Hvac School - For Techs, By Techs

Informações:

Synopsis

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.

Episodes

  • When to Switch to Emergency Heat? - Short #190

    26/03/2024 Duration: 07min

    In this short podcast episode, Bryan talks about when to switch to emergency heat. He talks about coefficient of performance (COP) and how it's a deciding factor when to run emergency heat, which is when a system ONLY runs the backup heat; it doesn't use it as supplementary heat. When we have a heat pump with backup electric heat, we shouldn't ever rely just on emergency heat; we want the heat pump to run. Electric heat is just designed to supplement the heat pump's heating because it's inefficient. Hybrid or dual-fuel systems can use gas or hydronic fuel-based heat, and they work well on their own (such as if the heat pump is broken). You can't usually run the fuel-based emergency heat at the same time as your heat pump, so it makes sense to run just the emergency heat if it is fuel-based. The thermal balance point is the point at which the heat pump can no longer keep up with the heating load by itself; the temperature in the space will start to drop, but the heat pump will still produce heat. The thermal b

  • Manual J in 15 Minutes?

    21/03/2024 Duration: 38min

    Shelby Breger, co-founder of Conduit Tech, joins Bryan Orr on the HVAC School Podcast to discuss her company's innovative lidar-enabled design and sales software tool for HVAC contractors. Conduit Tech's software utilizes lidar sensors in iPads and iPhones to scan homes and create 3D models and 2D floor plans. It overlays load calculations factoring in property data, orientation, cooling/heating degree days, and building materials. This allows contractors to perform detailed load calculations on-site in just 15 minutes or less while engaging homeowners visually. Breger explains that the core goal is to empower contractors to deliver better-designed systems more efficiently while enhancing the customer experience. Homeowners get to see the level of work and customization involved, building appreciation for the contractor's services. The visuals help communicate potential comfort issues and how the proposed solution uniquely addresses their home's needs. Breger emphasizes that Conduit Tech is focused on solving

  • Combustion Venting Categories - Short #189

    19/03/2024 Duration: 08min

    In this short podcast episode, Bryan talks about the four different combustion venting categories for gas appliances as set by ASHRAE and where you'll see them. He also shares some notes about pressurization. These categories deal with the pressurization and temperature ranges of the vents. Category 1 venting is used for old-school open-combustion gas furnaces; they have high flue gas temperatures and are considered low or mid-efficiency furnaces. This venting category is not positively pressurized, and it has a single-wall flue and operates more like chimneys, as the appliance is usually under negative pressure; a draft is created and draws the flue gas out. It's non-condensing, negative-pressure venting. Category 2 venting is not common anymore; they operate with negative pressure in the vent, and condensation is still likely. Category 3 venting is non-condensing positive-pressure venting. These are more common in older through-the-wall appliances. Category 4 venting is condensing, positive-pressure venting

  • The Gift of Security and Learning w/ Jennifer Manzo

    14/03/2024 Duration: 36min

    In this episode of the HVAC School Podcast, host Bryan Orr speaks with Jennifer Manzo, founder of HVA-Chicks Coalition. Jennifer shares her unique background as a longtime teacher and homeschooler who stumbled into the HVAC trade while researching vocational options for her homeschooling students. They discuss the inspiration behind HVA-Chicks, a free training coalition offering technical, career, and personal support to women in HVAC. This includes customized training plans, connecting members with childcare assistance, legal support for discrimination issues, job search help, and more. Jennifer also manages a free 24/7 tech support phone line with several experienced volunteers. She explains why she dedicates endless hours to serving others in the industry at no cost - to provide the help and community she wished for when first starting out. Jennifer actively works to build women up by first offering them psychological safety and security. When women feel unconditionally cared for, they gain the internal st

  • Belt Talk - Short #188

    12/03/2024 Duration: 10min

    In this short podcast episode, Bryan dives into some belt talk, including some bits about pulleys and sheaves. He also shares some belt tensioning tips for your next commercial HVAC job. Belts are less common than they used to be, but we find them in ventilation fans, RTUs, and AHUs. Squealing belts indicate slippage, which indicates fan inefficiency and energy losses. Belts transmit energy from the motor (pulley) to the fan or blower wheel being driven by it. Motor mounts may be adjustable, but there will be a means of adjusting the tension of the belt. Before we change or replace a belt, we need to make sure the belt is properly aligned (centers should have the proper distance and pitch). Common sense and good observation skills will be your best tools. Adjustable sheaves shouldn't be touched when you're changing the belt; the adjustment of the sheave is for airflow based on the RPM of the fan motor, not tensioning or setting amperage. We set belt tension by tensioning with a specific tool: a belt tensioner

