Did You Know?-The ESCO HVAC Podcast

ESCO Institute
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The ESCO Institute "Did you Know?" podcast provides HVACR professionals access to reliable, up-to-date, and relevant information, directly from trusted sources. The world of HVACR has been changing at an exponential rate over the last few years; new SEER ratings, flammable refrigerants, and an array of technological advances. Keeping up with all the changes in regulation, manufacturing, refrigerants and how to properly prepare students and technicians has became daunting. Many of our guests are speakers and exhibitors at the HVAC EXCELLENCE National HVACR Education Conference and represent every sector of the HVACR industry. Thanks for joining in!

  1. 7h ago

    Bridging the Generational Gap: The Future Instructors Program

    In this candid episode, we sit down with Jess Slade, a fourth-year pipefitting apprentice at UA Local 502 in Louisville, KY. She’s a participant in the UA's Future Instructors program, part of an effort to train the next generation of trade educators from within the apprenticeship pipeline. We discuss: • How the Future Instructors program identifies apprentices with leadership potential and develops them into educators while they're still completing their training • Why the industry's instructor shortage is just as urgent as its labor shortage, and how programs like this are addressing it • The power of dual mentorship, where younger apprentices help veteran instructors adapt to new technology while learning trade skills in return • How generational differences in learning styles, communication and emotional intelligence are reshaping classroom instruction • Why understanding "the why" behind technical training builds more capable, more invested tradespeople Jess offers a refreshingly honest perspective on what it's like to be young in the trades today, the value of mentorship in both directions and why she believes her generation is poised to make a lasting impact on the industry. Whether you're an instructor navigating new technology or a young tradesperson considering a path into teaching, this episode offers real insight into where trades education is headed. #Trades #Apprenticeship #ESCO #ESCOInstitute #UnionTrades #TradeEducation -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 🎥 This Week’s Video is Brought to You By Our Amazing Sponsors! A huge THANK YOU to this week’s sponsors for supporting education and excellence in the HVACR industry! 👇 💨 Daikin Comfort — https://daikincomfort.com / @DaikinComfort — Delivering comfort, efficiency and innovation through advanced HVAC technology. 🧰 Service Logic — https://www.servicelogic.com / @ServiceLogic-CommercialHVAC — The nation’s largest privately held HVAC service company — keeping facilities efficient and reliable. 🌎 Hudson Technologies — https://www.hudsontech.com / @HudsonTechnologies — Leading the charge in sustainable refrigerant management and recovery solutions. 📚 iConnect Training — https://iconnecttraining.com / @iconnecttraining — Providing world-class hands-on HVACR education and training resources for future technicians. 🔧 The United Association (UA) — https://ua.org / @UAPipeTrades — Building America’s skilled workforce through premier training for plumbers, fitters, welders and HVACR professionals. 👏 We’re grateful for their continued support in helping advance the HVACR industry through training, innovation and opportunity! #HVAC #HVACTechnician #HVACTraining #DaikinComfort #ServiceLogic #HudsonTechnologies #iConnectTraining #UnitedAssociation #HVACCommunity #TradeEducation #HVACR #Refrigeration #Technology #FutureOfHVACR #EcoFriendly #ContinuousEducation #StayCurrent

    Bridging the Generational Gap: The Future Instructors Program

  2. Jul 31

    Building the Next Generation of HVAC Techs: Inside Delcastle Technical High School

