Hvac School - For Techs, By Techs

In this informative episode, Josh Souders from Copeland joins Bryan to dive deep into heat pump technology, discussing everything from basic operations to advanced features in cold climate applications. The conversation begins with a fundamental explanation of how heat pumps work, describing them as essentially air conditioners with a reversing valve that allows them to provide both heating and cooling. Josh explains the thermodynamic principles that enable heat pumps to extract heat from cold outdoor air and transfer it indoors, achieving coefficients of performance (COP) ranging from 1.5 to 3, making them significantly more efficient than traditional electric resistance heating. The discussion moves into the broader context of electrification and decarbonization, explaining how heat pumps fit into these environmental initiatives. Josh details how modern cold climate heat pumps have evolved significantly from earlier generations, particularly through the Department of Energy's Cold Climate Heat Pump Challeng

In this podcast episode, Bryan, Jacob, and JD provide an in-depth look at a significant HVAC project that tested their team's ability to adapt, learn, and improve. The discussion centers on a large-scale apartment building project that presented numerous challenges in project management, team dynamics, and installation processes. What began as a chaotic and inefficient workflow ultimately transformed into a more streamlined and collaborative effort through careful analysis and strategic adjustments. The team candidly discusses their initial struggles with project management, particularly around materials handling, piecework compensation, and team coordination. They highlight the importance of moving from an individual-focused approach to an assembly-line mentality, which dramatically improved both productivity and team morale. The podcast reveals the critical nature of communication, ownership, and consistent processes in managing large-scale construction projects. A key theme throughout the discussion is the

In this short Q&A podcast episode, Bryan answers a listener-submitted question about circuit board troubleshooting: is there a quick way to learn how to check circuit boards, and if so, where are those resources? A circuit board is a bunch of components put together on a printed circuit board (PCB). There isn't a lot of helpful universal information about circuit boards available, as they vary quite a bit by model and manufacturer. However, many of the basic components will be the same across circuit boards: microprocessors, diodes, relays, capacitors, and transformers. If you understand what these are on their own, that will help you understand what they do in circuit boards.  You mostly need to know the inputs, outputs, and sequence of operation of a circuit board to diagnose it. The sequence of operation tells you when certain things are supposed to happen, such as in an integrated furnace control (IFC); the flame rectification process is a classic example. If the flame can be proven, the operation con

In this episode of the HVAC School Podcast, Trevor Matthews and Bryan dive deep into the transformative potential of artificial intelligence (AI) in the refrigeration and HVAC industries. They explore how AI is not a new concept in their field, discussing how manufacturers like Copeland, Sporlan, and Danfoss have long incorporated AI-driven tools and repositories of information into their applications. The conversation goes beyond simple technological novelty, positioning AI as a powerful learning and troubleshooting assistant for technicians. The discussion highlights AI's role as a supportive tool rather than a job replacement. Trevor emphasizes that AI cannot physically perform trade-specific tasks like climbing ladders or brazing pipes, but it can provide invaluable guidance, explain complex procedures, and help technicians quickly access specialized knowledge. Particularly beneficial for less experienced technicians working late-night shifts or challenging service calls, AI can serve as an instant refere

In this short episode of the HVAC School podcast, Bryan and Tom Lorenz from Copeland talk about the new Sensi equipment interface. This product has been in field trials for months and will be launching in February. It will also be featured at the 2025 AHR Expo in Orlando. You can learn more about when and where the product launch will be at AHR at https://ahr25.mapyourshow.com/8_0/sessions/session-details.cfm?scheduleid=197.  Sensi is launching the new Sensi equipment interface module (indoor and outdoor), which eliminates the need to pull additional thermostat wire, and it's great for upgrades from A/C units to heat pumps or single-stage or multi-stage units. These have a strong wireless connection that can be picked up approximately 100 feet through walls. The ideal indoor application will be whenever you have single-stage to multi-stage upgrades and can't pull more wires. Outdoor applications are best for A/C-to-heat pump conversions and upgrades from single-stage to multi-stage. This module also contains

