HVAC Know It All Podcast

Gary McCreadie - Licensed Refrigeration/HVAC Technician
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The HVAC Know It All Podcast, hosted by HVAC and Refrigeration tech Gary McCreadie, is an industry leading show that focuses on education within the HVAC and Refrigeration Trade - Such as HVAC Maintenance Tips.

  1. 2d ago

    A Practical Guide to R290 and A3 Refrigerant Safety with Eric Ruggles Part 1

    In this episode of the HVAC Know It All Podcast, host Gary McCreadie is joined by Eric Ruggles, Director of Engineering at Ritchie Engineering Co., Inc. (YELLOW JACKET), to discuss charging A3 hydrocarbon refrigerants, including R290 and R600A. They compare A3 and A2L flammability, cover ventilation and system purging, and explain safe pinch-off, charging, and leak-checking practices for hydrocarbon equipment. Ruggles brings YellowJacket's product perspective to the discussion of its hydrocarbon charging kit, including the scale, bottle stand, puncture valves, hoses, and pinch-off tool. His guidance connects the kit's features, bottle compatibility, and O-ring setup to the practical steps technicians use when servicing A3 systems.   Key Takeaways How ventilation reduces the flammability risk when working with A2L refrigerants in open or well-ventilated areas. Why A3 refrigerants require a full purge and attention to where discharged gas can collect before a torch is lit. How residual R290 can create a flame at a leak point during brazing if refrigerant remains in the system. The importance of keeping a pinch-off tool clamped on the copper until the brazed joint has cooled. How to leak-check the pinched section before brazing to confirm refrigerant is not escaping. Why removing one O-ring from the bottle valve may be necessary for compatibility with certain refrigerant cylinders.   Noteworthy Quotes "When it comes to A2Ls, ventilation is key." – Eric Ruggles "Recovering is difficult with A3s, just with the flammability concerns and then compressing it back into small canisters." – Eric Ruggles "As soon as you take the tool off, the copper's able to relax and then you can open up." – Eric Ruggles "It should work with every bottle out there." – Eric Ruggles   Episode Highlights: [00:00] - Sponsor Ad: Factory Direct Filters      [00:42] - Introduction to Eric Ruggles & the Focus of the Episode   [03:01] - Difference between A3 Refrigerants and A2Ls [04:22] - How Flammable Is R290 When Working on a Leaking System?  [05:05] - Importance of Fully Purging Residual Refrigerant Before Brazing  [07:58] - Reason Behind Some A3 Systems Now Using Service Ports [10:22] - What's Included in the Yellow Jacket Hydrocarbon Charging Kit?  [13:08] - How Does the New Scale's Auto-Off Feature Work?  [13:48] - The Type Of O-Ring Required for an R290 Refrigerant Cylinder   This Episode is Kindly Sponsored by: Cintas: https://www.cintas.com/hvacknowitall Cool Air Products: https://www.coolairproducts.net/ Factory Direct Filters: https://www.factorydirectfilters.com/ SupplyHouse: https://www.supplyhouse.com/tm Use promo code HKIA5 to get 5% off your first order at Supplyhouse!   Follow the Guest Eric Ruggles and His Company on: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-ruggles-28a84424/ Company LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/ritchie-engineering-co-yellow-jacket-/ Company Website: https://yellowjacket.com/   Follow the Host on: LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gary-mccreadie-38217a77/ LinkedIn - HVAC Know It All: https://www.linkedin.com/company/hvac-know-it-all-inc Website: https://www.hvacknowitall.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/HVAC-Know-It-All-2/61569643061429/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hvacknowitall1/    Follow the Podcast on: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HVACKnowItAll Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6LCBJGw0EHG03rdWHxUMce Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hvac-know-it-all-podcast/id1359253455

