Hvac Know It All Podcast

In this episode of the HVAC Know It All Business Edition Podcast, co-hosts Gary McCreadie and Furman Haynes of WorkHero discuss the essential but often overlooked side of running an HVAC business's financials with  April Sackfield, Director of Operations at NumberConstruct and Fiscal Management Group, who brings a wealth of knowledge on business finance and systems tailored for service-based companies. The focus is on empowering technicians and small business owners with the tools and understanding they need to successfully transition from the field into entrepreneurship. April supports HVAC business owners in optimizing their operations for profitability and growth. Her practical advice is drawn from real-world experiences and deep industry insight.   Expect to Learn - How aspiring HVAC business owners can prepare financially before launching their company. - The pros and cons of "rage quitting" versus planned business exits. - The importance of field service management (FSM) software and how it supports a

In this episode of the HVAC Know It All Podcast, host Gary McCreadie is joined by John Anderson, Senior Regional HVAC Technical Trainer at Sila Services, Formerly Service Manager and Technician at Burns & McBride Home Comfort. John shares his insights on using analog and digital manifold gauges, discussing their pros, cons, and practical use in the field. The conversation covers the shift from analog to digital tools, the value of maintaining equipment instead of replacing it, and the importance of proper airflow diagnosis before adding refrigerant. Gary and John also talk about technician habits, training methods, and how using long hoses can lead to refrigerant loss over time. In this conversation, John talks about the use of analog and digital manifold gauges in HVAC work. He explains how analog tools helped early in his career and why digital tools now offer faster and more accurate results. John and Gary discuss why learning airflow checks should come before using gauges and how poor airflow can lead

In this episode of the HVAC Know It All Business Edition Podcast, co-hosts Gary McCreadie and Furman Haynes of WorkHero discuss one of the most essential components of running an HVAC business: the financials.April Sackfield, Director of Operations at NumberConstruct and Fiscal Management Group, dig into the fundamentals of accounting, job costing, margins, and profitability. This episode is especially valuable for small business owners, new HVAC entrepreneurs, and technicians considering going independent. With a background in marketing, tax, and audit, April brings a rare blend of strategic insight and real-world financial know-how, especially when it comes to helping mom-and-pop operations become sustainably profitable.   Expect to Learn - Why over 50% of home service businesses aren't profitable, and how to avoid that trap - The difference between gross and net profit, and why both matter - How to properly price a service using margin-based formulas - What job costing really is and how to start tracking i

In part 2 of this episode of the HVAC Know It All Podcast, host Gary McCreadie continues his discussion with John Davidson, Regional Trainer at Fujitsu General America, Inc. They discuss inverter-driven heat pump systems, emphasizing the benefits of maintaining consistent temperatures and proper system sizing. John shares best practices for installation, including flaring techniques, pressure testing, and vacuum procedures. The conversation also covers the importance of voltage monitoring, surge protection, and using the right tools like torque wrenches and micron gauges. Together, they highlight how attention to detail helps improve system performance and reliability. Gary and John talk about how inverter-driven heat pumps help keep homes comfortable and save energy. John explains why steady heating is better than deep setbacks and how proper sizing avoids overworking the system. They cover key installation tips like using nitrogen when brazing, getting flare connections right, and pressure testing to avoid

In this episode of the HVAC Know It All Podcast, host Gary McCreadie talks with John Davidson, Regional Trainer at Fujitsu General America, Inc. John explains how heat pumps work in cold climates by using refrigerant technology to move heat from outside to inside. He discusses the role of coil temperature, pressure, and energy transfer in the heating process. The episode also covers inverter technology, the importance of base pan heaters, and how matched air handlers improve system efficiency. John shares tips for choosing between dual-fuel and all-electric setups based on cost, climate, and home design. In this conversation, John explains how heat pumps use refrigerant and pressure changes to move heat in cold weather. He gives clear examples to help listeners understand how coils absorb energy even in freezing temperatures. John also talks about the role of inverter compressors in matching indoor heating needs and how newer models improve low-temperature performance. He highlights the importance of base pan

