The Cornerstones of Inverter Equipment Commissioning
HVAC School - For Techs, By Techs
Release Date: 04/10/2025
Keys to VRF Maintenance w/ Roman
HVAC School - For Techs, By Techs
In this episode of the HVAC School podcast, Bryan Orr sits down with Roman Baugh, a leading VRF (Variable Refrigerant Flow) specialist and co-host of the VRF Tech Talk podcast, for an in-depth exploration of VRF system maintenance. The conversation begins with some lighthearted back-and-forth before shifting to the technical realities of maintaining VRF equipment. Roman immediately addresses a common misconception: the idea that VRF systems are “maintenance free.” He explains that, contrary to some marketing claims, these systems require regular, specialized attention to ensure longevity...
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Maintenance Mindset - Short #249
HVAC School - For Techs, By Techs
In this short podcast episode, Bryan explores the maintenance mindset. Maintenance procedures require a different skill set from troubleshooting, especially the customer service mindset and dedication to execution. Good maintenance is important, and it may be "boring" to some techs, but it provides value and is worth doing well. Clients purchase maintenance plans for better reliability and efficiency. Several also enjoy the health benefits of cleaner HVAC systems. The key to maintenance is having a "do no harm" mindset and a commitment to delivering value. A sales-oriented mindset should take...
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IAQ, Ethical Selling & Building Better Techs w/ Brynn Cooksey
HVAC School - For Techs, By Techs
In this episode of the HVAC School podcast, Bryan welcomes back Brynn Cooksey from Air Doctors and HVAC U to discuss critical topics facing the HVAC industry today. Brynn brings his unique perspective as both a successful contractor in southeast Michigan and an industry educator who has made the transition to focusing primarily on workforce development and training. The conversation begins with a deep dive into indoor air quality (IAQ), where Brynn challenges the common industry approach of throwing products at problems without proper testing. He emphasizes that effective IAQ solutions start...
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Crankcase Heaters - Short #248
HVAC School - For Techs, By Techs
In this short podcast episode, Bryan talks about crankcase heaters, including their different types, what they do, and when we need to use them. Crankcase heaters usually come in belly band varieties, but some can be inserted into the sump of the compressor. As their name suggests, crankcase heaters heat the crankcase when the compressor is off. They prevent flooded starts since the heat keeps refrigerant from condensing to a liquid in the compressor when the system isn't running. Long off times, long line sets, and cold temperatures all increase a system's risk of flooded starts. Hard shutoff...
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The Contactor Reimagined w/ Copeland
HVAC School - For Techs, By Techs
In this episode of the HVAC School podcast, Bryan welcomes back Jim to discuss the groundbreaking SureSwitch contactor technology from Copeland. This isn't just another incremental improvement - it's a complete reimagining of how contactors should work in modern HVAC systems. Jim brings his expertise and even demonstrates the technology with a special cutaway camera setup, giving listeners and viewers an inside look at this innovative solution. The conversation begins with the evolution of contactors in the HVAC industry, explaining how manufacturers moved backward from heavy-duty two-pole...
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Capacitor Testing and Replacement - Short #247
HVAC School - For Techs, By Techs
In this short podcast episode, Bryan goes through the process of testing and replacing a run capacitor. Run capacitors provide continuous phase-shifted current to the start winding, allowing the motor to run in the right direction and with the appropriate amount of torque. These capacitors are needed in most of the single-phase PSC motors we work with. Run capacitors are in the circuit all the time and are connected in series with the start winding (compared to start capacitors, which need to be taken out of the circuit after startup). They don't actually "boost" voltage. The bigger...
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Cold Coil vs. Desiccant Dehumidification
HVAC School - For Techs, By Techs
In this comprehensive episode of the HVAC podcast, Bryan hosts an in-depth discussion about dehumidification technologies with two industry experts: David Schurk, National Sales Manager for Innovative Air Technologies, and Nikki Krueger from Santa Fe Products. The conversation explores the fundamental differences between compression refrigeration dehumidification and solid desiccant systems, providing valuable insights for HVAC professionals dealing with moisture control challenges. David Schurk brings 44 years of industry experience and serves as an ASHRAE Life Member and Distinguished...
