HVAC School - For Techs, By Techs

Furnaces - Introduction and History w/ Jim Bergmann

09 Nov 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Jim takes us all the way through the history of furnaces, from the Stone Age when he was a child to modern modulating condensing types. The goal of a...

Electrical Circuits Class

07 Nov 2017

Contributed by Lukas

This podcast episode on electrical circuits is a class recording. In it, Bryan discusses transformers, ground, common, and line vs. load sides of a c...

Electrical Basics: How and Why Electrons Move

03 Nov 2017

Contributed by Lukas

In HVAC work, we deal with quite a few electrical components. But where does electricity come from? Why do electrons move? In this podcast episode, we...

The Duct We Tend to Forget w/ Joe Medosch

29 Oct 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Do you think of the building envelope as a duct? Do you test it? In this podcast episode, Joe Medosh talks to us about envelope testing and why it's t...

Ductless Maintenance Steps - Part 2

23 Oct 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Ductless expert Jesse Claerbout talks about his best maintenance practices for ductless air conditioners and heat pumps. This episode is part 2 of the...

Ductless Maintenance Steps - Part 1

20 Oct 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Ductless expert Jesse Claerbout talks about his best practices for maintaining ductless air conditioners and heat pumps. This episode is part 1 out of...

Run Capacitor Facts You May Not Know

18 Oct 2017

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we cover some common misconceptions about run capacitors, some easy ways to test them, and some tips on working with them. A run capa...

Bonus - The Case for Tamper Resistant Caps w/ James Bowman

11 Oct 2017

Contributed by Lukas

James from Rectorseal talks about the IMC codes relating to tamper-resistant caps and why you may consider installing them now. Tamper-resistant caps...

Economizer Basics w/ Jerry Eavenson

10 Oct 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Many techs know just enough about economizers to bypass them. In this podcast episode, Jerry Eavenson and Bryan talk about the basics of what an HVAC ...

A Steam Heat Primer by Dan Holohan

07 Oct 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Dan Holohan is the father of modern steam heat training. This episode is a narration of his in-depth steam article "A Steam Heating Primer" from Heati...

The Lost Art of Steam Heating w/ Dan Holohan

03 Oct 2017

Contributed by Lukas

In today's podcast, Bryan talks with legendary Hydronics author and trainer Dan Holohan about the history of steam heating and some practical applicat...

Bonus - The Spark Ranger

30 Sep 2017

Contributed by Lukas

This special podcast episode focuses on the tragic life and times of Spark Ranger Roy Sullivan. Roy Sullivan was a park ranger who was born in Virgini...

Electronic Expansion Valves (EEV) w/ Jamie Kitchen

27 Sep 2017

Contributed by Lukas

In today's podcast, Bryan and Jamie talk about the electronic expansion valve (EEV). Bryan and Jamie describe how EEVs work and the reason they exist...

(Bonus) HVAC/R Industry State of the Union

22 Sep 2017

Contributed by Lukas

In today's podcast episode, trade school student Chris Caldwell interviews Bryan about trends in the HVAC industry, his business, and the future. Chr...

Filter Drier Basics w/ Chris Reeves

19 Sep 2017

Contributed by Lukas

In today's podcast, Chris Reeves joins Bryan to discuss filter driers, including suction driers, liquid driers, core driers, different media, and basi...

Nitrogen Pressures do Change with Temperature - the Basic Gas Laws

16 Sep 2017

Contributed by Lukas

In today's podcast, Bryan covers the four basic gas laws and how they apply to you as an HVAC technician in the field, not just in theory. Remember, w...

Bonus - Tips from a VRF Tech w/ Alex Figueroa

15 Sep 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Alex Figueroa is a VRF and refrigeration tech in Puerto Rico, and he talks to Bryan about his work and specialized experiences. Since Mitsubishi is a ...

Ductless and VRF Diagnosis w/ John Chavez EP2

12 Sep 2017

Contributed by Lukas

What do you need to know to walk up and fix a VRF or ductless system? John Chavez, longtime VRF/ductless pro, covers his approach to ductless and VRF ...

Matter, Mass, Weight, and Volume

11 Sep 2017

Contributed by Lukas

This episode covers some basics of matter that relate to HVAC/R. These basics include mass, weight, and volume. There will also be some talk of speci...

