HVAC School - For Techs, By Techs

In this special collaborative episode between the Building HVAC Science Podcast and HVAC School, host Bryan Orr sits down with his father and co-founder Robert Orr (Kalos) and Bill and Billy Spohn, the father-son duo behind TruTech Tools, for an in-depth conversation about the realities of running, transitioning, and ultimately passing the torch in a family-owned business. What makes this episode particularly compelling is that both pairs are actively living through their own succession journeys in real time, offering listeners an unusually candid and personal look at the emotional, structural, and cultural dimensions of handing off a business you helped build from the ground up. The conversation begins with each participant sharing where they stand today. Bill Spohn Sr. is transitioning into semi-retirement as CEO and co-owner of TruTech Tools, which has tripled in revenue since his son Billy joined the company in 2018. Billy Spohn has stepped into the role of President and co-owner, focusing on working on the business rather than in it. Robert Orr, co-founder of Kalos alongside Bryan, has similarly stepped back after a formalized three-year succession plan, with Bryan now holding majority ownership and day-to-day control. Together, these four men represent two different approaches to the same deeply human challenge: what does it really mean to let go of something you built, and how do you do it in a way that honors both the past and the future? A major theme throughout the episode is the emotional weight of identity and transition that founders and long-time leaders rarely talk about openly. Both Bill Spohn Sr. and Robert Orr reflect candidly on how much of their personal identity has been wrapped up in their respective companies, and how surprising it has been to grapple with the shift from decision-maker to advisor. Robert speaks movingly about health challenges, including having suffered strokes, that accelerated his thinking about succession and mortality. The group explores how no amount of business planning fully prepares you for the emotional reality of stepping back, and yet both men express genuine peace and gratitude for how their transitions have unfolded. The honesty in these reflections is rare and refreshing, especially in business media that often skips the messy human middle. The discussion also digs deeply into the operational and cultural infrastructure that makes a successful handoff possible. TruTech Tools implemented the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) starting in 2022, a framework that Billy says was one of the greatest gifts his father could have given him before assuming leadership. EOS brought role clarity, accountability structures, and regular team rhythms that transformed how the company functions. Bryan and Robert took a more organic approach at Kalos, leaning on trust, a shared value system, and clearly defined responsibilities that evolved over years of working side by side. Both companies emphasize that clarity and accountability are non-negotiable, regardless of company size, and that culture is not a poster on the wall but a reflection of how leaders actually behave when things get hard. The episode closes with practical advice for other family business owners navigating similar journeys. Key takeaways include starting the conversation early, building an advisory board outside the company, making public commitments to accountability, investing in business reading and peer groups, holding regular family meetings so that everyone understands the plan, and above all, prioritizing emotional health and the ability to have hard conversations before they become festering resentments. Bryan offers a memorable point: intelligence gets beaten by emotional regulation and patience every day. The group is unanimous that succession planning is not a single event but a thousand small handoffs, and the best time to start preparing is well before you feel ready. Topics Covered Introductions:...

Looking to Add Plumbing To Your HVAC Business? Learn the critical pitfalls to avoid before you make the leap! In this livestream from the 7th Annual HVAC/R Training Symposium, service plumber and third-generation tradesman Nate Agentis breaks down why adding plumbing to your HVAC business isn't as simple as hiring a plumber and stocking PVC on your trucks. What You'll Learn: Nate shares real-world insights on avoiding the cash flow drains, cultural toxicity, and structural mistakes that plague HVAC companies trying to diversify. Whether you're considering adding plumbing or already struggling with your plumbing division, this conversation provides actionable strategies for sustainable growth. Have a question that you want us to answer on the podcast? Submit your questions at https://www.speakpipe.com/hvacschool. Purchase your tickets or learn more about the 7th Annual HVACR Training Symposium at https://hvacrschool.com/symposium. Subscribe to our podcast on your iPhone or Android. Subscribe to our YouTube channel. Check out our handy calculators here or on the HVAC School Mobile App for Apple and Android.