In this episode of the HVAC Know It All Business Edition Podcast, co-hosts Gary McCreadie and Furman Haynes of WorkHero discuss the business side of HVAC with veteran technician and entrepreneur Greg Crumpton, the Vice President of Service Logic. Greg is an expert in mission-critical environments like data centers and hospitals. Greg shares his vast knowledge of the HVAC business, covering everything from financials and profit margins to building a solid team and breaking into specialized markets like liquid cooling.   Expect to Learn: - How to calculate and interpret key financial metrics like EBITDA and Net Profit for HVAC businesses. - The importance of team culture and how to build a solid team in an HVAC business. - Key strategies for moving from working "in" the business to working "on" the business as an owner. - How to break into mission-critical work, including data centers and liquid cooling systems. - Tips for retaining top employees and building a culture of excellence within your company.   Episo

In part 2 of this episode of the HVAC Know It All Podcast, host Gary McCreadie continues his conversation with Chris Howells, Senior Training and Development Manager at AprilAire. They discuss briefly about humidification, comparing steam and evaporative humidifiers, and explaining how to properly size and install them. Chris shares tips on using absorption distance to avoid condensation and highlights the role of dew point in home comfort. The episode also covers the health, comfort, and structural benefits of balanced humidity and encourages HVAC professionals to learn more about building science to better serve their customers. Gary and Chris talk about how the right humidifier setup improves comfort and protects homes. Chris explains how to choose between steam and evaporative systems based on home size, air volume, and building tightness. They go over why absorption distance matters and how to avoid moisture problems in ductwork. Chris shares tips on using dew point to guide humidity levels and highlight

In this episode of the HVAC Know It All Business Edition Podcast, co-hosts Gary McCreadie and Furman Haynes discuss the business side of HVAC with veteran technician and entrepreneur Greg Crumpton, the Vice President of Service Logic. Having built and sold his own HVAC business, Greg shares invaluable advice for technicians considering the leap into business ownership. Starting as a technician, he rose through the ranks to service manager, general manager, and eventually founded and sold his own HVAC company. This episode focuses on financial literacy, cash flow management, invoicing, and the crucial mindset shifts needed for success as a contractor-turned-owner.    Expect to Learn:  - Why understanding finances is the cornerstone of starting an HVAC business.  - How to price your services correctly and avoid undercharging.  - The importance of cash flow, invoicing terms, and collection strategies.  - Common mistakes new business owners make - and how to avoid them.  - How automation and process improvements

In this episode of the HVAC Know It All Podcast, host Gary McCreadie talks with Chris Howells, Senior Training and Development Manager at AprilAire. Chris shares insights on new humidification technology from AprilAire, including fan-powered and bypass humidifiers that reduce water waste. He explains how the HydroCore assembly improves efficiency and maintenance while addressing common concerns like microbial growth. The discussion covers the impact of modern HVAC systems on humidification and how to choose between fan-powered and bypass models. Chris also talks about steam humidifiers and how water quality affects their performance. In this conversation, Chris explains how the HydroCore assembly improves efficiency and reduces maintenance in modern humidifiers. He shares insights on adapting to changes in HVAC systems, like heat pumps and lower airflow, and discusses how these factors influence the choice between fan-powered and bypass models. Chris also addresses common concerns about mold, outlines proper

In part 2 of this episode of the HVAC Know It All Podcast, host Gary McCreadie continues his conversation with Sal Randisi, Vice President of Business Development at Kano Labs - Makers of Kroil and Super Lube. They discuss the role of lubricants in HVAC maintenance, from penetrating oils like Kroil to dielectric greases and anti-seize solutions. Sal explains the importance of using the correct viscosity based on ISO standards and shares how proper lubrication can extend equipment life. The episode also highlights the benefits of products like Kroil with graphite and the new low-odor Kroil Clear for sensitive environments. Gary and Sal talk about how the right lubricants help HVAC techs keep systems running smoothly. Sal explains why using the correct oil viscosity matters and how ISO numbers help match specs across equipment. They go over when to use products like Kroil for rusted parts and how patience makes a difference with tough bolts. Sal shares tips on using dielectric grease, anti-seize, and new low-od