Ductless and VRF Diagnosis w/ John Chavez EP1

09 Sep 2017

Contributed by Lukas

What do you need to know to walk up and fix a VRF or ductless system? John Chavez, a longtime VRF/ductless pro, explains his approach in Part 1 of thi...

Bonus - Tech Communication and "PM Specials" w/ Frank Besednjak

07 Sep 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Frank Besednjak talks about proper communication in conflicts between techs and managers. He also covers the potential problem with inexpensive air co...

The Basic Refrigeration Circuit, Pressure & Enthalpy w/ Carter Stanfield

04 Sep 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Carter Stanfield, a co-author of Fundamentals of HVACR, talks about the entire refrigeration circuit. He also explains how to read and plot a pressur...

Bonus - Leak Sealants and How They Work w/ James Bowman

01 Sep 2017

Contributed by Lukas

James Bowman talks to Bryan about leak sealant products, including RectorSeal's Leak Freeze product. James talks about how sealants work, what happens...

Commercial Refrigeration for A/C Techs w/ Dick Wirz

28 Aug 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Dick Wirz, author of Commercial Refrigeration for Air Conditioning Technicians, talks about making the switch from A/C to refrigeration. Dick Wirz is ...

Introduction to Ammonia Chillers w/ Camron Conlee

23 Aug 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Camron Conlee joins the podcast to give us an introduction to ammonia chillers. He also explains what it's like to work with a poisonous refrigerant. ...

Scales - The Episode You've been Weighting For w/ Adolfo Wurts

22 Aug 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Adolfo Wurts from Arbiter Incorporated, designer of the UEI WRS line of Bluetooth scales, comes on the podcast. We talk all about scales and how to us...

Big Announcement - 8/21/17

21 Aug 2017

Contributed by Lukas

In this quick announcement I talk about the launch of the revolutionary diagnostic and data management tool MeasureQuick

Looking past the First Thing & Facial (Hair) Profiling w/ Todd Liles

18 Aug 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Todd Liles of Service Excellence Training joins the podcast. He talks about techs who shouldn't be on commission, how to make the most of your career,...

Advanced Evacuation w/ Jim Bergmann

16 Aug 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Jim Bergmann returns to the HVAC School podcast to cover some advanced topics in evacuation, including rig setups and triple evacuation. To increase t...

Using ZoomLock Every Day w/ Brent Ridley

10 Aug 2017

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Brent Ridley talks about the flame-free ZoomLock fittings and why he is using them for almost everything to replace brazing. These ar...

How to Perform a Leak Detection on a Low Pressure Chiller w/ Jeff Neiman

09 Aug 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Jeff Neiman returns to the HVAC School podcast to explain how we can perform leak detection on a low-pressure chiller. Jeff works on systems with glyc...

Special Episode - The Launch of an HVAC Industry Changing App w/ Jim Bergmann

04 Aug 2017

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of the podcast, Jim Bergmann talks about the launch date of the measureQuick (MQ) app, what it will do, why he made it, who it is for,...

Condensate Switch Codes and Practices w/ James Bowman

02 Aug 2017

Contributed by Lukas

James Bowman of Rectorseal returns to the podcast to discuss condensate switch codes and some best practices to comply with the codes. The humble cond...

Bonus - Being On Call w/ Les Fork

31 Jul 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Les Fork returns to the podcast to discuss on-call rotations. He explains why being on call is necessary and how you can make the most of it. We are s...

Measuring Air Flow - Air Density and Direct Air Flow Measurement Part 2 w/ Jim Bergmann

24 Jul 2017

Contributed by Lukas

In this podcast episode, Jim Bergmann continues talking about standard air, air density, and mass vs. volume as well as some other methods of "directl...

Bonus - Impressions From a Week as a Tech from a College Intern w/ Bill Spohn Jr.

24 Jul 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Bill Spohn Jr. is a college intern working towards his business degree, but he took a week to see what it is like to work as an HVAC tech. He shares h...

Measuring Air Flow - Static / Capacity & ECM Motors Part 1 w/ Jim Bergmann

19 Jul 2017

Contributed by Lukas

In this two-part podcast series, Jim Bergmann talks about measuring airflow in HVAC systems. He covers a wide range of airflow measurement instrumenta...

Brazing Basics and Tips

12 Jul 2017

Contributed by Lukas

In this podcast episode, Bryan talks about brazing basics and tips. He goes over safety, regulator settings, torch positioning, flowing nitrogen, heat...