    A Practical Guide to R290 and A3 Refrigerant Safety with Eric Ruggles Part 1

  2. 4d ago

    How One Operating System Increased Our Profit by 41% with Bill Spohn

    In this episode of the HVAC Know It All Business Edition Podcast, co-hosts Gary McCreadie and Furman Haynes from WorkHero speak with Bill Spohn, Founder & CEO of TruTech Tools, LTD, who brings 38 years of experience in the HVAC industry. They discuss the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS), including meeting structure, decision-making, core values, accountability, and culture. Bill shares how TruTech Tools introduced EOS practices, used a Vision Traction Organizer, defined roles through the GWC framework, tracked leading indicators, and approached leadership succession.   Expect To Learn: How EOS uses a two-page Vision Traction Organizer to guide business planning. Why regular meetings with clear agendas improve leadership communication. How to define core values through a keep, kill, and combine process. What the GWC framework means for assigning people to the right roles. Why quarterly conversations can support accountability and feedback. How leading indicators can help teams anticipate future performance. How structured meetings can help leaders identify, discuss, and solve issues.   Timestamps: 00:00 – Introduction 01:14 – Discovering the Vision Traction Organizer 03:10 – Early EOS practices at TruTech Tools 04:29 – Implementing EOS and defining core values 07:32 – EOS impact on roles and accountability 10:57 – Quarterly conversations and giving people grace 13:27 – Defining culture through actions and process 16:57 – Succession planning and reducing Bill's day-to-day role 20:00 – Why Billy Spohn would not take over without EOS 20:22 – Visionary and integrator roles 22:55 – Identify, discuss, and solve meeting issues 23:51 – Using 90.io for EOS meeting preparation   Follow our Guest Bill Spohn and his companies: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/billspohn/  Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/trutech-tools-ltd/  Company Website: https://trutechtools.com/   Follow Gary McCreadie: 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/    Follow Furman Haynes:  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/furmanhaynes/  WorkHero: https://www.linkedin.com/company/workherohvac/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/workhero__/

    How One Operating System Increased Our Profit by 41% with Bill Spohn

  3. Sep 3

    The reality of owning an HVAC business vs working as an employee with Rich Ortega Part 2

    In this episode of the HVAC Know It All Podcast, host Gary McCreadie continues his conversation with Rich Ortega, the C.O.O. and co-owner of On The Rock Services and podcast co-host of Commercial Kitchen Chronicles, about the realities of starting and growing a service business. Rich explains why people considering entrepreneurship should do their research before leaving their current jobs and seek advice from business owners who have built the type of company they actually want to create. He and Gary discuss the difference between owning a business and simply owning a job, including the importance of building infrastructure, creating systems, and eventually making the company self-sufficient. They also explore the less-discussed stresses of business growth, from managing employees and maintaining revenue to taking responsibility for employees and their families. Rich shares why hiring inexperienced people with the right personality can be preferable to hiring experienced technicians with bad habits, while also explaining the challenges of finding the time and financial margin to train new employees.    Expect to Learn: ● Why researching the realities of business ownership is important before leaving your job. ● Why entrepreneurs should seek advice from people who have built the type of business they want to create. ● The difference between owning a business and simply owning a job. ● Why business growth brings additional stress, risk, and responsibility. ● The challenges and financial risks that come with hiring and managing employees. ● Why business owners eventually need to focus on relationships and generating new business opportunities. ● The advantages and challenges of hiring inexperienced employees with the right attitude and personality.    Episode Highlights:   [00:00] - Sponsor Ad: Factory Direct Filters [00:42] — Guest Introduction in part 2 [04:30] — Why Research Matters Before Starting Your Own Business [05:36] — The Difference Between Owning a Business and Owning a Job [08:03] — The Hard Struggles Entrepreneurs Don't Usually Talk About [13:04] — The Stress and Responsibility of Growing With Employees [19:13] — Hiring Green vs. Experienced Technicians   This Episode is Kindly Sponsored by: Cintas: https://www.cintas.com/hvacknowitall Cool Air Products: https://www.coolairproducts.net/ Factory Direct Filters: https://www.factorydirectfilters.com/ SupplyHouse: https://www.supplyhouse.com/tm Use promo code HKIA5 to get 5% off your first order at Supplyhouse!   Follow the Guest Rich Ortega and His Companies on: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rich-ortega-61460125b/ Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ontherockservices/ Company Website: https://www.ontherockservices.com/ Guest's Podcast LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/commercial-kitchen-chronicles/  Guest's Podcast Website: https://commercialkitchenchronicles.com/   Follow the Host on: LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gary-mccreadie-38217a77/ LinkedIn - HVAC Know It All: https://www.linkedin.com/company/hvac-know-it-all-inc Website: https://www.hvacknowitall.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/HVAC-Know-It-All-2/61569643061429/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hvacknowitall1/    Follow the Podcast on: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HVACKnowItAll Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6LCBJGw0EHG03rdWHxUMce Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hvac-know-it-all-podcast/id1359253455

    The reality of owning an HVAC business vs working as an employee with Rich Ortega Part 2

