Housh

19 Sep 2019

Contributed by Lukas

In this podcast, Michael Housh joins us to discuss his years of experience with geothermal heat pumps and their special considerations. "Geothermal" ...

Short #72 - Vapor Diffusion

17 Sep 2019

Contributed by Lukas

In this short podcast episode, Bryan explains what water vapor diffusion is. He also explains why it matters to the everyday HVAC technician. Vapor d...

Difficult Customers #LIVE

15 Sep 2019

Contributed by Lukas

In this live conversation, we discuss some real-life situations with difficult customers. We also cover some helpful tips we learned along the way. Wh...

Refrigeraton Case Controllers w/ Sporlan

12 Sep 2019

Contributed by Lukas

In this podcast episode, Henry Papa from Sporlan joins us in person to talk about refrigeration case controllers on systems with common compressors. W...

Short #71 - Brazing, Is Patching OK?

10 Sep 2019

Contributed by Lukas

In this short podcast episode, Bryan talks about brazing and soldering. He also weighs in on patching and if it is an allowable repair. Brazing is wh...

Grocery Refrigeration Talk #LIVE

06 Sep 2019

Contributed by Lukas

n this live podcast episode, we have a fun conversation talking with Nathan Orr and Kevin Compass about grocery refrigeration. The most common types ...

Manual J Battle with Ed and Nathan

05 Sep 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Nathan Rothenberg and Ed Janowiak join Bryan to talk about the good, the bad, and the uncomfortable of ACCA Manual J, D, and S. Manual J load calcula...

Short #70 - Is Testing Capacitors Under Load Better?

03 Sep 2019

Contributed by Lukas

In this short podcast episode, Bryan compares under load vs. bench capacitor testing to find out which testing method is better. When we test the sys...

ECM Motors A-Z w/ Eric Kaiser

29 Aug 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Eric Kaiser joins the podcast again, and this time, we are talking ECM motors. We discuss types, history, diagnosis, and failure prevention. An ECM m...

Refrigerants to Replace R22 #Live

29 Aug 2019

Contributed by Lukas

In this lively discussion, representatives from Chemours and Bluon Energy join the podcast. They talk about retrofit refrigerants and what to look for...

Short #69 - Trap & Vent

27 Aug 2019

Contributed by Lukas

In this short podcast episode, Bryan discusses the importance of the trap and vent in condensate drains. He also describes some trapping and venting ...

Home IAQ w/ Jim Bergmann #Live

22 Aug 2019

Contributed by Lukas

In this live podcast episode, Bryan talks through real home IAQ solutions with Jim Bergmann and others. They also answer audience questions. Indoor a...

How to Charge an AC

22 Aug 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Craig of AC Service Tech on YouTube joins Bryan on the podcast to explain how to charge an A/C unit. He also discusses his excellent new book. Before...

Short #68 - Electromagnetism & The Aether

20 Aug 2019

Contributed by Lukas

In this short and nerdy science podcast, Bryan discusses how electromagnetism impacts every part of our lives. Electromagnetism refers to the movement...

Moisture & Humidity Problems #Live

19 Aug 2019

Contributed by Lukas

In this first live podcast episode, Bryan responds to audience questions and discusses moisture and humidity issues in HVAC. Moisture leads to other ...

Non-Condensibles

15 Aug 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Eric Mele and Joe Shearer join Bryan to discuss the challenging issue of diagnosing and rectifying non-condensibles in the circuit. Non-condensibles ...

Short #67 - Defrost Termination and Failsafe

13 Aug 2019

Contributed by Lukas

In this short podcast episode, Bryan quickly covers defrost termination and failsafe. He also explains what they mean in refrigeration systems. We nee...

Acid and Contaminants Testing w/ John Pastorello

08 Aug 2019

Contributed by Lukas

John Pastorello from Refrigeration Technologies joins us to talk about testing oil and refrigerant for contamination. He also explains what each test ...

Short #66 - Water in My Tools!

06 Aug 2019

Contributed by Lukas

In this short podcast episode, Bryan explains what to do when you get water in your tools. (Hint: the answer is NOT to panic!) Some technicians try no...

Special Episode - The SpeedClean Story

04 Aug 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Mike Hardy from SpeedClean joins us to talk about how SpeedClean got started. He also explains why all contractors should consider engineered solution...

Crazy Filter Drier Ideas w/ Eric Mele

01 Aug 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Eric and Bryan talk through some non-standard ways of thinking about filter drier usage. They also discuss how to install these non-conventional filte...