    In this episode, recorded live at the SkillsUSA National Leadership & Skills Conference, we sit down with Aaron Wright, HVAC instructor at Delcastle Technical High School, to talk about what it takes to build a thriving vocational program. We explore: • How Delcastle's exploratory model lets freshmen sample HVAC alongside other career pathways before committing • The "GAD score" system schools use to place students into high-demand programs like HVAC • Turning classroom skills into real jobs through resume prep and interview practice • Why employer partnerships and structured co-op schedules are key to getting students real-world experience • The hands-on projects — brazing, electrical, sheet metal — that hook students in just a few days • How coming up through the trades himself has shaped Aaron's approach to mentoring the next generation of techs Aaron shares practical advice for instructors, school administrators and industry partners looking to build or strengthen their own CTE and apprenticeship pipelines. If you’re looking to connect with student talent, this episode offers a candid look at what's working on the ground. #HVAC #CTE #SkillsUSA #ESCO #ESCOInstitute #HVACTechnician -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 🎥 This Week’s Video is Brought to You By Our Amazing Sponsors! A huge THANK YOU to this week’s sponsors for supporting education and excellence in the HVACR industry! 👇 💨 Daikin Comfort — https://daikincomfort.com / @DaikinComfort — Delivering comfort, efficiency and innovation through advanced HVAC technology. 🏫 Lincoln Tech — https://www.lincolntech.edu / @LincolnTech — Training the next generation of skilled HVACR professionals through hands-on career education. 🧰 NAVAC — https://navacglobal.com / @NAVAC — Revolutionizing the HVACR service industry with smart, efficient and reliable tools for technicians. ⚙️ Amatrol — https://amatrol.com / @Amatrol — Providing world-class technical training systems that empower students and instructors in the skilled trades. 🌎 A-Gas — https://www.agas.com / @a-gas8684 — Leading the way in sustainable refrigerant lifecycle management and environmental responsibility. 👏 Thank you to all our sponsors for supporting education, innovation and growth in the HVACR industry! #HVACTechnician #HVACTraining #LincolnTech #NAVAC #Amatrol #AGas #HVACCommunity #TradeEducation #HVACInnovation #HVACR #Refrigeration #Technology #FutureOfHVACR #EcoFriendly #ContinuousEducation #StayCurrent

    Building the Next Generation of HVAC Techs: Inside Delcastle Technical High School

  3. Jul 24

    Beyond the Classroom: What SkillsUSA Reveals About the Next Generation of HVAC Technicians

    What can an HVAC competition teach us about preparing students for the realities of the field? In this episode, Clifton sits down with Jim Fultz of Copeland and White-Rodgers to recap their experience at the 2026 SkillsUSA National Leadership & Skills Conference—and share what instructors and industry professionals can learn from watching the next generation of technicians in action. We explore: • How SkillsUSA connects students, educators and industry professionals • What the competition reveals about the current state of HVAC education • Why students must understand both equipment operation and the troubleshooting process • How technicians can approach unfamiliar equipment with greater confidence • The importance of teaching proper flaring, torquing and pressure-testing procedures • How competing under pressure prepares students for real-world service calls • Why technicians should communicate diagnoses as “what I’ve found so far” • How instructors and manufacturers can get involved as participants, observers or judges Jim and Clifton also discuss the remarkable 17-year-old student who won this year’s HVAC competition, the growing number of high school participants and the value of collaboration among instructors—even when their students are competing against one another. For HVAC technicians, instructors and industry partners, this episode offers a candid look at the skills students are mastering, the areas where additional training may be needed and how the industry can help prepare tomorrow’s workforce for success. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 🎥 This Week’s Video is Brought to You By Our Amazing Sponsors! A huge THANK YOU to this week’s sponsors for supporting education and excellence in the HVACR industry! 👇 💨 Daikin Comfort – https://daikincomfort.com/ @DaikinComfort Delivering comfort, efficiency, and innovation through advanced HVAC technology. 🧰 Service Logic – https://www.servicelogic.com/ @ServiceLogic-CommercialHVAC The nation’s largest privately held HVAC service company — keeping facilities efficient and reliable. 🌎 Hudson Technologies – https://www.hudsontech.com/ @HudsonTechnologies Leading the charge in sustainable refrigerant management and recovery solutions. 📚 iConnect Training – https://iconnecttraining.com/ @iconnecttraining Providing world-class hands-on HVACR education and training resources for future technicians. 🔧 The United Association (UA) – https://ua.org/ @UAPipeTrades Building America’s skilled workforce through premier training for plumbers, fitters, welders, and HVACR professionals. 👏 We’re grateful for their continued support in helping advance the HVACR industry through training, innovation, and opportunity! #HVACR #HVACTechnician #HVACTraining #DaikinComfort #ServiceLogic #HudsonTechnologies #iConnectTraining #UnitedAssociation #HVACCommunity #TradeEducation #Refrigeration #Technology #FutureOfHVACR #EcoFriendly #ContinuousEducation #staycurrent

    Beyond the Classroom: What SkillsUSA Reveals About the Next Generation of HVAC Technicians

  4. Jul 17

    Tools for Tomorrow, Here Today: Inside Malco's Playbook for the Next Generation of HVAC Techs