Bonus - Blue Collar Life & Experience w/ Ralph Wolf

10 Jul 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Bryan talks to Ralph Wolf from T&N Services on YouTube and the Working Joe's podcast. We talk about blue-collar life, how the trade has changed for us...

Drying Stuff vs. Drying Air - Humidification, Dehumidification and Ventilation

03 Jul 2017

Contributed by Lukas

This episode is a rebroadcast of a very useful episode from the Corbett Lunsford's Building Performance Podcast at https://buildingperformancepodcast....

Bonus - Restaurant Equipment "Hot Side" w/ Nick Messick

30 Jun 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Restaurant HVAC and refrigeration tech Nick Messick comes on the podcast to talk about restaurant equipment, especially the "hot side." The "hot side"...

Building Automation Basics for the HVAC Tech w/ Phil Zito

28 Jun 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Phil Zito of Building Automation Monthly comes on the podcast to discuss building automation and what HVAC techs should know about it. Automation esse...

Bonus - HVAC Contractors and Distributors, Keys to a Great Partnership

23 Jun 2017

Contributed by Lukas

In this podcast episode, Bryan and Mike Layton of Shore Distributors explain how HVAC contractors and distributors can build a great partnership. Shor...

TXV Operation, Diagnosis and Failure w/ Jamie Kitchen

20 Jun 2017

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Bryan talks with Jamie Kitchen from Danfoss about why and how thermostatic expansion valves (TXVs) fail and how they function in the ...

Check The Charge Without Connecting Gauges - Part 2

14 Jun 2017

Contributed by Lukas

In this second part of the podcast, Jim Bergmann wraps up the steps to check a system charge without connecting a gauge manifold. You can check the ch...

Check The Charge Without Connecting Gauges - Part 1

13 Jun 2017

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of the podcast, we talk about gauges. Jim Bergmann from Redfish Instruments and the MeasureQuick app explains why you may want to ch...

Common Duct Design Mistakes w/ Jack Rise

06 Jun 2017

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Jack Rise talks about duct design regarding ACCA manual D, friction rate, face velocity, duct velocity, and what is ACTUALLY wrong wi...

Why A/C Units Freeze w/ Eric Shidell

02 Jun 2017

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Bryan speaks with Eric Shidell about some of the basics of system freezing, what causes it, and what to do about it. Freezing is a no...

Blower Door Testing, Building Performance & More w/ Corbett Lunsford

30 May 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Corbett Lunsford from the Building Performance Workshop and the Proof is Possible tour talks to us about the moral superiority of building performance...

Introduction to CO2 w/ Andre Patenaude

25 May 2017

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of the podcast, Bryan talks with Andre Patenaude from Emerson about CO2 refrigeration, and transcritical booster systems. Modern CO2 s...

Bill Spohn is the Man-ometer / 10 Years of TruTech Tools

23 May 2017

Contributed by Lukas

In this just-for-fun episode, we celebrate 10 years of great tools and excellent customer service with TruTech CEO Bill Spohn. We hope you enjoy this ...

When Will Techs Be Replaced By Robots? w/ Adolfo Wurts

22 May 2017

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Bryan talks with HVAC products designer Adolfo Wurts about technology, automation, and the coming robot apocalypse. Automation is a f...

EPA 608 Changes - What You Need to Know w/ Jeremy Arling

17 May 2017

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of the podcast, Jeremy Arling from the EPA comes on and answers some common questions about the new rule changes that affect recovery,...

Evacuation 101 w/ Jim Bergmann

12 May 2017

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of the podcast, Jim reviews the basics of evacuation and dehydration. He also covers hoses and vacuum gauge placement. Evacuation may ...

Psychrometrics for Fun and Profit w/ Jamie Kitchen

08 May 2017

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of the podcast, Jamie Kitchen from Danfoss talks about wet-bulb, dry-bulb, relative humidity, dew point, enthalpy, and latent heat. Th...

Measuring Voltage Drop w/ Jim Bergmann

01 May 2017

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Bryan and Jim discuss measuring voltage drop and what it means. They also cover some other pointers to keep from using parts to banda...

Starting Up a New Chiller w/ Jeff Neiman

28 Apr 2017

Contributed by Lukas

In this podcast, Jeff Neiman shares an overview of his chiller startup procedure and some things he looks out for when starting a chiller after the in...

Hard Start Kits, Types, and Applications w/ James Bowman

25 Apr 2017

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Bryan speaks with James Bowman from Rectorseal about hard start kits, PTCR devices, run capacitors, compressor overheating, and the K...