  • Using the Roomulator w/ Chris Hughes

    07/03/2024 Duration: 44min

    In this episode of the HVAC School Podcast, host Bryan Orr speaks with Chris Hughes of The Energy Conservatory (TEC) about using the Roomulator card and DG-8 manometer for room pressurization testing. Chris provides background on how he came up with the idea for the Roomulator. He wanted an easy way for technicians to properly size passive returns to relieve pressure imbalances between bedrooms and the main body of a home. The Roomulator card enables technicians to quickly measure door undercuts and size transfer ducts, grilles, etc., to reduce room pressures to 3 Pascals or less per ENERGY STAR guidelines. When paired with the DG-8 micromanometer, the system provides precision room pressurization measurement. They discuss reasons why excessive room pressures can cause comfort, efficiency, and indoor air quality issues. Removing positive pressure helps reduce airflow through leaks in exterior walls, lighting fixtures, etc. Chris also talks about how the Roomulator is an affordable “gateway tool” for technicia

  • Primary & Secondary Air in Combustion - Short #187

    05/03/2024 Duration: 06min

    In this short podcast, Bryan dives into a gas heating topic: primary & secondary air in combustion. Primary air is the air and oxygen content that enters the furnace BEFORE combustion. In older furnaces, prior to induced combustion, air was drawn in through the front. These older furnaces had adjustable shutters that we could modify to bring in more or less primary air based on our combustion analysis readings. We could also use flame color to get an idea of the CO content (yellow tips on the flames indicate higher carbon monoxide content). In systems like those, air is drawn in via Bernoulli's principle; there are areas of low pressure around areas of high velocity. There is pressure associated with the natural gas, which draws air into the burner. Nowadays, we have induced draft systems (not to be confused with power-vented systems) to draw air in at a fixed rate for more consistent combustion. These inducer fan blowers are necessary for the more complicated heat exchangers we see in more recent furnace

  • Learning Outside the Box (Live Rebroadcast)

    29/02/2024 Duration: 01h45s

    This podcast episode is a live rebroadcast of a livestream with Craig Migliaccio (AC Service Tech) and Ty Branaman (love2hvac). It focuses on different types of learning and how to make the most out of learning experiences. The hosts discuss the differences between random learning, goal-driven learning, and forced learning. Random learning involves casually exposing yourself to new information without a specific end goal. It can be useful for sparking curiosity. Goal-driven learning is focused on achieving mastery of a particular topic in order to solve a problem or accomplish something concrete. This type of learning requires effort but tends to be the most effective. Forced learning is when someone else compels you to learn certain material, often for compliance reasons; this type lacks intrinsic motivation. They emphasize surrounding yourself with a community of curious people who can provide encouragement, accountability, and inspiration. Events like the HVACR Symposium and AHR Expo facilitate making thes

  • Making Family Business Work w/ Leilani Orr

    22/02/2024 Duration: 35min

    In this podcast episode, Bryan has an enjoyable conversation with his wife Leilani about navigating family relationships while building a business. They discuss the challenges and benefits of mixing family and work, setting boundaries, and maintaining perspective. Bryan starts by admitting he felt intimidated to have Leilani on the podcast before, joking about her “big muscles and dominating presence.” Leilani jokes back, saying Bryan seems less intimidated now that they’ve been together so long. They then dive into the topic of starting their family business, Kalos, back in 2005. Leilani remembers feeling excited but also some “pain” around Bryan turning down a big raise to go out on his own instead. She was impressed he felt so confident to leave the security of a paycheck, which made her believe Kalos would succeed. However, as a young couple they were already not making much money, so the pay cut hurt. Other topics they discuss: Holding morning meetings with employees in their small home when Kalos was j

  • Heat Pump Basics in Plain Language

    15/02/2024 Duration: 26min

    In this solo podcast, Bryan provides an introduction to heat pumps, explaining the basics of how they work and key considerations in a way that is easy for anyone to understand. He starts by reviewing some core HVAC principles - that heat moves from higher temperatures to lower temperatures, the three main methods of heat transfer, and the concept that temperature is really just a measure of molecular movement. He then explains that a heat pump works by taking heat from a place that doesn't matter, like the outdoors, and putting it where it is wanted, like inside a home. This is the opposite of an air conditioner. The only difference in the actual equipment is the addition of a reversing valve to change the direction of refrigerant flow and a defrost control board. He talks about the need to defrost the outdoor coil when ice builds up and what happens in that mode. Some key challenges and design considerations he covers when using heat pumps include: dealing with defrost and where the melt water will go, keep

