HVAC School - For Techs, By Techs
Episodes
Ventilation w/ John Semmelhack
27 Dec 2018
Contributed by Lukas
John guides us through all aspects of ventilation and system design. He gives us a review of point ventilation, ASHRAE 62.2, whole-home strategies, a...
Gas & Combustion Tools w/ Bill Spohn
20 Dec 2018
Contributed by Lukas
Bill and Bryan discuss gas and combustion tools. These tools include manometers, combustible gas detectors, personal CO detectors, draft gauges, and ...
Short #34 - Heat Pumps
18 Dec 2018
Contributed by Lukas
In this short podcast episode, Bryan speed-talks through all the basics of heat pumps and how they function. Heat pumps are not physical pumps or com...
EPA Regulation Uncertainty w/ Jason Obrzut
13 Dec 2018
Contributed by Lukas
Jason from ESCO and Cengage comes on to talk about the varying landscape of EPA 608 regulations with what you need to know for now (circa 2018). The ...
Short #33 AMA - Business Tips
11 Dec 2018
Contributed by Lukas
In this short podcast episode, Bryan shares his experience as an entrepreneur and his tips for anyone who wants to run and grow a successful business....
AMA#1 - State of the HVAC School Union
06 Dec 2018
Contributed by Lukas
In our first ever ask-me-anything (AMA) podcast, we talk about the trade as a whole and answer random questions about Kalos and myself. Some people a...
Short #32 - "It's Undersized"
04 Dec 2018
Contributed by Lukas
When we replace equipment, we sometimes wonder if the old unit was undersized. Here are some things to consider before replacing that old A/C with a b...
Short #31 - U-Factor and R-Value
27 Nov 2018
Contributed by Lukas
What is the difference between r-value and u-factor? Why should we care about the differences? In this short podcast, we'll explain what those differ...
Friction Rate and Duct Design w/ Dr. Bailes
21 Nov 2018
Contributed by Lukas
This episode is very exciting to me because we get to have Dr. Allison Bailes on the show. Today, he shares his knowledge about friction rate and duct...
Critical and Triple Point w/ Rusty Walker
15 Nov 2018
Contributed by Lukas
Rusty Walker with Hill-Phoenix comes on and talks about CO2 triple and critical points. He also covers some best practices for refrigeration techs wo...
Short #30 - Braze or Solder Anything
13 Nov 2018
Contributed by Lukas
In this short podcast episode, we cover what you need to consider before you solder or braze any type of joint in HVAC/R work. We want to give special...
Hot Gas Reheat Dehumidification w/ Eric Mele
08 Nov 2018
Contributed by Lukas
Eric Mele is back on the podcast. This time, we cover hot gas as a reheat dehumidification strategy with all of the broad strokes you should be aware...
Short #29 - 3 Quick Tips to Level Up Overnight
06 Nov 2018
Contributed by Lukas
In this short podcast episode, Bryan covers three things you can do to level up and make you a much better tech tomorrow. Everyone will notice your i...
Combustion Analysis w/ Jim Bergmann
01 Nov 2018
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Jim Bergmann does a deep dive into combustion analysis. He covers everything you need to know to keep a furnace running safely and e...
Short #28 - The Magic Heat Absorber
30 Oct 2018
Contributed by Lukas
This short podcast episode is about a simplified way to explain the basic refrigerant circuit to new techs. By explaining a component as an absorber, ...
Do you even CAZ test? w/ Jim Bergmann
25 Oct 2018
Contributed by Lukas
In this first part of the two-part combustion analysis series, Jim Bergmann covers CAZ testing or worst-case draft pressure testing in detail. He also...
Short #27 - Commissioning Mindset
23 Oct 2018
Contributed by Lukas
In this short podcast episode, we talk about the commissioning mindset and what it REALLY takes to set up and commission a new system properly. We com...
3 Flavors of CO2 w/ Rusty Walker
18 Oct 2018
Contributed by Lukas
In this podcast episode, Rusty Walker from Hill Phoenix talks us through the three most common types of market CO2 systems and how they work: seconda...
Short #26 - Temperature Mistakes
16 Oct 2018
Contributed by Lukas
Can you really trust that temperature reading? In this short podcast episode, we talk about some common mistakes techs make when making temperature me...
Analog & Digital Manifolds w/ James Bowman
11 Oct 2018
Contributed by Lukas
James Bowman returns to the podcast to talk about analog vs. digital manifolds. He also explains why both of them may still have a place in the indust...
