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. 1d ago

    Hidden Video Game Addiction Nearly Cost Matt Showers His Family After Years of Secrecy - Part 2

    In this episode of HVAC Know It All, host Gary McCreadie speaks with Matt Showers, a commercial-industrial HVAC professional and the host of Trade Therapy Podcast, about the effects of compulsive screen time, gaming, and other obsessive behaviors on family life. They discuss recognizing a problem, confronting the consequences of addiction, setting boundaries, and taking the first step toward getting help. Matt shares how gaming became an ongoing problem during his marriage and why an ultimatum from his wife became his turning point. Drawing on his experience of rebuilding trust and changing his habits, he explains how honesty, visible boundaries, and a long-term focus on the kind of parent and partner he wants to be have shaped his approach.   Key Takeaways How recognizing the impact of compulsive behavior on family life can become the first step toward change. Why knowledge and sound measurement practices matter more than owning expensive tools. The importance of creating boundaries that reduce easy access to habits that can become compulsive. How honesty about setbacks can help rebuild trust and keep recovery efforts accountable. Why obsessive behavior can become harmful when it displaces sleep, food, work, or family responsibilities. How reaching out to a trusted person can start the process of finding appropriate support.   Key Timestamps 00:00 – Cintas Ad 02:45 – Community, social media, and calling out poor HVAC practices 05:21 – Matt's breaking point with compulsive gaming and screen time 08:23 – How addiction can take many forms, including work and learning 11:16 – The effects of obsessive behavior on basic needs and family responsibilities 17:05 – Why bottling up emotions can lead to a breaking point 20:04 – Matt's advice to reach out to a trusted person for help   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 and His Podcast on: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hvac_grammarian/ Guest Linktree: https://linktr.ee/Hvac.grammarian Podcast Spotify: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/trade-therapy/   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

    Hidden Video Game Addiction Nearly Cost Matt Showers His Family After Years of Secrecy - Part 2

  2. 5d ago

    When Do Mental Health Problems Need More Help Than Your Friends Can Give? Part 1

    In this episode of HVAC Know It All, host Gary McCreadie speaks with Matt Showers, a commercial-industrial HVAC professional and the host of Trade Therapy Podcast. They discuss putting real stories behind the topic, recognizing when peer support is not enough, managing screen and gaming habits, and responding to online negativity without feeding it. Matt draws from his experience creating the Trade Therapy podcast and seeking therapy for his own screen addiction. He explains how professional support and future-focused exercises helped him reset priorities, set limits around gaming, and spend more intentional time with his family.   Key Takeaways How sharing personal stories can make mental health conversations in the trades more concrete and relatable. Why professional help may be necessary when a mental health challenge is beyond what a friend can help resolve. How phone games and immersive video games can become a distraction from family and other priorities. The value of setting a timer and stepping away from screens before they consume more time than intended. Why asking questions and seeking context is more constructive than attacking people online.   Key Timestamps 00:00 – Cintas Ad 04:03 – Matt explains why he started the Trade Therapy podcast 09:44 – Matt describes the pull of phone games and video games 12:02 – Therapy, future-focused exercises, and resetting priorities 21:35 – Why online attacks can be driven by attention and engagement   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 and His Podcast on: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hvac_grammarian/ Guest Linktree: https://linktr.ee/Hvac.grammarian Podcast Spotify: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/trade-therapy/   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

    When Do Mental Health Problems Need More Help Than Your Friends Can Give? Part 1

  3. 6d ago

    How AI and Commissioning Are Changing the Future of HVAC Service with Jim Bergmann

    In this episode of the HVAC Know It All Business Edition Podcast, co-hosts Gary McCreadie and Furman Haynes from WorkHero speak with Jim Bergmann, President of measureQuick, and Director of New Product Development at Redfish Instruments Inc. about residential HVAC commissioning, reducing callbacks, and verified equipment operation. Jim explains how airflow, static pressure, charging, and manufacturer installation requirements affect system longevity. He also discusses AI guardrails, diagnostic tools, repair options, and why HVAC businesses may benefit from more specialized roles.   Expect To Learn: Why commissioning helps reduce callbacks and protect equipment. How airflow and static pressure affect system operation. What verified equipment operation includes for residential installs. Why technicians should follow manufacturer installation requirements. Where AI can support HVAC diagnostics and where human judgment remains necessary. How repair options can serve customers in a repair economy. Why specialized roles can strengthen installation and commissioning quality.   Timestamps: 00:00 – Introduction to part two with Jim Bergmann 00:48 – Callbacks and commissioning for business owners 02:02 – Verified equipment operation for residential systems 07:19 – AI and the future of HVAC diagnostics 07:48 – AI as a tool for refining thinking 09:11 – AI guardrails and Measure Quick's use of measured data 13:16 – Repair options in a repair economy 17:24 – Specialized commissioning and technical efficiency roles 23:14 – Closing conversation on AI and HVAC   Follow our Guest Jim Bergmann: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jim-bergmann-2968178/  Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/measurequick-application/  Company Website: https://measurequick.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 AI and Commissioning Are Changing the Future of HVAC Service with Jim Bergmann