Completing the Service Call Process (Part 2) w/ Les Fork

21 Apr 2017

Contributed by Lukas

In part 2 of this conversation, we go through the condensing unit and wrap up the call with our no-fluff customer service best practices.  The servic...

The Residential Service Tech Process w/ Les Fork

20 Apr 2017

Contributed by Lukas

This is part 1 of 2 on the soft skills practices of approaching and completing a residential service call in the best manner possible. Before the ser...

Electrical Myths P2 - Grounding & Bonding

18 Apr 2017

Contributed by Lukas

In this podcast episode, Bryan talks about grounding and some common misunderstandings related to ground, neutral, ground rods, and lightning. The com...

Ice Machines and Tech Support w/ Nick Messick

14 Apr 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Bryan talks with Nick Messick about some ice machine basics. They also discuss how to determine when to pick up the phone and call tech support. Ice m...

Sometimes a #12 Wire can go on a 40A Breaker

10 Apr 2017

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of the podcast, we talk about condenser wire sizing considerations, ampacity, temperature, conductor sizing, voltage drop, and why a #...

Techs vs. Engineers w/ Bill Spohn from TruTech

04 Apr 2017

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of the podcast, we talk to Bill Spohn from TruTech Tools about how TruTech Tools got its start and some of the ways that techs and eng...

Emergency Boiler Repair - Tech Ride along

04 Apr 2017

Contributed by Lukas

In This episode Justin talks about the trials and benefits of working out of town, long drives and this weeks boiler service calls in detail. 

Ductless Installation P2 - Flaring, Charging and More

31 Mar 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Jesse and I talk about MORE best practices for installing ductless systems. Both lines should be insulated on a ductless system because they have elec...

Ductless Installation P1 - Application and Drains

30 Mar 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Bryan and Jesse talk in detail about ductless applications we commonly see, best system placement, drains, and much more. Ductless systems are unique,...

Combustion Basics w/ Benoit

22 Mar 2017

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode with BENOÎT MONGEAU, we talk about the components of combustion and what to consider when testing it on a fuel-burning appliance. Com...

HVAC Ridealong - Leak Detection, Repair & New Smart Probes

22 Mar 2017

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode Justin talks about his first A/C repair of the season, his old combustion analyser and why he is enjoying the Testo Smart Probes his j...

What Circuit to Break, Makeup Air, Chiller & Boiler Startups and More - HVAC Tech RideAlong

17 Mar 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Pumping Away and More w/ Dan Holohan

13 Mar 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Dan Holohan speaks to Bryan about his background and journey as a writer. He also dives into his book, Pumping Away, and describes classic hydronics a...

Why Maintenance Agreements Matter and How to Make Them Work w/ Ruth King

08 Mar 2017

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Ruth King shares some of her top insights on how to create a maintenance program if you don't have one. She teaches us to recognize a...

Profitability and Money Leaks in HVAC w/ Ruth King

07 Mar 2017

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Ruth breaks down some of the main things an A/C contractor needs to consider when looking at their numbers and some of the major leak...

Should I Start My Own Business? w/ Tersh Blissette

06 Mar 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Tersh and Bryan were both techs working for other companies when they started their own businesses. This episode is a look back at what they got right...

Test Instruments Past, Present & Future w/ Jim Bergmann

28 Feb 2017

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Bryan speaks with Jim Bergmann of Redfish Instruments about his path to being a test instruments business owner. He has also worked w...

Condensing Temperature, Condenser Split and Subcool

22 Feb 2017

Contributed by Lukas

In this podcast, Bryan talks about condensing temperature, condenser split, and subcooling. All three of the values are proportional. If one changes, ...

Air Flow - Latent, Sensible, WB, DB, RH and Static

16 Feb 2017

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Bryan talks a bit about the air side of the system. Understanding airflow is all about seeing the relationship between readings. We c...

New Series Pilot - HVAC Tech Ride Along W/ Justin Skinner

11 Feb 2017

Contributed by Lukas

In this first episode of a new series Justin talks about the calls he is doing before and after he does them, giving us a look inside the van of a sen...

Hard Start Kits, Staybrite #8, Motor Ratings, AHR and Much More

08 Feb 2017

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of the HVAC School Podcast, we talk about some cool technologies and controversial tools. Joe Shearer joins us to talk about hard star...