In this episode of the HVAC School Podcast, host Bryan sits down with Johnny, the creator behind the popular social media channel "Let's Be Techs." Johnny brings a wealth of hands-on experience to the table, having spent his first 13 years in residential HVAC before transitioning into commercial refrigeration. He shares his unconventional path into the trade—starting out building houses before being recommended to an HVAC contractor—and how the lack of quality mentorship early in his career motivated him to create educational content for technicians. His videos, which began as a fun hobby and a way to teach his helper remotely, have since grown exponentially across TikTok, YouTube, and Facebook, and continue to attract technicians hungry for practical, real-world knowledge. The bulk of the episode is a deep dive into real-world troubleshooting strategies, covering everything from the very first moments you arrive on a job site to diagnosing complex intermittent electrical faults. Bryan and Johnny both emphasize the value of using your senses before reaching for specialty tools—listening for surging liquid lines, feeling condenser airflow with your hand, and visually inspecting service valves for oil before removing caps. They share a mutual philosophy that the best technicians are those who can step back, assess the big picture, and narrow down the problem systematically rather than immediately jumping to assumptions about charge levels or component failures. A significant portion of the conversation centers on low-voltage electrical diagnostics, an area where both techs have noticed major changes over the last several years. Bryan and Johnny discuss the rise of contactor coil failures, transformer overload from aftermarket add-ons like UV lights and zone dampers, and the clever use of a contactor in place of a fuse as a low-cost short-finder tool. They also revisit the concept of "tattletale" fuses and resettable fuses, comparing their reliability and appropriate applications. Throughout these discussions, both hosts bring in personal war stories that make the technical content feel grounded and immediately applicable to everyday service calls. The episode wraps up with discussions on thermal imaging cameras, scroll compressor anomalies, and a memorable consulting story from Barbados involving a VRF system. Johnny and Bryan also touch on the importance of sharing knowledge openly in the trades, pushing back against the gatekeeping mentality that leaves newer technicians struggling to find reliable information. Both agree that the comment sections of field-focused videos have become a valuable community resource—a place where techs teach each other, correct each other, and build a collective knowledge base that benefits the whole industry. Topics Covered Follow Johnny on social media as "Let's Be Techs" on YouTube, TikTok, Facebook, and Instagram. Have a question that you want us to answer on the podcast? Submit your questions at https://www.speakpipe.com/hvacschool. Purchase your tickets or learn more about the 7th Annual HVACR Training Symposium at https://hvacrschool.com/symposium. Subscribe to our podcast on your iPhone or Android. Subscribe to our YouTube channel. Check out our handy calculators here or on the HVAC School Mobile App for Apple and Android.

Join Joey Henderson LIVE from the 7th Annual HVAC/R Training Symposium in Florida! This essential training breaks down the science of heat transfer into practical field techniques every technician needs. What You'll Learn: Key Takeaways: Joey Henderson shares real-world stories and field-tested methods for mastering heat in, heat out principles. Whether you're working with mini-splits, gas furnaces, or commercial chillers - understanding heat transfer is the foundation of excellent HVAC work! Have a question that you want us to answer on the podcast? Submit your questions at https://www.speakpipe.com/hvacschool. Purchase your tickets or learn more about the 7th Annual HVACR Training Symposium at https://hvacrschool.com/symposium. Subscribe to our podcast on your iPhone or Android. Subscribe to our YouTube channel. Check out our handy calculators here or on the HVAC School Mobile App for Apple and Android.

Recorded live at the 7th Annual HVACR Training Symposium, this episode brings together Roman from HVAC School and building science practitioner Brynn for a deep-dive conversation on one of the most pressing challenges in the HVAC industry: how contractors can use building science principles not just to solve problems, but to communicate value and close sales at the kitchen table. With 26 years of industry experience and 15 years of consistently applying building science in his contracting business, Brynn shares the process his team has refined to help homeowners understand their comfort problems — and confidently invest in the right solutions. Central to the conversation is the idea that testing — not guessing — is the foundation of a great HVAC business. Brynn outlines his team's "big three" diagnostic approach: starting with indoor air quality testing, followed by a load calculation using a LIDAR tool, and finishing with a duct evaluation. These three steps give technicians the data they need to tie findings directly to a homeowner's stated concerns. Rather than overwhelming customers with spreadsheets and raw numbers, the goal is to present information in a way that connects with their lived experience — validating that their hot rooms, cold spots, or humidity discomfort are real, measurable problems with real, measurable solutions. Brynn's team can complete a full load calculation in as little as 20 minutes on-site, a capability that routinely impresses homeowners and sets them apart from competitors. The episode also tackles the business case for slowing down. Rather than rushing technicians through six to eight calls a day, Brynn's company reduced daily call volume to two to four, giving technicians time to perform thorough diagnostics. The result? Ticket sales increased, replacement opportunities grew organically, and install callbacks dropped to a remarkable half of one percent, compared to an industry average closer to ten percent. Roman and Brynn agree that adopting building science practices isn't about overhauling your business overnight. The key is to start with one skill — like combustion testing or airflow measurement — master it, embed it in company culture, and build from there. Over time, these small habits compound into a business that delivers on its promises every time. Beyond the technical content, the conversation wraps with a heartfelt discussion about workforce development and the GRIT Foundation, a nonprofit working to reintroduce skilled trades exposure to young people. With shop classes having largely disappeared from schools across the country, Brynn and Roman emphasize the importance of giving children the chance to discover a passion for hands-on work. Brynn's team hosted a GRIT camp in Detroit, and one participant has since enrolled in HVAC college — a reminder that sparking curiosity early can change the trajectory of a young person's life. Contractors interested in Brynn's training programs and building science bootcamps can find more information at HVACTrain.com. Topics Covered Learn more about Brynn's education opportunities at https://www.hvactrain.com/. Have a question that you want us to answer on the podcast? Submit your questions at https://www.speakpipe.com/hvacschool. Purchase your tickets or learn more about the 7th Annual HVACR Training Symposium at https://hvacrschool.com/symposium. Subscribe to our podcast on your iPhone or Android. Subscribe to our YouTube channel. Check out our handy calculators here or on the HVAC School Mobile App for Apple and Android.

