Shows / HVAC School - For Techs, By Techs
HVAC School - For Techs, By Techs
Real training for HVAC ( Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration) Technicians. Including recorded tech training, interviews, diagnostics and general conversations about the trade.
Episodes
HVAC School - For Techs, By TechsRecovery Best Practices w/ NAVAC
In today's podcast, Kevan Mayer from NAVAC comes talks about recovery and ways to make it work better and more safely for you. Recovering refrigerant is better…
HVAC School - For Techs, By TechsShort #49 - VA vs. Watts
In this short podcast episode, Bryan covers the difference between volt-amps (VA) and watts when we take electrical measurements. We usually use VA to rate…
HVAC School - For Techs, By TechsSystem Oversizing & Independent Consulting w/ Genry Garcia
In this episode, I talk with tech, contractor, and consultant Genry Garcia. He tells us about his experiences with independent consulting and helping other…
HVAC School - For Techs, By TechsShort #48 - Drains
In this short podcast episode, we talk about condensate drains. We get into the basics of cleaning, pitch, drain pans, and more. Cleaning drains sounds like an…
HVAC School - For Techs, By TechsCan Manufacturers Specs Be a Crutch?
Bert and Bryan discuss the commonly repeated phrase, "refer to manufacturer's specs," in HVAC work. They discuss when referring to the manufacturer's specs…
HVAC School - For Techs, By TechsShort #47 - Solar
By viewer request, Bryan talks about some solar system basics in this short podcast episode. Solar energy is an up-and-coming power source that will continue…
HVAC School - For Techs, By TechsWork-Life Balance, Real Talk w/ Bert
Bryan and Bert talk through a real-life issue we all face as techs: work-life balance. Bert's recent video "triggered" Bryan a bit, so they talk through it…
HVAC School - For Techs, By TechsShort #46 - Surge Protection
Today's short podcast episode is all about surge protection on HVAC/R equipment. Lightning poses a severe threat to equipment, and surge suppression may or may…
HVAC School - For Techs, By TechsIntro to Boilers & Radiators w/ Moe Hirsch
In this episode, we talk with Moe about the world of hydronics. We discuss some fundamentals and talk about various boiler and radiator types. Hydronic systems…
HVAC School - For Techs, By TechsShort #45 - OEM Parts
In today's short podcast, we answer the following question: Should you ONLY use OEM parts? We also explain why the answer is what it is. It can be tricky to…
HVAC School - For Techs, By TechsSpecial - Soft Skills Top Tips w/ Andy Holt
In this rather unorthodox short podcast episode, Andy gives his timeless soft skills tips. We also tell you a bit more about a special training event in…
HVAC School - For Techs, By TechsControlling Humidity For All Climates
In today's podcast, Bryan covers some of the facts about humidity. He also explains how to keep humidity under control in all climates. Humidity refers to…
HVAC School - For Techs, By TechsShort #44 - Myth - Time as a Tech Equals Pay
In this short podcast episode, we talk about the myth that time at a job or in the business equals or deserves pay increases. Many people believe that showing…
HVAC School - For Techs, By TechsChiller and Cooling Tower Cleaning w/ Goodway
In today's podcast episode, Mark Roth from Goodway talks about chiller and cooling tower cleaning best practices and techniques. Goodway makes industrial…
HVAC School - For Techs, By TechsShort #43 - Is IAQ a Joke?
In this short podcast episode, we address the myth that IAQ is a joke. We also discuss how to think about IAQ correctly in HVAC work. Indoor air quality is NOT…
HVAC School - For Techs, By TechsPropane Refrigerant - A Tech Perspective w/ Chris Stephens
Chris Stephens from HVACR Videos joins us to talk about his experiences with and perspective on R290 (propane) refrigerant in restaurant refrigeration. Chris…
HVAC School - For Techs, By TechsShort #42 - Myth - Flame Rods
In this short podcast episode, we discuss the common myth about cleaning flame rods/sensors/rectification devices. Flame sensors or rectification rods are NOT…
HVAC School - For Techs, By TechsInstalling Central Air From Scratch w/ Eric M
In this podcast episode, Eric and I discuss his new home and his plans for installing central air the Eric-Mele way. Eric's home doesn't have an attic…
HVAC School - For Techs, By TechsShort #41 - Context in Education
In today's short live podcast, Bryan discusses the importance of context in education and the challenge presented by information. When we learn, we do…
HVAC School - For Techs, By TechsVRF/VRV Design w/ Jordan Cummings
In this episode, Jordan Cummings comes on the podcast to review application-based system selection considerations for VRF/VRV systems. A VRF/VRV system works a…
HVAC School - For Techs, By TechsShort #40 - Specifically Relative
In today's short podcast episode, we talk about specific gravity, also known as relative density. We explain why it matters to technicians. When we talk about…
HVAC School - For Techs, By TechsR290 (Propane), What you need to know w/ Embraco
In this episode, we speak with Embraco about R290 (Propane) refrigerant, hydrocarbons, and what you need to know about them. Embraco is primarily focused on…
HVAC School - For Techs, By TechsShort #39 - Tricky Amperages
We talk about measuring tricky amperage on a blower and condensing fan motor. We also cover why you may be measuring inaccurately, resulting in a misdiagnosis…
HVAC School - For Techs, By TechsBeacon 2 Refrigeration Talk Through
In this service manual talk-through episode, Eric Mele helps us discuss the Heatcraft Beacon 2 refrigeration system. We talk about what it can do and what it…
HVAC School - For Techs, By TechsShort #38 - Low Ambient Cooling
This short podcast episode covers the why and the how of low ambient cooling and refrigeration. Low ambient cooling refers to operating A/C equipment during…