Low Ambient, Condenser Flooding, and Headmaster Valves

03 Feb 2017

Contributed by Lukas

In this podcast episode, Jeremy Smith comes on the podcast to talk about low-ambient controls, headmaster valves, charging, and condenser flooding. If...

Bonus - How Sibling Rivalry Built an Empire

01 Feb 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Bryan takes a break from the technical talk and tells a quick story about how two brothers fueled an industry and created an empire with raw sibling r...

Chiller Talk for the Chillerphobic

27 Jan 2017

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we talk with Jeff Nieman about chillers and how they work. For those of you who primarily work in residential or light commercial HVA...

Leak Detection Mindset

23 Jan 2017

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Bryan and Bert talk about properly stripping cables and leak detection best practices. Bert is a senior technician and self-proclaime...

Recovery, Evacuation, and Dehydration Facts

12 Jan 2017

Contributed by Lukas

n this episode, Bryan covers evacuation, recovery, and dehydration. Evacuation refers to putting a vacuum pump on the system and pulling it down. We u...

Building a Great HVAC Business w/ Bob Gee

09 Jan 2017

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Bryan talks to Business and Sales Trainer Bob Gee about HVAC business practices. Bob has watched sales and leadership evolve a lot ov...

Combustion Analysis w/ Stephen Rardon

03 Jan 2017

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Bryan talks to YouTube star Stephen Rardon about combustion analysis. In Florida, we mostly have A/C units and heat pumps. High-effic...

Circuit Board Diagnosis Basics

28 Dec 2016

Contributed by Lukas

In this unedited episode of HVAC School, Bryan and Nathan talk about some basic rules for circuit board diagnosis. So, circuit boards are boards with ...

High-Efficiency Furnace Basics & Maintenance

19 Dec 2016

Contributed by Lukas

Benoit Mongeau comes on the podcast to talk about high-efficiency gas furnace basics and maintenance practices.  When maintaining a high-efficiency g...

Cutting Compressors, iManifold, and Thermal Imaging w/ Ulises Palacios

16 Dec 2016

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of HVAC School, Bryan talks with Ulises Palacios about some cool technology. Ulises has become a technology expert through his many ye...

Heat Pumps, Reversing Valves and Defrost

05 Dec 2016

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of HVAC School, Bryan covers the basics of heat pumps. Heat pumps are common technologies in Florida. They reverse the sequence of the...

Relays, Sequencers, Transformers and Questionable Metaphors

01 Dec 2016

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Bryan and Nathan have a banter-filled conversation about electrical components that confuse techs. If you are looking for a serious e...

Some High Voltage Electrical Basics

29 Nov 2016

Contributed by Lukas

This podcast is a high voltage A/C electrical class that Bryan gave to some of the Kalos apprentices. The high voltage journey begins with basic elect...

Gas Furnace Sequence of Operation w/ Justin Skinner

22 Nov 2016

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Bryan talks to Justin Skinner about the standard gas furnace sequence of operation. Regardless of the furnace type, it all begins wit...

Prepping Non-techs for Winter

21 Nov 2016

Contributed by Lukas

Central Florida techs know the Southern winter all too well. Let's face it. It doesn't get super cold here regularly, but when it does, EVERYONE FREAK...

Some Refrigeration Thoughts for A/C Techs

17 Nov 2016

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of the HVAC School Podcast, Bryan talks with Jeremy Smith about refrigeration tips, terms and processes. They also cover the similarit...

Flow Nitrogen Great Again

10 Nov 2016

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of the HVAC School Podcast, Bryan talks with Tim Bagnall about flowing nitrogen. Many techs don't flow nitrogen. Some may say that i...

There is More to Check

08 Nov 2016

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Bryan goes back over the basics and stresses the importance of diagnosing the whole system. I'll cut to the chase: inspection is NOT ...

Replacing a Compressor from Start to Finish

03 Nov 2016

Contributed by Lukas

In this podcast episode, Bryan goes over best practices for diagnosing and replacing an A/C or refrigeration compressor.  When testing for a shorted ...

The 5 Readings Every Tech Must Know Well

28 Oct 2016

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of HVAC School, Bryan covers the "5 pillars of refrigerant circuit diagnosis" and why they matter. They are: Superheat Subcool Suctio...

Basic Electrical Theory

12 Oct 2016

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of HVAC School, Bryan talks to his sons about basic electrical theory. Electrical theory normally requires trigonometry, calculus, and...