Absorption Cooling - The Rise and Fall and Rise - Short #272
HVAC School - For Techs, By Techs
In this short podcast episode, Bryan goes on another history journey, retelling the story of the rise and fall and rise of absorption cooling. Some of the first HVAC/R engineers cooled buildings with fire; they used absorption refrigeration, which ran on heat instead of electricity. In the early 1800s, French scientist Michael Faraday showed that gases like ammonia could absorb heat as they evaporated. Instead of compressing the vapor, engineers looked for a way to absorb the heat from the vapor and drive it back out. In 1859, Ferdinand Carré invented a machine that boiled ammonia,...
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Combustion Analysis w/ Tony G.
HVAC School - For Techs, By Techs
In this comprehensive training session from the symposium, Tony Gonzalez, Training Director at Fieldpiece, delivers an engaging and practical guide to combustion analysis for HVAC technicians. With 25 years of experience at Fieldpiece—from warehouse worker to training director—Tony brings both technical expertise and real-world application to this 50-minute interactive session focused on the company's CAT 85 combustion analyzer. Tony emphasizes that combustion analysis serves four critical purposes: safety, efficiency, equipment specification verification, and liability protection. He...
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Give Until it Hertz - The Battle Over Frequency - Short #271
HVAC School - For Techs, By Techs
In this short podcast episode, we go back into the history of the trades, namely the battle over frequency (and how each side had to give until it hertz). The low hum of motors is alternating current: electricity moving back and forth through copper 60x per second (in the USA and Canada, at least). In another version of history, that pulse could be 50x per second instead (as in much of the remainder of the world). The forgotten frequency war is the lesser-known sequel to the war of the currents. Tesla's AC power prevailed over Edison's DC, but different motor and generator companies chose...
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Residential vs. Commercial HVAC Sales
HVAC School - For Techs, By Techs
In this candid conversation, Nathan and Bryan dive deep into the often-misunderstood world of sales in the construction and HVAC trades. Nathan, who has transitioned from fieldwork to spending roughly 60% of his time in sales, offers a unique perspective on why sales professionals are necessary despite the skepticism they face from tradespeople. The discussion tackles head-on the negative perceptions surrounding salespeople while making a compelling case for their essential role in growing and sustaining a trades business. The conversation explores the fundamental differences between...
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When Ammonia Ruled the World - Short #270
HVAC School - For Techs, By Techs
In this short podcast episode, Bryan takes us on a history journey back to when ammonia ruled the world. In the mid-1800s, before R-12, many inventors and scientists experimented with vapor-compression refrigeration systems to make ice. They used a variety of refrigerants in their patents, including ether, ethyl ether, carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide, methyl chloride, and ammonia. Each one had tradeoffs, but ammonia was the favorite because it was inexpensive, very good at moving heat, and useful because its odor made leaks obvious (although it was toxic and irritated the lungs and mucus...
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Humidity, Airflow, and Refrigeration
HVAC School - For Techs, By Techs
In this episode of the HVAC School podcast, Bryan and Nathan dive deep into the challenges of humidity control in grocery stores and other refrigerated environments. While the conversation takes several entertaining detours (including discussions about morning radio shows, Indian weddings with elephants, and imaginary lava-heated homes), the core content provides valuable insights for HVAC and refrigeration technicians dealing with condensation and moisture issues in commercial refrigeration spaces. The hosts explain why humidity management is critical in grocery environments, where...
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The Finned-Tube Coil - Short #269
HVAC School - For Techs, By Techs
In this short podcast episode, Bryan explores the history of the finned-tube coil, which is what we use for heat exchange in air-source air conditioners and heat pumps. Air-source HVAC systems have copper tubes threaded through thin metal fins. This design was optimized to ensure the greatest possible surface area for heat exchange to occur. However, prior to the finned-tube coil, HVAC coils looked more like plumbing projects with bare copper loops, which were heavy, costly, and inefficient. In the early 1900s, HVAC was essentially plumbing with higher expectations; capacity was dictated...
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Are Two Are Better Than One: Understanding Tandem Compressors
HVAC School - For Techs, By Techs
In this comprehensive episode of the HVAC School podcast, host Bryan Orr sits down with three experts from Copeland to demystify tandem and trio compressor systems. Joining him are Gina Kahle (Multiples Engineering Manager with 12+ years at Copeland), Tyler Daniels (Product Management team member), and James Stevenson (Technical Sales veteran with 28 years of field experience). Together, they provide both the engineering perspective and real-world service insights that technicians need to understand these increasingly common systems. The conversation begins with the fundamentals: tandem and...
