HVAC Know It All Podcast

Gary McCreadie
  • 4.8 (210)
  • CAREERS
  • UPDATED SEMIWEEKLY

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

  1. HVAC Invoicing Fixes for Service Techs to Reduce Cash Flow Gaps with Austin Wendel Part 2

    2D AGO

    HVAC Invoicing Fixes for Service Techs to Reduce Cash Flow Gaps with Austin Wendel Part 2

    In this episode of the HVAC Know It All Business Edition Podcast, co-hosts Gary McCreadie and Furman Haynes from WorkHero sit down with Austin Wendel, Owner at Accounting 4 Trades. Austin shares valuable insights on managing cash flow, invoicing efficiently, and using smart marketing strategies to grow a successful trade business. From service agreements to financial systems, this episode covers key strategies that every small business owner should consider for long-term success. With extensive experience in the HVAC and trades industry, Austin shares his expertise on cash flow management, financial systems, and operational efficiency, all crucial to growing a sustainable business.   Expect to Learn: The importance of quick invoicing for maintaining healthy cash flow How to handle unpaid invoices and effectively collect payments Marketing strategies for acquiring your first customers Setting up financial systems that work for your trade business The benefits of service agreements and creating long-term customer relationships Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction 02:37 - Importance of Quick Invoices 05:31 - Marketing for New Businesses. 07:48 - Grassroots Marketing Techniques 08:39 - Setting Up Financial Systems 10:31 - Service Agreements for Steady Cash Flow 13:33 - HVAC as a Service Model 17:22 - Advice for New Business Owners 18:14 - Conclusion   This Episode is Kindly Sponsored by: PartsTown: https://www.partstown.com/hvac-parts   Follow our Guest Austin Wendel: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/accounting4trades/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/accounting4trades/ Company Website: https://www.acc4t.com/ Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/accounting-4-trades/ Company Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/acc4trades/ 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/ Follow Furman Haynes:  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/furmanhaynes/ WorkHero: https://www.linkedin.com/company/workherohvac/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hvacknowitall1/

    18 min
  2. HVAC Techs Can Zone Any Brand Without Bypass or Complexity with Christopher Rystedt Part 2

    5D AGO

    HVAC Techs Can Zone Any Brand Without Bypass or Complexity with Christopher Rystedt Part 2

    In this episode of the HVAC Know It All Podcast, host Gary McCreadie talks with Christopher Rystedt, Technical Sales and Trainer at Airzone Control, about air distribution and zoning with VRF and inverter systems. In Part 2, they discuss common applications such as hotels and residential homes, and how zoning can work with multiple brands and system types. Christopher explains how modern zoning avoids bypass dampers by adjusting fan speed and system capacity based on demand. They also cover ventilation modes, zone weighting, and how airflow is balanced across different spaces. The conversation wraps up with setup tips, training options, and how zoning can help manage refrigerant limits and reduce system size and cost. Gary and Christopher discuss how modern HVAC zoning systems work with VRF and inverter equipment in both commercial and residential applications. They explain how systems can control multiple zones or units from one platform, even across different brands. Christopher describes how proper duct design and variable fan speed help avoid the need for bypass dampers while maintaining correct airflow. They also cover ventilation settings, including local and system-wide fan operation, and how zone weighting helps balance airflow based on duct size. They finish by talking about system setup, training resources, and how zoning can help reduce refrigerant use and overall system costs.   Expect to Learn: How HVAC zoning systems can control multiple rooms using VRF and inverter equipment. How one platform can manage different brands and types of HVAC units together. Why proper duct design and variable fan speed help eliminate the need for bypass dampers. How ventilation modes work at both the zone level and system level to move air. How zone weighting and system setup help balance airflow and improve overall performance.   Episode Highlights: [00:00] - Sponsor: Factory Direct Filters ad [01:08] - Intro to Chris Rystedt in Part 02  [02:10] - Main applications: Hotels, villas, and residential  [04:34] - Airzone history: Spain (1997), North America (2021)  [06:57] - Inverter systems vs. traditional bypass dampers  [09:21] - Ventilation modes: Local and global settings  [13:29] - Christopher's role: Technical sales and trainer  [18:33] - Training resources and A2L refrigerant benefits    This Episode is Kindly Sponsored by: Cintas: https://www.cintas.com/ 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 Christopher Rystedt:  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christopher-rystedt-62258597/   Airzone Control - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/airzonecontrol/   Airzone Control - Website: https://www.airzonecontrol.com/as/en/  Follow the Host: 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 the Podcast:  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

