The Refrigeration Mentor Podcast

Trevor Matthews

This podcast is all about training, education and mentorship for commercial refrigeration and HVAC professionals. My goal to help you develop your knowledge and skills, to master the art of refrigeration. I will have expert guests from around the world joining us. We will have different conversations on technical topic's like system troubleshooting, supermarket refrigeration and CO2 refrigeration. Featuring technicians and engineers to manufacturers and many other industry expert join us to share their knowledge and wisdom. I will have conversations about mental health, mindset, and personal and professional development. My goal is to help you become 1% better than yesterday. Let's get a conversation going!

  1. 3d ago

    Episode 403. CO2 Liquid Line Piping

    Learn more about Refrigeration Mentor Customized Technical Training Programs at www.refrigerationmentor.com/courses Join the Refrigeration Mentor Hub here In this episode, we're discussing CO2 piping - particulatily liquid line. takeoff arrangements. We cover takeoff arrangements, loop systems, also some important technical information manufacturers recommend which give you a reliable blueprint of look for when you're on your service calls. We also talk about manufacturer specs, asking "why" behind designs and best practices when dealing with CO2 piping.  In this conversation, we cover: (02:42) Loop and Circuit Designs (03:59) Side vs Bottom Takeoff (06:13) Flash Gas and Underfeeding (08:37) Following Manufacturer Specs (09:28) Piping Best Practices (09:59) Asking Better "Why" Questions Helpful Links & Resources: VIDEO: The Truth About CO2 Oil Management, What Causes Failures and How to Prevent Them with Jonas Linnemann of Vitalis Episode 317. CO2 Piping Design (Tips to Protect Compressors and Prevent Failures) with Chris Griffiths Episode 386. CO2 Piping

    13 min

  2. 6d ago

    Episode 402. Why Skills Competitions Matter for Refrigeration Technicians

    Learn more about Refrigeration Mentor Customized Technical Training Programs at www.refrigerationmentor.com/courses Join the Refrigeration Mentor Hub here In this episode, we're diving into provincial/state, national, and WorldSkills events for tradespeople - high-pressure, real-world competitions that build many technical and troubleshooting skills. These programs strengthen our refrigeration trade amid rapid change (CO2, A2L, advanced controls, energy efficiency etc.) and ongoing technician shortages, while developing future leaders and improving company performance. Not only are these competitions fun and challenging, the long-term career benefits and learning - especially from global standards and practices - make these skills competitions incredibly worthwhile. Links below to find out more about national and global skills competitions.  In this conversation, we cover: (01:07) Discovering Skills Programs (04:02) Benefits of Skills Competitions for Tradespeople (06:53) Investing in Skills Development (10:21) Learning by Doing Under Pressure (13:07) Modernizing Training Worldwide (19:27) WorldSkills and National Skills Competitions (22:28) Becoming and Elite Refrigeration Technician Faster Helpful Links & Resources: GAME: https://refrigerationmentor.com/game/  Skills Canada SkillsUSA WorldSkills: Refrigeration & Air Conditioning Episode 139. 7 Tips For Building Good Training And Development Habits

    29 min

  3. Jun 4

    Episode 401. Troubleshoot Systems and Compressors Quicker (Get My Free Guide)

    Learn more about Refrigeration Mentor Customized Technical Training Programs at www.refrigerationmentor.com/courses Join the Refrigeration Mentor Hub here In this conversation, I explain how techs can troubleshoot compressors and refrigeration systems faster and more confidently. I'll walk you through the content of my free 17-page System and Compressor Guide built around 23 key pressure/temperature checkpoints and six common mechanical compressor failure modes. This guide outlines practical steps for compressor replacement and verification, lubrication, oil breakdown and more. Knowing these will result in faster root-cause identification, fewer manager support calls, quicker performance, and even stronger job-interviews. You can download my free System and Compressor Troubleshooting Guide here.  In this episode, we cover: (02:32) Knowing Refrigeration Fundamentals First (02:50) 23 System Checkpoints (03:54) Reading The System Story (06:49) Patterns In Failures (08:38) Six Mechanical Failures (10:22) Compressor Swap Process (12:31) Overheating And Oil (15:24) Flooded Starts (18:06) Slugging Root Causes (18:54) Shell Design Differences (19:22) Floodback And Washout (23:41) Fast Diagnostic Checkpoints (25:19) Oil Loss Root Causes Helpful Links & Resources:  Episode 388. Step-By-Step Compressor Change Out (Service Call Recap) with Andrew Freeburg Episode 228. Tips for Faster Service Calls & Better Time Management Episode 115: Understanding Compressors: What You Need To Know

