How confident are you when it comes to troubleshooting a communicating residential HVAC system? 🧐 In this episode, I'm putting Ty to the test with some tricky Daikin 5VDC communicating issues — but spoiler alert: he’s not easily stumped! 😅 Join us as we dig deep into the fundamentals of communicating networks and explore the best practices for diagnosing these pesky communication problems. 🚀

Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out, take a stroll with us through the intricate (but totally understandable!) world of communicating HVAC systems. Let’s make learning fun and empowering — one signal at a time! 🌟💬🔧

Creating a successful HVACR program isn’t always a straightforward process... or is it? 🚀 This week, we are here to prove that with the right guidance and a bit of strategic planning, program development can be more exciting than a roller coaster ride! Get ready for an action-packed discussion that covers it all: 🔍 Initial Due Diligence & Market Feasibility 🤝 Partnerships, Alliances & PAC Meetings 📘 Curriculum Development & Credentialing ⚙️ Learn why accreditation is more than a badge—it's a pathway to excellence. Whether you're an educator, administrator, or industry professional looking to elevate your HVACR program, this is your roadmap to success. 🧭

There is no doubt that the HVACR contractor is facing an abundance of changes and challenges all at the same time. So how do you prepare for all of this and stay afloat? You trust a couple ole' experienced professionals and learn what NOT to do. There are many things to consider when installing a heat pump, especially a high performance inverter driven heat pump. But make no mistake, if your sizing and equipment selection are wrong, you are going to have a disappointed customer.

Many times when we take on the role of educator we are not prepared for the emotional and psychological needs of our students. Yes we are educators but many times we are looked up to as mentors as well.

The world is evolving and so are the stigmas around the trades. Join us as we dive into the evolution of perceptions with Kate Cinnamo of Explore the trades and our very own Renee Tomlinson.

Did you know that your combustion analyzer could be operating but not actually reading properly? This scenario could create very dangerous situations that can be avoided. Louise joins us at the 2023 National HVACR Education Conference to discuss analyzer maintenance.

Before you begin building a walk-in box lets walk through the sequence of selection and design with Dennis Soukup. Better yet how do you know if a system is big enough for your box? Together we walk through the sequences of selecting the box and the refrigeration system.

Jeff Bledsoe joins us to discuss the evolution of inverters and the need to train students on inverters to prepare them for a successful future.

Most of us get the bug after we become experienced and get a chance to help the little old lady down the street when her AC blows a capacitor and we walk away feeling like a champ. Some of us get the bug before we even know what we're doing. Which one were YOU? Join Greg and I as we discuss the paths to the classroom.

We had the opportunity to set down with some of the most influential ladies in our industry, at the 2023 National HVACR Education Conference, to discuss misperceptions that all of us had when we first encountered HVAC and what we can do to alter those mis-informed perspectives.

There are so many aspects of being a great technician that we have to learn along the way unless you have someone like Murph to teach you how to think from different perspectives and use your wits to solve problems others may not accomplish.

Commercial ice machines are another product of the refrigeration cycle that may be an enigma to some but at its heart is just another refrigeration system with a hot gas bypass. Dennis and I discuss the basic cycle of a commercial ice machine.

We will see you soon!

Did you know that the United States is one of the least trained and certified HVAC industries in the modern world? Many countries require thousands of hours of training as well as completing a nationally recognized certification. Here in the United States it varies by state and even city. Here in my home state of Indiana there is no state-level HVAC license, but you are required as a landscaper.....let that sink in. Take 25 and check out this interesting perspective from Aidan Lucey, a journeyman refrigeration mechanic who understands apprenticeships of different continents.

Daniel Mendoza, Technical Content Designer at ESCO Group, and Ana Carolina Osuna, Director of the Professional Training Center in the Latin HVACR community, there are exciting opportunities as well as challenges that need to be addressed. This industry offers a wide range of possibilities for those looking to enter it, from technical jobs to entrepreneurial opportunities. However, it also faces unique challenges, ranging from linguistic and cultural barriers to the need for access to training and resources.

Daniel Mendoza, Diseñador de Contenido Técnico, Grupo ESCO y Ana Carolina Osuna, Directora, Centro De Capacitación Profesional en la comunidad latina de HVACR, hay una serie de oportunidades emocionantes, así como desafíos que deben abordarse. Esta industria ofrece una amplia gama de posibilidades para aquellos que desean ingresar a ella, desde empleos técnicos hasta oportunidades empresariales. Sin embargo, también enfrenta desafíos únicos, que van desde barreras lingüísticas y culturales hasta la necesidad de acceso a capacitación y recursos.