    22 min
  3. How Airzone Quietly Fixed the Biggest Problem in HVAC Zoning with Christopher Rystedt Part 1

    MAR 27

    How Airzone Quietly Fixed the Biggest Problem in HVAC Zoning with Christopher Rystedt Part 1

    In this episode of the HVAC Know It All Podcast, host Gary McCreadie is joined by Christopher Rystedt, Technical Sales and Trainer at Airzone Control, to discuss VRF and VRV zoning and how it applies to air distribution systems. Christopher explains how zoning can be used with inverter-driven equipment to deliver precise comfort by controlling airflow to individual spaces using modulating dampers and smart controls. The conversation covers how Airzone integrates with over 200 HVAC brands through manufacturer-supported communication protocols, allowing full system functionality without losing performance. Gary and Christopher also explore system design, control strategies, and how modern zoning helps reduce equipment load while improving comfort and efficiency. In this conversation, Christopher explains how VRF and VRV zoning can be applied to ducted systems to control airflow to individual rooms based on demand. He describes how modulating dampers and smart controls adjust airflow levels instead of simply opening or closing, allowing the system to match capacity to the exact needs of each space. Christopher and Gary discuss how zoning works with inverter-driven equipment and why proper communication with indoor units is important to maintain performance. They also cover system setup, including thermostats, sensors, and control wiring, and explain how this approach helps improve comfort, reduce equipment load, and provide more efficient operation. Expect to Learn: How VRF and VRV zoning can control airflow to different rooms using one ducted system. Why modulating dampers adjust airflow levels based on the exact demand in each space? How communication with indoor units allows zoning systems to maintain full equipment performance. What components, like thermostats, sensors, and control boards, are used in a zoned system setup? How proper zoning design helps improve comfort, reduce system load, and increase efficiency. Episode Highlights: [00:00] - Sponsor: Factory Direct Filters ad [00:00] - Intro to Christopher in Part 1  [02:36] - What is Air Distribution Zoning? [05:14] - What Air Distribution Zoning Is [08:33] - Airone Zone Damper Demo & How It Works [10:32] - Compatibility with 200+ VRF Brands [13:09] - System Setup: Sensors, Dampers & Wiring [17:49] - Building Automation, App Control & Integration This Episode is Kindly Sponsored by: Cintas: https://www.cintas.com/ 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 Christopher Rystedt: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christopher-rystedt-62258597/ Airzone Control - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/airzonecontrol/ Airzone Control - Website: https://www.airzonecontrol.com/as/en/ Follow the Host: 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 the Podcast: 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

    20 min
  4. Moisture in POE Oil Permanently Damages HVAC Systems with Jim Bergmann