  4. Sep 2

    AI for HVAC Contractors to Future-Proof Your Business Using ChatGPT with Daniel Quinonez

    In this episode of the HVAC Know It All Business Edition Podcast, co-hosts Gary McCreadie and Furman Haynes from WorkHero speak with Daniel Quinonez, Chief Operating Officer of Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors -National Association. They discuss HVAC licensing standards, technician training, safety risks, workforce education, and preparing contractors for industry change. Dan shares perspectives on building trade careers through continuous learning, business education, community, and technology adoption. The conversation also covers how AI, data centers, and evolving tools can create opportunities for contractors who stay ready to adapt.   Expect To Learn: Why EPA certification alone may not provide sufficient HVAC training. How licensing standards can support safer installations and consumer protection. Why training and mentorship remain essential throughout an HVAC career. How Pell Grants may expand access to qualifying workforce programs. When technicians often begin transitioning into HVAC business ownership. How business and leadership education can support career growth. Why contractors should treat AI and new technology as resources for efficiency.   Timestamps: 00:00 - Daniel Quinonez returns for part two 01:55 - Licensing standards for HVAC technicians 02:58 - How diluted licensing can affect quality 04:50 - A costly water heater installation example 05:44 - Carbon monoxide and combustion safety risks 07:20 - Pell Grants for workforce education 08:16 - Career opportunities in the trades 11:04 - Transitioning from technician to business owner 14:03 - Building a future-ready HVAC business 16:14 - Staying open to new tools and technology   Follow our Guest Daniel Quinonez: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-quinonez-690ba68/  Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/phccnational/  Company Website: http://www.phccweb.org/    Follow Gary McCreadie: 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/    Follow Furman Haynes:  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/furmanhaynes/  WorkHero: https://www.linkedin.com/company/workherohvac/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/workhero__/

    AI for HVAC Contractors to Future-Proof Your Business Using ChatGPT with Daniel Quinonez

  5. Sep 1

    If You're Not Ready to Sacrifice, Don't Start a Business | Rich Ortega Part 1

    In this episode of the HVAC Know It All Podcast, host Gary McCreadie is joined by Rich Ortega, the C.O.O. and co-owner of On The Rock Services and podcast co-host of Commercial Kitchen Chronicles, to discuss the realities of starting and running a service business. Rich shares his experience working in the commercial kitchen industry for 20 years, including his time working for his father and grandfather before eventually moving into larger companies and starting his own business. The conversation begins with the challenges of working with independent restaurants, including low budgets, price objections, and the difficulty of getting customers to understand the true cost of repairs and maintenance. Rich explains why he shifted his focus toward larger chain and multi-unit operations and how those customers provide more opportunities to perform profitable repairs and maintenance. Gary and Rich then discuss Rich's journey into entrepreneurship, including the experiences that pushed him to leave his previous employer, the importance of building a strong personal reputation, and how existing customer relationships helped him establish his own company. They also explore the less-discussed side of business ownership, including long hours, being available 24/7, sacrificing vacations and free time, and the intense workload during the first few years. Rich shares what his first year was really like and why, despite the exhaustion, he genuinely enjoyed the journey. Expect to Learn: ● The challenges of servicing independent restaurants and dealing with limited repair budgets. ● Why Rich shifted his business toward larger chain and multi-unit restaurant operations. ● How to identify additional legitimate repair and maintenance opportunities during service calls. ● Rich's journey from working for his family and larger companies to becoming an entrepreneur. ● Why building a strong personal reputation can help when starting a new service business. ● The sacrifices, long hours, and lack of work-life balance that can come with starting a business. ● What Rich's first six months and first year in business were really like.   Episode Highlights:            [00:00] - Sponsor Ad: Factory Direct Filters            [00:42] - Introduction to Rich Ortega & the Focus of the Episode            [03:21] - The Challenges of Servicing Independent Restaurants            [07:10] - Why Rich Focused on Larger Restaurant Accounts            [10:17] - Rich's Journey Into Entrepreneurship            [17:36] - The Sacrifices & Reality of Business Ownership            [20:38] - Why Rich Enjoyed the Journey Despite the Exhaustion    This Episode is Kindly Sponsored by: Cintas: https://www.cintas.com/hvacknowitall Cool Air Products: https://www.coolairproducts.net/ Factory Direct Filters: https://www.factorydirectfilters.com/ SupplyHouse: https://www.supplyhouse.com/tm Use promo code HKIA5 to get 5% off your first order at Supplyhouse!   Follow the Guest Rich Ortega and His Companies on: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rich-ortega-61460125b/ Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ontherockservices/ Company Website: https://www.ontherockservices.com/ Guest's Podcast LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/commercial-kitchen-chronicles/  Guest's Podcast Website: https://commercialkitchenchronicles.com/   Follow the Host on: LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gary-mccreadie-38217a77/ LinkedIn - HVAC Know It All: https://www.linkedin.com/company/hvac-know-it-all-inc Website: https://www.hvacknowitall.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/HVAC-Know-It-All-2/61569643061429/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hvacknowitall1/    Follow the Podcast on: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HVACKnowItAll Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6LCBJGw0EHG03rdWHxUMce Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hvac-know-it-all-podcast/id1359253455

