In this episode, we're talking with Frank Croak, EMS Manager at Climate Pros, about the shift from mechanical to electronic refrigeration controls. Frank offers valuable advice for technicians on both the technical side and why keeping up with technology can help you advance in today's refrigeration field. We also discuss the impact of CO2 on the industry, the role of AI in predictive analytics, and the need for technicians to develop strong mechanical and control system knowledge.

In this conversation, we cover:

-Evolution of controls in refrigeration

-The shift to CO2 and its challenges

-Value of hands-on experience

-Technological advancements in refrigeration

-Balancing work and personal life in the trades

-Tips for technicians transitioning to controls

-Understanding the basics of heat movement

-Electrical troubleshooting

-Mentoring and coaching in refrigeration

-Effective communication and accountability

-Setting goals and continuous learning

Helpful Links & Resources:

Episode 340. Basics of CO2 Controls with Kevin Mullis (Part 1 of 4)

Episode 336. Fast Track to Learning Electronic Valves & Controllers

Episode 261. Supermarket Case Controller Troubleshooting Tips

Connect with Frank on LinkedIn

FMI (Food Industry Association) Events

Climate Pros

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Learn more about Refrigeration Mentor Customized Technical Training Programs at www.refrigerationmentor.com/courses

In this episode, we're digging into some tips and tricks for supermarket refrigeration with Rob Ochs, longtime refrigeration industry veteran. We'll delve into understanding and optimizing superheat, troubleshooting common issues, and the importance of proper maintenance and recommissioning. Rob also has some awesome tips for setting superheat correctly, checking compressor superheat, handling different refrigerant systems, and addressing common problems encountered with rack systems. This episode is filled with practical advice and tips for refrigeration technicians aiming to elevate their expertise and efficiency.

In this episode, we cover:

-Understanding superheat and compressor mechanics

-Rack refrigeration challenges

-Defrost systems and troubleshooting

-Superheat and subcooling strategies

-Recommissioning and maintenance tips

-Importance of individual compressor checks

-Discharge superheat: manufacturer differences

-Compressor design and liquid injection

-Setting superheat for different run lengths

-Environmental conditions and system efficiency

-Logging and tracking superheat

-Superheat adjustments and troubleshooting

Helpful Links & Resources:

Episode 271. The Inspiring Refrigeration Journey of Robert Ochs

Episode 203. Supermarket Refrigeration Service Tech Tips with Andrew Freeburg

Episode 306. Mastering Supermarket Service Calls with Andrew Freeburg

Join the Refrigeration Mentor Hub here

Learn more about Refrigeration Mentor Customized Technical Training Programs at www.refrigerationmentor.com/courses

In this episode, we're talking about developing a "refrigeration mindset" for truly advancing your career. This was the topic of a recent keynote I delivered at a recent Refrigerating Engineers and Technicians Association (RETA) event, which highlighted 3 core components: goal setting, accountability, and continuous learning. These are skills outside of the day-to-day technical skills that every successful refrigeration professional has developed and harnessed to make massive career moves. If you're curious about what that mindset truly means and how to develop it for yourself, this a conversation you'll want to get in on.

In this episode, we discuss:

-Goal Setting

-Attending industry events

-Developing a "refrigeration mindset"

-Continuous learning in the trades

-Challenges and opportunities in refrigeration

-Investing in training and networking

-Importance of mentorship and community

Helpful Links & Resources:

Episode 113: 5 Tips on Developing a Growth Mindset

Episode 147: Unlocking Success: 5 Steps to Develop a Growth Mindset

Episode 214. How to Develop the Right Mindset for Success

Refrigerating Engineers and Technicians Association (RETA)

Join the Refrigeration Mentor Hub here

Learn more about Refrigeration Mentor Customized Technical Training Programs at www.refrigerationmentor.com/courses

In this episode, we're talking about key tips and strategies that are guaranteed to make you a better refrigeration professional. These include blending the hard skills of the day-to-day job, along with the softer skills that will help you meet the people and acquire the knowledge to move up in the refrigeration industry. Learning things like preventive maintenance, innovative technologies for CO2 systems, even understanding refrigerant regulations. I'll also share a list of recommended networking events to help you learn, connect and uplift the refrigeration industry as a whole.

In this episode, we discuss:

-Refrigerant regulations and industry trends

-CO2 strategies and design courses

-Importance of preventative maintenance

-Attending industry events

-Handling the skilled trade shortage

-Promoting the refrigeration industry externally

-Technician training and success stories

-Overcoming industry challenges

-Promoting the refrigeration industry

-Event highlights and networking

-Upcoming events and opportunities

Helpful Links & Resources:

Episode 216. How to Become a Better Technician By Creating More Value

Episode 228. Tips for Faster Service Calls & Better Time Management

Chillventa (Oct 13-15, 2026)

North American Sustainable Refrigeration Council (NASRC) Events

HVAC/R Symposium (Jan 22-23, 2026)

Refrigerating Engineers and Technicians Association (RETA)

AHR Expo (Feb 2-4 2026)

EuroShop (Feb 22-26, 2026)

Join the Refrigeration Mentor Hub here

Learn more about Refrigeration Mentor Customized Technical Training Programs at www.refrigerationmentor.com/courses

In this episode, we're diving into CO2 refrigeration controls with Paul Shannon, Director of Controls for Loblaw Energy. Paul shares practical tips for navigating case controllers, as well as oil management, understanding high-pressure and flash gas bypass valves, and the significance of building pressurization in refrigeration performance. Paul also outlines the advantages of integrating advanced controls for effective troubleshooting and system optimization.