Join industry veterans Tim De Stasio, Roman Baugh, Eric Kaiser, and Nathan Orr as they share their most memorable HVAC lessons learned the HARD WAY. This unfiltered conversation from the 7th Annual HVAC/R Training Symposium reveals the real stories behind costly errors, dangerous situations, and valuable HVAC training moments that shaped their careers. What You'll Learn: From seized compressors and ruptured refrigerant lines to dangerous gas leaks and combustion incidents, these HVAC professionals hold nothing back. Each story comes with crucial HVAC/R lessons that can help you avoid making the same mistakes. Whether you're a seasoned technician or just starting your HVAC career, these hard-earned insights will help you work safer, smarter, and more professionally. Remember: The best lessons are often learned the HARD WAY by others. Learn from these experiences so you don't have to repeat them! Have a question that you want us to answer on the podcast? Submit your questions at https://www.speakpipe.com/hvacschool. Purchase your tickets or learn more about the 7th Annual HVACR Training Symposium at https://hvacrschool.com/symposium. Subscribe to our podcast on your iPhone or Android. Subscribe to our YouTube channel. Check out our handy calculators here or on the HVAC School Mobile App for Apple and Android.

In this heartfelt and wide-ranging episode, host Bryan reconnects with Jim Bergmann of measureQuick after nearly three years apart. The reunion is anything but ordinary — Jim opens up about a serious battle with non-Hodgkin's B-cell lymphoma that sent him through not one but two rounds of chemotherapy, ultimately requiring a cutting-edge CAR-T cell immunotherapy treatment at the Cleveland Clinic. Jim shares the remarkable medical journey of having his T cells extracted, genetically modified in a Maryland lab, and reintroduced into his body to permanently attack cancer cells. Now past the critical six-month remission milestone, Jim is back, healthy, and more motivated than ever to push the HVAC diagnostics industry forward. From his medical comeback, the conversation transitions naturally into what Jim loves most: the world of HVAC diagnostics and the evolution of measureQuick. After years of defending a per-use pricing model that the market simply didn't embrace, Jim candidly admits the old model wasn't working. With the help of business partner Eric Preston (formerly of TruTech Tools), the team overhauled the software's pricing structure in February — a move that has since driven 90%+ customer retention and accelerated growth significantly. The new focus is squarely on "time to value," streamlining workflows so technicians reach key diagnostic reports faster than ever before. A significant portion of the episode dives into how measureQuick is thoughtfully integrating artificial intelligence. Rather than chasing AI trends, Jim and his team — including AI specialist Ben Reed — took a deliberate approach: identifying the precise areas where AI genuinely helps technicians without creating distractions. The standout use case is label identification, where AI reads equipment labels and auto-populates system profiles. Jim is refreshingly candid about AI's limitations in HVAC diagnostics, explaining that the field variability of real-world systems (varying line set lengths, mismatched equipment, non-standard airflow conditions) makes purely AI-driven diagnostics unreliable. Instead, measureQuick leans on first-principle modeling and non-dimensional mathematics to generate objective, data-driven results. The episode closes with a thought-provoking discussion about the state of the HVAC industry at large. Bryan and Jim tackle the growing influence of private equity consolidation, the persistent problem of technicians skipping probe deployment, the difference between clearing faults and actually fixing them, and the importance of commissioning and retro-commissioning equipment to manufacturer design intent. Throughout it all, the conversation is anchored by a shared belief: that measuring everything — in business and on the job — is the foundation of genuine, lasting improvement. It's a must-listen for any HVAC professional or business owner who wants to understand where the industry is headed. Topics Covered Learn more about measureQuick at https://measurequick.com/. Have a question that you want us to answer on the podcast? Submit your questions at https://www.speakpipe.com/hvacschool. Purchase your tickets or learn more about the 7th Annual HVACR Training Symposium at https://hvacrschool.com/symposium. Subscribe to our podcast on your iPhone or Android. Subscribe to our YouTube channel. Check out our handy calculators here or on the HVAC School Mobile App for Apple and Android.

Discover what separates elite HVAC technicians from average ones in this eye-opening session from the 7th Annual HVAC/R Training Symposium. Shelby Breger, co-founder of Conduit Tech, and Jim Bergmann, President of measureQuick, reveal what good HVAC techs do differently with data and how they leverage data to transform their diagnostics, commissioning, and service work. What You'll Learn: Jim shares insights from analyzing 270+ data points per service call and explains how HVAC professionals can use tools like measureQuick to eliminate uncertainty from their work. Learn why contractors doing Manual J load calculations are downsizing equipment 1-3 tons and becoming more profitable in the process. Have a question that you want us to answer on the podcast? Submit your questions at https://www.speakpipe.com/hvacschool. Purchase your tickets or learn more about the 7th Annual HVACR Training Symposium at https://hvacrschool.com/symposium. Subscribe to our podcast on your iPhone or Android. Subscribe to our YouTube channel. Check out our handy calculators here or on the HVAC School Mobile App for Apple and Android.