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The Tech That Tried to Beat the Compressor - Short #268
HVAC School - For Techs, By Techs
In this short podcast episode, Bryan tells the story of the technology that tried to beat the compressor... and still may someday. We associate cooling with refrigerant... and all the things that come with it, including compressor noise, oil, recovery machines and tanks, leaks, superheat, and regulations. However, there is a means of providing cooling with two pieces of metal and several semiconductors; current runs through it, and one side becomes cold, and the other side becomes hot. This technology is called thermoelectric cooling, associated with the Peltier effect. In 1834, French...
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VRF, Ductless and Humidity Control w/ Roman
HVAC School - For Techs, By Techs
In this comprehensive episode, Bryan and Roman dive deep into one of the most challenging topics in modern HVAC: making VRF (Variable Refrigerant Flow) and ductless systems perform effectively in humid climates like Florida. The conversation tackles a common misconception that inverter-driven equipment automatically handles humidity well simply because it can "turn down." Roman emphasizes that successful application of VRF technology in humid environments requires skilled professionals who understand building science, envelope integrity, and proper system sizing. The biggest takeaway? If...
info_outlineIn this candid and comprehensive episode, Bryan sits down with Roman to tackle one of the most frustrating yet crucial aspects of the HVAC industry: technical support. What starts as a conversation about their own tech support nightmares quickly evolves into a deep dive examining the entire ecosystem—from manufacturers and distributors to technicians and sales reps—and how each player can improve the support experience.
Roman opens up about his recent tech support struggles, including having to search Russian websites just to find service manuals for major brand equipment. This leads to a broader discussion about the fundamental problem: as HVAC equipment becomes increasingly complex with proprietary controls and advanced technology, manufacturers have simultaneously made it harder to access the information needed to service that equipment. The conversation highlights how the old "I never called tech support" mentality of veteran technicians is no longer viable when you're dealing with VRF systems, building automation, and equipment-specific protocols that require specialized knowledge. The hosts emphasize that good documentation isn't just helpful—it's essential, and manufacturers who hide behind "brand protection" are actually damaging their reputation in the long run.
The episode doesn't just complain about problems; it offers real solutions. Bryan and Roman discuss what technicians need to do before calling tech support (hint: know your superheat, subcooling, and basic electrical readings), what makes great tech support personnel, and why investing in these roles pays dividends. They share inspiring examples of distributors and reps who go above and beyond, like the Johnstone team in Louisiana who actively seek out field experts when manufacturers can't provide answers. The conversation also touches on why tech support and education roles are chronically underpaid, and how properly compensating and supporting these positions could transform the industry.
Perhaps most importantly, the hosts emphasize that everyone in the HVAC ecosystem is working toward the same goal: keeping end clients comfortable and satisfied. When manufacturers, distributors, reps, contractors, and technicians recognize this shared objective and work collaboratively rather than defensively, everyone wins. The episode concludes with practical advice for sales professionals, including the importance of ride-alongs and adopting the "I got it" mentality that turns good salespeople into indispensable partners.
Topics Covered
- Service Manual Accessibility: The critical need for manufacturers to make documentation easily searchable and available online, not hidden behind outdated processes
- Manufacturer Responsibilities: Why "protecting the brand" often backfires and how transparency builds loyalty
- Technician Preparation: What basic measurements and troubleshooting steps should be completed before calling tech support
- Tech Support Personnel: The importance of properly compensating and supporting tech support staff to reduce burnout and turnover
- Distributor and Rep Excellence: How the best wholesalers and reps go beyond just forwarding emails to actively solve problems
- The "I Got It" Sales Approach: Why taking ownership of customer problems is the key to building lasting relationships
- Cross-Brand Part Referencing: The need for universal parts cross-referencing across sister brands and product lines
- Field Ride-Alongs: Why B2B sales professionals should spend at least one day per month in the field with technicians
- Legacy Product Support: The frustration when manufacturer partnerships dissolve and orphaned equipment becomes unsupportable
- AI in Tech Support: Why throwing technology at support problems without understanding the root issues is a waste of money
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