Hvac School - For Techs, By Techs

In this candid conversation recorded live at the NCI Summit in Austin, Bryan Orr sits down with Chad Simpson, owner of Simpson Solutions, for an unexpectedly revealing discussion about the reality of building a successful HVAC business. What makes this episode particularly compelling is Simpson's refreshing honesty about his struggles, failures, and the gradual transformation from a struggling contractor making $8 an hour to running a $28.5 million operation with healthy profit margins. Simpson's journey began unusually early—he wrote a paper in his freshman year of high school (1996) declaring his intention to own an HVAC company. After graduating from trade school and working for a residential replacement contractor, he started his own business with his father, who had just retired from building interstates and bridges. For the first eight years, Simpson made virtually no money despite working 12-hour days, falling into the common trap of thinking he could "outrun" financial problems by simply working harde

In this short business-oriented podcast, Bryan breaks down the differences between three commonly confused positions/roles: analyst vs. PM (project management) vs. operations. When you own or work in a small business, you might wear a lot of hats: estimating, writing proposals, troubleshooting, being a customer or coworker's therapist, etc. This work can be organized, and problem-solving roles include analysts, project managers (PMs), and directly responsible individuals (DRIs). Sometimes, the same person might do more than one of these (or all of them), but separate people can do these as long as you know what success looks like for each of these. Analysts gather data (such as costs, labor hours, inventory, and SME interviews) and ask big questions. They don't try to fix the problem right away; their job is to seek ideas, pay attention, document, and organize. They think in terms of stories and problem statements, and technicians can benefit from this type of mindset on service calls. Project managers transl

In this powerful episode of the HVAC School podcast, Bryan sits down with Nate Agentis, third-generation plumber and author of Get Shit Done: How to Build a Strong Team, A Profitable Business, and a Lasting Legacy. Their conversation explores the intersection of personal health, business success, and meaningful leadership in the trades industry. Nate's journey from technician to business owner wasn't easy. After his grandfather built the family plumbing business from nothing, only to lose it to the IRS, and his father rebuilt it from scratch, Nate found himself thrust into leadership at age 33 when his mother was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. The tragedy of losing his mother while simultaneously taking over the business created a perfect storm that eventually led to burnout and a period of deep reflection during COVID-19. This experience became the foundation for his leadership philosophy and his book. The conversation delves into the generational divide in the trades, where older workers view younger e

In this short podcast, Bryan talks about the hidden cost of killing radiant load, especially when it comes to installing radiant barriers in attics.  We sometimes get service calls about ducts sweating when they never used to sweat. If there are no problems with the system (i.e., the refrigerant charge, static pressure, airflow, supply air temperature, and blower speeds are all good), this type of situation can be a head-scratcher. Ask a customer if they've made any changes to the attic or equipment since the last service call, and there's a great chance they'll say something about adding a radiant barrier to keep the attic cooler. Ducts pick up heat from the surfaces in the attic. Radiant heat can come from the sun, but visible light isn't required for radiation to happen, and it can occur between objects. A radiant barrier prevents solar heat absorbed by the roof decking from radiating onto attic surfaces, but it doesn't change the dew point. When attic surfaces are cooler and the cool air passes through, t

This comprehensive episode dives deep into one of the most critical yet misunderstood concepts in HVAC: balance point calculations for heat pump systems. Jim and Bryan break down the complexities of dual fuel systems, explaining why proper sizing and balance point calculations are essential for both comfort and efficiency. The discussion moves beyond basic definitions to provide practical guidance that contractors can immediately apply in the field. The conversation begins with fundamental principles, emphasizing that heat pumps must be sized for cooling loads rather than heating loads to avoid moisture problems and ensure optimal performance. The hosts clarify the crucial distinction between dual fuel systems (where it's either the heat pump or backup fuel source) versus supplemental heat systems (where both can run simultaneously). This difference drives entirely different installation approaches and system configurations. A significant portion of the episode focuses on the two types of balance points tha