  4. Sep 28

    Is New HVAC Technology Making Technicians Better or Too Dependent? with Don Gillis Part 2

    In this episode of HVAC Know It All, host Gary McCreadie speaks with HVACR Educator Don Gillis of Gillis Coach about helping technicians adapt to digital tools and evolving equipment. They cover the shift from analog instruments to Bluetooth-enabled technology, the value of understanding mechanical fundamentals, and how to assess training resources before relying on them. Don draws on experience in field service, service management, manufacturer work, and training to explain why technicians and counter staff need a stronger grasp of refrigeration fundamentals. His perspective connects real-world testing, tool calibration, and ongoing training to the changes technicians face with modern controls, EEVs, and new refrigerants.   Key Takeaways How to combine digital diagnostic tools with an understanding of the mechanical principles behind the readings. Why technicians teaching others need to stay current with the tools and technology used in the field. The importance of learning the refrigeration cycle so counter staff can have more useful technical conversations. How to evaluate online HVAC training by choosing sources that demonstrate sound knowledge and real-world mistakes. Why new components such as EEVs and variable-speed equipment require technicians to move beyond familiar routines. The difference between laboratory testing and field testing when manufacturers introduce new products.   Key Timestamps [00:00] - Sponsor Ad: Factory Direct Filters [00:42] - Introduction to Don Gillis & the Focus of the Episode [02:25] – Don's early adoption of digital tools and Bluetooth technology [06:46] – Why new technicians should train with current digital equipment [08:44] – The decline of refrigeration knowledge at the supply counter [11:50] – How refrigeration technology reaches residential HVAC systems [12:53] – Accepting change and choosing reliable online training sources [16:16] – Laboratory testing, field testing, and product release pressure [19:10] – Closing discussion on scroll-compressor check valves   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 and His Company on: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dongilliscom/ Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/gillis-coach/ Company Website: https://gilliscoach.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

    Is New HVAC Technology Making Technicians Better or Too Dependent? with Don Gillis Part 2

  5. Sep 25

    HVAC Training Has Changed; Here's What Today's Technicians Need with Don Gillis Part 1

    In this episode of HVAC Know It All, host Gary McCreadie speaks with HVACR Educator Don Gillis of Gillis Coach about how HVAC training has changed from the field-based approaches of decades past. They examine apprenticeship experiences, knowledge gaps, digital learning tools, and how senior technicians can build confidence by involving apprentices in real troubleshooting. Drawing on more than 30 years in HVAC, including roles with Emerson, Chemours, and as a service manager, Don shares how he developed his training approach. His experience teaching refrigerants, building science, weatherization, and technicians in the field informs his focus on practical learning, curiosity, and helping people advance in their careers. Key Takeaways How involving apprentices in setup and troubleshooting can build confidence instead of treating them only as helpers. Why a senior technician should ask an apprentice for input when a diagnostic process stalls. The value of teaching a repeatable troubleshooting methodology so apprentices can identify missed steps. How digital resources can help apprentices find answers when the technician beside them does not know the answer. Why withholding knowledge can weaken training and limit a team's ability to solve problems. The importance of creating a respectful truck environment where apprentices can learn without unnecessary frustration. Key Timestamps [00:00] - Sponsor Ad: Factory Direct Filters [00:43] – Gary introduces Don Gillis and the discussion on HVAC training [02:31] – Don's path from Emerson and Chemours to coaching and curriculum development [07:10] – How committing to an independent business changes fear into planning and excitement [08:42] – Don's early field training experience and the value of learning alongside apprentices [12:42] – How past training environments could be toxic or unsupported [15:13] – Brand-focused training, broken school equipment, and learning from manuals [20:41] – Using an apprentice's perspective to catch missed troubleshooting steps   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 and His Company on: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dongilliscom/ Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/gillis-coach/ Company Website: https://gilliscoach.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

    HVAC Training Has Changed; Here's What Today's Technicians Need with Don Gillis Part 1

