HVAC Know It All Podcast – Détails, épisodes et analyse

In this episode of the HVAC Know It All Podcast, host Gary McCreadie speaks with Joshua Canfield, owner of Blue Box HVACR. Together, they explore how training for new HVAC technicians has changed over the years. Josh shares his own journey from being thrown into the trade with no experience to running jobs alone within weeks. They talk about the need for a balanced training approach that combines hands-on work, guidance, and time under pressure. Josh also highlights how small wins and emotional intelligence can build confidence in young techs. Their conversation gives practical ideas for teaching the next generation in today's industry.

In this episode, Joshua Canfield talks about the challenges of training new HVAC technicians in today's industry. He explains how systems have become more complex with added electronics, while many techs lack hands-on experience and confidence. Josh shares stories from his own start in the trade, where he learned by doing jobs on his own with little help. He and Gary discuss a better way to train techs by mixing pressure-filled situations with support and guidance. Josh also stresses the need to build emotional strength and give new techs chances to succeed so they can grow into confident professionals.

Expect to Learn:

• Why hands-on experience is key to building real technician skills.

• How throwing techs into the field too soon can hurt their growth.

• A hybrid training method that balances pressure with support.

• Why emotional intelligence and small wins build confidence in new techs.

• How strong mentorship helps techs learn faster and stay in the trade.

 

Episode Highlights:

[00:00] - Intro to Joshua Canfield in Part 1

[02:10] - The Changing Landscape: Increased Complexity & Lost Confidence

[05:09] - The Core Problem: Lack of Applied Knowledge & Tool Proficiency

[06:54] - The "Thrown in the Truck" Method: Pros, Cons, and a Better Hybrid Approach

[10:19] - Creating "Aha" Moments: The Power of Pressure and Satisfaction

[14:30] - The Triumph of Perseverance: A Story of a First Solo Fix

[18:47] - The Key to Success: Persistence Over Pure Intelligence

[20:55] - The Modern Apprentice: Navigating a Different Upbringing

[22:18] - A New Vision for Training: Blending Technical, Applied, and Emotional Skills

[23:54] - Creating "Small Wins" and a Customer-Focused Mindset

 

This Episode is Kindly Sponsored by:

Master: https://www.master.ca/

Cintas: https://www.cintas.com/

Cool Air Products: https://www.coolairproducts.net/

property.com: https://mccreadie.property.com

SupplyHouse: https://www.supplyhouse.com/tm
Use promo code HKIA5 to get 5% off your first order at Supplyhouse!

 

Follow the Guest Joshua Canfield on: 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshua-canfield-32152a163/

Blue Box HVACR: https://www.linkedin.com/company/blue-box-hvacr/ 

Website:

Blue Box HVACR: https://blueboxhvacr.com/ 

 

Follow the Host:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gary-mccreadie-38217a77/

Website: https://www.hvacknowitall.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/HVAC-Know-It-All-2/61569643061429/ 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hvacknowitall1/ 

In part 2 of this episode of the HVAC Know It All Podcast, host Gary McCreadie is joined again by Jim Fultz, National Technical Training Manager at Copeland and a former Emerson trainer, to explore dual fuel systems and the importance of proper equipment placement. They talk about the difference between thermal and economic balance points, and why running a heat pump and furnace at the same time can cause serious issues. Jim explains how incorrect coil placement can lead to rusted heat exchangers and how technology like the Sensi Touch 2 thermostat helps manage switchover points more accurately. This episode offers helpful tips for HVAC techs working with hybrid heating systems.

Gary and Jim talk about how dual fuel systems work and why the placement of coils and furnaces matters for system life and safety. Jim explains the problems that happen when coils are placed before furnaces, like rust inside heat exchangers from trapped moisture. They cover why heat pumps and gas furnaces should not run at the same time and how electric resistance heat is different. Jim also shares how the Sensi Touch 2 thermostat and its outdoor sensors help manage switchover points better. They end by talking about wireless tools that save time and avoid hard-wiring jobs.

Expect to Learn:

• What do thermal and economic balance points mean in HVAC?

• Why heat pumps and gas furnaces should not run at the same time.

• How coil placement can damage heat exchangers over time.