Short #65 - Is R22 Becoming Illegal

30 Jul 2019

Contributed by Lukas

In this short podcast, Bryan discusses the recent ads and news articles claiming that homeowners are in trouble and that R22 is becoming illegal. The ...

Study to Test vs. Study to Apply w/ Eric Kaiser

25 Jul 2019

Contributed by Lukas

My buddy Eric Kaiser from the ETS Group comes on to discuss a common problem we see in both students and techs as they study. We talk about issues wit...

Short #64 - Diagnostic Duct Design

23 Jul 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Balancing complaints are common in the HVAC industry. In this short podcast, Bryan explains how diagnostic duct design solves those issues. "Diagnosti...

Ceiling Cassettes w/ Eric Mele

18 Jul 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Eric really likes ceiling cassette air handlers, so much so that he put them in his own home. We discuss ceiling cassettes vs. highwall and other duc...

Short #63 - I've Been Doing This 30 Years

16 Jul 2019

Contributed by Lukas

In this short podcast episode, Bryan breaks down the most common defense for bad practices: time in the industry. He also explains how to STOP USING I...

Make up air W/ Devin Skipper

11 Jul 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Devin Skipper comes on the podcast to give you an introduction to make-up air systems and explain their purpose. This time, we pull out all of the ini...

Short #62 - Impacts of Variable & Staged Compression

09 Jul 2019

Contributed by Lukas

In this short podcast episode, Bryan covers multi-stage or variable-speed compressors. He also explains the impacts of staged compression. Multi-stage...

Effects of Dewpoint on Coil TD and More MQ Updates w/ Jim B

04 Jul 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Jim Bergmann is back on the podcast to talk about the effects of dew point on coil TD. He also gives us a full rundown on recent MeasureQuick updates...

Short #61 - EPR vs. CDS Valves

02 Jul 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Bryan talks about EPR and CDS valves. We consider both to be evaporator pressure regulators, but they really function quite differently. CDS are Spor...

Blends and Midpoint w/ Jim Bergmann

27 Jun 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Jim talks about dew point, bubble point, and midpoint in refrigerant blends. He also covers the purpose of each and why MeasureQuick displays midpoin...

Short #60 - How Cold Should it Get Inside?

25 Jun 2019

Contributed by Lukas

In this short podcast, Bryan discusses the ever-controversial topic of indoor temperature in the summer. The old "20-degree rule" has come up many ti...

Suction Pressure in Market Refrigeration

20 Jun 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Nathan Orr is back. In this podcast, we discuss suction pressure in market refrigeration and how rack techs think about it differently than HVAC. On ...

Short #59 - Low Static Can Be Bad

18 Jun 2019

Contributed by Lukas

In this short podcast episode, Bryan explains why low static pressure may be bad. He also discusses the other indicators of airflow. When you look at ...

Can a Residential Tech Transition to Market Refrigeration?

13 Jun 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Nathan and Bryan have a rollicking conversation about Nathan's transition from residential HVAC to market refrigeration. Nathan also covers what he h...

Short #58 - A Fair Price

11 Jun 2019

Contributed by Lukas

In this short podcast episode, Bryan covers pricing for HVAC/R parts and services; he explains how to come up with a fair price. To be able to price f...

Preventing and Mitigating Legionnaires' disease

06 Jun 2019

Contributed by Lukas

We talk with chemical and cleaning expert Ray Field on Legionnaires' disease. We discuss what it is, its history, and what we can do to prevent it pr...

Short #57 - Ductless Cleaning Guide

04 Jun 2019

Contributed by Lukas

In this short podcast episode, Bryan covers ductless or mini-split cleaning. He collaborated with SpeedClean to map out this procedure and write a gui...

A Peek Behind The Curtain w/ Andrew Greaves

30 May 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Andrew Greaves comes on the podcast to give us a sneak peek into the life of a tool manufacturer. Andrew has worked in the field for a long time and h...

Short #56 - Bypass Factor

28 May 2019

Contributed by Lukas

In this short podcast episode, Bryan covers the bypass factor in airflow and psychrometrics. He also explains why it matters to techs. The bypass fact...

Women in HVAC/R

23 May 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Colleen Keyworth from Women in HVAC/R comes on the podcast to talk about the importance of getting women excited about our trade. While many women ta...

Short #55 - Vacuum Pump Maintenance

21 May 2019

Contributed by Lukas

In this short podcast episode, Bryan explains the ins and outs of vacuum pump maintenance, a critical component of evacuation. The most basic part of ...

