HVAC School - For Techs, By Techs Bryan Orr

In this short Q&A podcast episode, Bryan answers Jeremy's question about checking the charge on rooftop units, and he gives some RTU tips.
Rooftop units often come in sets, so you can use a thermal camera to look at all of the RTUs and compare them. A thermal imaging camera may even show you where subcooling begins in the condenser, which can be a useful diagnostic hack. Try to avoid hooking up gauges each time you check the charge on a rooftop; RTUs have a fixed factory charge, and losses from your gauges can add up over time. Your senses will also come in handy; check for odd sights, sounds, and smells.
Checking suction pressure and superheat is less risky and imperfect, but it'll give you some diagnostic data. You can also check discharge temperatures to check for signs of compressor overheating (remember: 225 stay alive). 
Here are some tips for RTUs:
Get familiar with the service manual and wiring diagrams; these items will help you with the job and help you build on your knowledge of RTUs in general. Make sure you have all of your materials at the ready, including extra screws. Make sure you have access to the BAS system, if necessary. Safety is critical on rooftop units, especially when it comes to ladders, lockout/tagout, and ensuring that you have safe access to the unit (this burden is often on the client).  Pay attention to specialized equipment, including ERVs and economizers. Be mindful of curb installation, transformer taps, and phase monitoring, as those items may not be set up properly. Build up a basic working knowledge of variable frequency drives or VFDs (or know where to find information about them; THIS livestream is a good start), Keep systems clean to prevent overheating. Prevent oil logging whenever you have to replace a compressor.  
Have a question that you want us to answer on the podcast? Submit your questions at https://www.speakpipe.com/hvacschool. 

Purchase your virtual tickets for the 5th Annual HVACR Training Symposium at https://hvacrschool.com/Symposium24. 

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This episode features an insightful conversation with Brynn Cooksey, an experienced HVAC contractor and trainer from Southeast Michigan. Brynn shares his expertise in conducting proper load calculations, sizing the equipment correctly, improving duct design, and addressing common issues contractors face.
Brynn emphasizes the importance of performing accurate load calculations, especially in older housing stock where equipment is frequently oversized by 50% or more. He discusses how oversized equipment leads to short cycling, poor efficiency, and increased utility costs for homeowners. His approach involves educating customers by involving them in the measurement process and using metrics like "duct deficiency" to demonstrate the inefficiencies of their current systems.
The discussion then shifts to heat pumps and the unique challenges of implementing them in cold climates like Michigan. Brynn advocates for a "dual fuel" approach, utilizing heat pumps for efficiency while supplementing with gas heat during extremely cold temperatures. He stresses the necessity of a tight, well-insulated thermal envelope and proper duct design to ensure optimal heat pump performance.
Topics covered include:
Conducting blower door tests for accurate load calculations Downsizing equipment and solving duct issues in retrofit applications The "duct deficiency" metric for demonstrating system inefficiencies Aeroseal duct sealing: benefits, limitations, and proper application Identifying and addressing cracked heat exchangers due to airflow issues Training sales teams on a hands-on, educational sales process The importance of building science education for contractors Overcoming hesitancy in trusting load calculation results Brynn encourages contractors to embrace building science principles, trust the load calculation process, and focus on system design rather than simply swapping out equipment. By proving these methods to themselves, contractors can transform their businesses and deliver true value to customers through improved comfort, efficiency, and cost savings.
 
Learn more about HVAC U and its course offerings at https://www.hvactrain.com/. 
Have a question that you want us to answer on the podcast? Submit your questions at https://www.speakpipe.com/hvacschool. 

Purchase your virtual tickets for the 5th Annual HVACR Training Symposium at https://hvacrschool.com/Symposium24. 

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.

In this short Q&A episode, Bryan answers podcast listener Cooper's question about starting an internal training program. Eugene Silberstein has been on the podcast before to offer his perspective on this topic, which you can listen to HERE. 
Bryan recommends a combination approach: instructor-led, hands-on, and self-paced learning, all deployed together. Hands-on learning often gets missed, and we can give inexperienced techs experience with some basic troubleshooting tasks or breaking down and reassembling things. The Socratic method can also be employed here; the instructor can ask their trainees questions instead of the other way around. When the instructor is the one who asks the questions, they allow their trainees to be wrong, learn from their mistakes, and make their own connections to the fundamentals.
Learning plans and curriculums are great for giving trainees a structure, but they need to be reinforced with the hands-on component in this trade. When determining what to teach, try to focus on what's most important in your market—the first area of effectiveness—and then understand how to reinforce it. The continuous growth mindset is also critical; the apprenticeship phase is never truly over, and the instructor needs to be able to improve their program over time without letting the idea of unattainable perfection discourage them from giving their training.
 
