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. 2d ago

    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

  2. 6d ago

    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

  3. 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

  4. 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

  5. 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

  6. May 13

    Episode 395. Basics of Refrigeration: Importance of Revisiting the Fundamentals

    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 returning to refrigeration fundamentals and breaking down the foundations - compressor, condenser, metering device, evaporator, and refrigerant flow. We cover key checks like suction/discharge behavior, condenser air and pipe temperatures, subcooling, fan operation, TXV function, and calculating superheat to prevent liquid or wet gas returning to the compressor. This episode also includes practical tips from the field, including smarter ways to handle oil checks, condenser coil cleaning techniques, and the importance of reading manuals. It's not all about the high level stuff - mastering the basics is truly the key to building confident refrigeration techs and stronger, less stressed service teams. In this episode, we discuss: (00:48) Refrigeration Basics (01:26) Compressor Fundamentals (03:11) Condenser Temps and Subcooling (04:27) Metering Devices and Superheat (09:08) Field Basics Gauges Oil and Coils (11:33) Manuals and System Checks (13:12) TXV Troubleshooting Steps Helpful Links & Resources: Episode 37. Refrigeration Fundamentals and Troubleshooting Training w/ HVAC Know It All Episode 299. Basic Refrigeration 101 Episode 5. CO2 Refrigeration Fundamentals with James Bailey

    16 min

  7. May 7

    Episode 394. Condensing Unit Checkpoints

    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 a consistent set of checkpoints during startup and troubleshooting on condensing units and walk-ins. We walk through key measurements from the compressor through the system, including suction pressure/temperature, discharge temperature, volts/amps, oil temperature, condenser inlet/outlet conditions, receiver inlet/outlet checks, liquid line temperature changes, and evaporator outlet pressure/temperature to verify subcooling and superheat. Write these checkpoints down, learn from other techs, and leverage data to spot trends and root causes to speed up service and reduce callbacks. In this episode, we cover: (01:23) Refrigeration System Checkpoints Overview (02:31) Compressor Baseline Checks (04:42) Condenser Subcooling Checks (07:32) Receiver and Liquid Line (08:24) Evaporator Superheat Checks (09:35) Airflow Defrost and Tools (10:56) Building Your Troubleshooting Framework Helpful Links & Resources: Episode 14. What About Condensers in Refrigeration Applications? Episode 295. A Compressor Story: The Key to Faster Troubleshooting VIDEO: CO2 Unfiltered with Sam Major

    13 min

  8. Apr 30

    Episode 393. Step-By-Step Supermarket Installation

    Learn more about Refrigeration Mentor Customized Technical Training Programs at www.refrigerationmentor.com/courses Join the Refrigeration Mentor Hub here This conversation is a detailed walkthrough of supermarket refrigeration installation. We cover phases from pre-construction drawings, bidding, ordering, kickoff meetings, and coordination with other trades, through layout before concrete, trench and overhead piping, hangers, brazing with nitrogen purge, section-by-section pressure testing and documentation, and deep/triple evacuation. We'll also discuss commissioning and startup basics, including verifying sensors/controls, charging strategy, oil system checks, staged circuit startup, and final turnover items. In this episode, we cover: (02:48) Why Installation Is Important for Refrigeration Techs to Know (05:01) Preconstruction Drawings and Planning (07:34) Ordering Gear and Timelines (09:16) Kickoff Meetings and Trade Coordination (10:47) Pipe Routes, Trenches and Hangers (15:34) Equipment Placement and Roof Curbs (16:46) Brazing Specs and Rough-In Checks (24:49) Pressure Testing  (26:49) Drains, Walk-In Boxes and Coil Layout (30:56) Hanging Evaporator Coils (32:22) Roof Flashing Tips (34:34) Pressure Test Evac (38:32) Controls Wiring Layout (43:00) Leak Proof Brazing (46:03) Charging (47:50) Oil System Startup (52:57) Final Commission Turnover Helpful Links & Resources: Episode 373. Installation Prep for a CO2 Refrigeration System Episode 160. Things to Know When Installing and Servicing CO2 Refrigeration Systems Episode 81. Challenges Faced When Installing CO2 Systems

    1h 3m
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5
out of 5
32 Ratings

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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