Episodios

  • An R-454B Ramble w/ Elliot

    An R-454B Ramble w/ Elliot
    Nov 13 2025
    In this raw and unfiltered episode, Bryan sits down with Elliot, a senior service tech and newly minted install supervisor, to discuss the realities of working with R-454B refrigerant in the field. What starts as a technical discussion about the new A2L refrigerant quickly evolves into a candid conversation about industry frustrations, manufacturer accountability, and the practical challenges technicians face with the latest refrigerant transition. With four years of hands-on experience, Elliot brings fresh perspectives on everything from charging procedures to equipment reliability issues. The conversation takes an honest look at the R-454B rollout, which Bryan describes as a massive industry failure. Unlike typical manufacturer talking points, this episode dives into real problems technicians are experiencing: extended charging times, subcooling drift, and equipment component failures. Bryan and Elliot discuss how R-454B systems can take up to an hour to stabilize compared to the 15-20 minutes they were accustomed to with R-410A. This isn't just an inconvenience—it's affecting how technicians approach charging procedures and follow-up visits. The episode also explores theoretical explanations for R-454B's unusual behavior. Bryan presents two hypotheses about why the refrigerant takes so long to reach equilibrium: either density differences between R-32 and R-1234yf are causing stratification in the condenser, or one component is settling at the top and acting like a non-condensable. While admitting he's "not a mathy details guy," Bryan encourages field technicians to investigate these phenomena using thermal imaging cameras and careful observation. This practical, boots-on-the-ground approach to understanding new technology exemplifies the podcast's commitment to real-world problem-solving. Beyond technical discussions, the conversation touches on broader industry issues, including the politics behind refrigerant selection, manufacturer warranty support (or lack thereof), and the challenges faced by contractors trying to maintain fair pricing while dealing with new equipment failures. Bryan and Elliot also address the reliability concerns with new A2L safety components like dissipation boards and refrigerant sensors, noting that while failure rates aren't dramatically higher than other components, they represent additional potential failure points that weren't previously necessary. Topics Covered R-454B Charging Behavior: Extended stabilization times (up to 1 hour vs. 15-20 minutes for R-410A) and subcooling drift over timeField Charging Strategy: Why technicians are intentionally undercharging slightly and relying more on line length specificationsA2L Safety Components: Dissipation boards and refrigerant leak sensors—their function, failure rates, and nuisance alarmsRefrigerant Stratification Theory: Potential explanations for delayed equilibrium involving density differences and non-condensable behaviorIndustry Politics: The R-454B vs. R-32 debate, GWP legislation, and lobbying efforts that shaped current refrigerant standardsManufacturer Accountability: Warranty support issues, untested components, and the financial burden on contractorsRecovery and Reuse Concerns: Questions about blend consistency when recovering R-454B and tank contamination issuesFuture of HVAC: Discussion of heat recovery chillers, secondary fluid systems, and emerging refrigerant-free technologiesPressure Testing Requirements: New legislation requiring extended pressure tests and improved brazing practicesPractical Field Advice: Using thermal imaging to diagnose condenser behavior and verify proper refrigerant distribution 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 7th 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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    40 m
  • Psychrometrics and the Magic Line - Short #265

    Psychrometrics and the Magic Line - Short #265
    Nov 11 2025

    In this short podcast episode, Bryan talks about psychrometrics and the magic line inside a messy-looking chart. The psychrometric chart is a key tool for understanding the relationship between air and water.

    "Psychrometric" comes from the Greek roots for "cold" and "measurement." As such, a tool called the psychrometer (with paired wet-bulb and dry-bulb thermometers) could measure two different temperatures, and we could use these to determine how much water vapor the air can hold (even though the air doesn't "hold" water vapor; it's all about vapor pressures).

    The psychrometric chart was developed with the contributions of James Apjohn and William Ferrell in the 1800s, but Willis Carrier was the one who drafted the paper titled "Rational Psychrometric Formulae" in 1911. He created a chart that plotted temperature, humidity, and enthalpy on a single piece of paper.

