HVAC School - For Techs, By Techs

Bryan Orr
  • 4.9 (953)
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HVAC School - For Techs, By Techs

Real training for HVAC ( Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration) Technicians. Including recorded tech training, interviews, diagnostics and general conversations about the trade.

  1. App Based HVAC Learning

    1 DAY AGO

    App Based HVAC Learning

    div]:bg-bg-300 [&_.ignore-pre-bg>div]:bg-transparent [&_pre]:-mr-4 md:[&_pre]:-mr-9"> _*]:min-w-0"> Ruchir Shah joins the podcast to share his journey into HVAC education technology and the founding of SkillCat, a comprehensive training platform for skilled trades. As a five-time entrepreneur in educational technology, Ruchir's path to HVAC was influenced by his earlier work studying the BP oil spill and developing training solutions for oil and gas workers. When COVID-19 hit and many skilled workers found themselves displaced, he recognized a broader pattern of declining income for blue-collar workers over the past 50 years, which led to the creation of SkillCat. The discussion delves into SkillCat's innovative approach to EPA 608 certification, making it more accessible and affordable at just $10 per month. Their platform uses phone-based testing with built-in security measures, achieving a 97-98% pass rate through comprehensive training. This system addresses traditional barriers like high costs, scheduling difficulties, and low pass rates that have historically made it challenging for people to enter the HVAC field. SkillCat and HVAC School have started a partnership. This collaboration aims to transform HVAC School's extensive content library into structured, accredited courses within the SkillCat platform. The partnership represents a marriage of HVAC School's technical expertise and industry insights with SkillCat's educational technology capabilities, making high-quality HVAC training more accessible and organized for both individual technicians and contracting companies. Key Topics Covered: SkillCat's origin story and mission to make trades education more accessible Revolutionary approach to EPA 608 certification testing and training Development of simulation-based training across HVAC, plumbing, and electrical trades Implementation of career pathing and progress tracking for technicians Importance of applied learning in trades education Features of SkillCat's apprenticeship program Integration of on-the-job assessments through the platform The role of educational technology in addressing the skilled trades shortage Continuous improvement approach based on user feedback Affordability and accessibility of trades education through mobile apps   You can learn more about SkillCat by searching for it in the Google Play Store (Android) or App Store (iOS), or you can visit their website at https://www.skillcatapp.com/.  Have a question that you want us to answer on the podcast? Submit your questions at https://www.speakpipe.com/hvacschool.  Purchase your tickets or learn more about the 6th Annual HVACR Training Symposium at https://hvacrschool.com/symposium. Subscribe to our podcast on your iPhone or Android.   Subscribe to our YouTube channel.  Check out our handy calculators here or on the HVAC School Mobile App for Apple and Android.

    33 min
  2. Q&A - Apps for Doing Proper Loads - Short #215

    3 DAYS AGO

    Q&A - Apps for Doing Proper Loads - Short #215

    In this short Q&A podcast, Bryan answers a listener-submitted question about apps for doing proper loads. Fred specifically asks about apps or charts that can help an HVAC contractor determine the insulation value of a home without assuming numbers or drilling into walls during load calculations. Load calculations account for all the ways that BTUs can enter or leave a home: conduction, convection, and radiation. Insulation prevents heat transfer via conduction, so it's important to the load calculation process. High-end HVAC design software like Wrightsoft and Kwik Model 3D will have these features built into them (based on the age and location of the home). ASHRAE's handbook also has tables and data with R-values and U-factors to help you out with Manual J load calculations. RED Calc is an app that allows you to calculate a wall's R-value with measurements, including surface and air temperatures indoors and outdoors. This RED Calc software is available through the U.S. Department of Energy, as is REScheck. The DOE insulation fact sheet is also quite valuable, as are The Engineering Toolbox and materials straight from the insulation manufacturers. The best way to get a comprehensive load calculation is to have a lot of tribal knowledge about how houses are built in your area, analyze energy bills, and combine tools like RED Calc with building performance tests.   RED Calc is available through the U.S. DOE at https://basc.pnnl.gov/redcalc. REScheck is available at https://www.energycodes.gov/rescheck.  ASHRAE's resources are available at https://ashrae.org/technical-resources.  Have a question that you want us to answer on the podcast? Submit your questions at https://www.speakpipe.com/hvacschool.  Purchase your tickets or learn more about the 6th Annual HVACR Training Symposium at https://hvacrschool.com/symposium. Subscribe to our podcast on your iPhone or Android.   Subscribe to our YouTube channel.  Check out our handy calculators here or on the HVAC School Mobile App for Apple and Android.