Daniel Mendoza, Technical Content Designer at ESCO Group, and Ana Carolina Osuna, Director of the Professional Training Center in the Latin HVACR community, there are exciting opportunities as well as challenges that need to be addressed. This industry offers a wide range of possibilities for those looking to enter it, from technical jobs to entrepreneurial opportunities. However, it also faces unique challenges, ranging from linguistic and cultural barriers to the need for access to training and resources.

Daniel Mendoza, Diseñador de Contenido Técnico, Grupo ESCO y Ana Carolina Osuna, Directora, Centro De Capacitación Profesional en la comunidad latina de HVACR, hay una serie de oportunidades emocionantes, así como desafíos que deben abordarse. Esta industria ofrece una amplia gama de posibilidades para aquellos que desean ingresar a ella, desde empleos técnicos hasta oportunidades empresariales. Sin embargo, también enfrenta desafíos únicos, que van desde barreras lingüísticas y culturales hasta la necesidad de acceso a capacitación y recursos.

Daniel Mendoza, Diseñador de Contenido Técnico, Grupo ESCO y Ana Carolina Osuna, Directora, Centro De Capacitación Profesional en la comunidad latina de HVACR, hay una serie de oportunidades emocionantes, así como desafíos que deben abordarse. Esta industria ofrece una amplia gama de posibilidades para aquellos que desean ingresar a ella, desde empleos técnicos hasta oportunidades empresariales. Sin embargo, también enfrenta desafíos únicos, que van desde barreras lingüísticas y culturales hasta la necesidad de acceso a capacitación y recursos.

Discover how Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) are revolutionizing education! 🌟 These cutting-edge technologies are creating immersive, interactive, and engaging learning experiences that are changing the way we learn and teach. While challenges like cost, technical skills, and content development exist, the growing affordability and advancement of AR and VR promise a bright future for education. Join us as we explore the transformative impact of AR and VR on education, and get a glimpse into the future of learning! 🚀

Can you imagine a world where connecting to an HVAC system was as easy as paying for food with your Apple Pay or credit card chip? That reality is present in this next generation equipment from Hitachi that is using near field communication (NFC) to connect to your smartphone or tablet without even taking off the covers of the unit. Every temperature thermistor, pressure transducer and system error is at your fingertips with real-time data as well as stored data logging. Sounds dreamy right? That is the future of our industry, and one of the many innovations that will attract new talent to our profession. The development of AI is threatening many career fields and causing IT professionals to consider the HVACR industry due to the job security and technological innovations. Not to mention, we are attracting young, tech-savvy women and men that look forward to the use of technology in their chosen career path. Welcome to the future of HVACR!

Technology and innovations are the driving force for efficiency. Not just in the realm of HVACR but in the entire world. It is important to stay current with the tools and techniques that make our lives easier and more efficient. Today we spend time with our good friend Tony Gonzalez from Fieldpiece tools to discuss ways to become more efficient in the things we already do, like evacuation and charging. It's never too late to teach an 'old dog' a new trick! And its always cool to try a new tool.

Let's discuss what Norman Van Johnson calls "Figuring out your HVACY" - to really get students to ask themselves “why” are they interested in HVACR. Getting students to think about why they are interested in HVAC opens dialogue into all the possible careers in HVACR and what might be the best fit for an individual’s career path. For example, being a service technician is great for people who enjoy the solitude of driving to calls and don’t mind navigating through traffic as part of their daily routine. Others may look towards the path of teaching, owning their own business or being a consultant. There are thousands of different career opportunities within our industry, we just need to assist in figuring out why they are interested, and what they would like to pursue, to help guide our students to a successful future.

Many times we find ourselves in boundary-less cultures where relationships are difficult to form because of the lack of direction and structure. Often times, in these environments, it is difficult to say NO because of the fear of disappointment and rejection. But we need to become comfortable with saying NO, as well as accepting NO as an answer. Just because the culture lacks clear boundaries and expectations, does not mean it should be acceptable to overwork and over burden people with tasks that they, or you, are not able to manage. Not all companies have clear boundaries and employee responsibilities. If you find yourself in this scenario, it may take a little self-development and practice, but the rewards are plentiful both personally and professionally to be able to Hear and Say NO. Just make sure to have a professional explanation or ask for one......