In this short podcast episode, Bryan talks about history and HVAC science: how to dehumidify the air with a waterfall and how cold water became the first air conditioner. In 1902, Willis Carrier worked for a printing company in Brooklyn, New York. There was a huge humidity problem during the summer: the printing plant got damp, causing paper to swell and ink to smudge. Carrier realized that he could wring water out of the air if he brought the air's temperature below the dew point. His solution was to spray chilled water into the airstream; he filed a patent for an invention that would pass air through a mist of cool water, which caused it to cool down and shed its moisture. He called it the "apparatus for treating air." This invention applies basic psychrometric principles. Air holds water vapor up to a certain point. The dew point defines that point. If the air is full of water vapor and its temperature drops below that dew point, excess water vapor condenses to liquid water (such as when it passes over an

In this comprehensive session, Eric Kaiser walks through the critical importance of establishing proper user requirements before making equipment purchases. Drawing from real-world experiences in the HVAC industry, he demonstrates how poor upfront planning leads to costly mistakes, buyer's remorse, and multiple equipment purchases. The discussion covers everything from selecting simple tools like screwdrivers to complex HVAC system installations for residential and commercial applications. Eric begins with relatable examples that everyone can understand - like buying screwdrivers that don't do the job you need them for, leading to accumulating multiple tools over time. He then escalates to more serious scenarios, sharing a story about a company that spent significant money switching business software twice because they failed to identify a crucial missing feature upfront. This pattern of inadequate planning costs businesses and homeowners thousands of dollars and countless hours of frustration. The heart of

In this short podcast episode, Bryan explains the science behind a common HVAC simile: static pressure is like blood pressure. He covers the similarities and differences between measuring static pressure during a service call or maintenance and a doctor measuring your blood pressure at a checkup. Total external static pressure (TESP) should be measured every time you perform service or maintenance on a unit. The exact test port location will vary between air handlers and furnaces; the coil adds extra pressure drop in furnace applications. You need to pick a coil that has the lowest static pressure drop (same consideration as filters). Typically, the lower the pressure drop, the better. Make sure you use proper ports for static pressure testing when you do make those holes. Static pressure isn't airflow itself. It can help diagnose airflow issues or give indications, but it doesn't measure the CFM. Static pressure is a balloon-type pressure exerted on the walls of the duct. Just as high blood pressure doesn't

In this comprehensive episode, Bryan Orr sits down with Tim De Stasio to explore the world of comfort consulting and performance contracting in HVAC. Tim, who sold his contracting company to focus on this specialized field, shares his methodical approach to diagnosing home performance issues that go far beyond traditional HVAC troubleshooting. Working primarily in the humid coastal North Carolina market, Tim has developed a thorough process that treats the house as a complete system rather than just focusing on equipment. Tim's journey into comfort consulting began when he recognized the value of comprehensive home performance testing after seeing the work of practitioners like Michael Housh. His approach combines ethical selling with rigorous testing and data collection, allowing him to stand behind his recommendations with confidence. Unlike traditional HVAC service calls that might only involve checking refrigerant levels, Tim's comfort consultations can take an entire day and involve extensive testing pro

In this short podcast episode, Bryan talks about non-bleed TXVs and whether they need hard starts. A non-bleed (hard shutoff) TXV is a metering device that shuts off during the off cycle; it closes shut when there is no superheat. This strategy prevents refrigerant migration, especially in cases where we have long line sets. Liquid refrigerant stays in the condenser and is kept out of the evaporator, suction line, and compressor crankcase. When we have a non-bleed TXV, the compressor may have a hard time starting under the conditions created by the hard shutoff TXV (high head pressure, low suction pressure). Reciprocating compressors are more likely to have this problem than a scroll or rotary compressor. If you have a short line set, 230+ voltage, and a scroll compressor, you probably won't need a hard start kit. You may need a hard start kit if you have a reciprocating compressor, a longer line set, or 208V power.  The OEM will recommend a hard start kit that is suitable for the equipment. Aftermarket hard