    The horizontal axis represents the dry-bulb temperatures, the curved lines represent relative humidity, the left axis represents humidity ratios, the diagonal lines represent wet-bulb temperatures, and the other angled lines represent enthalpy. Every possible air condition can be plotted on the chart. Moving horizontally changes sensible heat (temperature), and moving vertically changes latent heat (moisture content); both are critical to human comfort.

    The "magic line" is the dew point. When this line is crossed, that's when surfaces like ducts or HVAC coils begin to sweat, as air can't hold any more moisture. You can use this information and the psychrometric chart to help you make sense of customer complaints (e.g., "clammy") and predict how air and moisture will behave if you adjust airflow or add insulation.

    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 7th Annual HVACR Training Symposium at https://hvacrschool.com/symposium.

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    Check out our handy calculators here or on the HVAC School Mobile App for Apple and Android.
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    13 m
  • Learning Hydronics, Boilers and Steam w/ Ray Wohlfarth

    Learning Hydronics, Boilers and Steam w/ Ray Wohlfarth
    Nov 6 2025
    In this episode of the HVAC School podcast, Bryan sits down with Ray Wohlfarth, a seasoned HVAC contractor and prolific author who has dedicated over 30 years to mastering the art and science of boiler systems. What began as a competitive disadvantage—competitors claiming he knew nothing about boilers—became Ray's driving passion. Through daily reading, countless mistakes, and an unwavering commitment to learning, Ray transformed himself into one of the industry's most respected voices on hydronics and steam systems. Ray shares the personal story of how legendary author Dan Holohan literally "saved his marriage" with his book on one-pipe steam systems. When Ray and his wife moved into their first house with steam heat, mysterious banging sounds threatened domestic harmony until Dan's book provided the answers Ray desperately needed. This experience inspired Ray to pay it forward, eventually authoring 14 technical books himself—all written with the vision of a technician stuck in a boiler room at 9 PM on a Friday night, frantically searching for solutions. The conversation dives deep into practical wisdom earned through experience. Ray emphasizes the critical importance of safety in boiler rooms, recounting a harrowing story of a hospital engineer who bypassed safety controls and manually lit a boiler with a flaming broom—resulting in dangerous explosions. He stresses that technicians should always identify escape routes before beginning work, as a lifting relief valve can quickly fill a room with steam, displacing oxygen and eliminating visibility. Beyond safety, Ray shares diagnostic techniques like listening for dripping, hissing, or the "Rice Krispies" sound that indicates scaling, and visually inspecting for soot streaks that reveal combustion problems and potential carbon monoxide issues. Throughout the episode, Ray's philosophy shines through: humility, continuous learning, and the joy of solving complex problems. Whether discussing the holistic nature of steam system troubleshooting, the importance of water quality treatment, or the surprising efficiency of properly designed steam systems (like the LEED Gold-certified Empire State Building), Ray's expertise and passion are evident. His advice for aspiring boiler techs is simple but profound: read 15 minutes daily about your industry, engage with online communities like HeatingHelp.com, and never stop learning from every service call. Topics Covered Ray's Journey: Transitioning from Carrier air conditioning to boiler expertise over 30+ yearsThe Writing Process: Creating 14 technical books designed specifically for technicians in the fieldDan Holohan's Influence: How Dan's books and mentorship shaped Ray's career and literally saved his marriageBoiler Room Safety: Critical importance of identifying escape routes and recognizing dangerous practicesDiagnostic Techniques: Using your senses—listening for dripping, hissing, and scaling sounds; looking for soot, leaks, and discolorationNear-Boiler Piping: Why 90% of steam boiler installations have incorrect piping and the importance of proper insulationSteam vs. Hydronic Systems: Key differences in troubleshooting approaches and why steam operates more like air conditioning than hydronicOne-Pipe vs. Two-Pipe Steam: Fundamentals of steam system design, traps, and venting behaviorCondensing Boilers: The reality of "conditional condensing" and why 95% efficiency requires specific return water temperaturesRadiant Heat Comfort: Why hydronic radiant heating provides superior comfort compared to forced airWater Quality Issues: The critical importance of water treatment, the mystery of deteriorating fittings, and potential chlorine impactsLearning Resources: The value of HeatingHelp.com, reading 15 minutes daily, and engaging with online communitiesRay's Book Series: Overview of his "Lessons Learned" series and specialized books on brewery boilers and wiring diagramsCommon Mistakes: Real-world troubleshooting stories including the mystery of the 2-degree delta T and lessons in humility Check out some of Ray's boiler books on Amazon HERE. His latest book, Lessons Learned: Understanding Boiler Wiring Diagrams, is available HERE. 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 7th 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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    40 m
  • How Duct Tape Got Its Name (and Why It Shouldn't Be on Ducts) - Short #264