In this episode of the HVAC School Podcast, Bryan shares his perspective on the growing trend of private equity buyouts and investments in the trades, particularly in home services businesses. He addresses the "buyout epidemic" with a balanced view, acknowledging the significant financial opportunities these deals present while expressing concerns about their long-term impact on the industry and its people. Bryan discusses how private equity firms are particularly attracted to home services businesses due to their potential for high margins, especially through implementing standardized processes, sales training, and often significant price increases. While he doesn't condemn the pursuit of profits or sales training, he emphasizes the importance of maintaining a balance between technical expertise and sales capabilities. He shares his own experience receiving numerous buyout offers for his company, Kalos Services, and explains why he consistently refuses them despite the potential for substantial financial gai

In this short podcast episode, Bryan talks about the standing pilot gas systems and the ignition strategy in gas-fired appliances.  Standing pilots are very simple devices that are common in fuel logs, water heaters, and some pool heaters. These devices have a thermocouple or thermopile; in a thermocouple, two dissimilar metals are connected at one end, and there is an electron flow between the metals when one is heated up. A thermopile is a collection of thermocouples in series or parallel to generate more millivolt signals. (Both of these can be damaged if cleaned; don't mistake these for the flame rod! Flame rods can be cleaned with a delicate material.) To use a standing pilot, turn the dial to the pilot mode and press it in, which allows gas to come through the pilot. Then, you can light the gas (with a lighter or spark mechanism) and keep the dial depressed until there is enough heat generated on top of the thermocouple or thermopile, which allows it to lock in and keep the pilot lit (and pass the entir

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 furnace is to move heat, so a furnace uses heat exchangers to facilitate heat transfer. Furnaces have primary and secondary air. The primary air goes through the burner, and the secondary air goes around the flame and is pulled in around the heat exchanger inlet. So, the flame's heat creates a draft that pulls air in. Natural gas and oil (LP/propane) furnaces are common nowadays, but we initially burned wood and coal in furnaces. The first gas furnaces came into existence by modifying coal, not from the gas lines we see nowadays. Long ago, the flue gases were also exhausted to the basement; CO poisoning was less of a concern back then, as combustion was usually complete. Burning the building was a much more severe risk. The first “gas crisis” in the 1970s forced us to focus on gas furnace efficiency. In that time, we developed spill switches and retrofit kits t

In this short podcast episode, Bryan talks about heat exchangers and temperature rise in gas furnaces, especially 80% open-combustion gas furnaces. Temperature rise is the difference between the return air temperature and supply air temperature; in cooling, we usually refer to this difference as a delta T or temperature split. The manufacturer sets a target range on the data plate; high-efficiency furnaces tend to have lower temperature rise targets than mid-efficiency or older furnaces. We want to heat the space and not waste heat on surfaces (like duct surfaces). For that reason, the goal is to stay in the middle of the temperature rise range or slightly on the lower side for peak efficiency, better heat transfer, proper airflow, proper venting, and protection of the heat exchanger.  In mid-efficiency furnaces, we don't want the temperature rise to be too low, as cooler gases can condense. High-efficiency condensing furnaces have a dedicated condensate system, but 80% furnaces do not. That condensation can

In this episode of the HVAC School podcast, Bryan shares his "Manufacturer Responsibility Manifesto," a document he wrote over two years ago but held back from publishing until now. The manifesto addresses growing concerns about the burden being placed on HVAC contractors, particularly smaller businesses, due to manufacturing quality issues and warranty policies. The industry has undergone significant changes since the 1990s, including stricter refrigerant regulations and an increase in parts failures. While manufacturers offer longer warranty periods now than in the past (often 10+ years compared to 3-5 years previously), these warranties often don't cover crucial expenses like refrigerant, brazing rods, fittings, and labor costs. This leaves contractors in a difficult position of either absorbing these costs or charging customers and potentially damaging relationships. The manifesto calls for manufacturers to take greater responsibility for their products, particularly during the warranty period. Bryan prop