    If You're Not Ready to Sacrifice, Don't Start a Business | Rich Ortega Part 1

  6. Aug 27

    How to Diagnose Oil Return Problems Before They Damage a Compressor

    Episode Overview In this episode of the HVAC Know It All Podcast, Host Gary McCreadie Director of Player Development and Head Coach at Shelburne Soccer Club and President of McCreadie HVAC & Refrigeration Services and HVAC Know It All Inc, examines compressor oil return, including why lubrication matters, how low load and reduced airflow affect oil movement, and how oil separators can protect compressors. Listeners will learn how to investigate oil-failure alarms, improve return velocity, and avoid replacing controls before finding the underlying system issue. Drawing on a past five-story rooftop-unit service case and observations from LG VRF training, the host explains how improper building automation programming contributed to repeated compressor failures. That field perspective connects oil separators, inverter oil-return modes, suction piping, traps, double suction risers, and compressor unloading to practical troubleshooting decisions. Key Takeaways Why inadequate lubrication can cause compressor seizure, metal debris, and component damage. How an oil separator can return oil from the discharge line to the suction line without circulating as much oil through the system. How reduced airflow and low suction pressure can prevent oil from returning to a compressor. Why an oil-failure control trip requires troubleshooting oil pressure and return rather than immediately replacing the control. How suction-line traps and double suction risers help maintain oil-return velocity in vertical piping. The importance of periodically loading inverter or unloaded compressor capacity to bring pooled oil back to the compressor. Key Timestamps: [00:00] - Sponsor: Factory Direct Filters [02:32] - Why oil is important for compressor lubrication [04:15] - How VRF oil-return mode raises compressor speed to return oil at low load. [07:27] - Why an Oil Separator Was Recommended for the System  [10:58] - How Oil Failure Controls Work and Why You Shouldn't Just Reset Them  [12:52] - Oil Traps and Double Suction Risers  [17:21] - Troubleshooting Oil Return Issues and Using the Oil Sight Glass    This Episode is Kindly Sponsored by: Cintas: https://www.cintas.com/hvacknowitall Cool Air Products: https://www.coolairproducts.net/ Factory Direct Filters: https://www.factorydirectfilters.com/ SupplyHouse: https://www.supplyhouse.com/tm Use promo code HKIA5 to get 5% off your first order at Supplyhouse!   Follow the Host on: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gary-mccreadie-38217a77/ Website: https://www.hvacknowitall.com LinkedIn - HVAC Know It All Inc.: https://www.linkedin.com/company/hvac-know-it-all-inc McCreadie HVAC & Refrigeration Services: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mccreadie-hvac-refrigeration-services/ Shelburne Soccer Club: https://shelburnesoccerclub.sportngin.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/HVAC-Know-It-All-2/61569643061429/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hvacknowitall1/     Follow the Podcast on:  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HVACKnowItAll   Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6LCBJGw0EHG03rdWHxUMce  Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hvac-know-it-all-podcast/id1359253455

    How to Diagnose Oil Return Problems Before They Damage a Compressor

  7. Aug 26

    Why HVAC Technicians Struggle to Build Successful Businesses with Daniel Quinonez