    How Duct Tape Got Its Name (and Why It Shouldn't Be on Ducts) - Short #264
    Nov 4 2025

    In this short podcast episode, Bryan explains how duct tape got its name and why it shouldn't actually be used on ducts. Duct tape is a versatile home DIY-fix tool, but despite its name, it wasn't initially made to seal ducts at all.

    In 1943, we were in the thick of World War II, and ammo shipments were sealed with wax and paper tape. These were often not durable or difficult to open. Johnson & Johnson developed a tape with rubber adhesive on a cotton duck cloth backing (which was already widely used for military uniforms and tent fabrics). This new tape was nicknamed "duck" tape due to the material and its waterproof abilities (like the waterfowl). A woman named Vesta Stoudt informed President FDR about duct tape, and the War Production Board began using it in wartime supply packaging.

    After the war, America had a housing boom in the 1950s, which included the demand for forced-air heating and cooling systems. Marketers thought the tape could seal the ducts in those homes, so they changed the color to match sheet metal and rebranded it as "duct tape." In the 1960s, this tape was available in retail outlets with the "duct tape" branding.

    Unfortunately, in tests by the Lawrence Berkeley National Lab, duct tape failed miserably at sealing the ducts because the rubber adhesive dries out under heat, and dust weakens the adhesive. As a result, many building codes ban duct tape on ducts (spearheaded by California). Instead, UL-listed foil tape and mastic are approved for sealing ducts. However, duct tape still became famous for its versatility as a patching material. It's prevalent in pop culture and has been used in television shows and even in space.

    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 7th Annual HVACR Training Symposium at https://hvacrschool.com/symposium.

    Subscribe to our podcast on your iPhone or Android.

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    Check out our handy calculators here or on the HVAC School Mobile App for Apple and Android.
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    10 m
  • The Art of De-escalation