There is no doubt that the HVACR industry is moving at light speed into the future. But are we prepared for it? Are we accepting of it? These are some of the topics Kevin and I discuss as we ponder the state of the industry, as well as the perception of our industry from the outside. Never before in the history of HVACR has there been more of an opportunity to advance our skills and be recognized for our professionalism. We encourage YOU to take the next step in your career to test your own skill knowledge, focus on the areas you need to improve, seek out the best training, and show the world just how professional WE are.

As the world transitions into a new era of technological innovations driven by a global awareness for a reduced carbon future, the fuel industry is making many of their own transitions and technological advancements. The fuels we currently recognize such as fuel oil, natural gas, liquified petroleum and even aviation fuel will not look the same in just a few years. Joins us as we take a deep look at the fuels we currently know, and see what they will look like on the other side.... we want you to stay "In The Loop'

Ask anyone you know from the training side of our industry and they will all tell you the same thing...there has never been as significant of increase in the demand for training that Right Now! The industry is hungry for knowledge, driven by an elevated awareness of the importance our industry plays in global impact and the vital services we provide for our communities. I absolutely LOVE our industry and am filled with pride when I see our industry partners putting so much effort into training for their products. From chemicals manufacturers like Refrigeration Technologies, to our equipment and tool manufacturers, this industry is ON FIRE for education. Come hang out with myself and Ashley Lynds as we discuss the brand evolution and emphasis on training with Viper.

Have you ever been driving and suddenly come up with a brilliant solution to an HVACR industry challenge? What happens next? Many innovative tools and techniques in our field come from technicians in the field and industry experts who use their creativity to develop practical solutions. In this episode, Don Prather joins us to share how he tackled a common problem in zoning systems, especially in low-load scenarios, and turned it into both a product and a training initiative.

Since its inception in 1954, more than 70,000 engineers, contractors and other hydronic HVAC and plumbing professionals have been educated at the Little Red Schoolhouse. Known as the industry’s educator, Bell & Gossett’s Little Red Schoolhouse sets itself apart from other educational facilities in the industry by emphasizing a systems-based concept of teaching, rather than focusing on product features and benefits. Training modules are frequently updated to support advancements in equipment design and operation, along with the evolving focus on sustainability, decarbonization and electrification of hydronic systems. We spend some time with Bill Fisher discussing everything that Bell and Gossett offers for training including the virtual Little Red Schoolhouse.

The National HVACR Education Conference is typically a place for educators to gather to unite for the good of community and education. This year the conference had a fresh new aroma...the flavor of competitors joining forces to embrace a new era of education. Manufacturers that typically compete for sales showed up in groves to embrace change, encourage each other, and even share the stage to promote unity. Waves of change are upon us, and I like what I see.

OK friends in the south, especially those in the southeast, you know exactly what we are talking about. The HVACR industry has gained a new unwanted condition that, until now, has been very difficult to treat. We have seen crazy videos of slime snakes being flushed out of condensate lines in Florida. and mushroom looking blobs in the Carolinas. We have heard stories of using bleach but it is only temporary and will deteriorate metals and plastics. What is it? And how do you treat it? That's what our resident Research and Development Chemist, Fallon Dyle, is here to deliver.

🌬️🔧 Ever wondered what happens to a refrigerant cylinder after you drop it off at the supply house? Join Kate Houghton as she takes us on a fascinating virtual journey, following a cylinder from its creation all the way back to you as a brand new empty! 🚀🔄 Discover the ins and outs of refrigerant life cycles and learn about the latest in A2L refrigerants and proper handling techniques during reclamation. Don't miss this deep dive into the cool world of refrigerants! ❄️🔍

Johnson Controls is excited to announce that they have launched a completely redesigned environmentally sustainable residential HVAC portfolio utilizing the low-GWP refrigerant R-454B well ahead of the EPA’s 2025 deadline. The entire suite of products have been improved with new features that make them faster to install and easier to service, including refrigerant detection technology to ensure the safety of contractors and homeowners. Want to learn about the fully redesigned portfolio, the importance of the low-GWP refrigerant transition on the industry as we move to a sustainable future and what’s next for Johnson Controls ahead of the EPA’s 2025 deadline? If so, set back, turn up the volume and let's take an audio excursion into the future of HVAC.

Refrigerant landing page: https://www.johnsoncontrols.com/navigating-the-refrigerant-transition

YORK Residential sustainability page: https://www.york.com/residential-equipment/sustainability

Gen Z and Gen Alpha offer a tremendous opportunity for educators and contractors. They may look different than previous generations, but they have a LOT to offer! The pandemic and the ensuing “Great Resignation” meant shifts in culture and what these younger generations expected from jobs. No longer would they tolerate outdated working practices and company cultures. They wanted more training, more growth opportunities, and more opportunities to make a difference. To be a top placing program, with top performing contractors, we need to understand the needs of BOTH.