In this episode of the HVAC School Podcast, host Bryan sits down with Jeff Staub, Director of OEM Sales for Danfoss North America, to explore one of the most rapidly evolving frontiers in the HVAC and refrigeration world: thermal management for AI data centers. With nearly 30 years of industry experience spanning technical support, application engineering, and product development, Jeff brings deep expertise on how the explosive growth of AI chip technology is reshaping data center cooling architecture — and creating major new opportunities for HVAC professionals, contractors, and facility managers alike. A central theme of the conversation is heat recovery — specifically, how the enormous amounts of heat generated by high-density GPU chips in modern data centers can be captured and repurposed rather than simply rejected into the atmosphere. Jeff explains that while heat recovery itself is not a new concept (supermarkets have used reheat coils and heat reclaim for decades), its application in AI data centers presents fresh challenges and possibilities. The heat coming off liquid-cooled server chips typically runs around 90 to 100 degrees Fahrenheit — useful, but not immediately at the temperature needed for most end applications like domestic hot water or space heating. Boosting that heat using heat pumps or feeding it into district energy systems, boiler pre-heat loops, vertical farms, or multifamily housing developments are among the most promising strategies being explored around the world. Jeff highlights a significant contrast between Europe and the United States in how heat recovery is being adopted. In Europe, where district energy networks are widespread, data centers can plug directly into community heating infrastructure — and projections suggest that 80% of European data centers will incorporate heat recovery in the near future. In the US, the picture is more fragmented: while opportunities exist at universities, hospitals, urban mixed-use developments, and facilities co-located with nuclear power plants, the economics are trickier. Key sticking points include who owns the capital expenditure for heat recovery modules and heat pumps, and who ultimately benefits from the recovered heat. Bryan and Jeff discuss how innovative ownership models — with landlords, municipalities, or co-tenants sharing infrastructure — are beginning to unlock these opportunities, and how co-generation arrangements with power stations present exciting long-term potential. The episode wraps up with highly practical guidance for HVAC contractors and facility managers looking to break into the data center space. Jeff encourages technicians not to be intimidated: the fundamentals of vapor compression, chiller systems, and fluid flow that HVAC professionals already know transfer directly to data center work. The key additions are familiarity with large centrifugal and screw compressors, variable frequency drives on pumps, glycol loop management, and central distribution unit (CDU) architectures. Bryan emphasizes that the boundary between HVAC and plumbing will continue to blur as secondary fluid pumping becomes more prevalent — and that staying curious and investing in ongoing training (through manufacturer programs like Danfoss Learning, Carrier University, and others) is the best way to ride this wave rather than get left behind. Both hosts agree: AI data centers are not going away, and the technicians who keep them cool will be indispensable. Topics Covered The evolution of data center cooling — from direct vapor compression on chips, to air-conditioned server rooms (CRAC units), to today's liquid cooling and chiller-loop architecturesWhy AI GPU chips generate unprecedented heat densities, with individual server racks approaching 250 kW to 1 MW of heat outputWhat heat recovery means in the data center context: capturing hot water (90–100°F) off chip cooling loops instead of rejecting it to outdoor airThe concept of 'heat quality' — why...

In this short episode, the HVAC School team members talk with Jim Bergmann (measureQuick) and Renee Tomlinson (ESCO) about the latest and greatest that they brought to their booths at the 7th Annual HVACR Training Symposium. First, JD Kelly spoke with Renee about ESCO Institute's educational offerings. ESCO offers a mix of books and online training content, including new training for A3 refrigerants, a new CO2 (R-744) training manual, and the newly released second edition of System Performance. ESCO has been working with Visual 3D Academy to bring augmented reality (AR) training to the market. Beginners and advanced techs alike can find training material to benefit their careers, as ESCO offers courses on fundamentals for beginners and specialized knowledge for those with more industry experience. ESCO's HVACR Learning Network allows you to access all ESCO courses with a monthly subscription package or purchase access to individual courses, such as if you only need one or two courses of specialized training. Then, Roman Baugh spoke with Jim Bergmann about the latest developments to measureQuick, especially as it has expanded in both breadth AND depth. The unlimited-use subscription has been a positive development that has been well-received, and Jim Bergmann's latest update in development aims to make the value even better with improvements to workflows (creating a hybrid between regular and guided workflows). Developments have also included improved support for VRF systems and all of those systems' operational considerations. The core function of measureQuick is to bring visuals to data, and measureQuick is implementing AI to reduce user errors, such as when it comes to label-reading and ensuring that pressure-temperature data matches the system. User testing is also rigorous to ensure that the software works as intended and to minimize tech support calls for the app itself, and Jim has spent the past several months on user testing in advance of the update's rollout. Have a question that you want us to answer on the podcast? Submit your questions at https://www.speakpipe.com/hvacschool. Purchase your tickets or learn more about the 7th Annual HVACR Training Symposium at https://hvacrschool.com/symposium. Subscribe to our podcast on your iPhone or Android. Subscribe to our YouTube channel. Check out our handy calculators here or on the HVAC School Mobile App for Apple and Android.

