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. 1d ago

    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

  2. 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

  3. 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

  4. 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

  5. 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

  6. May 29

    From Tutus to Tool Belts: Inspiring the Next Generation of Women in the Trades

    In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Kati Theurer, Director of HVAC Programs at Jefferson College, educator, industry leader and founder of the From Tutus to Tool Belts initiative. Fresh off being recognized as the first female Certified Master HVAC Educator and a Top 25 HVAC Instructor, Kati shares her passion for expanding opportunities and awareness for young women in the skilled trades. We explore: • How From Tutus to Tool Belts introduces fifth- through eighth-grade girls to hands-on trade experiences • The importance of exposing students to career pathways before they’ve already made up their minds • Building successful partnerships with contractors, distributors, schools and community organizations • Why early engagement is critical to addressing the skilled trades workforce shortage • Kati’s personal journey from dancer to HVAC educator and industry advocate • The challenges and rewards of creating a grassroots program that is changing lives and perspectives Kati shares practical insights for educators, contractors and industry leaders looking to create meaningful outreach programs in their own communities. Whether you're passionate about workforce development, education or expanding opportunities in the trades, this conversation highlights the impact one person can make when they challenge the status quo and open doors for the next generation. Learn more about the From Tutus to Tool Belts initiative: https://www.jeffco.edu/about-jefferson-college/reference-information/tutus-to-tool-belts/. #HVAC #SkilledTrades #WomenInTrades #WorkforceDevelopment #HVACEducation #ESCOInstitute #TutusToToolBelts #CareerEducation ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 🎥 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

    From Tutus to Tool Belts: Inspiring the Next Generation of Women in the Trades

  7. May 22

    The Skilled Trades Awakening: Greg Crumpton on HVAC, AI & the Future Workforce

    In this inspiring and forward-thinking episode recorded live at the 2026 National HVAC Education Conference, we sit down with Greg Crumpton of Service Logic to explore the growing momentum behind skilled trades careers and why HVAC is finally getting the attention it deserves. From AI and data centers to mentorship and workforce development, Greg shares powerful insights on how the trades are evolving — and why the next generation is beginning to see them in a whole new light. We explore: • Why the skilled labor shortage has become one of the biggest conversations in the country • How AI, data centers and advanced technology are reshaping HVAC careers • The importance of exposing young people to the opportunities within the trades • Why hands-on, kinesthetic learning is critical for workforce development • The role social media and personal branding play in attracting the next generation • How mentorship and one-on-one conversations can change someone’s career path • Why the trades are becoming more respected, innovative and financially rewarding than ever before • The balance between advancing technology and maintaining human connection Greg also shares stories from his outreach efforts with students, parents and young professionals, offering practical advice for educators, contractors and industry leaders looking to inspire future technicians and tradespeople. Whether you're an HVAC professional, educator, student or someone curious about the future of skilled trades, this episode is packed with insight, encouragement and real-world perspective. Learn more at https://www.gregcrumpton.com. #HVAC #SkilledTrades #WorkforceDevelopment #ServiceLogic #HVACCareers #ESCO #ESCOInstitute #Mentorship #DataCenters ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 🎥 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! #HVACR #HVACTechnician #HVACTraining #LincolnTech #NAVAC #Amatrol #AGas #HVACCommunity #TradeEducation #hvacinnovation #Refrigeration #Technology #FutureOfHVACR #EcoFriendly #ContinuousEducation #StayCurrent

    The Skilled Trades Awakening: Greg Crumpton on HVAC, AI & the Future Workforce

  8. May 15

    The Three R’s of Refrigerant Stewardship: Recovery, Recycle & Reclaim with A-Gas

    In this thought-provoking episode recorded live at the 2026 National HVAC Education Conference, we sit down with Anthony Nash from A-Gas to tackle one of the HVAC industry’s most important — and often misunderstood — topics: refrigerant recovery, recycling and reclaim. Together, we unpack the critical differences between the “Three R’s” and why proper refrigerant stewardship is essential for the future of the industry. We explore: • The real differences between recover, recycle and reclaim — and why they matter • How poor refrigerant management is driving regulatory changes and refrigerant transitions • Why refrigerant recovery is both an environmental responsibility and a legal obligation • The growing need for reclaimed refrigerant as HFC phasedowns continue • The cultural challenges young technicians face when industry habits conflict with proper training • How contractors, educators and technicians can work together to improve stewardship and accountability • What future refrigerant transitions could look like if the industry fails to adapt Anthony shares practical insight into the refrigerant lifecycle, the importance of education and accountability, and the role every technician plays in protecting the future of HVAC and refrigeration. This episode is a powerful conversation about responsibility, ethics and creating lasting change across the trades. Learn more at https://www.agas.com/. #HVAC #RefrigerantRecovery #RefrigerantReclaim #EPA608 #HVACR #ESCO #ESCOInstitute #AGas #Sustainability ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 🎥 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

    The Three R’s of Refrigerant Stewardship: Recovery, Recycle & Reclaim with A-Gas
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About

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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