In this short Q&A podcast episode, Bryan answers a listener-submitted question and gives some of his tips for moving to HVAC sales from field technician/installer roles. The world of sales has a different pay structure, which makes it an appealing option to many technicians. Salespeople need to be able to have money conversations with confidence and not be afraid to talk about pricing. You can practice these conversations with friends or fellow technicians, including answering questions and responding to objections. Sales confidence is another key to success in sales. Many successful sales techs go into sales with the assumption that the client wants to work with them and aren't timid because they're confident they'll make the sale. Great salespeople also seek out feedback to learn and grow from. Many great salespeople in the HVAC industry also benefit from learning about load calculations, equipment selection, and duct design, particularly via the ACCA manuals and software like Wrightsoft and Kwik Model

This unique podcast episode is a commentary on the phenomenon of "white shirt techs" in the HVAC industry - a term that refers to technicians who focus heavily on sales and maintaining a pristine appearance rather than technical expertise. While there's nothing inherently wrong with having good sales skills or maintaining a professional appearance, there needs to be a balance with actual technical competency. The episode serves as part of a manifesto series heading into 2025, addressing important industry trends and concerns. There is a delicate balance between sales and service in the HVAC industry, particularly in residential services. Some companies and technicians may prioritize metrics like average ticket price and five-star reviews over providing genuine solutions to customers' problems. While it's important to discuss money and options with clients, we shouldn't resort to fear tactics or make promises that products can't fulfill, particularly in areas like indoor air quality solutions and UV lights. Th

In this short podcast episode, Bryan answers a listener-submitted question about double flares and their application in the HVAC/R industry. Flare connections are common in certain types of equipment, and they connect the copper to the appliance. As a result, when we make a flare, our goal is to make it leak-free. A regular flare requires you to cut the copper, clean it, put the flare nut on, and make the flare with a flaring block (or a flaring tool). You can also put a little bit of oil on the flare cone to prevent galling. Modern power flaring tools are common nowadays, especially in markets where we install a lot of mini-splits. We also use torque wrenches to tighten the flare connection according to the manufacturer's specs. In mission-critical applications where we have toxic or flammable refrigerants under high pressure, we especially want leak-free connections. Double flares make more sense in these scenarios for extra security (though we may use different connection types). A double flare requires yo

In this episode of the HVAC School Podcast, Bryan interviews Zach about duct coatings and their applications in HVAC systems, particularly focusing on the Hardcast RE500 product. The discussion delves into the importance of proper duct coating applications and their benefits for both contractors and customers. Zach, who has extensive experience in duct cleaning and restoration, shares his expertise on the proper application and benefits of duct coating systems. The conversation explores how modern ductboard comes with a clear coat that offers some protection, but additional coating can provide significant benefits, especially in high-velocity areas near equipment. They discuss how coating creates a smoother, more cleanable surface that's almost comparable to sheet metal in terms of friction resistance. Zach emphasizes that coating should only be applied after proper cleaning, as it's not meant to cover up dirty ducts but rather to protect and improve cleaned surfaces. A significant portion of the discussion c

In this short Q&A podcast episode, Bryan answers a listener-submitted question about metacognition and more about critical thinking, reflective analysis, and challenging biases. Metacognition is the ability to think about thinking; it's about breaking things down, noticing your own thoughts, and understanding the "why" behind their thoughts. Metacognition is beneficial when applied to the "wide" aspects of the "wide-narrow-wide" mindset; it helps with broad analysis and is less useful during the narrow phase when you want a flow state. Unpacking our biases is useful, but it's most important in positions of power. Biases and assumptions have the most widespread effect when they're leveraged on others by authority figures, but they show up in any position of power (or lack thereof). Many of these are baked into us as mental shortcuts called heuristics, which are the same things that tell us not to touch stoves for survival; they're ingrained, but we have to be able to challenge those and unpack the reasons

