HVAC School - For Techs, By Techs

In this short Q&A podcast episode, Bryan answers Gunther's question about kitchen exhaust and makeup air. Gunther asked if there were any studies that showed that makeup air should come very close to the hood to avoid infiltration. He also asked how to educate others who push back against the idea, particularly in kitchen exhaust systems of around 600 CFM.

Commercial facilities, especially restaurants, bring in makeup air to balance out the air being exhausted. There are costs associated with makeup air, but there are plenty of valid reasons to add it to residential structures. Being able to control the makeup air allows us to control where we bring air in from (especially when it comes to drawing in humid air or dirty attic air from gaps and cracks, particularly in vented attics).

Open-combustion appliances in the building envelope are also prone to backdrafting if the structure is under negative pressure. The structure is also more likely to have its dryer vents experience leaks under negative pressure.

The International Residential Code (IRC) (section M1503.6.2) requires makeup air when you have an exhaust system >400 CFM. The Florida Residential Code (section M1503.4) requires kitchen exhaust systems exceeding 400 CFM to have makeup air at approximately the same rate as the exhaust rate. Furthermore, the Florida Mechanical Code (section 505.2) specifies that kitchen exhaust systems exceeding 400 CFM must have makeup air to balance the air pressure and ensure proper ventilation.

Have a question that you want us to answer on the podcast? Submit your questions athttps://www.speakpipe.com/hvacschool.

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This episode featured Bryan Orr interviewing Sam Myers, the building science consultant at Retrotec. Retrotec manufactures products like blower doors and duct testers for measuring air tightness and leakage in buildings.

Sam discussed his role at Retrotec, which involves training contractors on using their tools properly, product design, software testing, presenting at conferences, and running trade show booths. He talked about the demanding travel schedule this requires but also the rewards of educating the industry.

The main topic was duct leakage testing - why it's important, how it's done, interpreting the results, and investigating and fixing duct leaks when problems are found. Sam explained that while a duct leakage test provides a number, that number alone doesn't indicate if the leakage is acceptable or problematic. However, it points technicians in the right direction for further investigating issues like comfort problems, indoor air quality concerns, or high energy bills.

He provided tips on using tools like smoke tests and thermal cameras to visually identify leaks, checking common leak areas like connections and return duct penetrations, and the value of testing before and after making repairs to verify the work. Sam also discussed using low-cost manometers for other tests, like checking room pressure imbalances caused by duct leaks.

Topics covered included:

• Sam's role and work at Retrotec
• The importance of duct leakage testing
• How duct leakage tests are performed
• Interpreting duct leakage test results
• Common duct leak sources like connections and return penetrations
• Methods for pinpointing and verifying duct leaks
• Using manometers for other diagnostic tests
• Tips for contractors getting started with duct testing

Learn more about Retrotec's resources at https://retrotec.com/.

Have a question that you want us to answer on the podcast? Submit your questions athttps://www.speakpipe.com/hvacschool.

Purchase your virtual tickets for the 5th Annual HVACR Training Symposium athttps://hvacrschool.com/Symposium24.

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Check out our handycalculatorshere or on the HVAC School Mobile AppforAppleandAndroid.

In this short Q&A podcast episode, Bryan answers Jeremy's question about checking the charge on rooftop units, and he gives some RTU tips.

Rooftop units often come in sets, so you can use a thermal camera to look at all of the RTUs and compare them. A thermal imaging camera may even show you where subcooling begins in the condenser, which can be a useful diagnostic hack. Try to avoid hooking up gauges each time you check the charge on a rooftop; RTUs have a fixed factory charge, and losses from your gauges can add up over time. Your senses will also come in handy; check for odd sights, sounds, and smells.

Checking suction pressure and superheat is less risky and imperfect, but it'll give you some diagnostic data. You can also check discharge temperatures to check for signs of compressor overheating (remember: 225 stay alive).