    11 min
  3. Jim Bergmann & MQ Update from NCI Summit

    OCT 17

    Jim Bergmann & MQ Update from NCI Summit

    Bryan sits down with Jim Bergmann at the NCI Summit in Asheville, North Carolina, to discuss the latest developments in HVAC technology, training, and industry trends.  The discussion delves into the evolution of MeasureQuick 3.0, highlighting the shift back to a more technician-centric approach. Jim explains how they've redesigned the software to put gauges front and center and implemented an AI-driven system to guide technicians through the process step-by-step. This renewed focus on the end-user experience aims to make the product more valuable for technicians and, in turn, more likely to be adopted as part of standard operating procedures in HVAC companies. Jim and Bryan also explore the importance of understanding HVAC history and fundamentals. They discuss how revisiting old engineering books can provide valuable insights into the core principles of the industry, often explained in more accessible terms than modern textbooks. This approach to learning, combining practical experience with theoretical knowledge, is something both Jim and Bryan advocate for in technician training and development. The conversation then shifts to the challenges and opportunities in the HVAC industry, particularly in light of the push for electrification and the adoption of heat pump technology. Jim emphasizes the critical need for proper evacuation techniques and moisture removal in systems, especially for cold-climate heat pumps. He stresses the importance of standardized processes and documentation to ensure consistent quality in installations and maintenance. Topics covered in the podcast: MeasureQuick 3.0 updates and user interface improvements The importance of technician-centric product design Partnerships between MeasureQuick and organizations like NCI The value of understanding HVAC history and fundamentals Challenges and opportunities in adopting heat pump technology The critical importance of proper system evacuation techniques Standardizing processes for HVAC technicians in the field The role of technology in attracting younger workers to the HVAC industry The benefits of attending industry events like the NCI Summit The ongoing need for collaboration and knowledge sharing in the HVAC community     Have a question that you want us to answer on the podcast? Submit your questions at https://www.speakpipe.com/hvacschool.  Purchase your tickets or learn more about the 6th Annual HVACR Training Symposium at https://hvacrschool.com/symposium. Subscribe to our podcast on your iPhone or Android.   Subscribe to our YouTube channel.  Check out our handy calculators here or on the HVAC School Mobile App for Apple and Android.

    42 min
  4. Q&A - System Won't Dehumidify? - Short #214

    OCT 15

    Q&A - System Won't Dehumidify? - Short #214

    In this short podcast episode, Bryan answers a listener-submitted question about an HVAC system that won't dehumidify. This question was submitted by a homeowner with a Carrier heat pump with an attic air handler that cools but won't dehumidify on the hottest days of summer. One of the past companies that serviced the system added charge, but the problem wasn't resolved. This case doesn't seem to be a sizing issue, as the insufficient dehumidification is happening on the hottest days. Normally, sizing issues happen during the edge seasons when temperatures aren't as high as in the summer, but the dew points are still high.  Bryan's first recommendation is to use measureQuick to evaluate the delivered capacity and determine the sensible heat ratio (SHR) by comparing sensible BTUs to latent BTUs. High SHRs are associated with less effective dehumidification and more effective sensible BTU removal. Then, we have to determine that airflow is properly dialed in. Typically, lower fan speeds are associated with better dehumidification; 350 CFM per ton is typical of humid climates. In the case of two-speed or variable-speed equipment, we should verify that it is staging up and down properly.  On the ventilation side, a duct leakage test is recommended. Proper use of exhaust ventilation, like bath fans and kitchen exhaust, is also critical. Structural leakage and MAD-AIR are also worth checking if a company can measure those, though those are premium services that are usually more expensive.   Have a question that you want us to answer on the podcast? Submit your questions at https://www.speakpipe.com/hvacschool.  Purchase your tickets or learn more about the 6th Annual HVACR Training Symposium at https://hvacrschool.com/symposium. Subscribe to our podcast on your iPhone or Android.   Subscribe to our YouTube channel.  Check out our handy calculators here or on the HVAC School Mobile App for Apple and Android.