    MAR 25

    Moisture in POE Oil Permanently Damages HVAC Systems with Jim Bergmann

    In this episode of the HVAC Know It All Podcast, host Gary McCreadie welcomes Jim Bergmann, President of measureQuick and Director of New Product Development at Redfish Instruments Inc, to discuss system cleanup after moisture contamination and compressor burnouts. Jim explains why moisture in POE oil cannot be fully removed with evacuation and highlights the importance of using filter dryers and proper procedures. The conversation covers real-world scenarios such as water entering a system and the steps needed to reduce damage and extend equipment life. Gary and Jim also talk about evacuation best practices, decay testing, and how poor installation habits can lead to long-term system failure. In this conversation, Jim explains how moisture affects refrigeration systems and why it cannot be fully removed from POE oil using evacuation alone. He discusses how technicians should rely on filter dryers, oil changes, and proper cleanup methods to reduce contamination. Jim and Gary talk about real situations like water entering a system and compressor burnouts, and how these issues damage equipment and shorten its life. They also explain the importance of good installation practices, proper evacuation, and decay testing to prevent future failures and ensure the system stays clean and dry. Expect to Learn: Why can moisture in POE oil not be removed using evacuation alone? How filter dryers help remove moisture and acids from HVAC systems. Steps technicians can take when water enters a refrigeration system. How compressor burnouts contaminate systems and affect performance. Why proper evacuation, decay testing, and installation practices prevent system failures. Episode Highlights:  [00:00] - Intro to Jim Bergmann [01:53] - Jim Returns & POE Oil Moisture Discussion  [03:24] - YouTube Demo: POE Oil Stays Cloudy After Evacuation  [05:40] - Scenario 1: Water in System from Cracked Coil  [08:55] - Mini Split Story: When a System Pulls in Moisture [12:45] - Scenario 2: Compressor Burnout Cleanup  [16:25] - Flushes & Solvents: Are They Worth Using?  [17:54] - The Real Root Cause: Poor Evacuation Practices  [19:03] - Micron Gauge Placement: Does It Matter?  [23:34] - Final Tip: The Blue Vac Gauge & Best Practices   This Episode is Kindly Sponsored by: Cintas: https://www.cintas.com/ Cool Air Products: https://www.coolairproducts.net/ SupplyHouse: https://www.supplyhouse.com/tm Use promo code HKIA5 to get 5% off your first order at Supplyhouse! Follow the Guest Jim Bergmann on: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jim-bergmann-2968178/  measureQuick: https://www.linkedin.com/company/measurequick-application/  Redfish Instruments Inc: https://www.linkedin.com/company/redfish-instruments/   Download the measureQuick App here: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.measurequick.hvac    Follow the Host, 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/

    25 min
  5. The Credit Score Secrets for New HVAC Owners to Unlock Cash Flow Stability with Austin Wendel

    MAR 25

    The Credit Score Secrets for New HVAC Owners to Unlock Cash Flow Stability with Austin Wendel

    In this episode of the HVAC Know It All Business Edition Podcast, co-hosts Gary McCreadie and Furman Haynes from WorkHero sit down with Austin Wendel, Owner at Accounting 4 Trades, who shares valuable insights from his experience in the trades industry, guiding entrepreneurs on how to properly set themselves up financially before taking the leap into business ownership. Austin Wendel is a seasoned business owner in the trades industry, with years of experience helping others navigate the challenges of starting and growing a business. Known for his practical approach to financial planning and business growth, Austin breaks down key areas such as personal credit, savings, emotional preparation, and the importance of separating business and personal finances.   Expect to Learn - The significance of having a good credit score and how it affects your business. - How to calculate savings and ensure you have enough financial runway before starting. - The emotional preparation needed for business ownership includes family involvement. - Why it's crucial to separate business and personal finances and practical tips for doing so. - Whether you should invest in high-cost branding or take a more conservative approach to vehicles and tools.   Timestamps 00:00 – Introduction 02:35 – Personal Credit Score 04:15 – Checking Your Credit Score 05:25 – Savings and Runway 06:43 – Playing Devil's Advocate on Starting with $0 08:36 – Emotional Runway & Family Support 11:58 – Avoiding the "Shiny Truck Trap" 15:12 – Separating Business and Personal Finances 16:29 – The Importance of a Supply House Float 19:38 – Using Vendor Credit to Extend Payment Terms 21:10 – Managing Credit and Debt 21:49 – Software Choices for New Business Owners   This Episode is Kindly Sponsored by: PartsTown: https://www.partstown.com/hvac-parts   Follow our Guest Austin Wendel: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/accounting4trades/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/accounting4trades/ Company Website: https://www.acc4t.com/ Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/accounting-4-trades/ Company Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/acc4trades\    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/   Follow Furman Haynes: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/furmanhaynes/ WorkHero: https://www.linkedin.com/company/workherohvac/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/workhero__/

    25 min
  6. HVAC Maintenance Strategy for Techs to Prevent Failures without Gauging with John Anderson Part 2

    MAR 20

    HVAC Maintenance Strategy for Techs to Prevent Failures without Gauging with John Anderson Part 2