Here are some tips for RTUs:

• Get familiar with the service manual and wiring diagrams; these items will help you with the job and help you build on your knowledge of RTUs in general.
• Make sure you have all of your materials at the ready, including extra screws.
• Make sure you have access to the BAS system, if necessary.
• Safety is critical on rooftop units, especially when it comes to ladders, lockout/tagout, and ensuring that you have safe access to the unit (this burden is often on the client).
• Pay attention to specialized equipment, including ERVs and economizers.
• Be mindful of curb installation, transformer taps, and phase monitoring, as those items may not be set up properly.
• Build up a basic working knowledge of variable frequency drives or VFDs (or know where to find information about them;THIS livestream is a good start),
• Keep systems clean to prevent overheating.
• Prevent oil logging whenever you have to replace a compressor.

Have a question that you want us to answer on the podcast? Submit your questions athttps://www.speakpipe.com/hvacschool.

Purchase your virtual tickets for the 5th Annual HVACR Training Symposium athttps://hvacrschool.com/Symposium24.

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Check out our handycalculatorshere or on the HVAC School Mobile AppforAppleandAndroid.

This episode features an insightful conversation with Brynn Cooksey, an experienced HVAC contractor and trainer from Southeast Michigan. Brynn shares his expertise in conducting proper load calculations, sizing the equipment correctly, improving duct design, and addressing common issues contractors face.

Brynn emphasizes the importance of performing accurate load calculations, especially in older housing stock where equipment is frequently oversized by 50% or more. He discusses how oversized equipment leads to short cycling, poor efficiency, and increased utility costs for homeowners. His approach involves educating customers by involving them in the measurement process and using metrics like "duct deficiency" to demonstrate the inefficiencies of their current systems.

The discussion then shifts to heat pumps and the unique challenges of implementing them in cold climates like Michigan. Brynn advocates for a "dual fuel" approach, utilizing heat pumps for efficiency while supplementing with gas heat during extremely cold temperatures. He stresses the necessity of a tight, well-insulated thermal envelope and proper duct design to ensure optimal heat pump performance.

Topics covered include:

• Conducting blower door tests for accurate load calculations
• Downsizing equipment and solving duct issues in retrofit applications
• The "duct deficiency" metric for demonstrating system inefficiencies
• Aeroseal duct sealing: benefits, limitations, and proper application
• Identifying and addressing cracked heat exchangers due to airflow issues
• Training sales teams on a hands-on, educational sales process
• The importance of building science education for contractors
• Overcoming hesitancy in trusting load calculation results

Brynn encourages contractors to embrace building science principles, trust the load calculation process, and focus on system design rather than simply swapping out equipment. By proving these methods to themselves, contractors can transform their businesses and deliver true value to customers through improved comfort, efficiency, and cost savings.

Learn more about HVAC U and its course offerings athttps://www.hvactrain.com/.

Have a question that you want us to answer on the podcast? Submit your questions at https://www.speakpipe.com/hvacschool.

Purchase your virtual tickets for the 5th Annual HVACR Training Symposium athttps://hvacrschool.com/Symposium24.

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Check out our handycalculatorshere or on the HVAC School Mobile AppforAppleandAndroid.

In this short Q&A episode, Bryan answers podcast listener Cooper's question about starting an internal training program. Eugene Silberstein has been on the podcast before to offer his perspective on this topic, which you can listen to HERE.

Bryan recommends a combination approach: instructor-led, hands-on, and self-paced learning, all deployed together. Hands-on learning often gets missed, and we can give inexperienced techs experience with some basic troubleshooting tasks or breaking down and reassembling things.The Socratic method can also be employed here; the instructor can ask their trainees questions instead of the other way around. When the instructor is the one who asks the questions, they allow their trainees to be wrong, learn from their mistakes, and make their own connections to the fundamentals.

Learning plans and curriculums are great for giving trainees a structure, but they need to be reinforced with the hands-on component in this trade. When determining what to teach, try to focus on what's most important in your market—the first area of effectiveness—and then understand how to reinforce it.The continuous growth mindset is also critical; the apprenticeship phase is never truly over, and the instructor needs to be able to improve their program over time without letting the idea of unattainable perfection discourage them from giving their training.