    9 min
  5. What Is Up With Blower Amps & Watts w/ Steve Rogers

    OCT 10

    What Is Up With Blower Amps & Watts w/ Steve Rogers

    Bryan Orr and Steve Rogers dive deep into measuring power consumption in HVAC blower motors, particularly focusing on the differences between PSC (Permanent Split Capacitor) and ECM (Electronically Commutated Motor) technologies. The discussion stems from a question raised at an educators' conference about the accuracy of clamp-on meters in measuring blower motor watt draw, as specified in the ACCA Standard 310. Steve shares insights from extensive testing conducted with different types of motors and power meters. The tests compared PSC motors with constant torque and constant airflow ECM motors across various static pressure conditions. One key finding was that two out of three field-available clamp-on meters tested were capable of accurately measuring true power at levels expected in residential blower motors. However, one meter showed significant inaccuracy at low power levels, highlighting the importance of carefully reviewing meter specifications before use. The conversation delves into the concept of power factor and its crucial role in understanding the true power consumption of ECM motors. Steve explains that ECM motors often have a low power factor (around 0.6), which can lead to misconceptions about their efficiency if only the current draw is measured. The discussion emphasizes the need for proper measurement techniques, including simultaneous voltage and current readings with the blower door on, to accurately assess motor efficiency. Key topics covered in the podcast: Differences between PSC and ECM motor technologies Importance of power factor in measuring true power consumption Accuracy of field-available clamp-on meters for power measurement Impact of static pressure on motor performance and efficiency Misconceptions about ECM motor efficiency and longevity Proper measurement techniques for assessing blower motor watt draw Relationship between duct system design and motor efficiency Implications of ACCA Standard 310 for HVAC installations Challenges in comparing constant torque and constant airflow ECM motors The role of control algorithms in ECM motor performance Importance of understanding meter specifications for accurate measurements   Have a question that you want us to answer on the podcast? Submit your questions at https://www.speakpipe.com/hvacschool.  Purchase your tickets or learn more about the 6th Annual HVACR Training Symposium at https://hvacrschool.com/symposium. Subscribe to our podcast on your iPhone or Android.   Subscribe to our YouTube channel.  Check out our handy calculators here or on the HVAC School Mobile App for Apple and Android.

    46 min
  6. Q&A - Sizing Heat Pumps for Heat Load - Short #213

    OCT 8

    Q&A - Sizing Heat Pumps for Heat Load - Short #213

    In this short Q&A podcast, Bryan answers a listener-submitted question about sizing heat pumps for heat load in heating mode, something that we haven't talked much about in the past due to the greater need for cooling in our market. In most cases across the country, a heat pump's heating loads will be greater than the cooling loads. There is a greater swing between the desired temperature and the actual temperature in heating mode than in cooling mode (in terms of sensible BTUs). We don't want to oversize for cooling because of its lower efficiency, comfort, and humidity control due to the shorter runtimes. (However, oversizing for cooling loads is far less of an issue in arid climates.) We don't want to oversize the heat pump to meet the heating load when we'll far exceed the cooling load. However, that's not much of a concern for the opposite scenario in which we oversize for heating to meet the cooling load. We can add auxiliary heat, such as electrical heat or natural gas in dual fuel setups, to help us meet the heating load; we don't have those same options in cooling. Variable-capacity systems can also be beneficial in scenarios where heating and cooling loads are massively different. Bryan is excited about future opportunities for standby cooling and heating capacity, such as in the case of a heat pump heat recovery chiller system with buffer tanks. In the meantime, we have to design for vastly different heating and cooling loads and may have to oversize for one or the other.   Have a question that you want us to answer on the podcast? Submit your questions at https://www.speakpipe.com/hvacschool.  Purchase your tickets or learn more about the 6th Annual HVACR Training Symposium at https://hvacrschool.com/symposium. Subscribe to our podcast on your iPhone or Android.   Subscribe to our YouTube channel.  Check out our handy calculators here or on the HVAC School Mobile App for Apple and Android.