    The Art of De-escalation
    Oct 30 2025
    In this comprehensive discussion, Bryan and Bert tackle one of the most critical yet underdeveloped skills in the trades: conflict resolution and de-escalation. They argue that poor conflict management is one of the primary reasons technicians lose jobs, damage team dynamics, and limit their career advancement. The conversation explores both customer-facing conflicts and internal team disputes, offering practical strategies grounded in real-world experience. The hosts distinguish between rational and irrational customer anger, noting that both require similar approaches—taking clients seriously, listening fully, and resisting the urge to immediately correct or defend. Bert emphasizes the importance of body language, describing how he physically leans into difficult conversations rather than backing away, making eye contact, and allowing customers to repeat themselves until they feel genuinely heard. Bryan adds that the "slow is smooth, smooth is fast" military principle applies perfectly to people problems—rushing to fix the emotional situation often prolongs the conflict, while patient listening typically resolves issues more quickly. When addressing internal team conflicts, they stress going directly to the person involved rather than gossiping or complaining to management. Both hosts acknowledge that ego, the need to be right, and past trauma can trigger fight-or-flight responses that sabotage productive conversations. They advocate for approaching conflicts with humility and a willingness to be wrong, focusing on the single most important issue rather than bringing up a laundry list of grievances. Bert shares that preventing conflict often means letting minor issues go while addressing patterns before they fester into major problems. The conversation concludes with practical advice about maintaining relationships after difficult conversations, recognizing that drawing back creates rejection while intentionally staying connected demonstrates genuine care. They emphasize that mastering conflict resolution isn't just about keeping your job—it's about becoming invaluable in your career and developing skills that serve you in every area of life. Topics Covered: Common sources of customer anger: feeling dismissed, not taken seriously, fear around property damage, and frustration with time and moneyThe difference between rational emotions (legitimate grievances) and expectation gaps (perceived as "irrational")Body language techniques for de-escalation: leaning in, maintaining eye contact, staying present rather than fleeingWhy interrupting customers to prove you're right backfires and escalates conflictManaging fight-or-flight responses and recognizing when fear drives aggressive reactionsThe importance of letting customers repeat themselves until emotional release occursInternal team conflict triggers: lack of recognition, perceived unfair workloads, misinterpreted communicationWhy going directly to the person involved beats gossiping or complaining to managementThe danger of storytelling and assigning motives to others' actionsPractical conflict resolution framework: prepare both parties, choose private settings, listen twice as much as you speak, and be willing to be wrongHow mastering conflict resolution makes you invaluable and accelerates career advancementMaintaining relationships after difficult conversations to avoid creating rejection 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 7th 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 h y 7 m
  • Legionnaires' Disease: The Cooling Tower Killer - Halloween Short #263

    Legionnaires' Disease: The Cooling Tower Killer - Halloween Short #263
    Oct 28 2025

    In this spooky Halloween short podcast episode, Bryan tells the story of the cooling tower killer: Legionnaires' disease.

    In the summer of 1976, the nation celebrated its bicentennial anniversary. The American Legion was holding its 58th annual convention at the Bellevue Stratford Hotel in Philadelphia, PA. In the days following the convention, doctors in Philadelphia started noticing dozens of Legionnaires in their hospitals with high fevers, chills, coughs, and difficulty breathing. Their symptoms resembled those of pneumonia, but patients deteriorated quickly, and antibiotics didn't work as expected. People became more ill, and 34 of them died. There were many theories, from food poisoning to novel viruses to bioterrorist attacks.

    The CDC investigated biological samples from patients and swabs from the hotel alike, but their findings were inconclusive. As news outlets sensationalized speculation over the cause of the illnesses, the disease was named after the unfortunate Legionnaires who suffered from it. However, the speculation would come to a close months later when CDC scientist Joseph McDade reviewed the samples and found a tiny, round-shaped bacterium living in the lung tissue of the victims. The bacteria would be named Legionella pneumophila.

    Investigators traced the bacteria back to the hotel's cooling towers. Cooling towers are essentially giant evaporative coolers and can create a mist. Legionella can thrive in the warm water of cooling towers, and the cooling towers dispersed the mist throughout the area, making hundreds ill. When water stagnates, bacteria can fester, but temperature is just as important as movement. As contractors, our maintenance procedures can save lives. In cooling towers, that maintenance entails regular cleaning, chemical treatment, and monitoring water temperature and flow.

    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 7th Annual HVACR Training Symposium at https://hvacrschool.com/symposium.

    Subscribe to our podcast on your iPhone or Android.

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    Check out our handy calculators here or on the HVAC School Mobile App for Apple and Android
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    9 m
  • Group Training - What We Have Learned