  • Women in HVAC (Live Rebroadcast)

    08/02/2024 Duration: 52min

    This podcast brought together several women working in the HVAC industry to discuss their experiences and offer advice. The conversation focused on the positives of working in HVAC as a woman, the importance of community, and the resources available. The women talked extensively about how welcoming and supportive the HVAC community, and particularly HVAC men, have been towards them. Several got into the industry because of their husbands' work. They agreed the perception that it's difficult for women to break into HVAC does not match their largely positive realities. The biggest challenges they identified related more to things like clothing and bathroom options rather than discrimination or harassment. Advice offered for companies looking to hire more women focused not on targeting women specifically, which could cause resentment, but on ensuring good benefits, upholding anti-discrimination standards, and facilitating connections with other women in the industry. Several mentioned the value of groups like Wo

  • History of AWG - Short #186

    06/02/2024 Duration: 08min

    In this short podcast, Bryan explains the history of AWG, or American wire gauge, which is the sizing system we use for conductors in the United States. Wires weren't standardized before the 18th century (1700s). As fencing, telegraph, and electrical wires started coming out, there was a need for a standardized system. In England, a standardized system called the Birmingham wire gauge (BWG) was developed in the 1800s. The American Telegraph Company developed the American equivalent, the AWG, shortly afterward. These systems standardized wiring diameters, and the AWG's wire sizes get bigger as they get lower (including NOT wires, which are noted by the number 0 on the gauge, like 2/0). The AWG scale is a logarithmic scale, meaning that the wire sizes don't vary by a fixed amount; there is a 20% variation between diameter sizes. Our brains are programmed to understand proportionality (i.e., logarithmic values and patterns) better than discrete values. This sizing system based on a logarithmic scale makes it eas

  • A2L Update With Chemours Live from AHR

    01/02/2024 Duration: 34min

    Don Gillis and Dr. Chuck Allgood from Chemours join the show to discuss their new easy as "1,2,3" branding around the A2L refrigerants R454A, R454B, and R454C. They explain that A2Ls are not actually flammable like hydrocarbons; they are just mildly combustible with much lower burning velocity and energy than propane or butane. The key is that A2L refrigerants can only be used in equipment specifically designed and tested for them. They outline several equipment changes, like the inclusion of sensors that detect leaks and mitigate risks by shutting down systems. Service ports will be red to denote flammability. Refrigerant cylinders will move away from colors and instead use red bands/markings to signal A2L, along with left-handed threads and updated pressure relief valves. Best practices like nitrogen purging, confined space protocols, and leak repairs will become outright requirements. Tools like recovery machines and leak detectors will need A2L ratings, but most from the past 2 years likely already have t

  • What is DX? - Short #185

    30/01/2024 Duration: 05min

    In this short podcast episode, Bryan tackles the following question: What is DX?  In short, DX stands for "direct expansion," which means that you cool the end product via the refrigeration cycle. We blow air over an evaporator coil, which allows the refrigerant to take up heat from the air and directly expand. Chillers, boilers, and chilled water systems are NOT direct expansion systems; they use a secondary fluid like water or glycol to move the heat throughout the structure, not an evaporator to take up heat directly. They also have heat exchangers to move heat from the refrigerant to the secondary fluid. DX systems tend to be smaller, and chillers and boilers tend to be larger. Chillers are advantageous in cases where we're working with toxic or flammable refrigerants or large refrigerant charges; we can keep the refrigerant charge away from the structure and space or product(s) needing to be heated or cooled.    Learn more about the 5th Annual HVACR Training Symposium at https://hvacrschool.com/Symposium

  • Vacuum and Recovery in an A2L World with Jesse Stewart

    24/01/2024 Duration: 28min

    In this podcast, Bryan Orr interviews Jesse Stewart from NAVAC about A2L refrigerants and compatible tools and safety procedures. They discuss how NAVAC has a full line of A2L-compatible tools for evacuation and recovery, including the new NR7 and upgraded models of the NRDDF and NRDD. Jesse explains key features that make tools A2L compatible, like DC motors, sparkless designs, insulated electrical terminations, soft power switches, and fans. He notes that NAVAC has been designing tools this way in preparation for wider A2L adoption. The conversation covers some evolving questions around A2L systems, like requirements for strike plates to protect line sets and whether existing line sets can still be used. They agree that ongoing questions need to be directed to organizations like ASHRAE to get definitive guidance. Overall, Jesse emphasizes that best practices are now required, not just recommended, when working with A2Ls. He details several examples, like nitrogen purging while brazing, the "10-foot rule" fo