In this essential episode, Bryan sits down with Jeff and Tom from Copeland to dive deep into the world of scroll compressors and the critical topic of refrigerant compatibility. As the HVAC industry navigates new refrigerant standards and regulations, understanding how compressors are specifically designed and optimized for different refrigerants has never been more important. The conversation begins with a comprehensive overview of refrigerant classifications, focusing on the A1, A2L, and A3 categories that technicians are encountering in the field. Jeff and Tom dispel common misconceptions, particularly around A2L refrigerants and their relationship to propane (R-290), clarifying that A2L refrigerants like R-454B and R-32 do not contain propane despite widespread confusion in the industry. They explain how regulatory pressures around Global Warming Potential (GWP) limits are driving the transition to these new refrigerants, with targets under 700 GWP for air conditioning applications. The technical discussi

In this short podcast episode, Bryan explains how leaky ducts can lead to sweaty, uncomfortable houses. Moisture issues are common all across humid and "green-grass" climates in the United States. Hot, unconditioned attics and crawl spaces also often have high dew points, which can cause moisture problems in those spaces. Plants also release moisture, so agricultural communities also have those special considerations. There are several HVAC and building design factors that can prevent or worsen growth from moisture problems. Duct leakage is one of those factors. Return and supply leaks can cause moisture to enter the ductwork. Return leaks suck in air from around the leak. Supply leaks create a pressure differential that can cause mechanically-driven infiltration (MAD-AIR); when a supply duct leak puts the attic under positive pressure, somewhere else has to go under negative pressure. There are lots of gaps and cracks around boots and can lights, which provides pathways for hot, moist air to seep into the en

In this insightful episode of the HVAC School podcast, Bryan Orr sits down with successful small business owner Matt Bruner to discuss how to build and maintain a thriving HVAC business without the typical stress and overwhelming challenges that many entrepreneurs face. Matt, who has been running his own HVAC company for about two and a half years, shares his refreshingly honest perspective on small business ownership and debunks many of the common myths about entrepreneurial stress. Matt's journey from technician to business owner offers a compelling alternative to the traditional "grow fast or fail" mentality that pervades much of the business world. His approach centers on building a business aligned with personal values, particularly the desire to maintain work-life balance while still delivering excellent technical service. Rather than focusing on rapid expansion, fancy equipment, or impressive marketing, Matt chose to start lean, borrow minimal money (only $10,000 from his father for a van down paymen

In this business and building-oriented short podcast episode, Bryan discusses the limitations and downsides of intentionality. He also talks about the differences between people who act, think, and work quickly and those who are a bit slower, more detailed, and more methodical; there are upsides and downsides to both. People often talk about being intentional, but those intentions have little impact on the world unless they lead to action. Intentionality feels productive, but it doesn't make a difference unless the execution piece is also there. Likewise, skills come from action, not aspiration. Books and podcasts are tools that support efforts to improve, but you can't improve skills without practicing.  There is also the career paradox: we expect people, especially kids, to know what they want to do when they grow up. Their answers aren't backed by any real-life experience. People do the same as adults; we expect them to know what they truly want to do when they haven't necessarily been challenged (or physi

In this fascinating episode, Bryan welcomes back longtime friend and nuclear industry veteran Bill Nowicki to discuss a recently released document from DHS and NUSTL that provides new recommendations for HVAC operations during nuclear events. Bill brings over 40 years of nuclear experience, starting as a 19-year-old Navy nuclear operator (after being deemed "not ready for the grill" at Friendly's restaurant) and progressing through various roles, including lead engineer on critical control systems at nuclear facilities. Bill shares his journey from nuclear plant evaluator to leadership trainer, now working internationally to help nuclear professionals develop their skills. His current podcast, "The Nuclear Leader," continues this mission alongside his passion project, "Navigating Mental Illness: Parent Stories." Bill provides an accessible explanation of nuclear reactor operations, using the analogy that "contamination is the poop and radiation is the smell" to help listeners understand the difference betwe