    In this episode of the HVAC Know It All Podcast, host Gary McCreadie talks with John Anderson, Senior Regional HVAC Technical Trainer at Sila Services and former Service Manager and Technician at Burns & McBride Home Comfort, about practical HVAC maintenance and system checks. In Part 2, they discuss how technicians can use observation, temperature measurements, and airflow checks to evaluate a system before connecting gauges. John explains simple ways to estimate evaporator performance using return air temperature and suction line temperature. Gary and John also cover electrical inspections, including checking contactors and testing coils for shorts. The conversation ends with a discussion about preventative maintenance ideas, such as scheduled capacitor replacement and the importance of keeping coils clean. Gary and John discuss practical HVAC maintenance checks and how technicians can assess system performance before connecting gauges. They explain how observing airflow, temperature differences, condensate flow, and suction line conditions can help confirm that a system is operating properly. John shares a simple method to estimate evaporator performance using return air temperature and suction line temperature. The conversation also covers electrical inspections such as checking contactors, testing coils for shorts, and spotting common issues. They finish by talking about preventative maintenance, including cleaning condenser coils and considering scheduled capacitor replacement to reduce breakdowns.   Expect to Learn: How technicians can evaluate system performance using temperature and airflow checks. A simple way to estimate evaporator coil performance using return air temperature. Why visual inspection and system cleanliness are key parts of HVAC maintenance. How to check contactors and coils to find electrical issues before they cause failures. Why cleaning condenser coils and planning capacitor replacement can help prevent breakdowns. Episode Highlights:  [00:00] - CMPX Show Announcement [00:34] - Intro to John Anderson in Part 02 [02:15] - How load calc fixes static pressure [03:02] - Non-invasive checks vs. always using gauges [07:59] - Electrical inspections: Contactors & coils [12:08] - Real story: Bad contactor coil diagnosis [14:09] - Preventive capacitor replacement to avoid callbacks [18:28] - Importance of cleaning outdoor condenser coils [20:21] - Wrap-up Join us at the CMPX Show from March 25 to 27 in Toronto. Use code KNOWITALL to get your free pass. Don't miss it. 👉https://www.cmpxshow.com/register    This Episode is Kindly Sponsored by: Cintas: https://www.cintas.com/ Cool Air Products: https://www.coolairproducts.net/ SupplyHouse: https://www.supplyhouse.com/tm Use promo code HKIA5 to get 5% off your first order at Supplyhouse! Follow the Guest John Anderson on: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-anderson-188093251/ Sila Services - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/silaservices/ Sila Services - Website: http://www.silaservices.com Burns & McBride Home Comfort: https://www.linkedin.com/company/burns-&-mcbride-home-comfort/  Follow the Host: 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/

    21 min
  7. How HVAC Owners Can Fix Pricing and Increase Net Profit Per Hour with Ruth King

    MAR 18

    How HVAC Owners Can Fix Pricing and Increase Net Profit Per Hour with Ruth King

    In this episode of the HVAC Know It All Business Edition Podcast, co-hosts Gary McCreadie and Furman Haynes from WorkHero sit down with financial expert Ruth King, Founder and CEO of Financially Fit Business and CEO of Business Ventures Corporation to discuss how contractors can build sustainable profitability by focusing on the right financial metrics. Rather than obsessing over traditional profit margins, Ruth explains why net profit per billable hour is the metric that truly matters and how contractors can calculate it to price their services correctly. The conversation explores pricing strategies, managing overhead while scaling, and the financial habits that help businesses grow without losing profitability. Ruth King is a well-known financial expert and business coach specializing in helping contractors understand and improve their financial performance. With nearly four decades of experience analyzing small business financial statements, Ruth has helped thousands of contractors learn how to interpret their numbers and build profitable companies. Ruth is also the author of The Courage to Be Profitable.   Expect to Learn - Why net profit per billable hour matters more than traditional profit margins - How contractors can calculate overhead cost per hour using their financial statements - The financial challenges contractors face when scaling from one truck to multiple crews - Key balance sheet ratios that indicate healthy business growth - The three financial habits every new contractor should adopt immediately   Episode Breakdown with Timestamps [00:00:00] – Introduction [00:01:34] – Why Profit Margins Can Be Misleading [00:03:45] – Calculating Overhead Cost Per Hour [00:06:14] – Managing Overhead While Scaling [00:09:26] – Financial Health Metrics for Growing Companies [00:11:21] – Financial Tools and Technology in Contracting [00:15:11] – Three Financial Habits for New Contractors. [00:18:37] – Closing Thoughts   This Episode is Kindly Sponsored by: PartsTown: https://www.partstown.com/hvac-parts   Follow our Guest Ruth King: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ruthking1/ Ruth's Website: https://ruthkinghvac.com/ Company Website: https://financiallyfit.business/ Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/financially-fit-business/ Company Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Financially-Fit-Business/100090849001161/   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/   Follow Furman Haynes: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/furmanhaynes/ WorkHero: https://www.linkedin.com/company/workherohvac/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/workhero__/

