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...
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TXV Troubleshooting - Short #245
HVAC School - For Techs, By Techs
In this short podcast episode, Bryan walks through some common thermostatic expansion valve (TXV) troubleshooting scenarios. Many of the same principles apply to troubleshooting electronic expansion valves (EEVs). These dynamic metering devices maintain a constant superheat. Troubleshooting does NOT start and end with the TXV. First, you need to inspect components (especially filters, ductwork, and filter-driers) and confirm the airflow and charge. You can use measureQuick to monitor superheat, subcooling, static pressure, and other key measurements, and the TrueFlow grid can give you a true...
info_outlineBryan from HVAC School interviews JD Kelly, known as "student of HVAC" on Instagram, about Delta T measurements in HVAC systems. This episode dives into the fundamentals of Delta T, common misconceptions, and proper measurement techniques.
JD explains that Delta T is simply a temperature difference between two points of the same medium, which is often misunderstood in the industry. Many technicians are taught to measure between return grills and supply registers, but this approach can lead to inaccurate readings due to external factors like duct leakage or heat gain from attics. The proper measurement should be taken directly at the equipment to evaluate how the evaporator coil is performing.
Humidity plays a significant role in Delta T measurements, which JD discovered when researching the fundamentals. Bryan elaborates on this point, explaining that in high-humidity environments (like Florida), more energy goes toward removing moisture (latent heat) rather than cooling the air (sensible heat), resulting in lower Delta T readings. This is why a newly repaired unit in a humid house might initially show lower readings but improve as the home dries out. The discussion highlights why the common "20-degree Delta T" rule of thumb isn't universally applicable and requires context.
Key Topics Covered:
- Definition of Delta T: Temperature difference between two points of the same medium
- Difference between Delta T and TD (temperature difference)
- Proper probe placement for accurate Delta T readings
- Impact of humidity on Delta T measurements
- How regional differences affect expected Delta T values
- Relationship between CFM (airflow) per ton and Delta T readings
- Common mistakes: Adjusting equipment based solely on Delta T readings
- Challenges of applying Delta T in heat pump heating mode
- How temperature dead spots can affect readings
- Why Delta T readings must be considered alongside other diagnostic tests
- The danger of making unnecessary adjustments to HVAC systems
- Why high Delta T isn't always good and low Delta T isn't always bad
JD's Delta T tech tip: https://hvacrschool.com/solving-delta-t/
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