Virtual Reality (VR) has transformed education by providing immersive and experiential learning opportunities, making education more accessible, engaging, and personalized. It fosters collaboration, offers cost-effective training, and enables innovative teaching tools, revolutionizing the way students learn and educators teach. Interplay Learning now offers HVAC Excellence Employment Ready Certification exams with their immersive trades training, making it easier to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and certifications needed to start meaningful trades careers.

Welcome to the world of complete combustion, where molecules mingle and react in a mesmerizing display of chemistry in action. In this episode with Rachel Kaiser, we'll take you on a journey through the magical realm of combustion.

Complete combustion occurs when a fuel (usually hydrocarbon-based) reacts with an adequate supply of oxygen (O2) to produce carbon dioxide (CO2) and water (H2O) as the only products. The reaction is represented by the general equation:

Fuel+Oxygen→Carbon Dioxide+Water+EnergyFuel+Oxygen→Carbon Dioxide+Water+Energy

For example, the complete combustion of methane (CH4) can be represented by the equation:

CH4(𝑔)+2O2(𝑔)→CO2(𝑔)+2H2O(𝑔)+EnergyCH4​(g)+2O2​(g)→CO2​(g)+2H2​O(g)+Energy

In this reaction, one molecule of methane reacts with two molecules of oxygen to produce one molecule of carbon dioxide and two molecules of water, along with releasing energy.

Complete combustion is characterized by a clean, efficient burning process that maximizes the energy released and minimizes the production of harmful by-products such as carbon monoxide (CO) and soot. Sound complicated? Hang out with Rachel and I as she breaks it down into bitesize nuggets of clarity.

One of the difficult challenges of developing a modern technical training program is creating the connections with industry partners. There are times when we need to connect with equipment manufacturers, labor organizations, apprenticeships, local contractors and outreach organizations. Explore The Trades is focused on bringing the next generation of technical talent to the skilled trades of plumbing, heating, cooling and electric. The organization creates awareness of the trades through key industry statistics, career resources and connections with industry-leading residential service companies throughout North America. If you haven't added them to your arsenal of support networks, I highly recommend you doing so.

We often prepare students for entry level roles in the HVACR industry without explaining to them the career opportunities they have the potential to explore. If they are only exposed to the first year roles, that we all get stuck with, like sweeping floors and cleaning trucks, they may very well quit and find new careers without understanding their true potential. Yes there are some pretty crummy tasks that need done. Yes it might be a lot of work to get to the top. If we fail to mentor these young minds properly, we are failing at our roles as educators and mentors. My good friend Greg Crumpton shares some lessons learned on his journey, and has some very valuable insight on work habits and expectations of GenZ pupils.

Did you know that an ECM motor could be using a 24VAC or a 5VDC signal to command the ECM what speed to run? In this episode we break down the changes in ECM technology and give great advice for troubleshooting the modern ECM. Not to mention a fun and engaging conversion with three of the coolest educators in the industry.

The last 2 years of the National HVACR Education Conference has shown us a very promising future for our industry. We have witnessed a surge in young, hungry, tech savvy educators, that have a passion for moving our industry forward to stay current with the technological innovations of our times. We can look at many of our common personal possessions and recognize that technology is transforming the world around us at an astronomical pace. Every mechanical and electrical device of 10 years ago no longer looks the same, and neither should our educational program. we MUST stay current or we will be left behind. Take a few minutes to hang out with myself and Bill Northrup as we discuss the ever evolving landscape of HVACR education and innovations we need to be paying close attention to.

When we step into the classroom for the first time, many of us are under the assumption that since we were good technicians we will surely be good teachers. That is not typically the case. If fact, it is rarely the case that we are well prepared for the new leadership roles. One of the most important new skillsets we have to acquire is leadership, and not just vertical leadership but horizontal leadership as well as inward leadership. Angie Snow is one of those amazing educators that helps us reflect on our own personal leadership development and communication styles. 'Did You Know' that not everyone communicates or leads others in the same way? This is a MUST LISTEN podcast for those that struggle with stepping out of our communication comfort zone.....Dare I even state that this is most of us?

As we move into the next generation of high performing HVACR equipment, it is crucial that we design, install and commission these systems properly. Technology has advanced the system performance but it has also advanced the tools we have to validate the performance before and after the installation. "Did You Know?" that our brothers and sisters north of the 49th parallel are converting to heat pumps with great success? They even have areas going fossil-fuel free....So why are we still crying about heat pump adoption here in the US? Take a refreshing stroll down 'big picture alley' painted by my new friend Tom Cates from Lennox.