Recorded live on the third day of the AHR Expo 2026 in Las Vegas, Nevada, this episode of HVAC School brings together host Bryan and longtime friend of the show Tony Gonzalez, Director of Training at Fieldpiece Instruments. The conversation kicks off with some light-hearted banter about trade show survival tips — including the classic trick of hanging around near closing time to score free gear from exhibitors who don't want to ship anything home. Tony, who spent much of the show working the Fieldpiece booth, shares what it's like to be on that side of the expo floor, while Bryan admits he stopped by the booth but somehow managed to avoid saying hello. One of the highlights of the episode is a hands-on look at Fieldpiece's brand new analog manifold gauge set — a surprise addition to their lineup. Bryan gives his first impressions live on the mic, noting the heavy-duty build quality, four-port design, dual-scale display for popular refrigerants including R-22, R-32, R-454B, and R-410A, and high-pressure ratings. The standout feature that catches Bryan off-guard is a built-in pressure marker ring — what Tony jokingly calls a "fidget spinner" — that allows techs to mark a pressure point on the gauge dial during standing pressure tests, replacing the old wax pen or Sharpie workaround. Bryan makes a compelling case for why every truck should carry a set of analog gauges as a reliable backup, especially for dirty systems, long-term standing pressure tests, or situations where digital probes or batteries fail. Tony shifts the conversation to something he's deeply passionate about: Fieldpiece's commitment to tackling two of the biggest challenges facing the HVAC industry today — low-quality workmanship in the field and the growing skills gap as experienced technicians retire. Fieldpiece has launched a formal School Partnership Program, developed after extensive conversations with trade school directors and union leaders to understand their real needs. The program offers in-person support, supplemental training materials focused on best practices, prizes for top graduates, tools for labs and classrooms, and student discounts. Tony also unveils Fieldpiece's mobile training trailer — a fully-equipped 35-foot rig with live HVAC equipment, including a variable-speed heat pump and furnace — designed to bring hands-on training directly to contractors, distributors, and schools. Bryan passionately echoes the importance of repetitive, hands-on practice, arguing that reading books or watching videos will never replace actually pulling vacuums and executing best practices over and over again. The episode wraps up with Tony sharing details about Fieldpiece's revamped rewards program, where technicians and contractors can earn points by registering products, attending events, and completing free courses on Fieldpiece University — Fieldpiece's online learning platform offering continuing education credits. Bryan encourages small contractors to leverage Fieldpiece University as the backbone of an in-house apprenticeship program without needing a big budget. Tony also teases some exciting future developments, including a new office and learning facility under construction in Heber, Utah, near Park City, a larger state-of-the-art training facility coming to Tustin, California, and a fully redesigned website expected to launch within the next couple of months. Topics Covered Learn more about Fieldpiece's School Partnership Program at https://www.fieldpiece.com/schools/, Fieldpiece University at https://www.fieldpiece.com/fieldpiece-university/, and Fieldpiece's products at https://www.fieldpiece.com/ Have a question that you want us to answer on the podcast? Submit your questions at https://www.speakpipe.com/hvacschool. Purchase your tickets or learn more about the 7th Annual HVACR Training Symposium at https://hvacrschool.com/symposium. Subscribe to our podcast on your iPhone or Android. Subscribe to our YouTube channel. Check out our...

Join us for this eye-opening session from the 7th Annual HVAC/R Training Symposium featuring industry experts Roman Baugh, Jon Esquivel, and Adam Mufich as they expose the truth about inverter-driven HVAC systems. What You'll Learn: Key Topics Covered: Purchase your tickets or learn more about the 7th Annual HVACR Training Symposium at https://hvacrschool.com/symposium. Subscribe to our podcast on your iPhone or Android. Subscribe to our YouTube channel. Check out our handy calculators here or on the HVAC School Mobile App for Apple and Android.

Recorded live on the floor at the AHR Expo 2026, this episode of the podcast brings together host Bryan and his guest Jesse, National Training Manager at NAVAC, for a candid, high-energy conversation about professional best practices in the HVAC/R trade. The two have a long-standing friendship and professional rapport that makes the discussion feel both educational and genuinely entertaining. Jesse brings a unique background to the table — from underground coal mining in West Virginia to becoming a lineman, then pivoting to HVAC through vocational school and a contractor-sponsored apprenticeship program. His path to becoming a national trainer is a testament to the value of investing in yourself and being open to learning at every stage of a career. The core of this episode centers on refrigerant recovery and charging best practices — a topic that might sound routine but quickly reveals how many technicians, even experienced ones, are cutting corners that cost their clients and their companies money. Bryan and Jesse dig into the problems caused by unnecessarily opening sealed systems, the refrigerant lost every time a technician gauges up a system without need, and why the HVAC industry needs to shift its mindset to treat equipment more like a home refrigerator: a sealed system that should run for years without needing to be cracked open. Jesse makes a compelling case that many so-called "mysterious leaks" are actually caused by repeated unnecessary gauge hookups removing small amounts of refrigerant each time. A significant portion of the conversation focuses on the transition away from manifold gauges toward digital probes and modern recovery setups. Jesse isn't dismissive of manifolds — he acknowledges their place in the classroom and as a backup tool — but he makes a strong case that eliminating restrictions throughout the recovery and charging process is one of the single most impactful things a technician can do to improve efficiency, protect equipment, and deliver better results for customers. Topics like pulling Schrader cores, using 3/8" hoses, Rapid-Y fittings, and the importance of using a filter dryer inline with the recovery machine are all covered with practical, field-tested advice. Bryan and Jesse also tackle some timely and emerging issues facing the industry, including the equalization behavior of R-454B blends and the growing challenge of refrigerant recovery in extreme cold climates as cold-climate heat pumps become more widespread in northern markets. These aren't hypothetical — they're problems technicians are encountering right now, and Bryan's theory about refrigerant fractionation showing up on thermal imaging cameras offers a genuinely fascinating technical angle. The episode closes with Jesse's overarching message: eliminate restrictions wherever you can, take pride in your craft, and never stop learning. Topics Covered Learn more about NAVAC's products and resources at https://navacglobal.com/. Have a question that you want us to answer on the podcast? Submit your questions at https://www.speakpipe.com/hvacschool. Purchase your tickets or learn more about the 7th Annual HVACR Training Symposium at https://hvacrschool.com/symposium. Subscribe to our podcast on your iPhone or Android. Subscribe to our YouTube channel. Check out our handy calculators here or on the HVAC School Mobile App for Apple and Android.