HVAC School - For Techs, By TechsVRF in Real Life w/ John Oaks
In today's podcast, I talk to John Oaks about his experience as a VRF tech in the field, including branch boxes and two-pipe vs. three-pipe technology. John…
HVAC School - For Techs, By TechsShort #37 - The Trade Skills Gap: A Manifesto
This is a voice-over audio presentation of the article of the same title on the HVACRschool.com website ("The Trade Skills Gap: A Manifesto). The manifesto…
HVAC School - For Techs, By TechsFurnace Sequence Of Operation
Jason Obrzut comes on the podcast and talks us through his furnace sequence of operation training: "Take It Slow, It's Gonna Blow!" There are 6 main steps in…
HVAC School - For Techs, By TechsShort #36 - Stack Effect
In this short podcast episode, we talk through stack effect. We explain what it is and what sorts of comfort issues it can cause in a home. Most of us…
HVAC School - For Techs, By TechsThe Future of App Based Diagnosis w/ Jim Bergmann
Jim Bergmann gives us a year-end review of all that is happening at MeasureQuick and his predictions for the future of app-based diagnosis. He also covers…
HVAC School - For Techs, By TechsShort #35 - Resolution, Precision & Accuracy
What is the difference between accuracy, precision, and resolution? In today's short podcast, Jim Bergmann explains the differences and why they matter. People…
HVAC School - For Techs, By TechsVentilation w/ John Semmelhack
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, and much…
HVAC School - For Techs, By TechsGas & Combustion Tools w/ Bill Spohn
Bill and Bryan discuss gas and combustion tools. These tools include manometers, combustible gas detectors, personal CO detectors, draft gauges, and combustion…
HVAC School - For Techs, By TechsShort #34 - Heat Pumps
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 components on…
HVAC School - For Techs, By TechsEPA Regulation Uncertainty w/ Jason Obrzut
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 EPA has…
HVAC School - For Techs, By TechsShort #33 AMA - Business Tips
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. When…
HVAC School - For Techs, By TechsAMA#1 - State of the HVAC School Union
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 ask me if…
HVAC School - For Techs, By TechsShort #32 - "It's Undersized"
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 bigger…
HVAC School - For Techs, By TechsShort #31 - U-Factor and R-Value
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 differences…
HVAC School - For Techs, By TechsFriction Rate and Duct Design w/ Dr. Bailes
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 design…
HVAC School - For Techs, By TechsCritical and Triple Point w/ Rusty Walker
Rusty Walker with Hill-Phoenix comes on and talks about CO2 triple and critical points. He also covers some best practices for refrigeration techs working with…
HVAC School - For Techs, By TechsShort #30 - Braze or Solder Anything
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 thanks…
HVAC School - For Techs, By TechsHot Gas Reheat Dehumidification w/ Eric Mele
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 of. One…
HVAC School - For Techs, By TechsShort #29 - 3 Quick Tips to Level Up Overnight
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…
HVAC School - For Techs, By TechsCombustion Analysis w/ Jim Bergmann
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…
HVAC School - For Techs, By TechsShort #28 - The Magic Heat Absorber
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, rejector…
HVAC School - For Techs, By TechsDo you even CAZ test? w/ Jim Bergmann
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 explains…
HVAC School - For Techs, By TechsShort #27 - Commissioning Mindset
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 commonly…
HVAC School - For Techs, By Techs3 Flavors of CO2 w/ Rusty Walker
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: secondary…
HVAC School - For Techs, By TechsShort #26 - Temperature Mistakes
Can you really trust that temperature reading? In this short podcast episode, we talk about some common mistakes techs make when making temperature…
HVAC School - For Techs, By TechsAnalog & Digital Manifolds w/ James Bowman
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 industry…
HVAC School - For Techs, By TechsShort #25 - A Costly Screwup
In this short podcast episode, we share some quick tips about keeping panels and insulation in place to avoid a costly screwup. Often, technicians will use an…
HVAC School - For Techs, By TechsAre Refrigerant Additives OK?
John Pastorello, the HVAC chemist, comes on the podcast and discusses refrigerant additives such as acid inhibitors, oil enhancers, dyes, and leak sealants…
HVAC School - For Techs, By TechsShort #24 - Hard vs. Soft Copper
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 use…
HVAC School - For Techs, By TechsHow to Make a Flare That Won't Leak
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 make a…
HVAC School - For Techs, By TechsChilled Water Air Handlers
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 chilled…
HVAC School - For Techs, By TechsShort #23 - Intangible Soft Skills
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 required to be…
HVAC School - For Techs, By TechsRefrigeration Temperature Controls w/ Chris Stephens
Chris Stevens from HVACR Videos on YouTube comes onto the podcast and talks about some refrigeration temperature controls basics. You can check out his YouTube…
HVAC School - For Techs, By TechsShort #22 - Mineral & POE Oil
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 oil (MO)…
HVAC School - For Techs, By TechsSmall Refrigeration Maintenance Procedure
Eric Mele returns to the podcast to discuss quality cleaning and maintenance procedures for small refrigeration systems. These small refrigeration systems…