HVAC School - For Techs, By Techs

In this episode, Nate Adams and Michael Housh give the HVAC 2.0 rebuttal to the idea of standard load calculations. They take a different, possibly more radical approach to proper sizing.

Michael and…

In this true story from Bryan's teen years, you learn about the "Freon Sniffer:" what inspired him to become an HVAC/R technician (maybe).

When Bryan was working with his uncle at age 14, he was an e…

In this podcast, Jim explains how to use a combustion analyzer. He also talks through the process of combustion analysis using Accutools BluFlame.

The beauty of BluFlame is that it can do CAZ testing…

Duct and air handler (unit) sweating is a common issue in humid climates. Bryan talks about what causes it and what to do about it.

Many people try to keep their ducts and equipment either very cool …

Alex from Wrightsoft is back to discuss duct design. He also explains a common mistake made when designing ducts using a Ductulator.

The Ductulator is a common entry point for technicians who get int…

In this short podcast episode, Bryan explains what you need and the things you need to consider if you want to start a business in HVAC/R.

When you start a business, you need to have a healthy reserv…

Alex Meaney from Wrightsoft joins us to talk about Manual J and S. He also discusses how load calculations and equipment selection apply to real-world situations where contractors are tempted to repl…

In this live podcast from the Castbox app, we talk about analog vs. digital, digital vs. probes, and probe vs. non-invasive testing of A/C and refrigeration. We also talk about apps and various Bluet…

In this short podcast episode, Bryan talks about ambient CO. He also explains why it matters and what you do to check for it.

CO, carbon monoxide, is a colorless, odorless, and toxic gas that can res…

In this podcast, Michael Housh joins us to discuss his years of experience with geothermal heat pumps and their special considerations.

"Geothermal" is a rather generic term, similar to how people sa…

In this short podcast episode, Bryan explains what water vapor diffusion is. He also explains why it matters to the everyday HVAC technician.

Vapor diffusion is the transfer and distribution of water…

In this live conversation, we discuss some real-life situations with difficult customers. We also cover some helpful tips we learned along the way.

When Bryan started Kalos, there was one situation w…

In this podcast episode, Henry Papa from Sporlan joins us in person to talk about refrigeration case controllers on systems with common compressors. We focus on the Sporlan S3C case controller, but s…

In this short podcast episode, Bryan talks about brazing and soldering. He also weighs in on patching and if it is an allowable repair.

Brazing is when you use a dissimilar metal to join metals at a …

n this live podcast episode, we have a fun conversation talking with Nathan Orr and Kevin Compass about grocery refrigeration.

The most common types of calls are those where the machine is "not makin…

Nathan Rothenberg and Ed Janowiak join Bryan to talk about the good, the bad, and the uncomfortable of ACCA Manual J, D, and S.

Manual J load calculations exist to make the BTU inputs and outputs pre…

In this short podcast episode, Bryan compares under load vs. bench capacitor testing to find out which testing method is better.

When we test the system while the motor is running, we call that testi…

Eric Kaiser joins the podcast again, and this time, we are talking ECM motors. We discuss types, history, diagnosis, and failure prevention.

An ECM motor has a permanent magnet rotor, which means tha…

In this lively discussion, representatives from Chemours and Bluon Energy join the podcast. They talk about retrofit refrigerants and what to look for in a good retrofit.

The R22 phaseout has been on…

In this short podcast episode, Bryan discusses the importance of the trap and vent in condensate drains. He also describes some trapping and venting best practices.

Anytime you have long runs of hori…