Join Chris Hughes and Adam Mufich at the 7th Annual HVAC/R Training Symposium as they interview building scientist Tessa Murray. In this eye-opening conversation about what your house is really trying to tell you. Discover why HVAC techs need to understand building science fundamentals to truly master their craft. What You'll Learn: Key Topics Covered: Purchase your tickets or learn more about the 7th Annual HVACR Training Symposium at https://hvacrschool.com/symposium. Subscribe to our podcast on your iPhone or Android. Subscribe to our YouTube channel. Check out our handy calculators here or on the HVAC School Mobile App for Apple and Android.

In this episode, recorded live at AHR Expo 2026, Bryan sits down with Louise from UEi (United Electronics Inc.) for an in-depth conversation about one of the most underestimated dangers in the HVAC trade: carbon monoxide. Rather than treating CO as just another checkmark on a safety list, Bryan and Louise dive into the full history of the gas — all the way back to early publications from 1922 and 1923 that were already studying the effects of low-level CO exposure. One of the most fascinating takeaways from their discussion is just how long the industry has known about the dangers of carbon monoxide, yet how frequently it remains misunderstood, misdiagnosed, and overlooked on the job site. Louise breaks down the science behind CO poisoning in a way that is both accessible and eye-opening. Unlike high-level acute poisoning — where symptoms are immediately obvious — low-level, chronic carbon monoxide exposure is an entirely different beast. It can mimic the flu, chronic headaches, early-onset Alzheimer's, and even heart attack symptoms. Because CO is colorless, odorless, and tasteless, it is notoriously difficult to diagnose, and victims often have no idea what is causing their illness. Compounding the problem is the cumulative nature of CO toxicity: the gas builds up in the bloodstream over time and can linger in the body for days, months, or even years after exposure ends. Bryan draws an entertaining but sobering historical connection between the prevalence of carbon monoxide poisoning during the Victorian era — when gas lamps were common inside homes — and the widespread reports of ghost sightings, fugue states, fainting spells, and the spiritualist movement of the time. It was almost certainly CO poisoning, not the paranormal. The conversation then shifts to practical, on-the-job guidance for technicians and contractors. Bryan and Louise walk through the proper process for combustion analysis: starting your analyzer outside in fresh air, identifying test ports on furnaces, boilers, and water heaters, and understanding what readings at steady state actually mean. They emphasize that CO production is not limited to furnaces alone — ranges, ovens, dryers, fireplaces, water heaters, and even propane-powered forklifts are all legitimate sources. One of the most critical points they make is that carbon monoxide hazards are often intermittent and condition-dependent. A system can appear to be working perfectly during one visit and be producing dangerous levels the next time a door is closed or a vent is accidentally blocked. Visual inspection, awareness of combustion air sourcing, and thoughtful analysis are just as important as having the right instruments. On the product side, Louise introduces two exciting new offerings from UEI. The first is the UEI Clip, a compact personal CO detector that clips onto a bag, belt, or lanyard, activates automatically at 20 ppm, and is designed as a set-it-and-forget-it safety device with a two-year sealed battery lifespan. Priced under $100, it is an affordable way to outfit an entire team with a baseline layer of personal protection. The second highlight is the new High Accuracy Clamp Meter (HAC), a commemorative product celebrating the United States' 250th anniversary. This meter excels at wattage measurement — particularly with low-draw ECM blower motors where most meters fall short — and Bluetooth integration with MeasureQuick is on the horizon. Louise also walks through UEI's revamped combustion analyzer recertification program, UEI Service Plus, which offers same-day turnaround on standard recertifications at their Indianapolis facility, extended warranties with each annual service, and transparent, upfront pricing directly on their website. Topics Covered Learn more about UEi's new and longstanding products, as well as the Service+ guarantee, at https://ueitest.com/. Have a question that you want us to answer on the podcast? Submit your questions at...

In this short podcast episode, Bryan responds to a comment we received about cracked heat exchangers and how they were characterized in a recent combustion safety podcast episode. In reality, heat exchanger cracks counter the effects of the inducer motor. The inducer pulls air through the heat exchanger, but a crack causes the inducer to pull the air from elsewhere, especially once the blower motor comes on. That is a cause of flame rollout and a higher CO measurement. Induced draft (80%) furnace venting is under negative pressure near the equipment (WRT the air in the room around it). The inducer fan pulls the air through the single heat exchanger, but air isn't "pushed" out of the flue. That's because the draft in the flue is greater than the inducer itself. 80% furnaces are also open-combustion units that pull combustion air in from the air around the furnace, and they require access to fresh air. When you have gaps and cracks in the ductwork, the blower comes on and may cause the combustion analysis readings to change briefly. In a 90%+ sealed combustion furnace, the change is very minimal and doesn't last long; if the numbers vary a lot and are sustained, then that's an indicator of a cracked heat exchanger. In any case, if you suspect a cracked heat exchanger and want to quote it, you must be able to find it. Proper combustion analysis and combustion analyzer use and care also matter for accurate cracked heat exchanger diagnosis. Have a question that you want us to answer on the podcast? Submit your questions at https://www.speakpipe.com/hvacschool. Purchase your tickets or learn more about the 7th Annual HVACR Training Symposium at https://hvacrschool.com/symposium. Subscribe to our podcast on your iPhone or Android. Subscribe to our YouTube channel. Check out our handy calculators here or on the HVAC School Mobile App for Apple and Android.