    9 min
  7. Water Issues - Spidey Sense

    OCT 3

    Water Issues - Spidey Sense

    This episode of the HVAC School podcast dives deep into the often-overlooked but critical topic of water issues in HVAC systems. Bryan and Bert discuss the various causes of water leaks and condensation problems, and they explain how to prevent them. They emphasize that water damage is not an inevitable part of HVAC systems and that with proper attention to detail and understanding of the underlying causes, most issues can be prevented. "Spidey Sense" refers to a heightened situational awareness that allows technicians to anticipate and prevent water-related problems. Common water-related problems include drain backups, improper trap depth, and freezing issues, and Bryan and Bert provide practical advice on how to identify and address these problems. The conversation also covers the importance of proper installation techniques, including the correct placement of float switches, insulation of copper lines, and the pitching of secondary drain pans. Bryan and Bert highlight the need for technicians to think critically about the root causes of water issues rather than relying on quick fixes or common misconceptions. They debunk myths such as thermostats being set too low and causing freezing, and they emphasize the importance of addressing underlying airflow problems. They also discuss the challenges of condensation in humid climates and the importance of setting proper customer expectations. Key topics covered in the podcast include: Common causes of water leaks in HVAC systems The importance of proper drain installation and maintenance Freezing issues and their real causes Secondary drain pan installation and common mistakes The role of static pressure in drainage problems Condensation issues on outdoor units and in humid climates The importance of proper insulation for copper lines and drains Best practices for installing and connecting float switches Debunking myths about thermostat settings causing freezing The need for critical thinking and thorough investigation of water issues   Have a question that you want us to answer on the podcast? Submit your questions at https://www.speakpipe.com/hvacschool.  Purchase your tickets or learn more about the 6th Annual HVACR Training Symposium at https://hvacrschool.com/symposium. Subscribe to our podcast on your iPhone or Android.   Subscribe to our YouTube channel.  Check out our handy calculators here or on the HVAC School Mobile App for Apple and Android.

    41 min
  8. Q&A - Cultural Diversity - Short #212

    OCT 1

    Q&A - Cultural Diversity - Short #212

    In this short Q&A podcast episode, Bryan answers a listener-submitted question about cultural diversity in the workplace, especially at an HVAC company. He addresses how we can deal with cultural and language differences in a field where communication is so important. Being open to different demographics of people is great for the industry, especially since we have an aging workforce and need good people in the trade. There are also plenty of opportunities in the trade. However, that doesn't automatically erase the challenges associated with hiring people who don't speak English fluently with English-speaking clients, especially when it comes to money conversations. (However, you can also increase your client base by being able to serve people who speak other languages.) Our operations can aid these people and help them integrate into the workplace by offering ESL classes as a workplace benefit, encouraging everyone to be clear and concise in their communication, embracing other forms of communication (like sharing photos), and offering scripts or guidelines for communicating with customers. Cultures vary, and we can't afford to take a mindlessly xenophobic or excessively open approach. We need to acknowledge what's good for the business and uphold standards, but we need to make space for people of different backgrounds to succeed and contribute to the company and industry. It's also great to get to know people who aren't like us and show interest in other cultures, especially when we get to know them and their families.   Have a question that you want us to answer on the podcast? Submit your questions at https://www.speakpipe.com/hvacschool.  Purchase your tickets or learn more about the 6th Annual HVACR Training Symposium at https://hvacrschool.com/symposium. Subscribe to our podcast on your iPhone or Android.   Subscribe to our YouTube channel.  Check out our handy calculators here or on the HVAC School Mobile App for Apple and Android.

    12 min
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Real training for HVAC ( Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration) Technicians. Including recorded tech training, interviews, diagnostics and general conversations about the trade.

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