    Group Training - What We Have Learned
    Oct 23 2025
    In this episode of the HVAC School podcast, Bryan Orr sits down with Bert and Leanna to discuss Kalos's first official cohort apprenticeship program, dubbed the "Launch Program." What started as Bryan's persistent idea—one that the team initially resisted as too expensive and logistically challenging—evolved into a transformative three-month training experience that brought 15 green apprentices through intensive classroom, lab, and field work across HVAC, electrical, and building automation systems. Bert, who graded himself a B for his first attempt at leading the program, shares candid insights about the challenges of planning and execution. While he meticulously mapped out the first two weeks hour-by-hour, the remaining time was far less structured, leading to valuable lessons about the importance of ongoing planning and verification. Leanna, who came to Kalos with both teaching experience and a commercial HVAC background, brought crucial support that Bert initially didn't think he needed. Her contribution proved essential in managing the group of 15 and ensuring hands-on engagement. Of the original cohort, nine graduated, with two additional apprentices added later who showed exceptional promise. The conversation reveals critical insights about what makes training effective in the trades. Both trainers emphasize the importance of hands-on experience over lecture, with Bert noting his biggest mistake was spending an entire day lecturing on refrigerant circuits before showing apprentices actual equipment. The most successful exercises involved real-world scenarios, like Leanna's mock dispatch day where apprentices handled service calls from start to finish, including customer communication. The program also incorporated broader trade skills beyond HVAC—carpentry, ladder safety, and tool confidence—recognizing that many young workers today lack the tactile experience that builds confidence in using tools and solving problems independently. Perhaps most importantly, the discussion highlights the value of verification and confidence-building over knowledge dumping. Bert learned that making diagnostic exercises too complex early on destroyed apprentice confidence, while starting simple and building up created self-motivated learners. The cohort model's unique advantage lies in its competitive yet supportive environment, where apprentices can gauge their progress against peers who started at the same level, creating natural motivation to improve. While expensive and demanding, the program represents a long-term commitment to developing well-rounded tradespeople who can think critically and solve problems—not just perform repetitive tasks. Topics Covered: The origins and initial resistance to implementing a cohort-style apprenticeship programStructuring a 90-day training program with classroom, lab, and field componentsThe critical importance of planning and having adequate instructor supportSelecting apprentices: key traits including self-motivation, adaptability, and humilityBalancing lecture, hands-on training, and real-world field experienceThe power of verification and skills checklists over pure knowledge transferTeaching broader trade skills (carpentry, ladder work) to build overall confidenceCreating realistic scenarios like mock service calls for soft skills developmentManaging group size and the challenges of keeping all apprentices engagedThe role of confidence-building in safety and long-term successStarting simple with diagnostic exercises and building complexity graduallyUsing field feedback and peer comparison as motivational toolsThe cost and commitment required to run effective cohort training programs 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 7th 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 h y 3 m
  • How Air Conditioning Saved the Movies - Short #262

    How Air Conditioning Saved the Movies - Short #262
    Oct 21 2025

    In this short podcast episode, Bryan explores an interesting story in the history of HVAC: how air conditioning saved the movies.

    In the summer of 1925 in NYC, a new film was set to appear on the big screen... but the theater was stuffy with no fan that could cool down the sheer mass of people packed into the room. People were uncomfortable, and theater attendance plummeted in the summer. The movie industry struggled to fill seats in the summer.

    Willis Carrier, who had solved humidity problems in factories and printing plants, was called on by the theater owners to cool a 2000-seat auditorium in July. Carrier had used cold water up to that point, but his team installed a refrigeration-based cooling system, and the response was sensational. Theaters were able to sell comfort AND relief all at once, drawing record crowds. What was once the slow season for the movies became the prime time for new film releases; the summer blockbuster was born, and Carrier had changed the movie industry forever.

    However, Carrier's system wasn't perfect straight out of the gate; orchestra seats near supply vents were very cold, and the balcony was still warm. It became clear that tonnage meant nothing if the air couldn't move and mix properly. Carrier had to think about air distribution to keep people comfortable and make the invention reach its full potential. Air distribution problems are still common issues we see in homes today; capacity has to work hand in hand with duct design in order to deliver comfort.

    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 7th Annual HVACR Training Symposium at https://hvacrschool.com/symposium.

    Subscribe to our podcast on your iPhone or Android.

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    Check out our handy calculators here or on the HVAC School Mobile App for Apple and Android
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    7 m