You may also read our tech tip about setting up an internal training program and our recent SkillCat guide if you want to deploy training in your business. TheESCO All Access Subscription Bundle for the HVACR Learning Network is another excellent resource.

Have a question that you want us to answer on the podcast? Submit your questions athttps://www.speakpipe.com/hvacschool.

Purchase your virtual tickets for the 5th Annual HVACR Training Symposium athttps://hvacrschool.com/Symposium24.

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Check out our handycalculatorshere or on the HVAC School Mobile AppforAppleandAndroid.

This podcast episode is Bryan Orr's presentation at the 6th Annual HVACR Training Symposium: "Humility in Thought Leadership." Bryan reflects on his own journey as a trades educator, business owner, husband, and father, sharing personal anecdotes and insights that resonate with anyone in a position of influence.

Bryan begins by acknowledging the challenge of maintaining humility in the face of success and recognition. He emphasizes the need to continually shift our focus from a mindset of "deserving" to one of "serving" others. By embracing humility, we not only become more effective leaders but also create an environment where those around us can grow and thrive.

Throughout the episode, Bryan encourages listeners to embrace vulnerability and be open to feedback from those who care about them. He stresses the importance of surrounding oneself with people who are willing to hold you accountable and challenge you when necessary. This accountability, he argues, is crucial for personal growth and maintaining a grounded perspective.

Here are some of the key topics covered in the symposium presentation:

• The importance of empathy and understanding others' perspectives
• The distinction between personal humility and professional pride
• The dangers of ego and how it can disconnect us from reality
• The role of introspection in fostering humility and self-awareness
• The impact of how we process memories on our perception of reality
• The need to listen to those actively working in the field and remain connected to practical realities
• The value of being open to constructive criticism and admitting when we're wrong
• The joy of seeing others grow beyond us and the importance of letting go of the need for control

Have a question that you want us to answer on the podcast? Submit your questions athttps://www.speakpipe.com/hvacschool.

Purchase your virtual tickets for the 5th Annual HVACR Training Symposium athttps://hvacrschool.com/Symposium24.

Subscribe to our podcast on youriPhoneorAndroid.

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Check out our handycalculatorshere or on the HVAC School Mobile AppforAppleandAndroid.

This short podcast is a Q&A based on a question submitted to us by Andy Holt. Bryan gives some tips on how to go from service tech to service manager. Service managers may have better pay, but they also have different sources of stress than service technicians, and not all service tech skills will translate well to management.

Service techs and service managers have completely different skill sets, and they have to be able to gain satisfaction from different sources. Service techs are satisfied by solving problems, and they get immediate dopamine hits whenever they use their brains and hands to fix someone's AC. Service managers have to find satisfaction in big wins for their team.

Service managers have to manage processes and procedures around customer service; they are involved with customer service representatives and dispatchers. They also handle the most difficult clients and situations, so they need to be able to resolve conflict and stay calm in tense situations. Good service managers also learn to share wins with their teams and speak publicly so that they can inspire and motivate their teams.

Service managers also manage finances, review reports, and send emails, so they need the skills necessary to do that, including writing skills (or technology to assist with writing skills). Leadership roles also require you to represent the policies and procedures of your organization, regardless of how you feel about them. These requirements may put a strain on interpersonal relationships.

Have a question that you want us to answer on the podcast? Submit your questions athttps://www.speakpipe.com/hvacschool.

Purchase your virtual tickets for the 5th Annual HVACR Training Symposium athttps://hvacrschool.com/Symposium24.

Subscribe to our podcast on youriPhoneorAndroid.

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Check out our handycalculatorshere or on the HVAC School Mobile AppforAppleandAndroid.

This episode was recorded live on location at the 2024 ACCA conference in Orlando. Bryan starts by interviewing Marissa, a co-founder of Conduit Tech, a software company providing load calculation and sales tools for HVAC contractors.

Marissa shares insights into what it takes for contractors to successfully adopt new technology in their businesses. She emphasizes the importance of having support at multiple levels of the company, a willingness to thoroughly learn the new software, and providing feedback to the developers. Marissa stresses that Conduit actively seeks input from contractors to continue improving their product's workflow integration. Learn more about Conduit Tech at https://getconduit.com/.