Short #25 - A Costly Screwup
09 Oct 2018
Contributed by Lukas
In this short podcast episode, we share some quick tips about keeping panels and insulation in place to avoid a costly screwup. Often, technicians wi...
Are Refrigerant Additives OK?
04 Oct 2018
Contributed by Lukas
John Pastorello, the HVAC chemist, comes on the podcast and discusses refrigerant additives such as acid inhibitors, oil enhancers, dyes, and leak s...
Short #24 - Hard vs. Soft Copper
02 Oct 2018
Contributed by Lukas
Many technicians use hard or soft copper without thinking about which application is best for which. In this short podcast, Bryan talks about where to...
How to Make a Flare That Won't Leak
27 Sep 2018
Contributed by Lukas
Kevan Mayer with NAVAC comes on and talks all about flaring best practices step by step. From cutting to reaming to torque wrenches, we cover how to m...
Chilled Water Air Handlers
20 Sep 2018
Contributed by Lukas
In today's podcast, Eric Mele and Bryan talk about chilled water air handlers, their valve configurations, and some key things to look out for. In a...
Short #23 - Intangible Soft Skills
18 Sep 2018
Contributed by Lukas
In this short podcast episode, Bryan gets feedback on a podcast topic from Andy Holt. Per Andy's request, we discuss some intangible soft skills requ...
Refrigeration Temperature Controls w/ Chris Stephens
13 Sep 2018
Contributed by Lukas
Chris Stevens from HVACR Videos on YouTube comes onto the podcast and talks about some refrigeration temperature controls basics. You can check out h...
Short #22 - Mineral & POE Oil
11 Sep 2018
Contributed by Lukas
Bryan talks about the differences between mineral oil (MO) and POE oil, the advantages and disadvantages of using them, and when to use them. Mineral ...
Small Refrigeration Maintenance Procedure
06 Sep 2018
Contributed by Lukas
Eric Mele returns to the podcast to discuss quality cleaning and maintenance procedures for small refrigeration systems. These small refrigeration sys...
Short 21 - Leak Detectors
04 Sep 2018
Contributed by Lukas
Bryan talks about the top refrigerant leak detectors, the best refrigerant leak detection practices, and some good leak detection tips. Leak detectors...
Vacuum Pump Basics w/ Kevan Mayer
29 Aug 2018
Contributed by Lukas
How does a vacuum pump work? When should you change the oil? What does that oil do anyway? Kevan Mayer of NAVAC comes on the podcast to answer these q...
Short #20 - Tips for Service Valves
28 Aug 2018
Contributed by Lukas
In today's short podcast episode, Bryan covers some tips about HVAC/R service valves and caps for new technicians. While service valves may seem simpl...
Hard Shut Off TXVs
23 Aug 2018
Contributed by Lukas
Jamie Kitchen returns to the podcast and talks all about hard shut off TXVs/TEVs. He discusses bleed and non-bleed valves and why the TXV type matter...
Short 19 - Superheat, Evaporator vs. Compressor
21 Aug 2018
Contributed by Lukas
In today's podcast, we cover why both compressor and evaporator superheat matter. We also address some common confusion related to each. Evaporator a...
Pulling a Vacuum 2.0 w/ Jim Bergmann
16 Aug 2018
Contributed by Lukas
In today's podcast, Jim Bergmann joins us to talk about evacuation. He discusses pulling a vacuum, conductance speed, microns, core removal, decay rat...
Short 18 - Can You Freeze Water in a Vacuum?
14 Aug 2018
Contributed by Lukas
In today's short podcast episode, Jim Bergmann and Bryan answer the age-old question: Can you really freeze water in a vacuum by pulling down too fas...
What We Learn From HVAC/R Trade School
09 Aug 2018
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we talk with two techs recently out of trade school. We get their perspective on their trade education and how it compares to the fi...
Short 17 - MicroChannel
07 Aug 2018
Contributed by Lukas
Bryan talks about MicroChannel coils, what issues could happen with them, and what the best practice is to clean them. MicroChannel coils are kind of ...
Water Source - The Water Side w/ Eric Mele
02 Aug 2018
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Eric Mele dives into the world of pumps, controls, cooling towers, and everything else related to the water side of a water source h...
Short 16 - Air Velocity is Useful
30 Jul 2018
Contributed by Lukas
In this short podcast episode, Bryan covers how to measure air velocity directly at a return or supply and what those readings tell you. Since many te...
Intro to Water Source Heat Pumps w/ Eric Mele
26 Jul 2018
Contributed by Lukas
In today's podcast episode, Eric Mele walks us through the components of water source heat pumps, how they work, and what to look for. Water source h...