In this episode of the HVAC Know It All Business Edition Podcast, co-hosts Gary McCreadie and Furman Haynes of WorkHero discuss with guests Kimberly Sevilla, Founder of Shelter Air and Peter Troast, Founder & CEO of Energy Circle LLC, how to break down the most important and often overlooked steps to building an HVAC company's online presence. From setting up a high-impact Google Business Profile to navigating customer reviews, virtual phone numbers, service areas, and answer-engine optimization, this episode is a masterclass in building digital trust and ranking above competitors   Expect to Learn - How to properly set up your Google Business Profile for maximum ranking - Why your phone number matters more than you think - Smart review strategies that boost credibility - How to leverage Google Posts, Q&A, and seasonal category changes. - The power of niching down & owning your local market radius - Grassroots strategies for winning your first customers   Episode Breakdown with Timestamps  [00:00:

In this episode of the HVAC Know It All Podcast, host Gary McCreadie talks with Sal Randisi, Vice President of Business Development at Kano Labs - Makers of Kroil and Super Lube. Sal shares his expertise on lubrication, focusing on the importance of using the right grease for HVAC and industrial equipment. He explains how different greases work, the role of additives, and why over-greasing can cause failures. Sal also talks about best practices for maintaining bearings, including how to measure grease output and set proper schedules. The episode highlights how using the correct products and techniques can save time, prevent equipment wear, and improve overall maintenance. Sal Randisi, Vice President of Business Development at Kano Labs, joins Gary to talk about the science and best practices of lubrication. Sal explains what lubricants are, how they work, and why choosing the right one is key to keeping HVAC and industrial equipment running smoothly. He shares common mistakes like using the wrong grease or ov

In this episode of the HVAC Know It All Business Edition Podcast, co-hosts Gary McCreadie and Furman Haynes of WorkHero discuss with guests Kimberly Sevilla, Founder of Shelter Air and Peter Troast, Founder & CEO of Energy Circle LLC, how to craft a compelling brand identity, build a high-impact website, and leverage AI for content creation. Whether you're launching a new HVAC business or revamping your marketing strategy, this episode provides critical insights on standing out in a saturated market. Kimberly shares her expertise in targeting the right customer through a tailored visual identity. Peter brings years of experience in website development, SEO, and digital branding strategies for service businesses.   Expect to Learn - How to create a strong visual identity that reflects your HVAC business values. - Tips on using AI and freelance platforms for affordable branding and logo creation. - Best practices for building a functional, story-driven HVAC website. - The value of storytelling and blogging

In part 2 of this episode of the HVAC Know It All Podcast, host Gary McCreadie continues his conversation with Jason Esteves, General Manager Americas at Seitron Americas Inc. They explore advanced concepts in combustion analysis, focusing on detecting cracked heat exchangers using oxygen changes and carbon monoxide levels. Jason explains why even a half percent shift in oxygen can signal serious issues and breaks down how combustion behaves in low-fire conditions. The discussion includes real-world examples, challenges with equipment startups, and tips for using analyzers like the NOVO. They also cover practical steps to update the analyzer's firmware for added features. Gary and Jason dive into the real process of spotting cracked heat exchangers using oxygen levels and CO readings. Jason explains how even a small shift in oxygen can mean a big issue and why looking at both O2 and CO is key. They talk through examples from real service calls and explain how low gas flow affects combustion readings. Jason sh

In this episode of the HVAC Know It All Business Edition Podcast, co-hosts Gary McCreadie and Furman Haynes along with guests Robin Henry, Owner of Pinnacle Building Performance and Ian Schotanus, The HR Guy and Co-owner of The Big Picture Consulting, cover essential topics for those thinking of starting or growing their own HVAC business, including subcontracting vs. employees, payroll setup, hiring, marketing, and more. If you're a technician dreaming of business ownership, this episode is packed with valuable insights to help you navigate the early stages of building your own HVAC business. Expect to Learn: The risks and considerations of subcontracting vs. hiring employees How to set up payroll, unemployment, and worker's comp The challenges and strategies in managing business growth How to handle administrative work and stay organized The importance of marketing and creative approaches to attracting customers Timestamps: [00:00:00] - Introduction  [00:01:25] - Lawsuit Risk and Subcontrac