    34 min

  4. Jun 1

    Episode 400. Top 8 Critical CO2 Sensors Every Tech Should Know with Andre Patenaude

    Learn more about Refrigeration Mentor Customized Technical Training Programs at www.refrigerationmentor.com/courses Join the Refrigeration Mentor Hub here In this milestone 400th episode, we're joined by Andre Patenaude of Copeland to explain 8 critical sensors on CO2 refrigeration systems (video link to this seminar below). Andre breaks down the most critical CO2 refrigeration sensors found in supermarket systems, common failure modes, troubleshooting strategies, and how to prevent catastrophic system shutdowns, product loss, and compressor damage in transcritical CO2 systems. He also explains how technicians, service managers, and contractors can improve reliability through proactive monitoring, redundancy strategies, trend analysis, and smarter control logic. Thank you for listening, following and helping us reach 400 episodes! Check out all of our past episodes and follow the Refrigeration Mentor Podcast on Apple, Spotify and YouTube here. In this episode, we cover: (02:27) Why Critical Sensors Matter in CO2 Refrigeration (08:54) Booster System  (13:19) Gas Cooler Outlet Temp (23:31) Mitigation Strategies (31:24) Low Ambient Bypass and T2 Sensor (37:30) Drop Leg Pressure Transducer (41:14) Fan Modulation Chain Reaction (43:01) P1 Transducer Failover Options (45:46) Proactive P1 Calibration Checks (47:29) P2 Flash Tank Pressure Basics (51:38) Suction Group Transducer Backup (53:54) Oil Level Sensors (57:09) Adiabatic Pre Cool Sensor 7A (01:01:46) Ambient Sensor 7B Water Control (01:10:27) Dry Gas Cooler TD Sensor Helpful Links & Resources: VIDEO: Watch this seminar on the Refrigeration Mentor YouTube Channel GUIDE: Critical Sensors for CO2 Transcritical Systems Guidance (NASRC) Copeland Website  Andre Patenaude on LinkedIn

    1h 22m

  5. May 28

    Episode 399. 5 Electrical Troubleshooting Tips for Refrigeration Techs

    Learn more about Refrigeration Mentor Customized Technical Training Programs at www.refrigerationmentor.com/courses Join the Refrigeration Mentor Hub here In this episode, I'm breaking down 5 core electrical troubleshooting tips to help refrigeration technicians solve issues faster and more confidently. These encompass electrical sequence of operation, checking and verifying voltage, wiring diagrams and using yoru understanding of mechanical problems to uncover the cause of electrical failures.  Electrical systems are so important to understand in refrigeration because this is where techs spend a large amount of time on service calls. In this episode, we discuss: (00:48) Why Refrigeration Electrical Knowledge Matters (01:58) Electrical Sequence Of Operation (04:41) Voltage Testing Basics (08:07) Voltage Drop Tricks (09:01) Tracing Circuits Methodically (11:20) Relationship Between Electrical and Mechanical Problems Helpful Links & Resources: Episode 371. A 6-Step Process for Faster Electrical Troubleshooting Episode 323. Electrical Troubleshooting 101 Episode 296. Electrical Troubleshooting in Refrigeration

