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. 4D AGO

    Episode 388. Step-By-Step Compressor Change Out (Service Call Recap) with Andrew Freeburg

    Learn more about Refrigeration Mentor Customized Technical Training Programs at www.refrigerationmentor.com/courses Join the Refrigeration Mentor Hub here In this conversiotion, we're walking step-by-step through a compressor change-out from a recent service call with guest and Refrigeration Mentor Community Ambassador, Andrew Freeburg. Andrew covers covering initial safety steps, plus detailed steps for isolating lines, locking out power, shutting off crankcase heaters, recovering refrigerant, and transferring fittings and oil floats. Andrew also shares installation practices and how he traced back the cause of the issue and used that to efficiently solve the problem. This episode is loaded with tips of what to look for, what to do, and things to avoid on these types of service calls. In this episode, we discuss: (02:04) Using AI To Catch Mistakes (03:46) Refrigeration Compressor Failure (04:55) Safe Isolation And Recovery (06:10) Lockout And Removal Steps (11:09) New Compressor Checks (14:14) Gaskets And Reassembly (17:42) Oil Choices And Vacuum (19:03) Torque Specs And Wiring (24:24) Startup And Oil Change (25:57) Copper Plating Evidence (27:20) Valve Plates (31:19) Root Cause Floodback (33:00) Mechanical Controls Limits (34:05) Oil Change Setup (35:52) Nitrogen Push Method (39:23) Draining Compressors (42:30) Oil Pressure Checks (49:18) Moisture Removal Filters Helpful Links & Resources: Follow Andrew on LinkedIn Episode 329. The Ins & Outs of Compressors Episode 295. A Compressor Story: The Key to Faster Troubleshooting Episode 133. Your Compressor Success Guide

    53 min

  2. APR 2

    Episode 387. 5 Things You Need to Develop to Be A Better Refrigeration Technician

    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 five things every refrigeration needs to develop to become a more proficient refrigeration professional and advance in your career. Many supermarket refrigeration technicians get stuck second-guessing, spending too long on calls, and relying on constant phone support from lead techs and managers, leading to callbacks and stress. These aren't just technical skills - they include asking better questions, knowing when and what to call about, building field learning habits, learning fundamentals and developing a mindset of constant review, reflection, and teaching. In this episode, we cover: (02:10) Pausing Before Reacting (03:26) Reading Data Like a Pro (04:11) Asking Better Questions (07:21) Building Field Habits (09:12) Knowing Setpoints and Baselines (15:08) Refrigeration Fundamentals and Sequence (17:47) Teaching and Reflecting On Your Work Helpful Links & Resources: Episode 349. How People Develop A "Refrigeration Mindset" pisode 288. The Payoff of Investing Time & Money in Training with Jesse Stewart Episode 274. The Biggest Key To Career Success in Refrigeration

    23 min

  3. MAR 30

    Episode 386. CO2 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 breaking down key CO2 piping and installation practices. We cover essentials like correct trapping, suction line slope, proper hanger spacing and planning for expansion on long runs. We also discuss pipe material selection, brazing technique and purging, pressure testing requirements, and installation details across commercial and industrial applications.  In this episode, we cover: (00:43) Why Piping in Refrigeration Matters (02:12) Purging and Brazing Lessons (03:49) CO2 vs HFC Piping Differences (06:39) Traps Slopes and Supports (10:58) Velocity Layout and Expansion (12:45) Piping Material Codes and Alloys (16:55) Pressure Testing and Compliance (18:48) Oil Return Over Pressure Drop (25:17) Piping Insulation Specs and Questions Helpful Links & Resources: Episode 74. Why Understanding Refrigeration Piping Design Is Critical Episode 20. Refrigeration Piping...Who Knew Episode 317. CO2 Piping Design (Tips to Protect Compressors and Prevent Failures) with Chris Griffiths

    31 min

  4. MAR 27

    Episode 385. Case Controllers 101 with Andrew Freeburg

    Learn more about Refrigeration Mentor Customized Technical Training Programs at www.refrigerationmentor.com/courses Join the Refrigeration Mentor Hub here In this conversation, we're talking supermarket case controllers with longtime refrigeration technician and Refrigeration Mentor Community Ambassador Andrew Freeburg. We cover why they're becoming more common (especially with CO2), and how they compare across brands like Danfoss, Copeland, CAREL, RDM and others. We also break down what case controllers do - running the case by controlling lights, fans, defrost, and electronic expansion valves - along with basic checks and troubleshooting tips to help refrigeration techs be more efficient and confident on service calls. In this episode, we discuss: (02:49) What Refrigeration Case Controllers Do (04:09) Remote Access (05:16) Key Case Controller Sensors and Relays (07:25) Electronic Valve Types (08:29 Sensor Verification (10:00) Programming and Manuals (14:17) Fine Tuning Case Controllers Helpful Links & Resources: Episode 257. CO2 Experts Live: Case Controllers with Kevin Mullis Episode 261. Supermarket Case Controller Troubleshooting Tips Episode 282. Danfoss CO2 Controllers with Dave Yoder