In today's podcast, Bryan talks with legendary Hydronics author and trainer Dan Holohan about the history of steam heating and some practical applications of old ideas. Recently, Dan has been working on more novels, having published two of them over the past few months. Steam heating is a “lost art” nowadays; it has become increasingly uncommon and has been disappearing since the Vietnam War. Many people who understood steam heating either retired or died after the Vietnam War. Many elements of steam heating are difficult to understand or surprising. (For example, steam pressure has a surprising relationship with velocity: low-pressure steam moves through piping much more quickly than high-pressure steam.) So, Dan Holohan is on a mission to revive that knowledge and teach the newer generations about the lost art. There are many older steam heating systems still operating today, especially in the older large buildings in New York. Dan learned a lot about steam heating when working on these old systems and opti

In this short Q&A podcast episode, Bryan answers a listener-submitted question about superheat, including what it is and how we measure it. Superheat is the number of degrees a refrigerant is above its saturation point. The saturation point is where you will have a liquid-vapor mix, so superheat only exists when a substance is a vapor. Saturated refrigerant should only exist in the evaporator and condenser, during which it is being boiled or condensed.  We usually measure superheat at the evaporator coil outlet and compressor inlet. The superheat at the evaporator outlet is usually around 5-14 degrees Fahrenheit, and it's often between 10 and 20 degrees at the compressor inlet (compressor superheat). However, many systems try to get lower superheat values, and some manufacturers may require higher superheat values at the compressor inlet to prevent liquid refrigerant from getting into the compressor. Accumulators can help keep liquid refrigerant out of the system as well. We may also measure superheat com

In this episode of the HVAC School podcast, Bryan interviews Zach from Southeast Clean Air Solutions about the intricacies of professional duct cleaning. Zach specializes in addressing duct cleaning challenges specific to the Southeastern climate, with a particular focus on fiberglass-lined ducts. The conversation delves into the complexities of cleaning different types of duct systems, highlighting the significant variations in time, technique, and approach depending on the duct materials and home configuration. The discussion reveals that duct cleaning is far more nuanced than many homeowners realize. A typical residential duct cleaning can take between six to eight hours, with metal ductwork being significantly faster to clean than flexible ducts or fiberglass-lined systems. Zach emphasizes the importance of careful cleaning techniques, especially with delicate flex ducts that can easily be punctured or damaged during the cleaning process. He recommends a two-person approach, with one team member working i

In this short podcast, Bryan talks about electric vehicles and whether EVs present an opportunity for HVAC technicians. The residential sales lead at Kalos recently mentioned that keeping an EV in a conditioned garage is advantageous, and it's an upgrade we can offer our customers. In hot weather, EV battery performance and health can be degraded. On top of that, the vehicle consumes power when the vehicle gets hot so that the A/C can control the climate inside the car and preserve the interior. Most people also charge their electric vehicles in the garage at night, so it would stand to reason that conditioning the garage can yield energy savings and improve vehicle longevity. Attic encapsulation above the garage is also an option to limit warm, moist attic air from leaking into the garage; HVAC upgrades can include using closed-cell foam to encapsulate the attic and install a dehumidifier in there. Conditioning a garage requires you to think about insulation. In our market (Florida), block walls don't insula

The podcast delves into the world of HVAC chemical solutions through an in-depth conversation with Becca Stamey, the marketing director at Refrigeration Technologies. The discussion provides insights into the company's unique approach to developing cleaning products, rooted in a commitment to safety, effectiveness, and customer feedback. Founded by John Pastorello, a chemist turned HVAC technician, the company has always prioritized creating products that are non-toxic, non-corrosive, and environmentally friendly. Becca highlights the range of Viper products, from condenser and evaporator cleaners to pan and drain sprays and all-purpose cleaners. Each product is carefully formulated with specific purposes in mind, such as the enzyme-based evaporator cleaner designed to address odor issues and break down biofilm. The conversation emphasizes the company's innovative packaging, particularly the Venom Packs, which offer concentrated, durable, and space-efficient solutions for technicians. The podcast also undersc