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Learning Better - Short #246
HVAC School - For Techs, By Techs
In this short podcast episode, Bryan talks about learning styles and gives some tips for "learning better" and getting more out of continuing education opportunities. The first step to getting more out of educational opportunities is to know your learning style. There are three main styles: visual, kinesthetic (hands-on), and auditory. Most tradespeople will probably fall into the kinesthetic category, but not everybody is; you need to figure out if you're most comfortable working with your hands, listening to podcasts, watching videos, or reading. It's also a good idea to try the practical...
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Intro to The Sigma Capacitor
HVAC School - For Techs, By Techs
Sharon Goepferich from Cool Air Products joins the podcast to discuss cutting-edge capacitor technology and innovative HVAC solutions in an introduction to the Sigma capacitor. Sharon brings a decade of industry experience, having worked extensively with capacitors and HVAC components while traveling across the country to educate technicians and contractors. The conversation begins with a comprehensive breakdown of capacitor failures, addressing common misconceptions in the field. While manufacturing quality certainly plays a role in capacitor longevity, environmental factors like high...
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What's up with Refrigerant & System Regulations w/ Copeland
HVAC School - For Techs, By Techs
In this insightful episode of the HVAC School podcast, host Bryan sits down with Jennifer Butsch, Director of Regulatory Affairs at Copeland, to discuss the rapidly evolving regulatory environment affecting the HVAC industry. With eight years of experience at Copeland and a background spanning codes, standards, and regulatory affairs, Jennifer provides a unique perspective on the challenges and opportunities facing contractors, technicians, and manufacturers in today's market. The conversation begins with an in-depth look at the EPA's Technology Transition Rule and the recent shift from...
info_outlineIn this podcast episode, HVAC professionals Chris Hughes and Adam Mufich discuss the intricate challenges technicians face when commissioning modern inverter-based heating and cooling systems. Unlike traditional single-stage or two-stage HVAC equipment, inverter systems introduce a new level of complexity that can leave even experienced technicians feeling uncertain about proper installation and startup procedures.
The presentation highlights a fundamental shift in how HVAC systems operate, moving from straightforward single-stage systems to sophisticated inverter-based technologies that modulate compressor, fan, and refrigerant flow dynamically. This technological evolution creates significant challenges for technicians, who previously could rely on simple, consistent commissioning processes. The speakers emphasize that modern inverter systems require a much more nuanced approach, with specific temperature ranges, wait times, and verification methods that are not always clearly documented in manufacturer manuals.
Recognizing the industry-wide need for clarity, Chris and Adam have developed a comprehensive spreadsheet resource that consolidates commissioning information across multiple HVAC brands. Their goal is to empower technicians by providing accessible, standardized guidance for working with these complex systems. By sharing their research and encouraging collaboration, they aim to address what they see as a critical gap in manufacturer support and technical documentation.
The podcast serves as both an educational resource and a call to action for HVAC professionals and manufacturers alike. Chris and Adam argue that the industry needs more transparency, better documentation, and a collective effort to standardize inverter system commissioning practices. Their work represents a significant step towards demystifying these advanced HVAC technologies and ensuring that technicians can confidently and effectively install and service modern heating and cooling equipment.
Key Topics Covered:
- Differences between single-stage, two-stage, and inverter HVAC systems
- Commissioning challenges with modern inverter technologies
- Critical factors in proper system startup, including:
- Outdoor and indoor temperature requirements
- Wait times for system stabilization
- Refrigerant charging methods
- Airflow measurement and verification
- The importance of precise refrigerant charging (superheat and subcooling)
- Challenges with manufacturer documentation and technical support
- The need for standardized commissioning procedures across HVAC brands
- Strategies for verifying system performance during commissioning
- The speakers' collaborative effort to create a comprehensive inverter system commissioning guide
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