In this live episode recorded at the AHR Expo 2026 Podcast Pavilion in Las Vegas, host Bryan sits down with longtime friend and industry expert Nikki Krueger of Santa Fe and AprilAire. Nikki brings over 15 years of experience in indoor air quality and whole-home dehumidification to the conversation, having started her career with AprilAire before moving to Santa Fe (formerly Ultra Aire) — and now coming full circle as the two brands have integrated under the AprilAire umbrella as of January 1st of this year. The episode dives deep into a topic close to both hosts' hearts: how to properly manage indoor humidity, and what role a whole-home ventilating dehumidifier plays in a comprehensive HVAC system strategy. Bryan and Nikki lay out a holistic framework for tackling moisture problems, emphasizing that a dehumidifier should be the last tool added — not the first. Before reaching for dedicated dehumidification equipment, contractors need to assess the building envelope for air leaks, evaluate whether the air conditioning system is properly sized (oversizing is a major contributor to poor latent removal), confirm that the AC is set up with the right airflow and sensible heat ratio, and take into account the ventilation strategy and occupant behavior. The pair discuss real-world scenarios ranging from elderly residents in Florida who keep their thermostats at 80°F, to a project in Barbados where overcooling caused interstitial condensation in walls and ceilings. The message is clear: humidity control is a systems problem, not a single-product fix. A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to proper installation practices for whole-home dehumidifiers. Nikki explains why Santa Fe recommends pulling from a dedicated return and discharging into the supply side of the AC duct — rather than tying into the return side — because the heat generated by dehumidification (roughly 1,054 BTUs per pint of water removed) can warm the AC evaporator coil and reduce its latent removal capacity. Bryan adds nuance around dew point management when routing outdoor air ducts, and both hosts agree that fan operation strategy (continuous low-speed vs. intermittent) matters more in tight, low-load homes where mixing is harder to achieve naturally. They also clarify a common misconception: a ventilating dehumidifier is not a dedicated outdoor air system (DOAS) and does not automatically condition incoming ventilation air before it enters the home. The conversation wraps up with an exciting look at Santa Fe's newly launched Ultra V Series, which features an upgraded 8-inch ventilation duct (up from 6 inches), a more powerful fan for handling higher static pressure in retrofit applications, a new digital control panel, and a wired remote humidity sensor that can be placed in the living space for more accurate readings. Nikki and Bryan also field audience questions on topics like short-cycling risks from oversized dehumidifiers and why Santa Fe chose a wired sensor over wireless (accuracy, reliability, and fewer callback headaches). Bryan closes by noting that rising dew points across most U.S. markets over the last 20 years make whole-home dehumidification more relevant than ever — and that any region where you can see green grass outside is a candidate for a more advanced moisture control strategy. Topics Covered Learn more about Santa Fe Dehumidifiers at santafeproducts.com. Connect with Nikki Krueger on LinkedIn or Instagram @nikkikruegerIAQ. Check out the work of Ken Gehring ("Teddy Bear") or ask him a question on the HVAC Talk Forum: hvac-talk.com. Have a question that you want us to answer on the podcast? Submit your questions at https://www.speakpipe.com/hvacschool. Purchase your tickets or learn more about the 7th Annual HVACR Training Symposium at https://hvacrschool.com/symposium. Subscribe to our podcast on your iPhone or Android. Subscribe to our YouTube channel. Check out our handy calculators here or on the HVAC School...

In this short podcast episode from AHR Expo 2026, Bryan sits down with John Pastorello for a discussion about the latter's lifetime of HVAC/R. John was a chemist and an HVAC technician before founding Refrigeration Technologies in 1987, and he received the HVAC Tactical Lifetime Achievement Award in 2026. Prior to entering the trade, John was a chemist in a lab. He applied for and was hired by an HVAC company when he realized the financial opportunity in the trade. He eventually owned a contracting business, but he didn't truly make his HVAC/R chemistry debut until 1987 with Big Blu. When he noticed problems with existing liquid leak reactants and inaccurate electronic leak detectors, John developed Big Blu in his kitchen (with the help of his local library and patent office for research) and tested it in the field. Big Blu was the first Refrigeration Technologies product, and it was the only one for a while. He then developed Nylog in the early 1990s while developing a different product. After falling down research rabbit holes and doing lots of trial and error, he eventually realized the product's potential as an assembly lubricant, and Nylog became an official Refrigeration Technologies product. Even as Refrigeration Technologies continues to grow and has received several purchase offers, it remains a family business. John's son, Mike, became a mechanic but eventually decided to return to the business, and he runs it to this day. John's career culminated with the HVAC Tactical Lifetime Achievement Award, which is a testament to the service, education, and mentorship he has shared with the HVAC/R industry. Have a question that you want us to answer on the podcast? Submit your questions at https://www.speakpipe.com/hvacschool. Purchase your tickets or learn more about the 7th Annual HVACR Training Symposium at https://hvacrschool.com/symposium. Subscribe to our podcast on your iPhone or Android. Subscribe to our YouTube channel. Check out our handy calculators here or on the HVAC School Mobile App for Apple and Android.