In this episode, we discuss:

-CO2 controls

-Paul's journey into the industry

-Challenges and learning in co2 systems

-Safety line alarms

-Networking and case controllers

-Helpful hints from Copeland and Microthermal

-Tips for technicians before making a call

-Common field mistakes and how to avoid them

-Understanding high pressure and bypass valves

-Importance of continuous learning

Helpful Links & Resources:

Episode 340. Basics of CO2 Controls with Kevin Mullis (Part 1 of 4)

Episode 332. 7 Transcritical CO2 Refrigeration Service & Maintenance Tips

Episode 201. Removing the Fear of CO2 Refrigeration with Andrew Freeburg

Join the Refrigeration Mentor Hub here

Learn more about Refrigeration Mentor Customized Technical Training Programs at www.refrigerationmentor.com/courses

This is part two of a two-part conversation on CO2 gas coolers with Greg Martel and Al Rivera of BAC (Baltimore Aircoil Company). In this episode, we share practical tips on handling common issues like pump failures, overflow problems, and voltage discrepancies. We also cover how to correctly check alarms, maintain pads, and utilize control strategies for optimal performance. Greg and Al also share great advice on customizing system settings for seasonal efficiency and on using advanced control sequences for energy and water savings. This two-part episode (link to part one below) is packed with practical tips and expert advice to help refrigeration technicians troubleshoot CO2 gas coolers faster and more confidently.

In this episode, we discuss:

-Common alarms and troubleshooting tips

-Pump and flow issues

-Water system failures

-Control systems and seasonal efficiency

-Fan speed control and airflow issues

-Heat reclaim and efficiency strategies

-Water and fan speed control sequences

-Energy saver vs. water saver modes

-Proper installation and maintenance of pads

Helpful links & resources:

BAC Website

BAC on Facebook | YouTube | LinkedIn

North American Sustainable Refrigeration Council (NASRC)

Episode 345. Troubleshooting CO2 Gas Coolers with Greg Martel and Al Rivera of BAC (Part 1 of 2)

Join the Refrigeration Mentor Hub here

Learn more about Refrigeration Mentor Customized Technical Training Programs at www.refrigerationmentor.com/courses

This is part one of a two-part conversation on CO2 gas coolers with Greg Martel and Al Rivera of BAC (Baltimore Aircoil Company). We cover many setup and troubleshooting techniques, including detailed information on critical sensors, float switches, sequence operation, ECM fan motors, drop leg sensors, and common water-related issues in CO2 gas coolers. This is an episode packed with practical tips and expert advice to help refrigeration technicians troubleshoot CO2 gas coolers faster and more confidently.

In this episode, we discuss:

-Critical sensors and troubleshooting

-ECM fan motors

-Programming ECM fans

-Supermarket CO2 systems

-Gas cooler sensor placement

-Common water-related issues

-Strategies for water and energy efficiency

-Maintenance tips for gas coolers

-Dealing with scale and hard water

-Chemical use and pad maintenance

Helpful links & resources:

BAC Website

BAC on Facebook | YouTube | LinkedIn

Episode 191. Designing CO2 Supermarket Refrigeration Systems: Selecting Compressors and Gas Coolers with Chris Griffiths of Omega Solutions (Part 1 of 5)

Episode 17. Troubleshooting the Gas Cooler of a Transcritical CO2 Refrigeration System with Lars Hørup Jensen

Join the Refrigeration Mentor Hub here

Learn more about Refrigeration Mentor Customized Technical Training Programs at www.refrigerationmentor.com/courses

This episode is the final in our 4-part "Basics of CO2 Controls" series with Kevin Mullis, Head of Product Engineering at Clade Engineering Systems (links to parts 1-3 below). In this one, we cover service calls and troubleshooting for CO2 rack controllers. This episode is packed with practical techniques and lessons, including dealing with overcharged and undercharged systems, interpreting critical data points from controllers, recognizing symptoms of common issues, and ensuring optimal system performance. We also discussstrategies for collaboration and communication among fellow technicians.

In this episode, we discuss:

-Real-world troubleshooting scenarios

-Teamwork and communication in the field

-Service calls and fault situations

-Analyzing controller data

-Identifying system issues

-High pressure valve troubleshooting

-Gas cooler and receiver issues

-Probes and sensor placement

-Ambient temperature considerations

-Receiver pressure fluctuations

-Understanding CO2 rack issues

-Problems with high liquid levels

-Common causes of overcharging

-Challenges with sight glasses

-Winter scenarios and heat recovery

Helpful Links & Resources:

Episode 340. Basics of CO2 Controls with Kevin Mullis (Part 1 of 4)

Episode 341. Basics of CO2 Controls - Programming RDM with Kevin Mullis (Part 2 of 4)

Episode 343. Basics of CO2 Controls - Programming CAREL with Kevin Mullis (Part 3 of 4)

Follow Kevin on LinkedIn

Clade Engineering Systems