You may also read our tech tip about setting up an internal training program and our recent SkillCat guide if you want to deploy training in your business. The ESCO All Access Subscription Bundle for the HVACR Learning Network is another excellent resource.
Have a question that you want us to answer on the podcast? Submit your questions at https://www.speakpipe.com/hvacschool. 

Purchase your virtual tickets for the 5th Annual HVACR Training Symposium at https://hvacrschool.com/Symposium24. 

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.

This podcast episode is Bryan Orr's presentation at the 6th Annual HVACR Training Symposium: "Humility in Thought Leadership." Bryan reflects on his own journey as a trades educator, business owner, husband, and father, sharing personal anecdotes and insights that resonate with anyone in a position of influence.
Bryan begins by acknowledging the challenge of maintaining humility in the face of success and recognition. He emphasizes the need to continually shift our focus from a mindset of "deserving" to one of "serving" others. By embracing humility, we not only become more effective leaders but also create an environment where those around us can grow and thrive.
Throughout the episode, Bryan encourages listeners to embrace vulnerability and be open to feedback from those who care about them. He stresses the importance of surrounding oneself with people who are willing to hold you accountable and challenge you when necessary. This accountability, he argues, is crucial for personal growth and maintaining a grounded perspective.
Here are some of the key topics covered in the symposium presentation:
The importance of empathy and understanding others' perspectives The distinction between personal humility and professional pride The dangers of ego and how it can disconnect us from reality The role of introspection in fostering humility and self-awareness The impact of how we process memories on our perception of reality The need to listen to those actively working in the field and remain connected to practical realities The value of being open to constructive criticism and admitting when we're wrong The joy of seeing others grow beyond us and the importance of letting go of the need for control  
Have a question that you want us to answer on the podcast? Submit your questions at https://www.speakpipe.com/hvacschool. 

Purchase your virtual tickets for the 5th Annual HVACR Training Symposium at https://hvacrschool.com/Symposium24. 

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.

This short podcast is a Q&A based on a question submitted to us by Andy Holt. Bryan gives some tips on how to go from service tech to service manager. Service managers may have better pay, but they also have different sources of stress than service technicians, and not all service tech skills will translate well to management.
Service techs and service managers have completely different skill sets, and they have to be able to gain satisfaction from different sources. Service techs are satisfied by solving problems, and they get immediate dopamine hits whenever they use their brains and hands to fix someone's AC. Service managers have to find satisfaction in big wins for their team.
Service managers have to manage processes and procedures around customer service; they are involved with customer service representatives and dispatchers. They also handle the most difficult clients and situations, so they need to be able to resolve conflict and stay calm in tense situations. Good service managers also learn to share wins with their teams and speak publicly so that they can inspire and motivate their teams.
Service managers also manage finances, review reports, and send emails, so they need the skills necessary to do that, including writing skills (or technology to assist with writing skills). Leadership roles also require you to represent the policies and procedures of your organization, regardless of how you feel about them. These requirements may put a strain on interpersonal relationships.
 
Have a question that you want us to answer on the podcast? Submit your questions at https://www.speakpipe.com/hvacschool. 

Purchase your virtual tickets for the 5th Annual HVACR Training Symposium at https://hvacrschool.com/Symposium24. 

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.

This episode was recorded live on location at the 2024 ACCA conference in Orlando. Bryan starts by interviewing Marissa, a co-founder of Conduit Tech, a software company providing load calculation and sales tools for HVAC contractors.
Marissa shares insights into what it takes for contractors to successfully adopt new technology in their businesses. She emphasizes the importance of having support at multiple levels of the company, a willingness to thoroughly learn the new software, and providing feedback to the developers. Marissa stresses that Conduit actively seeks input from contractors to continue improving their product's workflow integration. Learn more about Conduit Tech at https://getconduit.com/. 
In the second segment, Bryan talks to Martin Hoover, the incoming chair of ACCA (Air Conditioning Contractors of America). Martin discusses the value ACCA provides through training, advocacy, and facilitating peer group interactions. He highlights how ACCA conferences allow contractors to learn from industry leaders and gain valuable perspectives in the hallways between sessions.
The episode covers a range of topics relevant to HVAC contractors, including:
Adopting new technology and providing productive feedback to software developers Assessing whether a new product will truly transform your workflow based on customer testimonials The benefits of joining ACCA, such as training, advocacy, and peer networking opportunities Challenges facing the industry, like labor shortages and rising costs The importance of understanding your financials and pricing for future costs Preparing for the transition to A2L refrigerants and associated changes Whether you're a contractor looking to improve your business or a technician striving for success, this episode offers valuable insights from industry experts on leveraging resources, adopting new tools, and positioning yourself for the future of HVAC.
 
Have a question that you want us to answer on the podcast? Submit your questions at https://www.speakpipe.com/hvacschool. 

Purchase your virtual tickets for the 5th Annual HVACR Training Symposium at https://hvacrschool.com/Symposium24. 

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.