In this live episode from the AHR 2026 Podcast Pavilion, Bryan sits down with Copeland's Josh Souders (Manager of Commercial Unitary Product Management) and Jeff Kukert (Compression Senior Technical Trainer) to dive deep into Enhanced Vapor Injection (EVI) technology and its transformative impact on HVAC systems. This conversation offers both technical professionals and industry newcomers a comprehensive look at how vapor injection is revolutionizing heat pump performance, particularly in challenging climate conditions. The discussion centers on how EVI technology addresses one of the industry's most persistent challenges: maintaining high heat pump capacity in extremely low-temperature conditions. Josh and Jeff explain that vapor injection can deliver up to 20% added capacity and 10% improved efficiency while simultaneously enhancing compressor reliability. This technology, which has been a staple in refrigeration applications for years, is now becoming increasingly prevalent in commercial and residential HVAC systems, especially as cold climate heat pumps gain traction across North America. The guests make the complex topic accessible by breaking down how the system works—taking liquid refrigerant from the condensing line, running it through an expansion device and brazed plate heat exchanger (economizer), and injecting the cooled vapor directly back into the compressor scroll at a specific intermediate point. What makes this episode particularly valuable is the practical guidance offered for field technicians. The conversation moves beyond theoretical explanations to address real-world implementation challenges and troubleshooting strategies. Josh and Jeff emphasize the importance of understanding operating envelopes, pulse-width modulated (PWM) valves, pressure transducers, and modern control systems. They introduce Copeland's latest product developments, including the YAW variable speed vapor injection platform (1.5 to 25 tons) and the upcoming YAB two-stage vapor injection system launching later in 2026. The discussion also touches on applications beyond traditional HVAC, including commercial water heating and boiler replacement systems where high discharge temperatures are crucial. Throughout the episode, the guests maintain an encouraging tone toward technicians who may feel intimidated by these advancing technologies. They stress that while EVI systems may appear complex with additional tubing, heat exchangers, valves, and sensors, the underlying thermodynamic principles remain the same. The key is familiarizing oneself with new components like PWM valves and modern controllers, and leveraging tools like Copeland Mobile to verify system performance against operating envelopes. This episode serves as both an educational resource and a call to action for HVAC professionals to embrace these emerging technologies that are rapidly becoming industry standard. Topics Covered Enhanced Vapor Injection (EVI) fundamentalsCapacity and efficiency benefitsCompressor reliability improvementsOperating envelope managementCold climate heat pump technologySystem architecture and componentsCompression ratio challengesNew Copeland product platformsApplications beyond traditional HVACTechnician training and toolsMarket trends and adoptionInstallation and service considerations Have a question that you want us to answer on the podcast? Submit your questions at https://www.speakpipe.com/hvacschool. Purchase your tickets or learn more about the 7th Annual HVACR Training Symposium at https://hvacrschool.com/symposium. Subscribe to our podcast on your iPhone or Android. Subscribe to our YouTube channel. Check out our handy calculators here or on the HVAC School Mobile App for Apple and Android.

In this short podcast episode, Bryan breaks down the differences between a thermostatic expansion valve (TXV) and an electronic expansion valve (EEV). He highlights their strengths and weaknesses. In the basic refrigerant circuit, the metering device drops the pressure. TXVs and EEVs are both metering devices that cause the liquid refrigerant to drop in pressure and become a liquid-vapor mixture; they control evaporator feeding and maintain a constant superheat. TXVs achieve this by mechanical means; the bulb responds to suction line temperature and evaporator pressure at the valve. They are self-contained and easy to diagnose with basic refrigeration measurements. However, they are prone to mechanical failures, including clogged orifices and screens, cracked capillary tubes, and powerhead leaks. Installation errors are also easy to make, and TXVs can hunt in low-load conditions. Overall, failures are often mechanical and refrigerant-related. They win in the simplicity department. EEVs receive inputs from sensors and modulate in response to those digital signals. They have a wider modulation range and maintain stable control in low-superheat applications, and they do well in conditions with highly variable loads or where coordination across multiple coils is required. EEVs come in two types: stepper motor (small, discrete steps) and PWM (controlled solenoid valves). Stepper-style EEVs excel at fine positioning, and PWM-style EEVs are in applications that require a more robust valve (like CO2 refrigeration). EEV failures are often electromechanical or related to sensor control. They win in the controllability department. There is no "best" metering device; they merely have different strengths that make them better suited to different applications. However, EEVs are the future due to the greater degree of controllability we will need in newer equipment. Commissioning and airflow are also crucial for getting the most out of both metering device types in terms of longevity and reliability. Have a question that you want us to answer on the podcast? Submit your questions at https://www.speakpipe.com/hvacschool. Purchase your tickets or learn more about the 7th Annual HVACR Training Symposium at https://hvacrschool.com/symposium. Subscribe to our podcast on your iPhone or Android. Subscribe to our YouTube channel. Check out our handy calculators here or on the HVAC School Mobile App for Apple and Android.