    19 min
  8. The Static Pressure Test for HVAC Techs to Improve Diagnostics and Airflow with John Anderson Part 1

    MAR 18

    The Static Pressure Test for HVAC Techs to Improve Diagnostics and Airflow with John Anderson Part 1

    In this episode of the HVAC Know It All Podcast, host Gary McCreadie is joined by John Anderson, Senior Regional HVAC Technical Trainer at Sila Services, Formerly Service Manager and Technician at Burns & McBride Home Comfort, to discuss spring HVAC maintenance and the key checks technicians should perform before the cooling season begins. John shares practical methods for inspecting systems using visual checks and technician senses such as sight, sound, smell, and touch to identify problems early. The conversation covers preventive maintenance practices, the importance of clean equipment, and how technicians should verify system operation before taking detailed measurements. Gary and John also talk about airflow diagnostics, the role of static pressure testing, and why proper system checks help technicians find real problems instead of guessing. In this conversation, John explains how technicians should approach spring maintenance by first checking that the system is clean and operating correctly. He discusses using visual inspection and technician senses such as sight, sound, smell, and touch to quickly spot possible problems. John and Gary talk about how many issues can be noticed before any tools are used, including unusual noises, vibrations, or signs of damage. They also explain why confirming the system is running properly is important before taking measurements. The discussion also covers airflow diagnostics and static pressure testing, and why checking these values regularly helps technicians identify system restrictions and airflow problems early. Expect to Learn: How technicians can use sight, sound, smell, and touch to identify system issues during maintenance. Confirming the system is running properly is important before taking measurements. How checking for dirt in filters, coils, and condensate lines improves system performance. What static pressure readings reveal about airflow problems in HVAC systems. Regular airflow checks during maintenance help technicians find restrictions and system issues early. Episode Highlights: [00:00] - CMPX Show Announcement [00:34] - Intro to John Anderson in Part 1  [02:03] - John Returns & Last Episode Recap [03:17] - Starting Spring Maintenance Right [04:53] - Story: The Cost of Ignoring Bad Bearings [06:45] - Using Your 4 Senses Before Tools [13:57] - Why Static Pressure Matters Every Time [16:35] - How to Correctly Check Static Pressure [19:45] - Understanding Your Static Pressure Readings  Join us at the CMPX Show from March 25 to 27 in Toronto. Use code KNOWITALL to get your free pass. Don't miss it. 👉https://www.cmpxshow.com/register    This Episode is Kindly Sponsored by: Cintas: https://www.cintas.com/ Cool Air Products: https://www.coolairproducts.net/ SupplyHouse: https://www.supplyhouse.com/tm Use promo code HKIA5 to get 5% off your first order at Supplyhouse! Follow the Guest John Anderson: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-anderson-188093251/ Sila Services - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/silaservices/ Sila Services - Website: http://www.silaservices.com Burns & McBride Home Comfort: https://www.linkedin.com/company/burns-&-mcbride-home-comfort/  Follow the Host: 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/

    22 min
See All (540)

4.8
out of 5
210 Ratings

About

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

Information

  • Creator
    Gary McCreadie
  • Years Active
    2018 - 2026
  • Episodes
    540
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025
  • Show Website
    HVAC Know It All Podcast

You Might Also Like