In this short podcast episode about a bigger-picture topic, Bryan talks about making stuff real. He talks about how to make ideas, businesses, podcasts, and other large projects come to life based on his experiences with HVAC School, Kalos, and several other current and past projects.  Understanding yourself and the thing you want to do is the first key to making things real. You need to be able to speak intelligently about a topic (without sounding pretentious); mastery isn't always the goal, but you need to have some level of understanding of the general topic and your own strengths and weaknesses. Starting a business requires you to acquire at least a working knowledge of software, compliance, insurance, licenses, and other items related to that particular business. You also want to avoid relying solely on someone else's vision or advice for your project.  Then, curiosity and exploration are key; you need to get practice and immerse yourself in the work to get an understanding of the process and your stren

In this comprehensive discussion, Bryan sits down with Brad Cooper, an experienced HVAC instructor from Arkansas, and JD Kelly, a trade school graduate, to tackle one of the most pressing questions in the HVAC industry: Is trade school worth it? Rather than offering a simple yes or no answer, the trio dives deep into the nuanced factors that determine whether trade school provides real value for aspiring HVAC technicians. The conversation begins with Brad's unique perspective as both a field technician with over 20 years of experience and a current instructor who transitioned to teaching five years ago. His father's business background and the common frustration of having to "go behind people and fix stuff" motivated Brad to enter education, believing that proper training from the start could eliminate many field problems. JD brings the student perspective, having attended trade school while working full-time, which gives him insight into both the challenges and benefits of formal HVAC education. A signific

In this short podcast episode, Bryan breaks down the differences between split-phase and 3-phase power in HVAC systems. Split-phase is a form of single-phase power, and it's common in residential HVAC. Three-phase power is more common in commercial and industrial applications. Single-phase power uses only one of the three phases of power produced by the power company. When there is a neutral and two sides of 120V power, that is split-phase power. Transformers on power poles for residential service only have one line going into them (and only one sine wave). That power gets stepped down to ~240V. Most household appliances and electronics we use are rated for 120V or 240V power. However, we use split-phase power by tapping the center of the transformer secondary; there are two 120V halves. We can see the "differences" between split-phase and single-phase power with an oscilloscope. These halves may look like two different sine waves if we use neutral as a reference, but an oscilloscope will only show one 240V s

In this episode from the 6th Annual HVACR Training Symposium, Brynn Cooksey, a home performance contractor from Michigan and technical training business owner, reveals how indoor air quality (IAQ) testing transformed his contracting business from a commodity service into a profitable specialty. Cooksey shares his proven methodology for turning IAQ into an "instant profit center" by implementing systematic testing on every service call. Cooksey opens with a striking reality check: according to the EPA, Americans spend 90% of their time indoors, yet indoor air quality is 2-5 times worse than outdoor air. This presents a massive opportunity for HVAC contractors, as he explains that consumers are already spending $10 billion annually on air quality products at big box stores - but they're treating symptoms rather than addressing root causes. His approach involves educating contractors on how to position themselves as the solution providers rather than letting customers self-diagnose with retail products. The pr

In this short podcast episode, Bryan covers some basics on bi-metal and magnetic switches. Bi-metal switches are made of two dissimilar metals that are bonded together and are often integrated into motors. When the temperature changes, the metals bend. In an overload circuit, they're designed to bend and open the circuit in an overheat condition. Mercury thermostats also use these; they have a bulb attached to a bi-metallic coil, which causes it to wind or unwind when heated or cooled. Fan limit switches also use bi-metallic coils. Bi-metallic discs also exist, and they snap open to make or break a circuit. Bi-metallic switches have a time delay and often auto-reset (with exceptions like rollout switches on furnaces), which is advantageous in some applications. However, they're also affected by the ambient temperature and are more likely to trip in warm weather and less likely to trip in cold weather. Nuisance trips are more common than in magnetic switches, and they may weld themselves shut and fail closed (