    What does it take to build a tool that survives real life on the job site — not just a CAD drawing? In this episode, Clifton catches up with returning guest Greg Guse, Director of New Products at Malco, for a behind-the-scenes look at how Malco decides what tools get made next, and why. We explore: • Malco's expansion from sheet metal into duct board tools, vacuum pumps and refrigerant equipment • How the Safe Seal hose eliminates frostbite risk and Schrader valve leaks • Why closed systems like R-290 and R-600 may need new recovery solutions • The reverse-engineering story behind Malco's left-hand thread fitting • New releases: the Tinner's hammer, a sheet metal cutting attachment and longer-blade snips • Why Malco field-tests every tool with a global technician pool Greg and Clifton also swap stories about lost fitting adapters, mysterious tank dimensions and much more. For technicians, distributors and instructors, this episode offers a candid look at how tool innovators keep pace with a constantly evolving industry. Learn more about Malco's tools and solutions at MalcoTools.com. #HVAC #Refrigerants #A2L #ESCO #ESCOInstitute -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 🎥 This Week’s Video is Brought to You By Our Amazing Sponsors! A huge THANK YOU to this week’s sponsors for supporting education and excellence in the HVACR industry! 👇 💨 Daikin Comfort – https://daikincomfort.com/ @DaikinComfort Delivering comfort, efficiency and innovation through advanced HVAC technology. 🏫 Lincoln Tech – https://www.lincolntech.edu/ @LincolnTech Training the next generation of skilled HVACR professionals through hands-on career education. 🧰 NAVAC – https://navacglobal.com/ @NAVAC Revolutionizing the HVACR service industry with smart, efficient and reliable tools for technicians. ⚙️ Amatrol – https://amatrol.com/ @Amatrol Providing world-class technical training systems that empower students and instructors in the skilled trades. 🌎 A-Gas – https://www.agas.com/ @a-gas8684 Leading the way in sustainable refrigerant lifecycle management and environmental responsibility. 👏 Thank you to all our sponsors for supporting education, innovation and growth in the HVACR industry! #HVACTechnician #HVACTraining #LincolnTech #NAVAC #Amatrol #AGas #HVACCommunity #TradeEducation #HVACInnovation #HVACR #Refrigeration #Technology #FutureOfHVACR #EcoFriendly #ContinuousEducation #StayCurrent

    Tools for Tomorrow, Here Today: Inside Malco's Playbook for the Next Generation of HVAC Techs

  5. Jul 10

    Only Mostly Dead: The Truth About R-410A's Slow Fade-Out

    Is R-410A really gone — or just mostly dead? In this candid episode, we sit down with Greg Guse, Director of New Products at Malco, to unpack the confusing, ever-shifting reality of the R-410A phase-down and what it means for contractors, distributors and homeowners right now. We explore: • Why EPA's shifting guidance has left contractors and consumers unsure which system to buy • Why the R-410A shortage may hit faster than the R-22 phase-out did • The push toward A2Ls and natural refrigerants — and why even A2Ls are just a transitional stop • What's next for residential HVAC: heat pump chillers, air-to-water systems and CO2 technology • How new tool designs are addressing A2L flammability and cross-contamination risks • AI's growing role in tool design and technician training Clifton and Greg trade stories from the field — from vintage Coke machines to CO2 laser bleed-off valves — while making the case that R-410A isn't dead yet … but it's time for contractors and educators to get ahead of what's coming next. Whether you're a technician, distributor or instructor, this episode is a practical gut-check on where refrigerants are headed. Learn more about Malco's tools and solutions at MalcoTools.com. #HVAC #Refrigerants #R410A #A2L #ESCO #ESCOInstitute --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 🎥 This Week’s Video is Brought to You By Our Amazing Sponsors! A huge THANK YOU to this week’s sponsors for supporting education and excellence in the HVACR industry! 👇 💨 Daikin Comfort – https://daikincomfort.com/ @DaikinComfort Delivering comfort, efficiency, and innovation through advanced HVAC technology. 🧰 Service Logic – https://www.servicelogic.com/ @ServiceLogic-CommercialHVAC The nation’s largest privately held HVAC service company — keeping facilities efficient and reliable. 🌎 Hudson Technologies – https://www.hudsontech.com/ @HudsonTechnologies Leading the charge in sustainable refrigerant management and recovery solutions. 📚 iConnect Training – https://iconnecttraining.com/ @iconnecttraining Providing world-class hands-on HVACR education and training resources for future technicians. 🔧 The United Association (UA) – https://ua.org/ @UAPipeTrades Building America’s skilled workforce through premier training for plumbers, fitters, welders, and HVACR professionals. 👏 We’re grateful for their continued support in helping advance the HVACR industry through training, innovation, and opportunity! #HVACR #HVACTechnician #HVACTraining #DaikinComfort #ServiceLogic #HudsonTechnologies #iConnectTraining #UnitedAssociation #HVACCommunity #TradeEducation #Refrigeration #Technology #FutureOfHVACR #EcoFriendly #ContinuousEducation #staycurrent