Short 15 - Testing Capacitors, A Practical Approach
24 Jul 2018
Contributed by Lukas
In this short podcast episode, Bryan Orr discusses the best practice methods for testing run capacitors in the field. We understand the capacitor to b...
Seasons of HVAC
19 Jul 2018
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Bryan Orr talks about how the seasons affect our HVAC work and how to manage stress during the busy season. If you work in the trade,...
Short 14 - The Voltage Drop Tool
17 Jul 2018
Contributed by Lukas
In today's short podcast episode, Bryan discusses the voltage drop measurement tool, also commonly known as the voltmeter. You can also find this volt...
Commercial vs. Residential w/ AK HVAC
12 Jul 2018
Contributed by Lukas
In today's podcast episode, we have a conversation about the pros and cons of commercial vs. residential HVAC with Andrew Greaves. (You may know him ...
Short 13 - 3 things the condenser does
10 Jul 2018
Contributed by Lukas
In this short podcast, Bryan covers three things that the condenser does. He also explains where those things happen and what those they mean in terms...
Short 12 - The First 4 Rules to Learn
05 Jul 2018
Contributed by Lukas
Many techs have said, "That's the first thing you should have learned in school." In today's short podcast, Bryan talks about the four rules that have...
Coil Cleaning with John Pastorello
03 Jul 2018
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we speak with the founder of Refrigeration Technologies, John Pastorello. He also tells us all about chemicals, cleaners, and HVAC co...
Danfoss ERC213 Parameters Review
27 Jun 2018
Contributed by Lukas
In today's podcast episode, Jonathan Romberg comes on to discuss how the Danfoss ERC 213 works and reviews its parameters with us. Timestamps: 10:30 –...
Short #11 - Superheat, The True Meaning
25 Jun 2018
Contributed by Lukas
In this podcast, we discuss the real significance of superheat and why it is much more than "a way to set the refrigerant charge on a fixed metering d...
How to Go From Tradesman to Franchise Empire
21 Jun 2018
Contributed by Lukas
This is the story of WITH JOSHUA NICHOLLS FROM PLATINUM ELECTRICIANS and how he went from pulling wire, to creating a franchise empire to giving back...
PCO Air Purification with Jon Bennert
19 Jun 2018
Contributed by Lukas
In today's podcast, Jon Bennert with Air Oasis talks about photo-catalytic oxidation (PCO) air purification. He explains how it works and what it doe...
Short #10 - Air Has Weight and Takes up Space
15 Jun 2018
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we talk about air as a form of matter. We cover air volume, density, weight, and mass and why it matters to you. So, air has weight...
Special EP Inverter Equipment With Ralph Wolf
12 Jun 2018
Contributed by Lukas
In today's podcast episode, Ralph Wolf comes on and discusses inverter equipment. He also talks about Mitsubishi, Bosch, and what he's been up to now...
Basic Refrigerant Circuit Revisited (Part 2)
07 Jun 2018
Contributed by Lukas
Part 2 - Bert (Kalos Tech) and Keiran (Kalos Apprentice) join Bryan in the studio to talk through the basic refrigerant circuit and how it functions. ...
Basic Refrigerant Circuit Revisited (Part 1)
05 Jun 2018
Contributed by Lukas
Part 1 -Bert (Kalos tech) and Keiran (Kalos apprentice) join Bryan in the studio to talk through the basic refrigerant circuit and how it functions. T...
Making of a TV Show About Home Performance
31 May 2018
Contributed by Lukas
In today's podcast, I talk with Corbett Lunsford about his new show about home performance and diagnosis. Home Diagnosis airs on PBS in winter 2018. ...
Sealing Ducts From the Inside w/ Sean Harris
29 May 2018
Contributed by Lukas
Sean Harris with Positive Energy and Aeroseal Austin sat down with me at the humid climate conference and talked about how to seal ducts from the insi...
Short #9 - Commercial Maintenance
24 May 2018
Contributed by Lukas
Today's short episode covers five things residential techs need to consider when tasked with doing maintenance on a commercial system. We mostly talk ...
Air Filters, They are More Complex Than You Knew w/ Lee Andrews
21 May 2018
Contributed by Lukas
In today's podcast episode, Lee Andrews with Andrews Filters talks about the complicated and important topic of air filters and filtration. He also ex...
How to Repair Aluminum Leaks
15 May 2018
Contributed by Lukas
Have you ever struggled to repair a leak in an all-aluminum coil? Lance Robinson with SolderWeld talks about his product to do just that and makes a c...