    17 min

  6. May 25

    Episode 398. How to Prepare for the Summer Rush in Supermarket Refrigeration

    Learn more about Refrigeration Mentor Customized Technical Training Programs at www.refrigerationmentor.com/courses Join the Refrigeration Mentor Hub here In this episode, we're talking about how refrigeration technicians and contractors can prepare for the summertime service-call rush. Higher ambient temperatures often make systems run harder, so preparation should start early. In this episode, we'll cover what to check for on the technical side, tips for working smarter, more efficiently, and also planning personal time and maintaining balance between of summer leisure time, long on-call days and prioritizing severe calls.  In this episode, we discuss: (00:48) Summer Rush in Refrigeration (01:44) Pre-summer System Checks (02:46) Heat Related Electrical Failures (03:54) Diagnosing Issues Faster Under Pressure (05:20) Prioritizing Calls On-Call (06:31) Planning Time Off Early (07:23) Packing And Preparing For Long Days (10:47) Refrigeration Preventive Checks (14:04) Using AI in Refrigeration Helpful Links & Resources: Episode 313. Summer Prep Training Episode 318. Designing High Pressure Valves for Summer Heat and Winter Challenges with Chris Griffiths Episode 220. Improving Work-Life Balance (Without Compromising Your Success)

    16 min

  7. May 21

    Episode 397. How to Land and Nail a Refrigeration Technician Job Interview

    Learn more about Refrigeration Mentor Customized Technical Training Programs at www.refrigerationmentor.com/courses Join the Refrigeration Mentor Hub here In this episode, I'll explains how technicians can stand out in refrigeration job interviews. I'll share tips on building confidence, developing a troubleshooting mindset, and communicating technical processes step by step, including fundamentals like superheat, subcooling, wiring diagrams, controls, and compressor diagnostics. Many companies hire for attitude, reliability, and problem-solving more than years of experience, and knowing how to demonstrate work ethic, professionalism, business-minded value and asking strong questions will put you ahead of the pack when it comes to competing for a refrigeration technician job. In this episode, we cover: (00:48) Job Interview Mindset (02:24) Building Trust Through Honesty (04:04) How to Talk Technical Confidently (07:25) Job Interview Preperation (11:39) Communicating Stepwise (15:07) Value of Showing Ambition (19:23) On-Call Work Ethic (25:10) Asking Smart Questions (28:58) Professional Reputation Helpful Links & Resources: Episode 256. Career Tips for New Technicians Episode 224. The Key To Finding New Career Opportunities as a Technician Episode 169: Leadership Insights: Work Ethic and Value Creation with Scott Farley of The Arcticom Group

    32 min

  8. May 15

    Episode 396. 7 Basics Every Supermarket Refrigeration Technician Must Know

    Learn more about Refrigeration Mentor Customized Technical Training Programs at www.refrigerationmentor.com/courses Join the Refrigeration Mentor Hub here In this episode, I'm sharing the top seven basics every supermarket refrigeration technician needs to master. These encompass the fundamentals like superheat, subcooling, compression ratio, refrigerant flow, wiring diagrams, ladder diagrams, P&IDs, refrigeration schedules and sequence of operations. We'll also discuss safe electrical troubleshooting and proper meter use, understanding rack operation and the importance of controls, sensors, and communication networks. Revisiting these basics - no matter how long you'be been in the industry - are crucial to eliminating guesswork, diagnosing issues more confidently, cutting troubleshooting time and reducing callbacks. In this episode, we cover: (00:48) Seven Basics of Supermarket Refrigeration (00:55) Refrigeration Fundamentals (02:09) Electrical Diagrams (04:20) Meter Skills (05:09) Supermarket Rack Operation Basics (06:44) Case Components  (07:17) Refrigeration Controls (11:18) Building Troubleshooting Habits (13:43) Safety on Refrigeration Job Sites Helpful Links & Resources: CO2 Unfiltered Episode 395. Basics of Refrigeration: Importance of Revisiting the Fundamentals Episode 299. Basic Refrigeration 101 Episode 37. Refrigeration Fundamentals and Troubleshooting Training with HVAC Know It All

    21 min
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5
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About

This podcast is all about training, education and mentorship for commercial refrigeration and HVAC professionals. My goal to help you develop your knowledge and skills, to master the art of refrigeration. I will have expert guests from around the world joining us. We will have different conversations on technical topic's like system troubleshooting, supermarket refrigeration and CO2 refrigeration. Featuring technicians and engineers to manufacturers and many other industry expert join us to share their knowledge and wisdom. I will have conversations about mental health, mindset, and personal and professional development. My goal is to help you become 1% better than yesterday. Let's get a conversation going!

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