    Only Mostly Dead: The Truth About R-410A's Slow Fade-Out

  6. Jun 19

    Water From Thin Air: How HVAC Technology Could Help Solve Water Scarcity

    What if the air around your home could become a reliable source of clean water? In this eye-opening episode, we sit down with Brian Chang, CEO and founder of Aquaria — the company building atmospheric water generators that turn humidity into clean, drinkable water. We explore: • How Aquaria’s systems produce water from air using principles HVAC pros already understand • Why water scarcity is becoming a growing concern in communities across the country • How mechanical contractors could play a key role in installing and supporting this emerging technology • What makes air-to-water systems different from standard dehumidification • Why homeowners are using air water for drinking, cooking and even showering • How this innovation could help in urgent situations like the current water crisis in Corpus Christi Brian and Clifton break down how a standalone outdoor unit can produce up to 250 gallons of water a day, connect to a home's existing plumbing, and deliver filtered, high-quality water on demand. Whether you’re a contractor, engineer or simply an interested student, this conversation offers an eye-popping look at where the trade is heading. Learn more about Aquaria by reaching out to Brian directly on LinkedIn. #HVAC #Innovation #ESCO #ESCOInstitute -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 🎥 This Week’s Video is Brought to You By Our Amazing Sponsors! A huge THANK YOU to this week’s sponsors for supporting education and excellence in the HVACR industry! 👇 💨 Daikin Comfort – https://daikincomfort.com/ @DaikinComfort Delivering comfort, efficiency, and innovation through advanced HVAC technology. 🏫 Lincoln Tech – https://www.lincolntech.edu/ @LincolnTech Training the next generation of skilled HVACR professionals through hands-on career education. 🧰 NAVAC – https://navacglobal.com/ @NAVAC Revolutionizing the HVACR service industry with smart, efficient, and reliable tools for technicians. ⚙️ Amatrol – https://amatrol.com/ @Amatrol Providing world-class technical training systems that empower students and instructors in the skilled trades. 🌎 A-Gas – https://www.agas.com/ @a-gas8684 Leading the way in sustainable refrigerant lifecycle management and environmental responsibility. 👏 Thank you to all our sponsors for supporting education, innovation, and growth in the HVACR industry! #HVACTechnician #HVACTraining #LincolnTech #NAVAC #Amatrol #AGas #HVACCommunity #TradeEducation #HVACInnovation #HVACR #Refrigeration #Technology #FutureOfHVACR #EcoFriendly #ContinuousEducation #StayCurrent

    Water From Thin Air: How HVAC Technology Could Help Solve Water Scarcity

  7. Jun 12

    Future-Proofing the Trades: Bridging Plumbing and HVAC, and the Power of Local Unions

    Big changes are coming to the plumbing and HVAC trades — and the people who train for them now will lead tomorrow. In this energetic episode, we chat with Marty Kuerzi and David McConnell from UA Local 502 about how two industries are converging and what that means for the next generation of skilled workers. We explore: • How plumbing and HVAC trades are blending as new technologies hit the market • The coming shift to heat pump water heaters and air-to-water monobloc systems • Why apprenticeships, certifications and cross-trade training matter more than ever • The role of unions and UA Local 502 in preparing workers for industry change • Why contractors who invest in education will thrive while others fall behind Marty, David and Clifton share an honest, ground-level look at the skills, mindset and teamwork it takes to adapt. They talk about embracing change instead of fearing it, leaning on younger talent with new tech skills, and refusing to "pull up the ladder" on the next generation. If you're a contractor, apprentice, educator or industry leader, this conversation offers practical insight for you on where the trades are heading. Learn more about UA Local 502 and the work they're doing to train the next wave of skilled professionals at lu502.com. #HVAC #Plumbing #SkilledTrades #ESCO #ESCOInstitute #UALocal502 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 🎥 This Week’s Video is Brought to You By Our Amazing Sponsors! A huge THANK YOU to this week’s sponsors for supporting education and excellence in the HVACR industry! 👇 💨 Daikin Comfort – https://daikincomfort.com/ @DaikinComfort Delivering comfort, efficiency, and innovation through advanced HVAC technology. 🧰 Service Logic – https://www.servicelogic.com/ @ServiceLogic-CommercialHVAC The nation’s largest privately held HVAC service company — keeping facilities efficient and reliable. 🌎 Hudson Technologies – https://www.hudsontech.com/ @HudsonTechnologies Leading the charge in sustainable refrigerant management and recovery solutions. 📚 iConnect Training – https://iconnecttraining.com/ @iconnecttraining Providing world-class hands-on HVACR education and training resources for future technicians. 🔧 The United Association (UA) – https://ua.org/ @UAPipeTrades Building America’s skilled workforce through premier training for plumbers, fitters, welders, and HVACR professionals. 👏 We’re grateful for their continued support in helping advance the HVACR industry through training, innovation, and opportunity! #HVACR #HVACTechnician #HVACTraining #DaikinComfort #ServiceLogic #HudsonTechnologies #iConnectTraining #UnitedAssociation #HVACCommunity #TradeEducation #Refrigeration #Technology #FutureOfHVACR #EcoFriendly #ContinuousEducation #StayCurrent