Short #8 - Resistance Up, Amps Down
14 May 2018
Contributed by Lukas
This short podcast episode covers the most misunderstood portion of Ohm's law explained masterfully from 1921: when resistance goes up, amps go down. ...
Universal Digital Refrigeration Controls and the Danfoss ERC 213
10 May 2018
Contributed by Lukas
In today's podcast episode, Jamie Kitchen talks about refrigeration controls and applications. He also tells us about the Danfoss ERC 213 universal di...
Manifolds vs. Probes Battle w/ Adolfo Wurts
08 May 2018
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Adolfo Wurts from Arbiter comes on and debates why a tech would want to use a manifold over wireless probes and vice versa. In our in...
HVAC/R Conductor, Breaker, and Fuse Selection
07 May 2018
Contributed by Lukas
In this podcast episode, Phil Barr joins Bryan to explain sizing for wires and breakers in HVAC/R work. You will be able to select breakers, conducto...
Humidity Talk w/ Johnathan Jones
01 May 2018
Contributed by Lukas
In today's podcast episode, Johnathan Jones from Clean Comfort, Ultra-Aire, and Therma-Stor talks to us about humidity, dehumidification, and ventilat...
Short #7 - A Moisture Problem
27 Apr 2018
Contributed by Lukas
In this short episode, we replace a dirty "M" word (mold) with another "M" word (moisture) that gets to the root of the problem. "Mold" and "mildew" ...
Prevent Compressor Murder Part 2 w/ Emerson
24 Apr 2018
Contributed by Lukas
Here is part 2 of the discussion with Trevor Matthews about the causes and prevention of air conditioning and refrigeration compressor failure. Sluggi...
Short #6 - Energy? Compared to What? EP1
20 Apr 2018
Contributed by Lukas
In this short podcast, we start the conversation about "Energy? Compared to What?" and explore several energy comparison examples. When we think about...
Prevent Compressor Murder Part 1 w/ Emerson
17 Apr 2018
Contributed by Lukas
In today's podcast, we talk with Trevor Matthews with Emerson. He tells us about the causes and prevention of air conditioning and refrigeration compr...
Intro to Manual J & S w/ Jack Rise
12 Apr 2018
Contributed by Lukas
In today's podcast episode, we talk with system and duct design educator Jack Rise about ACCA Manual J load calculation and Manual S system selection...
Low Voltage Diagnosis Basics w/ Bill Johnson
03 Apr 2018
Contributed by Lukas
In this podcast, Bill Johnson shares his practical tips to make low-voltage electrical diagnosis easier in HVAC work. Bill is one of the original auth...
Introduction to Walk-in Refrigeration
28 Mar 2018
Contributed by Lukas
In this podcast episode, refrigeration tech Eric Mele talks us through some common characteristics of walk-in freezers and refrigerators. Eric recentl...
Short #5 - Wire Routing & Connection
27 Mar 2018
Contributed by Lukas
In this short podcast episode, Bryan covers some basic best practices for wire routing and wire connections in HVAC work. When it comes to electrical...
Furnace Commissioning Part 2 w/ Jim Bergmann
21 Mar 2018
Contributed by Lukas
In the second part of this podcast series, Jim covers the basics of furnace commissioning in more detail with some common-sense practices. (Listen to...
Short #4 - Blower Taps
19 Mar 2018
Contributed by Lukas
In this short podcast episode, Bryan talks about blower taps in furnace systems. He explains how to set up their fan speeds and repair them. Before y...
Furnace Commissioning Part 1 w/ Jim Bergmann - Input / Rise
15 Mar 2018
Contributed by Lukas
In today's podcast episode, Jim Bergmann covers furnace commissioning, including setting up furnace input, clocking the meter, setting temperature ris...
Short #3 - Saturation
12 Mar 2018
Contributed by Lukas
This short podcast episode is about saturation and what it means. Bryan covers related topics, including boiling, evaporation, and condensing. Satura...
Measuring Airflow For Techs
08 Mar 2018
Contributed by Lukas
In this discussion with Bill Spohn from TruTechtools.com, we cover the practical steps and tools for YOU to start measuring airflow today, if not soo...
Short #2 - Delta T
07 Mar 2018
Contributed by Lukas
Today, Bryan discusses delta T (evaporator air temperature split) what it is, what it means, and how to avoid some common pitfalls. Delta T is NOT the...