• Ways the Sensi Touch 2 helps manage backup heat more accurately.

• How wireless sensors can solve wiring problems in retrofit jobs.

Episode Highlights:

[00:00] - Intro to Jim Fultz in Part 02

[01:56] - Why Furnace & Heat Pump Can't Run Together

[06:28] - The Risks of Incorrect Coil Placement

[11:35] - Sensi Touch 2 Thermostat & Wireless Solutions

[14:50] - Cost Analysis & "Stealth" Thermostat Feature

[16:35] - Final Recap on Balance Points

This Episode is Kindly Sponsored by:

Master: https://www.master.ca/

Cintas: https://www.cintas.com/

Cool Air Products: https://www.coolairproducts.net/

property.com: https://mccreadie.property.com

SupplyHouse: https://www.supplyhouse.com/tm
Use promo code HKIA5 to get 5% off your first order at Supplyhouse!

Follow the Guest Jim Fultz on:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jimdfultz/

Copeland: https://www.linkedin.com/company/copeland/

Emerson: https://www.linkedin.com/company/emerson/ 

Website:

Copeland: https://www.copeland.com/global

Emerson: https://www.emerson.com/global 

Follow the Host:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gary-mccreadie-38217a77/ 

Website: https://www.hvacknowitall.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/HVAC-Know-It-All-2/61569643061429/  

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hvacknowitall1/ 

In this episode of the HVAC Know It All Podcast, host Gary McCreadie talks with Andrew Barton, CEO of AirMatch, Arenberg, Imogen Technologies LLC, and CFM Equipment Distributors. Andrew explains how AirMatch helps HVAC contractors build and price systems on-site using tools like Laser Calc for quick and detailed load calculations. He shares how the software helps customize equipment setups, match AHRI data, and get accurate prices fast. Andrew also talks about why proper sizing, system matching, and customer involvement lead to better sales and comfort. The goal is to help contractors close more deals with tools that are smart, fast, and easy to use.

Andrew explains how AirMatch helps HVAC pros design and sell systems directly in the home. He talks about tools like Laser Calc, which helps size equipment right by doing quick load calculations. Andrew also covers how the software uses your own price sheets and equipment info to give instant, accurate quotes. He explains how picking the right system parts and matching them properly improves comfort, saves time, and builds trust with customers. The goal is to help contractors close more sales with tools that are simple, smart, and made for today's HVAC needs.

This episode highlights HVAC sales and system design using AirMatch. Andrew explains how tech like Laser Calc helps size equipment fast and right. He talks about customizing quotes using real prices and matched systems. Andrew also shares tips on showing customers value, building trust, and closing more deals with clear, quick proposals.

Expect to Learn:

• How AirMatch helps HVAC pros design and price systems fast.

• Why correct load calculation matters for comfort and savings.

• How to match real equipment with pricing and AHRI data.

• Tips to involve customers in the system design process.

• Why fast, clear quotes help build trust and close more sales.

Episode Highlights:

[00:27] - Intro to Andrew Barton Part 01

[02:54] - What is AirMatch?

[04:49] - Sales, Ethics, & Load Calculation Process

[09:49] - Pricing and Customization

[11:14] - Using AHRI Data and Price Sheets

[15:22] - Why AHRI Numbers Matter

[17:21] - The Selection Process for Systems

[19:46] - Designing with Ductless Systems

This Episode is Kindly Sponsored by:

Master: https://www.master.ca/

Cintas: https://www.cintas.com/

Cool Air Products: https://www.coolairproducts.net/

property.com: https://mccreadie.property.com

SupplyHouse: https://www.supplyhouse.com/tm
Use promo code HKIA5 to get 5% off your first order at Supplyhouse!