    In this episode of the HVAC Know It All Business Edition Podcast, co-hosts Gary McCreadie and Furman Haynes from WorkHero speak with Daniel Quinonez, Chief Operating Officer of Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors -National Association. They discuss contractor communities, member education, apprenticeship programs, and the operational challenges facing small HVAC businesses. Dan explains how contractors can access peer support, business resources, and training opportunities through membership. He also shares his perspective on hiring green apprentices versus experienced technicians and the fragmented approach to trade training across the United States.   Expect To Learn: How contractor communities can provide peer support and business resources. Why business operations can be challenging for technicians who become owners. Ways AI can support administrative work without replacing technicians. The tradeoffs between hiring experienced technicians and training apprentices. How contractor-sponsored apprenticeship programs combine coursework and hands-on experience. Why training requirements and licensing vary across U.S. states. The case for a more coordinated national strategy for trade education. Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction 01:27 - PHCC's history, membership, and education programs 05:05 - Benefits of joining a contractor chapter 06:44 - Common needs of small contractors 09:25 - Operational and time-management challenges 11:53 - Hiring apprentices versus experienced technicians 13:24 - Online apprenticeship training and contractor sponsorship 17:30 - Training capacity at large and small companies 18:32 - The lack of a national training strategy 20:04 - China's unified trade-training standards   Follow our Guest Daniel Quinonez: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-quinonez-690ba68/  Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/phccnational/  Company Website: https://www.phccweb.org/    Follow Gary McCreadie: 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/    Follow Furman Haynes:  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/furmanhaynes/  WorkHero: https://www.linkedin.com/company/workherohvac/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/workhero__/

    Why HVAC Technicians Struggle to Build Successful Businesses with Daniel Quinonez

  8. Aug 24

    HVAC Mental Health - Transformational Leadership

    Episode Overview In this episode of the HVAC Know It All Podcast, Host Gary McCreadie Director of Player Development and Head Coach at Shelburne Soccer Club and President of McCreadie HVAC & Refrigeration Services and HVAC Know It All Inc, talks about volunteer leadership, workplace burnout, and gratitude. Using experiences from coaching and leading a youth soccer club, He explains how HVAC business owners, service managers, and technicians can use encouragement, communication, and patient development to help people perform at their best. He draws on the pressure of managing complaints and limited positive feedback while serving as president of the Shelburne Soccer Club and coaching soccer. That experience informs a leadership perspective centered on recognizing effort, building confidence in small steps, and supporting people in every direction of an organization. Key Takeaways How consistent encouragement can help a struggling employee or player rebuild confidence and improve performance. Why gratitude matters in volunteer roles, field work, and leadership positions where positive feedback can be limited. The value of assigning manageable tasks and increasing responsibility as someone builds confidence. How transformational leadership differs from ridicule, angry emails, and focusing only on mistakes. Why leaders also need honest positive feedback when they are carrying responsibility without support above them. The connection between toxic work environments, burnout, and employees deciding to leave. Key Timestamps [00:00] – Episode Introduction [05:18] – The Mental Strain of Thankless Volunteer Work  [07:11] – Lack of Gratitude and What Employees Need From Leaders  [08:47] – Coaching a struggling player through confidence-building encouragement [11:07] – Why Leadership and Support Need to Go Both Ways  [14:17] – Why employees should share positive feedback with good leaders [16:37] – Sharing Gratitude and Building People Up Through Positive Reinforcement  This Episode is Kindly Sponsored by: Cintas: https://www.cintas.com/hvacknowitall Cool Air Products: https://www.coolairproducts.net/ Factory Direct Filters: https://www.factorydirectfilters.com/ SupplyHouse: https://www.supplyhouse.com/tm Use promo code HKIA5 to get 5% off your first order at SupplyHouse! Follow the Host & His Companies: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gary-mccreadie-38217a77/ Website: https://www.hvacknowitall.com LinkedIn - HVAC Know It All Inc.: https://www.linkedin.com/company/hvac-know-it-all-inc McCreadie HVAC & Refrigeration Services: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mccreadie-hvac-refrigeration-services/ Shelburne Soccer Club: https://shelburnesoccerclub.sportngin.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/HVAC-Know-It-All-2/61569643061429/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hvacknowitall1/  Follow the Podcast on: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HVACKnowItAll   Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6LCBJGw0EHG03rdWHxUMce  Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hvac-know-it-all-podcast/id1359253455

    HVAC Mental Health - Transformational Leadership
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About

The HVAC Know It All Podcast, hosted by HVAC and Refrigeration tech Gary McCreadie, is an industry leading show that focuses on education within the HVAC and Refrigeration Trade - Such as HVAC Maintenance Tips.

Information

  • Creator
    Gary McCreadie - Licensed Refrigeration/HVAC Technician
  • Years Active
    2018 - 2026
  • Episodes
    597
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025
  • Show Website
    HVAC Know It All Podcast

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