    Future-Proofing the Trades: Bridging Plumbing and HVAC, and the Power of Local Unions

  8. Jun 5

    Building Careers, Brotherhood and the Future Workforce

    In this special on-location episode, recorded at the Kentucky Derby Festival Bed Races in Louisville, Kentucky, we sit down with Mike Burke, Training Coordinator for UA Local 502, and apprentice Alex to explore the power of union apprenticeship programs, workforce development and the lasting impact of mentorship in the skilled trades. We explore: • How UA Local 502 is attracting and training the next generation of skilled trades professionals • The benefits of earning while learning through a debt-free apprenticeship model • The role mentorship, brotherhood and community play in apprentice success • Why benefits, retirement security and long-term career opportunities matter for today’s workforce • How training programs are evolving to meet growing industry demand and contractor needs • The importance of outreach, education and workforce development in strengthening the trades Mike and Alex share firsthand perspectives on what makes the UA apprenticeship experience unique — from technical training and career advancement to the relationships and support systems that extend far beyond the jobsite. Whether you're a student exploring career options, an industry professional, or an employer focused on workforce development, this conversation highlights why the skilled trades continue to offer life-changing opportunities. #UA #UnitedAssociation #Apprenticeship #SkilledTrades #WorkforceDevelopment #HVACR #Pipefitting #Plumbing #ESCOInstitute #UALocal502 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 🎥 This Week’s Video is Brought to You By Our Amazing Sponsors! A huge THANK YOU to this week’s sponsors for supporting education and excellence in the HVACR industry! 👇 💨 Daikin Comfort – https://daikincomfort.com/ @DaikinComfort Delivering comfort, efficiency, and innovation through advanced HVAC technology. 🧰 Service Logic – https://www.servicelogic.com/ @ServiceLogic-CommercialHVAC The nation’s largest privately held HVAC service company — keeping facilities efficient and reliable. 🌎 Hudson Technologies – https://www.hudsontech.com/ @HudsonTechnologies Leading the charge in sustainable refrigerant management and recovery solutions. 📚 iConnect Training – https://iconnecttraining.com/ @iconnecttraining Providing world-class hands-on HVACR education and training resources for future technicians. 🔧 The United Association (UA) – https://ua.org/ @UAPipeTrades Building America’s skilled workforce through premier training for plumbers, fitters, welders, and HVACR professionals. 👏 We’re grateful for their continued support in helping advance the HVACR industry through training, innovation, and opportunity! #HVACR #HVACTechnician #HVACTraining #DaikinComfort #ServiceLogic #HudsonTechnologies #iConnectTraining #UnitedAssociation #HVACCommunity #TradeEducation #Refrigeration #Technology #FutureOfHVACR #EcoFriendly #ContinuousEducation #StayCurrent

    Building Careers, Brotherhood and the Future Workforce
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The ESCO Institute "Did you Know?" podcast provides HVACR professionals access to reliable, up-to-date, and relevant information, directly from trusted sources. The world of HVACR has been changing at an exponential rate over the last few years; new SEER ratings, flammable refrigerants, and an array of technological advances. Keeping up with all the changes in regulation, manufacturing, refrigerants and how to properly prepare students and technicians has became daunting. Many of our guests are speakers and exhibitors at the HVAC EXCELLENCE National HVACR Education Conference and represent every sector of the HVACR industry. Thanks for joining in!

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