  6. Sep 23

    Why commissioning is essential for profitable HVAC businesses with Jim Bergmann

    In this episode of the HVAC Know It All Business Edition Podcast, co-hosts Gary McCreadie and Furman Haynes from WorkHero speak with Jim Bergmann, president of measureQuick, and Director of New Product Development at Redfish Instruments Inc. about commissioning as a business process. They cover preventive component replacement, technician tools, accurate measurements, callback costs, and creating consistent field procedures. Jim explains how missing or inconsistent tools can lead technicians to guess at system performance. He also discusses using standardized truck layouts, tool allowances, and commissioning processes to improve diagnosis and reduce callbacks.   Expect To Learn: How proactive capacitor and contactor replacement can reduce callbacks. Why higher-quality replacement components may support preventive maintenance. Which commissioning issues commonly affect duct leakage, airflow, and refrigerant charge. How to verify that technicians have accurate, appropriate diagnostic tools. Why standardized tools and measurement methods improve field consistency. How callback costs extend beyond technician wages and truck expenses. Why tracking callbacks and building repeatable processes supports business growth.   Timestamps (Audio): 00:00 – Introduction to Jim Bergmann 00:58 – Preventing callbacks through maintenance 02:47 – Capacitor quality, heat, and failure patterns 04:25 – Scheduled capacitor and contactor replacement 06:02 – Commissioning from a business owner perspective 11:15 – Calculating the financial cost of a callback 11:38 – Why airflow measurement matters before charging 15:21 – Tool allowances and technician accountability 15:57 – Building consistency with a tool co-op 19:11 – Why small businesses should track callbacks 20:00 – The reputation and labor costs of poor-quality work   Follow our Guest Jim Bergmann: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jim-bergmann-2968178/  Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/measurequick-application/  Company Website: https://measurequick.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__/

    Why commissioning is essential for profitable HVAC businesses with Jim Bergmann

  7. Sep 16

    What Great HVAC Business Owners Do Differently to Build Accountable Teams 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 applying EOS, the Entrepreneurial Operating System to business operations. They cover meeting rhythms, transparency, core values, and ways smaller HVAC companies can adapt structured operating practices. Bill shares how TruTech Tools organizes functional departments, uses regular meetings to solve issues, and makes financial information visible while protecting sensitive HR details. He also discusses resources for owners who want to begin implementing EOS on their own.   Expect To Learn: How EOS meeting rhythms can scale across functional departments. Why weekly leadership meetings should focus on solving issues. How to adapt EOS practices for small HVAC businesses with field teams. Where to draw the line between transparency and confidential HR information. How financial visibility can connect departments to profit sharing. Why core values can help employees make day-to-day decisions. How to start implementing EOS with books, free resources, and outside guidance.   Timestamps: 00:00 – Introduction 00:52 – Using EOS from 12 to 200 employees 01:29 – Functional departments and cascading decisions 02:25 – Meeting cadence at TruTech Tools 04:27 – Adapting EOS for small HVAC businesses 06:41 – Open-book accounting and employee empowerment 08:46 – Organizing the business to reduce noise 11:46 – The book Traction and EOS resources 13:30 – Final advice for implementing EOS 14:15 – Closing remarks   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__/

    What Great HVAC Business Owners Do Differently to Build Accountable Teams with Bill Spohn

  8. Sep 14

    The HVAC industry's transition to A2L and A3 flammable refrigerants with Eric Ruggles Part 2

    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 flammable refrigerants with Yellowjacket's hydrocarbon charging kit. They cover assembling the charging setup, pre-filling hoses before weighing in a critical charge, and using a gas retention valve to reduce refrigerant loss during connections and disconnections. Ruggles brings Yellowjacket's equipment perspective to the practical handling of A3s and A2Ls. He explains why hose volume, non-sparking vacuum-pump components, recovery-machine safety, equipment labeling, and technician precautions matter when working with flammable refrigerants. Key Takeaways How to pre-fill a charging hose with refrigerant and re-zero the scale before charging a critically charged system. Why small-diameter hoses help reduce the amount of residual refrigerant left in a charging setup. How a Schrader core depression valve can connect to a system before opening the core and limit refrigerant loss during removal. Why technicians should take A3 safety precautions when a small refrigeration unit does not clearly identify its refrigerant. How brushless or sealed motors, non-sparking switches, and integrated cords reduce ignition risks in A2L-compatible vacuum pumps. Why recovery machines require proper equipment because they handle a continuous flow of flammable refrigerant and involve refrigerant connections. Noteworthy Quotes "You can screw this on without letting any gas out of the system or without impacting the system at all." – Eric Ruggles "Then you have a fully filled line set before you even charge the system at all, and that's what you're starting with." – Eric Ruggles "The motors have to be changed typically to brushless DC or completely sealed motors from an AC perspective." – Eric Ruggles "You can't have any sparking at the vacuum pump or recovery machine when we're in an environment that could have an A2L or an A3 flammable refrigerants." – Eric Ruggles "Recovery machines are more critical, making sure that you're using the proper equipment." – Eric Ruggles Episode Highlights:  [00:00] - Sponsor Ad: Factory Direct Filters      [00:43] - Introduction to Eric Ruggles & the Focus of the Episode   [02:15] - Eric begins demonstrating the A3 charging setup  [03:58] - Charging the System  [05:37] - Gas Retention Valve Purpose [06:37] - Non-A3 Charging Setup [09:33] - Why R290 Cylinders Are Small  [11:00] - A3 Refrigerant Safety  [13:04] - A2L Vacuum Pump Requirements  [16:18] - Identifying A3 Refrigerants [19:00] - Where To Reach Out to Eric   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

    The HVAC industry's transition to A2L and A3 flammable refrigerants with Eric Ruggles Part 2
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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
    605
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025
  • Show Website
    HVAC Know It All Podcast

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