Airflow Testing as a Customer Service Tool

16 May 2019

Contributed by Lukas

David Holt from NCI comes on the podcast to talk about airflow testing and its importance as a customer service tool for the HVAC trade. Charging and...

Short #54 - Sunk

14 May 2019

Contributed by Lukas

In this short podcast episode, Bryan covers the basics of sunk costs. He explains what they are and what they mean for you and HVAC businesses. Sunk c...

Residential Air Balancing & Flow Hoods

09 May 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Steve Rogers from the Energy Conservatory comes on the podcast to talk about residential air balancing and flow hood accuracy. Residential air balanci...

Short #53 - Brazing Steel

07 May 2019

Contributed by Lukas

In this short podcast episode, Bryan covers the unique practices of brazing steel. He also explains how it differs from brazing copper. Brazing steel ...

Leak Detection w/ John Pastorello

02 May 2019

Contributed by Lukas

John Pastorello from Refrigeration Technologies is back on the podcast to talk about leak detection procedures from start to finish. Big Blu was what...

Short #52 - Enthalpy

30 Apr 2019

Contributed by Lukas

In this short podcast, Bryan dives into enthalpy. He explains what it is and how we see it at work in the HVAC/R systems we service daily. Enthalpy is...

Hybrid Boiler Plants w/ Jim Devlin

25 Apr 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Jim Devlin from Weil-McLain joins us to talk about high-efficiency and cast-iron boilers. He also explains how to use them together in a "hybrid" con...

Short #51 - Separate Gauges

23 Apr 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Do you need different gauges for each refrigerant? In today's short podcast, we discuss the answer to this common HVAC question. When we first starte...

Parking BTUs with Buffer Tanks (Part 2)

19 Apr 2019

Contributed by Lukas

In this two-part interview, Moe Hirsch goes deep and wide on buffer tanks and strategies for "parking" BTUs in hydronic systems. Systems with a high d...

Parking BTUs with Buffer Tanks (Part 1)

18 Apr 2019

Contributed by Lukas

In this two-part interview, Moe Hirsch goes deep and wide on buffer tanks and strategies for "parking" BTUs in hydronic systems. When we use boilers, ...

Short #50 - Oil

16 Apr 2019

Contributed by Lukas

In today's short podcast episode, Bryan covers the basics of refrigerant oil in HVAC/R systems. He also discusses what technicians can do to maintain ...

Recovery Best Practices w/ NAVAC

11 Apr 2019

Contributed by Lukas

In today's podcast, Kevan Mayer from NAVAC comes talks about recovery and ways to make it work better and more safely for you. Recovering refrigerant ...

Short #49 - VA vs. Watts

09 Apr 2019

Contributed by Lukas

In this short podcast episode, Bryan covers the difference between volt-amps (VA) and watts when we take electrical measurements. We usually use VA to...

System Oversizing & Independent Consulting w/ Genry Garcia

04 Apr 2019

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I talk with tech, contractor, and consultant Genry Garcia. He tells us about his experiences with independent consulting and helping...

Short #48 - Drains

02 Apr 2019

Contributed by Lukas

In this short podcast episode, we talk about condensate drains. We get into the basics of cleaning, pitch, drain pans, and more. Cleaning drains sound...

Can Manufacturers Specs Be a Crutch?

28 Mar 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Bert and Bryan discuss the commonly repeated phrase, "refer to manufacturer's specs," in HVAC work. They discuss when referring to the manufacturer's...

Short #47 - Solar

26 Mar 2019

Contributed by Lukas

By viewer request, Bryan talks about some solar system basics in this short podcast episode. Solar energy is an up-and-coming power source that will ...

Work-Life Balance, Real Talk w/ Bert

21 Mar 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Bryan and Bert talk through a real-life issue we all face as techs: work-life balance. Bert's recent video "triggered" Bryan a bit, so they talk thro...

Short #46 - Surge Protection

19 Mar 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Today's short podcast episode is all about surge protection on HVAC/R equipment. Lightning poses a severe threat to equipment, and surge suppression m...

Intro to Boilers & Radiators w/ Moe Hirsch

14 Mar 2019

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we talk with Moe about the world of hydronics. We discuss some fundamentals and talk about various boiler and radiator types. Hydron...

Short #45 - OEM Parts

12 Mar 2019

Contributed by Lukas

In today's short podcast, we answer the following question: Should you ONLY use OEM parts? We also explain why the answer is what it is. It can be tr...

