HVAC School - For Techs, By Techs

Written by: Bryan Orr
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  • Summary

  • HVAC School is the ever growing online source for real training topics for technicians in the Air-conditioning, Heating and Ventilation Fields. In the podcast, we will share recorded training, tech ride alongs, share challenging diagnostic scenarios. All to help make the industry, your company, and your truck a better place to be.
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Economics Management & Leadership Personal Development Personal Success
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Episodes
  • Catching Up with Fieldpiece and Refrigeration Technologies at AHR

    Catching Up with Fieldpiece and Refrigeration Technologies at AHR
    Feb 21 2025
    In this special episode from the 2025 AHR Expo, Bryan brings us two fascinating conversations with industry leaders who are shaping the future of HVAC technology and tools. The episode kicks off with Tony Gonzalez from Fieldpiece celebrating their 35th anniversary. Tony shares his remarkable journey from packaging meters in the warehouse to his current leadership role, providing unique insights into the company's evolution. The discussion explores Fieldpiece's pioneering role in developing HVAC-specific testing equipment, particularly highlighting their groundbreaking HS26 meter that filled a crucial gap in the industry when no other company was creating specialized meters for HVAC technicians. The conversation with Tony delves deep into the technical aspects of modern HVAC work, particularly focusing on combustion analysis and its three fundamental pillars: safety, efficiency, and consistency. Tony explains how Fieldpiece's JobLink system has revolutionized the way technicians document their work and communicate with customers through comprehensive digital reporting. The discussion also covers the evolution of refrigerants and POE oils, emphasizing how practices that weren't considered critical in the past have become essential with modern systems and materials. In the second segment, Bryan sits down with Mike and Ashley from Refrigeration Technologies' Viper division, where they share the compelling origin story of their company. Mike recounts how his father, John Pastorello, a chemist who found himself taking an AC technician job in the 1980s, leveraged his chemistry background to develop superior products, starting with their flagship product, Big Blu. The conversation highlights Refrigeration Technologies' impressive growth, including their recent expansion to a campus-like facility with an additional 30,000 square feet and their achievement of making the Inc. 5000 list for three consecutive years. Ashley, their Director of Education and Brand Management, discusses their innovative approach to industry engagement, including their first-ever "Viper Bowl" competition and their commitment to safety in product development. Key Topics Covered in This Episode: Fieldpiece's 35-year journey and the evolution of HVAC-specific testing equipmentModern combustion analysis fundamentals and the importance of proper testingThe JobLink system and its impact on documentation and customer communicationEvolution of refrigerants, POE oils, and critical installation practicesRefrigeration Technologies' origin story and growth from a family business to an industry leaderDevelopment and innovation of essential HVAC chemicals and tools under the Viper brandThe importance of safety in product formulation and applicationGlobal expansion and market reach in the HVAC industryImpact of modern technology on HVAC diagnostics and documentationTraining approaches and industry education initiativesCompany cultures focused on innovation and problem-solvingThe role of family businesses in advancing HVAC technology 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 6th 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
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    1 hr and 10 mins
  • From Plumber to HVAC Owner w/ Manly Arnanson

    From Plumber to HVAC Owner w/ Manly Arnanson
    Feb 20 2025

    In this episode, Bryan speaks with Manly, an HVAC professional from Manitoba, Canada, about his journey from working in his family's plumbing business to running his own HVAC company. Manly shares his experiences working in extreme cold weather conditions, where temperatures can drop to -30°C (-22°F), and discusses the unique challenges and emergency response strategies required in such a heating-dominated market.

    The conversation delves deep into the ethical aspects of running an HVAC business, with both Bryan and Manly sharing their Christian perspectives on business ethics, customer service, and professional integrity. They discuss the importance of honest communication with customers, admitting mistakes, and making decisions based on customers' needs rather than purely financial motivations. Manly emphasizes how his faith influences his business practices and decision-making, particularly when advising customers about repairs versus replacements.

    The discussion also explores the importance of continuous learning and professional development in the HVAC industry. Manly describes his experience returning to school in his forties to complete his air conditioning mechanic certification, highlighting how the industry requires constant adaptation and learning. Both professionals stress the value of building community within the trade and the importance of sharing knowledge to help others avoid making the same mistakes they've encountered.

    Key Topics Covered:

    • Working in extreme cold weather conditions (-30°C/-22°F)
    • Emergency heating solutions using construction heaters
    • The transition from plumbing to HVAC
    • Challenges of equipment sizing and customer education
    • Business ethics and Christian principles in HVAC
    • Importance of admitting mistakes and maintaining integrity
    • Continuous learning and professional development
    • Building community in the HVAC industry
    • Balancing profit motives with customer needs
    • Manitoba's two-tier licensing system for HVAC technicians
    • Parts availability challenges and creative solutions
    • Role of humility in professional growth
    • Value of proper education and training in HVAC

    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 6th 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
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    45 mins
  • EER in the Field - Short #231

    EER in the Field - Short #231
    Feb 18 2025

    In this short podcast episode, Bryan talks about EER (Energy Efficiency Ratio) and SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) and how to calculate EER in the field.

    EER and SEER are ratings that we often see on equipment (as are SEER2 and EER2) based on a ratio of an output to an input. Whereas coefficient of performance (COP) is a direct ratio of watts out to watts in, EER and SEER account for BTUs and watts. EER and SEER indicate the cooling capacity (in BTUs) we get from the watts we put in.

    The ratio changes based on field conditions, and EER2 and SEER2 have more realistic test conditions than EER and SEER (the static pressure for systems rated below 65,000 BTUs per hour was 0.1"wc for EER and SEER, and it is now 0.5"wc for EER2 and SEER2, which is much closer to average field conditions).

    To determine EER, you have to figure out BTU production and stack it against your wattage. You'll need to know your delta enthalpy (delta H), multiply it by the CFM, and then multiply the product of those by 4.5 to get your BTU output. A calculator on apps like measureQuick can help you find out your delta H, but you'll need a proper wet-bulb temperature before you can do that. You can determine CFM with a TrueFlow grid or manufacturer's blower charts.

    Finding watts can be a challenge with ECMs and inverter-driven systems; it's not as simple as volts x amps, and you will need a meter that can measure power factor and take readings from the condenser fan, compressor, and blower motor. That wattage becomes the number you divide into BTUs to get the EER. SEER is averaged over a season, HSPF is for heating instead of cooling, and you can convert the BTUs to watts (by multiplying by 3.41) and determine the ratio of watts out to watts in.

    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 6th 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
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    13 mins

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Profile Image for Muzik

excellent

excellent in every way, down to earth, straight forward decent people trying to make their part of the world better by sharing their knowledge and experiences.

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