    22 min

  5. MAR 23

    Episode 384. Why I Got Into Refrigeration with Andrew Freeburg

    Learn more about Refrigeration Mentor Customized Technical Training Programs at www.refrigerationmentor.com/courses Join the Refrigeration Mentor Hub here In this conversation, we're joined by Refrigeration Mentor Community Ambassador Andrew Freeberg to discuss why we entered the refrigeration trade. On top of the strong pay potential, we uncover what we truly enjoy about the industry, including the daily variety, challenges, problem solving, helping customers and common misconceptions about on-call and working conditions. We also break down why many supermarket refrigeration technicians feel stuck second-guessing on jobs, which drives callbacks, stress, and constant support calls. This is an inspiring conversation for anyone considering getting into supermarket refrigeration or new techs looking to explore the sky high potential of the refrigeration industry. In this episode, we discuss: (03:14) Realities of On-Calls as a Tradesperson (04:43) Payoff and Lifestyle of a Refrigeration Technician (05:15) Why the Work Stays Fun (06:29) Top Advantages of the Refrigeration Trade (07:19) Advice for New Students (08:16) Refrigeration Wages and Career Math (10:33) Overtime (12:12) Travel Anywhere With Skills (15:47) Skills That Will Change Your Life (19:24) Recruiting the Next Generation of Tradespeople (21:34) Second Career Ageism (25:03) Why Refrigeration Matters (29:30) Trade School vs College (30:56) Different Career Avenues in Refrigeration Helpful Links & Resources: Episode 333. Training and Troubleshooting Tips to Level Up Your Career Episode 274. The Biggest Key To Career Success in Refrigeration Episode 256. Career Tips for New Technicians

    34 min

  6. MAR 19

    Episode 383. CO2 Startup & Commissioning: Training for CO2 Refrigeration with Andrew Freeburg

    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 joined by Refrigeration Mentor Community Ambassador Andrew Freeburg to discuss how technicians can approach CO2 refrigeration with more confidence, reduce callbacks, and cut troubleshooting time with the right training and mentors. Andrew shares his journey in the trade, including push into CO2, emphasizing persistence, ongoing training, and being vocal with management about career goals. We also cover practical startup and commissioning fundamentals, including using P&IDs, wiring diagrams, I/O schedules, and checklists to identify components. In this episode, we discuss: (01:51) Andrew's CO2 Journey (03:5)1 Learning CO2 Refrigeration Faster (05:13) Refrigeration Startup Checklists (05:44) Sensor Install Best Practices (07:29) Advice for New Techs on CO2 (12:53) Commissioning and VFD Tuning (15:32) Why Ongoing Commissioning Matters (18:13) CO2 Monitoring and Troubleshooting Helpful Links & Resources: Episode 243. Step-By-Step Walkthrough of a CO2 Service Call with Patrick Gregory Episode 227. Getting to Know Transcritical CO2 Supermarket Refrigeration Systems with Kevin Mullis Episode 180: Developing your CO2 Knowledge into Experience

    24 min

  7. MAR 16

    Episode 382. Why Techs Get Stumped on Supermarket Racks (How To Fix It)

    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 why capable technicians often freeze when they walk into a supermarket rack room and how that hesitation drives long troubleshooting times, constant support calls, and callbacks. We'll talk about what causes overwhelm from complex rack systems, controls, and newer technologies like CO2, and the important fundamentals that are too often missed. Apprenticeships cover only a fraction of what techs need and that one-off training days aren't enough - the key is consistent, repeatable development paths and training to help technicians build rack specialist skills, reduce callbacks, and improve profitability. In this episode, we cover: (00:48) Why Techs Get Stumped on Service Calls (01:48) Complexity Overload (02:38) Apprenticeship Gaps for Tradespeople (06:39) Refrigeration Glide  (07:17) Hot Gas Defrost (13:32) Tips for Hiring New Refrigeration Techs (16:22) CO2 Trend Graphs (20:23) How to Build and Train Refrigeration Rack Specialists Helpful Links & Resources: Episode 299. Basic Refrigeration 101 Episode 251. Supermarket Refrigeration Service and Troubleshooting Tips Episode 215. Understanding Refrigeration System Controls with Larry Herman of Redline Control Design

    30 min

  8. MAR 12

    Episode 381. Wife of a Refrigeration Technician: Navigating Relationships, Kids and On-Calls with Aria Lucey

    Learn more about Refrigeration Mentor Customized Technical Training Programs at www.refrigerationmentor.com/courses Join the Refrigeration Mentor Hub here In this conversation, we're talking with Aria Lucey, whose husband Aiden is a longtime technician and Refrigeration Mentor Community Ambassador, discussing how the demanding refrigeration lifestyle impacts relationships and family. She shares early long-distance relationship stories and long-hour challenges, the need for intentional connection, and the importance of clear, honest communication, rather than assumptions. Aria also shares strategies for handling disagreements, making repairs after conflict, and managing kids while incorporating the demanding, often unpredictable work schedule of a refrigeration technician. In this episode, we cover: (02:49) Long Distance Relationships (05:37) Communication Strategies for Relationships (08:18 Fights with Your Spouse (10:17) Sharing Domestic Respinsibilities (12:33) On-Call Lifestyle for Tradespeople (14:35) Advice For New Relationships (19:58) Balancing Sick Days (25:03) Parental Leave And Family Planning (26:29) Taking Turns Supporting Careers (29:29) Dividing Household Responsibilities (34:51) Explaining On-Call To Kids (37:01) Advice For New Technicians Helpful Links & Resources: Episode 226. How Busy Technicians Can Better Manage Work and Family Life Episode 208. The Personal and Professional Sides of Refrigeration (That You Won't Learn in School) Episode 316. Strategies for Surviving and Thriving On-Call with Aidan Lucey

    43 min
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5
out of 5
31 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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