Follow the Guest Andrew Barton on:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-barton-8b161a4/

AirMatch: https://www.linkedin.com/company/airmatchpro

Arenberg: https://www.linkedin.com/company/arenbergco/

Imogen Technologies LLC: https://www.linkedin.com/company/imogen-technologies-llc/

CFM Equipment Distributors: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cfm-equipment-distributors/ 

Follow the Host:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gary-mccreadie-38217a77/

Website: https://www.hvacknowitall.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/HVAC-Know-It-All-2/61569643061429/ 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hvacknowitall1/ 

We speak to Aaron Engel from DiversiTech about UV light technology for indoor air quality of grow ops and agricultural applications. https://www.diversitech.com/ https://www.master.ca/professional/ www.cintas.com/HVACKnowItAll Save 8% on your purchase https://www.trutechtools.com/ with promo code knowitall Check out the HVAC Know It All app app.hvacknowitall.com https://www.hvacknowithttps://www.instagram.com/hvacknowitall1/all.com/pages/about Visit HVAC Know It All on social media Facebook https://www.facebook.com/hvacknowitall/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/hvacknowitall1/

Gauging up to systems is not always necessary but if you do, it's best not to lose refrigerant in the process if at all possible. Using low loss fittings, ball valves, gas retention valves or other can help with this.

Check out Jobber www.getjobber.com/hvacknowitall

In part 2 of 3 we speak to Jason Esteves from Seitron Americas. We discuss intermediate combustion analysis. Jason tell us how to get proper combustion efficiency in a 2 pipe system. We also briefly discuss how to find cracked heat exchangers using a combustion analyzer.

https://seitron.com/en_us/novo-combustion-analyzer.html

https://www.master.ca/professional/ www.cintas.com/HVACKnowItAll Save 8% on your purchase https://www.trutechtools.com/ with promo code knowitall Check out the HVAC Know It All app app.hvacknowitall.com https://www.hvacknowithttps://www.instagram.com/hvacknowitall1/all.com/pages/about Visit HVAC Know It All on social media Facebook https://www.facebook.com/hvacknowitall/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/hvacknowitall1/

We speak to Keith Clark and John Fanetti from ICM controls about low ambient air conditioning and refrigeration operation. We compare fan cycling vs fan speed. We discuss the ICM 325A which can control fan speed based on temperature or pressure.

https://www.icmcontrols.com/product/icm325a/

https://www.master.ca/professional/ www.cintas.com/HVACKnowItAll Save 8% on your purchase https://www.trutechtools.com/ with promo code knowitall Check out the HVAC Know It All app app.hvacknowitall.com https://www.hvacknowithttps://www.instagram.com/hvacknowitall1/all.com/pages/about Visit HVAC Know It All on social media Facebook https://www.facebook.com/hvacknowitall/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/hvacknowitall1/

Marketing your skilled trades business in 2024 is much different than it was back in day. There's many strategies outside of word of mouth, like social media, and utilizing Google's tools for local targeting. Listen to industry professionals, Greg Crumpton, Terence Chan and Ryan Hache discuss this with me (Gary McCreadie) in this live conversation at CMPX. Book a free strategy session to review your results. https://hachemarketing.com/strategy-session https://www.master.ca/professional/ www.cintas.com/HVACKnowItAll Save 8% on your purchase https://www.trutechtools.com/ with promo code knowitall Check out the HVAC Know It All app app.hvacknowitall.com https://www.hvacknowithttps://www.instagram.com/hvacknowitall1/all.com/pages/about Visit HVAC Know It All on social media Facebook https://www.facebook.com/hvacknowitall/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/hvacknowitall1/

On this short episode we discuss why it's important to carry a combustion analyzer and use it on every service call. Gas appliances can deviate from day one performance and may need cleaning or the gas/air ratio may need to be adjusted. Check out Jobber www.getjobber.com/hvacknowitall Check out the full Navien walk through https://youtu.be/E6UmOK9nrlE

In part 1 of our 3 part series, we speak to Jason Esteves from Seitron Americas about basic combustion analysis. We will record an intermediate and advanced session in the coming weeks. Seitron has launched a new combustion analyzer, check out it out.

https://seitron.com/en_us/novo-combustion-analyzer.html

https://www.master.ca/professional/ www.cintas.com/HVACKnowItAll Save 8% on your purchase https://www.trutechtools.com/ with promo code knowitall Check out the HVAC Know It All app app.hvacknowitall.com https://www.hvacknowithttps://www.instagram.com/hvacknowitall1/all.com/pages/about Visit HVAC Know It All on social media Facebook https://www.facebook.com/hvacknowitall/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/hvacknowitall1/