Beating the Ego, Ignorance, and Insecurity Monster w/ Andrew Greaves
01 Mar 2018
Contributed by Lukas
In this simultaneously heavy and lighthearted discussion, Bryan Orr and Andrew Greaves discuss ego, Dunning-Kruger, insecurity, and apprenticeship in ...
Short #1 - Refrigerant Circuit Basics
22 Feb 2018
Contributed by Lukas
In this short episode, we review the basics of the refrigerant circuit. The standard HVAC refrigeration circuit has four main components: compressor, ...
Bi-Polar Ionization and IAQ w/ Jon Bennert
21 Feb 2018
Contributed by Lukas
Jon Bennert from Air Oasis teaches us about PCO and Bi-Polar air purification and how it improves indoor air quality through ionization. Photocatalyti...
Reach-In Refrigeration w/ Eric Mele
14 Feb 2018
Contributed by Lukas
In today's podcast episode, Eric Mele comes on to talk about reach-in coolers (refrigerators), freezers, and wine coolers with some mindset and techni...
Building Performance for HVAC Techs w/ Stephen Rardon and Neil Comparetto
06 Feb 2018
Contributed by Lukas
Stephen Rardon and Neil Comparetto join the podcast to talk about their headfirst dive into building performance as HVAC techs. They discuss jobs they...
Defrost in Commercial Refrigeration w/ Dick Wirz
01 Feb 2018
Contributed by Lukas
Dick Wirz, author of Commercial Refrigeration for Air Conditioning Technicians, talks to us about refrigerator and freezer defrost strategies. Check o...
Bonus - What you missed at AHR w/ Bill Spohn
31 Jan 2018
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Bill and Bryan recap the 2018 AHR conference with what they learned and what you can expect to see in the HVAC/R trade in the next ye...
Intro to Pneumatic Controls w/ Jim Loring
18 Jan 2018
Contributed by Lukas
In today's podcast episode, Bryan talks to west-coast commercial tech Jim Loring about pneumatic controls and variable air volume (VAV) systems. Peopl...
Floating Suction and Head and Rack Refrigeration w/ Jeremy Smith
15 Jan 2018
Contributed by Lukas
Jeremy Smith goes over floating suction and floating head refrigeration strategies. He also talks a bit more about low-ambient equipment operation. Fl...
Dehumidification Settings and Wiring with the Ecobee thermostat
08 Jan 2018
Contributed by Lukas
Bryan talks with Jesse and Nathan about setting up dehumidification for residential equipment in general. They also discuss some of the required and r...
What it Takes to be an Excellent Residential Service Tech
02 Jan 2018
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we cover the skills and traits needed to be the best residential service techs you can be. We follow up on the last episode's tips fo...
Special Episode - How to Get a Raise, Promotion or Bonus
26 Dec 2017
Contributed by Lukas
As we ring in the new year, this episode focuses on how people in the HVAC/R trade can get a raise, promotion, or bonus without facing rejection or so...
Single Phase, 3 Phase, and Split Phase Explained
22 Dec 2017
Contributed by Lukas
In this podcast episode, we discuss power distribution and some practical tips about three-phase, single-phase, and split-phase power. The power compa...
Desiccant Dehumidification w/ Tom Peterson
18 Dec 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Learn about large-scale desiccant dehumidification from the expert, Tom Peterson. Tom works with CDI (Climate By Design International). Dehumidificati...
Compression Ratio, Heat Pumps and More w/ Carter Stanfield
11 Dec 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Carter tells us why compression ratio is important, what it means, why it changes so much on heat pump systems, and the effect it has on system operat...
Using Volts and Ohms in Diagnosis
05 Dec 2017
Contributed by Lukas
In today's podcast, Bryan talks about voltage (volts) and resistance (ohms), specifically using a voltmeter and an ohmmeter for diagnosis. We also dis...
Variable Speed Motors and Why They Matter w/ Jamie Kitchen
27 Nov 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Jamie Kitchen from Danfoss talks all about variable-speed motor technology. He discusses why those motors exist, what they do, and how to think differ...
Duct Design Facts w/ Jack Rise
23 Nov 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Jack Rise returns to the podcast to share some duct design facts with us and talk about his Manual D book on the ACCA website. Before we can even star...
Removing Gas Meters and Heat pumps in Cold Climates w/ Nate Adams
17 Nov 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Nate Adams joins the podcast to describe the method behind his madness of removing gas meters and installing heat pumps in Ohio. Nate is in the home p...
Leak Free Systems w/ Bill Johnson
13 Nov 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Bill Johnson is one of the great educators and writers of our time in HVAC/R. In this podcast episode, he shares some information about his career and...