  • Safe Chemicals are Good Chemicals w/ Mike Pastorello

    24/01/2024 Duration: 24min

    This podcast covers refrigeration technologies' growth and focus on providing safe, high-performing chemicals for HVAC technicians without hazardous ingredients. Mike Pastorello discusses the 2017 rebranding that gave their products a more modern, cohesive look. He also talks about bringing on new marketing talent like Ashley and Becca to amp up refrigeration technologies' social media presence and connect more directly with end users. Throughout, Mike emphasizes enabling the marketing experts to drive strategy rather than micromanaging. Regarding products, Mike highlights their priority of keeping technicians safe while effectively doing their jobs. He mentions constantly improving formulas to eliminate skin burns, bad odors, and other issues with traditional chemicals. Bryan shares an example from his contracting company where lax safety practices led to an emergency room visit and realigned his team's commitment to using safer alternatives like Viper products. They also overview popular refrigeration techn

  • How Better Truck Stock Makes the Trade Better w/ Jim Fultz

    24/01/2024 Duration: 47min

    This live podcast from AHR Expo 2024 discusses the costs of truck rolls for HVAC technicians and how technicians and companies can reduce those costs. Jim and Bryan highlight that every time a tech has to go to the supply house to get parts, the company loses money in potential service calls that could have been completed. They emphasize stocking trucks properly so that technicians can complete repairs efficiently without leaving jobsites. Jim talks about the White Rogers 50M56X8-43 universal control board, which auto-configures itself to different furnace models. He explains how it simplifies installations and troubleshooting, allowing techs to solve problems faster. Bryan adds that having universal parts encourages techs to thoroughly diagnose issues before replacing components. They also discuss the display showing flame current in microamps, which helps techs benchmark flame rod cleanliness over time. Later, Jim stresses the importance of techs understanding all the individual components in heating system

  • The VCRT Redesigned + More w/ Fieldpiece

    24/01/2024 Duration: 29min

    In this podcast, Bryan chats with Tony Gonzalez of Fieldpiece about their latest innovations for service tools, including the redesigned VCRT, as well as the training resources they offer. They start off discussing Fieldpiece's philosophy of developing solutions for technicians' real pain points, not just making products. Understanding workflows and obstacles lets them design better tools. Tony then reveals their new line of valve core removal tools aimed at faster, easier access to system ports. Features include integrated ball valves to isolate gauges, sight glasses to confirm capture of the core, and improved ergonomics for gripping. Next they touch on Fieldpiece University, their free online learning platform for HVAC best practices. It contains individual courses as well as guided "training tracks" on full applications like combustion analysis. With quality content being critical, Tony aims to continue expanding their offerings this year. They also briefly discuss A2L refrigerants - while tool compatibil

  • Absolute vs. Gauge Pressure (Micron Gauge vs. Manometer) - Short #184

    23/01/2024 Duration: 10min

    In this short podcast episode, Bryan covers the differences between absolute and gauge pressure, as well as measuring pressure with a micron gauge or a manometer. Compression ratio deals with absolute suction and absolute discharge pressures. Absolute pressure requires us to add atmospheric pressure to the gauge pressure. We usually measure gauge pressure in pounds per square inch (PSI). PSIG is the gauge pressure (zeroed to atmospheric pressure), and PSIA is the gauge pressure plus the atmospheric pressure (usually around 14.7 PSI).  When we measure vacuum pressure, we have "negative pressure" with respect to the atmosphere. We're not measuring less than zero pressure; we are in a positively pressurized environment, but the pressure is negative relative to the atmosphere (not absolutely). We use microns to measure deep vacuums; they are tiny pressure units equivalent to a millionth of a meter of mercury column. Since microns measure absolute pressure, they always dip below atmospheric pressure and approach 0

  • Is Dual Fuel the Answer? w/ Tom Buescher

    18/01/2024 Duration: 37min

    In this HVAC School podcast, Bryan and Tom Buescher with Copeland discuss dual-fuel heat pump systems as an intermediate step towards more sustainable heating solutions. They talk about the overall goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions from residential heating and cooling, which accounts for over half of home energy use. While heat pumps can provide higher efficiency, simply switching everyone to electric isn’t realistic in the short term. Factors like grid capacity, infrastructure, and consumer comfort have to be considered. Dual fuel systems allow for a hybrid approach - utilizing heat pumps to provide the bulk of heating, with gas heating as a backup for the coldest stretches. This arrangement allows more heat pumps to be adopted now while still ensuring warmth and meeting consumer expectations. It bridges the gap during this transitional period as grids adapt to more renewable generation. Key topics covered: Tom’s industry background The role of location - dual-fuel makes the most sense in northern c

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