Special - Soft Skills Top Tips w/ Andy Holt

08 Mar 2019

Contributed by Lukas

In this rather unorthodox short podcast episode, Andy gives his timeless soft skills tips. We also tell you a bit more about a special training event ...

Controlling Humidity For All Climates

07 Mar 2019

Contributed by Lukas

In today's podcast, Bryan covers some of the facts about humidity. He also explains how to keep humidity under control in all climates. Humidity refe...

Short #44 - Myth - Time as a Tech Equals Pay

05 Mar 2019

Contributed by Lukas

In this short podcast episode, we talk about the myth that time at a job or in the business equals or deserves pay increases. Many people believe tha...

Chiller and Cooling Tower Cleaning w/ Goodway

28 Feb 2019

Contributed by Lukas

In today's podcast episode, Mark Roth from Goodway talks about chiller and cooling tower cleaning best practices and techniques. Goodway makes indust...

Short #43 - Is IAQ a Joke?

26 Feb 2019

Contributed by Lukas

In this short podcast episode, we address the myth that IAQ is a joke. We also discuss how to think about IAQ correctly in HVAC work. Indoor air qual...

Propane Refrigerant - A Tech Perspective w/ Chris Stephens

21 Feb 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Chris Stephens from HVACR Videos joins us to talk about his experiences with and perspective on R290 (propane) refrigerant in restaurant refrigeratio...

Short #42 - Myth - Flame Rods

19 Feb 2019

Contributed by Lukas

In this short podcast episode, we discuss the common myth about cleaning flame rods/sensors/rectification devices. Flame sensors or rectification rod...

Installing Central Air From Scratch w/ Eric M

14 Feb 2019

Contributed by Lukas

In this podcast episode, Eric and I discuss his new home and his plans for installing central air the Eric-Mele way. Eric's home doesn't have an atti...

Short #41 - Context in Education

12 Feb 2019

Contributed by Lukas

In today's short live podcast, Bryan discusses the importance of context in education and the challenge presented by information. When we learn, we d...

VRF/VRV Design w/ Jordan Cummings

07 Feb 2019

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Jordan Cummings comes on the podcast to review application-based system selection considerations for VRF/VRV systems. A VRF/VRV sys...

Short #40 - Specifically Relative

05 Feb 2019

Contributed by Lukas

In today's short podcast episode, we talk about specific gravity, also known as relative density. We explain why it matters to technicians. When we t...

R290 (Propane), What you need to know w/ Embraco

31 Jan 2019

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we speak with Embraco about R290 (Propane) refrigerant, hydrocarbons, and what you need to know about them. Embraco is primarily focu...

Short #39 - Tricky Amperages

29 Jan 2019

Contributed by Lukas

We talk about measuring tricky amperage on a blower and condensing fan motor. We also cover why you may be measuring inaccurately, resulting in a mis...

Beacon 2 Refrigeration Talk Through

24 Jan 2019

Contributed by Lukas

In this service manual talk-through episode, Eric Mele helps us discuss the Heatcraft Beacon 2 refrigeration system. We talk about what it can do and ...

Short #38 - Low Ambient Cooling

22 Jan 2019

Contributed by Lukas

This short podcast episode covers the why and the how of low ambient cooling and refrigeration. Low ambient cooling refers to operating A/C equipment...

VRF in Real Life w/ John Oaks

17 Jan 2019

Contributed by Lukas

In today's podcast, I talk to John Oaks about his experience as a VRF tech in the field, including branch boxes and two-pipe vs. three-pipe technolog...

Short #37 - The Trade Skills Gap: A Manifesto

15 Jan 2019

Contributed by Lukas

This is a voice-over audio presentation of the article of the same title on the HVACRschool.com website ("The Trade Skills Gap: A Manifesto). The man...

Furnace Sequence Of Operation

10 Jan 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Jason Obrzut comes on the podcast and talks us through his furnace sequence of operation training: "Take It Slow, It's Gonna Blow!" There are 6 main s...

Short #36 - Stack Effect

08 Jan 2019

Contributed by Lukas

In this short podcast episode, we talk through stack effect. We explain what it is and what sorts of comfort issues it can cause in a home. Most of us...

The Future of App Based Diagnosis w/ Jim Bergmann

03 Jan 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Jim Bergmann gives us a year-end review of all that is happening at MeasureQuick and his predictions for the future of app-based diagnosis. He also co...

Short #35 - Resolution, Precision & Accuracy

01 Jan 2019

Contributed by Lukas

What is the difference between accuracy, precision, and resolution? In today's short podcast, Jim Bergmann explains the differences and why they matte...