Creating a top performing instructional program is not always the easiest thing to accomplish, especially in today's evolving society where norms of last semester may not work well for this one. If you take a few minute, and listen to these incredibly valuable words of wisdom from Rich Benkowski, you will have a valuable tool for your success. Every conversation I have had with this remarkable mentor, has left me craving another one. I believe it will for you as well. So strive to make the right material, of the right quality, to the right student, at the right time......ENJOY!!

We often complain about the regulations around De-Carbonization, Electrification, and GWP reduction here in the US. Did You Know that places much colder than the US are also moving into an age of high efficiency heat pumps? Our friends in Canada are facing strict regulations, as well as much of the modern world, in an effort to reduce our green house gas emissions and energy consumption. I encourage you to spend some time with my new friend Kevin Fortinski, a technical trainer and advocate for heat pumps installed in colder climates.

Many of us feel that 2024 will be a monumental year in the educational sector of HVACR. Many technical trainers from schools, manufacturers, contractors and distributors are already overwhelmed by the requests for education and training. But is that a bad thing? Not at all...It means the level of professionalism is growing and our industry is becoming more appealing to not only new generations, but experienced workers from other industries that see our profession as secure and rewarding. Take a humorous stroll with two of the most entertaining distributor trainers in the industry, and this previous distributor trainer, as we have fun and explore the wonderful world of HVACR.

Welcome to "Did You Know?" The ESCO HVAC Podcast, where we delve deep into the world of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning with our guest, Joey Henderson, also known as JoeJoe the HVAC Man. In each episode, we explore the latest trends, technologies, and techniques shaping the HVAC industry today. Joey brings his wealth of experience and expertise to the table, sharing invaluable insights into optimizing airflow management, enhancing system performance, and tackling common challenges faced by HVAC professionals. From understanding air distribution dynamics to debunking misconceptions about static pressure readings, Joey leaves no stone unturned in his quest to empower listeners with knowledge.

The HVACR industry is witnessing a surge in technology, regulations, transitions and workforce development. Realistically we have never seen the growth and opportunity in our industry of this scale. So how do we prepare for a technological transition and move the industry forward at the same time? It's actually quite simple, we use education, technology and intellect to our advantage. When we start commissioning and analyzing systems properly, we reduce callbacks, create an atmosphere of customer confidence and create new job opportunities for those that come from other professional industries. Can we solve the labor shortage, reduce false warranty claims and upskill a workforce all at the same time? Absolutely we can! Come hang out with Joe Medosch at the National HVACR Education Conference, as we discuss all of these important conversational topics.

The world is advancing at lightspeed, which makes staying up to date with the current trends and innovations a daunting task for educators. Fortunately we have events like the National HVACR Education Conference to handle that endeavor. Jim Johnson shares the evolution of our conference, the necessity for attending, and the 'Juice' that drives our passion to serve our community. Yes, we are servants of our community, and YOU are changing people's lives on a daily basis.

Carbon dioxide (CO2) has gained significant attention as a potential refrigerant of the future, particularly in the context of reducing environmental impact and addressing concerns about climate change. As global regulations tighten to phase out high-GWP refrigerants due to their contribution to climate change, there is increasing pressure on industries to adopt more environmentally friendly alternatives. CO2 aligns with these regulatory trends and offers a sustainable solution for refrigeration and HVAC systems. Dale Sizemore and Ignacio Varela Chaparro from Kysor-Warren discuss the evolution of refrigeration equipment and the popularity of CO2.

There is one constant in life: change. We will continue seeking a more environmentally friendly, easy-to-handle refrigerant until the day we figure out how to remove heat without the use of refrigerant. That is a given. So what if the next best refrigerant is determined to be milk? How well would it function? What would the pressures be? What oil would it use, if any? Sometimes, we overthink the world we live in and should focus on the basics: what is the evaporator design temperature and the condensing design temperature? These two items are the driving forces of a system, not the pressures. The pressures are a result of the pressure/temperature relationships created by the refrigerants. Tune in to see what we would do if milk becomes our next generation of refrigerants.

We often think about the COVID-19 pandemic as being the death of customer service and personal relationships. I personally believe we simply got lazy with our emotions. What if the world is waiting on that one person to bring safety, comfort and fun to the conversation? Wouldn't that make for a more comfortable experience? It's all about getting a kiss on the first date, metaphorically.....says Brigham. What's your strategy?