In this episode of the HVAC Know It All Podcast, host Gary McCreadie speaks with Jason Esteves, General Manager Americas at Seitron Americas Inc. Jason discusses the critical importance of personal carbon monoxide (CO) detection, sharing stories about real-world situations where CO monitors helped prevent dangerous exposures. He explains how personal CO detectors, designed to stay on continuously, provide safety in environments like boiler rooms, vehicles, and even hotels. The conversation also covers the health risks of long-term CO exposure and the significance of using proper monitoring equipment, especially in HVAC work, to ensure safety on the job. Jason shares insights on the features of CO monitors, including those in the Novo combustion analyzer, and how they help technicians detect problems like cracked heat exchangers. In this episode, Jason Esteves, General Manager Americas at Seitron Americas Inc., talks about the importance of personal carbon monoxide (CO) detection and why it's vital for safety.

In this episode of the HVAC Know It All Podcast, host Gary McCreadie talks with Jeff Ponce, Senior Product Manager at RectorSeal, about Clear Drain PVC and the science behind better condensate management. Jeff explains how traditional PVC drain lines develop clogs caused by bacteria and biofilm buildup and how Clear Drain PVC solves this with a hydrophobic surface that prevents growth. They discuss why zinc is used in the product, how it creates a slippery surface instead of killing bacteria, and the research and development behind its creation. Jeff also shares how the product was first used in grocery store refrigeration systems in Europe and how it is now helping HVAC contractors prevent costly water damage and maintenance issues. This episode discusses the challenges HVAC technicians face with condensate drain management and how new technology can prevent common clogs. Jeff Ponce from RectorSeal explains how Clear Drain PVC was created to stop bacteria and slime from sticking inside pipes. He shares how t

In this episode of the HVAC Know It All Business Edition Podcast, co-hosts Gary McCreadie and Furman Haynes discuss the foundational steps of starting your own HVAC business with Robin Henry, Owner of Pinnacle Building Performance and Ian Schotanus, The HR Guy and Co-owner of The Big Picture Consulting. From forming an LLC to hiring your first employee and handling subcontractors, the conversation focuses on the gritty, real-world decisions entrepreneurs must make. The episode features firsthand accounts from Robin Henry and Ian Schotanus, delivering both practical and legal perspectives on launching and scaling an HVAC business.   Expect to Learn: The real-life journey of launching an HVAC business from scratch. Legal and tax differences between sole proprietorship, LLC, and S Corp. When and how to hire your first employee or consider using subcontractors. Practical field decisions like truck outfitting, insurance, and storage options. How administrative responsibilities grow and how to manage

In part 2 of this episode of the HVAC Know It All Podcast, host Gary McCreadie talks with Richard Turner, owner of Modern PURAIR. They discuss the realities of duct cleaning in both residential and commercial spaces. Richard explains the challenges of cleaning systems after fires, poor construction practices, and general dust buildup over time. They discuss how better design and proper filtration could reduce the need for cleaning, but shortcuts in the building process keep the industry busy. The episode also touches on consumer awareness, filter options, and avoiding scams in the duct cleaning world. Gary and Richard talk about the real issues with dust in ductwork and why regular duct cleaning matters. Richard explains how systems fill with dust over time, especially when filters are poor or installations are rushed. They discuss the differences between residential and commercial jobs, and how cleaning methods change based on the setup. Richard also shares how poor construction and cheap choices by builders

In this episode of the HVAC Know It All Podcast, host Gary McCreadie speaks with Richard Turner, owner of Modern PURAIR and a professional duct cleaner with experience in commercial HVAC systems and restoration work. Richard explains the importance of proper duct cleaning and how poor methods can actually make indoor air quality worse. He walks through the correct process, tools, and safety steps for effective cleaning, especially when dealing with older or damaged ductwork. The conversation also covers filtration, air purifiers, and the safe use of disinfectants and deodorizers in duct systems. Richard shares insights from real jobs and explains how clean systems support healthier air in homes and buildings. In this episode, Richard Turner, owner of Modern PURAIR, shares what really goes into proper duct cleaning and why doing it wrong can cause more harm than good. He talks with Gary about the steps professionals should take to protect HVAC systems during cleaning, and how different tools are used for diffe