In the second segment, Bryan talks to Martin Hoover, the incoming chair of ACCA (Air Conditioning Contractors of America). Martin discusses the value ACCA provides through training, advocacy, and facilitating peer group interactions. He highlights how ACCA conferences allow contractors to learn from industry leaders and gain valuable perspectives in the hallways between sessions.

The episode covers a range of topics relevant to HVAC contractors, including:

• Adopting new technology and providing productive feedback to software developers
• Assessing whether a new product will truly transform your workflow based on customer testimonials
• The benefits of joining ACCA, such as training, advocacy, and peer networking opportunities
• Challenges facing the industry, like labor shortages and rising costs
• The importance of understanding your financials and pricing for future costs
• Preparing for the transition to A2L refrigerants and associated changes

Whether you're a contractor looking to improve your business or a technician striving for success, this episode offers valuable insights from industry experts on leveraging resources, adopting new tools, and positioning yourself for the future of HVAC.

Have a question that you want us to answer on the podcast? Submit your questions at https://www.speakpipe.com/hvacschool.

Purchase your virtual tickets for the 5th Annual HVACR Training Symposium at https://hvacrschool.com/Symposium24.

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Check out our handy calculators here or on the HVAC School Mobile App for Apple and Android.

In this insightful podcast episode, the host delves into the crucial aspects of positive and productive client communication, drawing from his extensive experience in the residential air conditioning industry. He emphasizes the importance of setting the right tone, bringing energy, building trust, and adapting to different customer personalities when interacting with clients.

The host highlights the key elements of positive communication, such as maintaining a consistently upbeat and enthusiastic demeanor, while also being mindful of the client's preferences. He stresses the importance of active listening, to truly understand the customer's needs and concerns, rather than simply waiting for your turn to speak. The host also touches on the challenges of dealing with difficult customers, such as those who are overly focused on price or technical details, and provides strategies for navigating these situations with patience and professionalism.

The discussion then shifts to the productive side of client communication, emphasizing the importance of being clear, precise, and solution-oriented. The host delves into the pitfalls of being a "yes-man" and making promises that are difficult to follow through on, and instead encourages a more assertive and responsible approach. He emphasizes the need to take ownership of one's words and actions, ensuring that any commitments made to the client are followed through with diligence and care.

The podcast also touches on the significance of situational awareness, wherein the host encourages technicians and salespeople to adapt their communication style based on the client's background and personality. Whether it's an aerospace engineer, a computer programmer, or a contractor, the host provides insights into how to tailor your approach to best serve each individual client.

Key Topics Covered:

• Positive communication: Setting the tone, bringing energy, building trust, and adapting to customer personalities
• Productive communication: Importance of being clear, precise, and solution-oriented
• Avoiding the "yes-man" trap and taking responsibility for one's words and actions
• Situational awareness: Adapting communication style based on client background and personality
• Dealing with difficult customers and navigating challenging conversations
• The value of honesty and truthfulness in client interactions
• Importance of initial conversations and following up on commitments made to clients
• Balancing empathy and professionalism when addressing clients' personal issues or concerns

By addressing these critical aspects of client communication, the podcast provides invaluable insights for professionals in the HVAC industry and beyond, highlighting the key strategies for fostering positive and productive relationships with customers.

Have a question that you want us to answer on the podcast? Submit your questions athttps://www.speakpipe.com/hvacschool.

Learn more about the 5th Annual HVACR Training Symposium athttps://hvacrschool.com/Symposium24.

If you have an iPhone, subscribe to the podcastHERE, and if you have an Android phone, subscribeHERE.”

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Roman Baugh, Matthew Condron, and Luke Peterson discuss the importance of proper condensate drain installation and maintenance, particularly in commercial applications. The conversation begins with the hosts examining the typical drain configurations seen in different regional markets, highlighting the significant variations in practices across the country.

Sizing and configuration of condensate drains can have a significant impact on system performance, especially in high-static pressure systems. He emphasizes that the "one-size-fits-all" approach of using a 2-inch trap is often insufficient, as the static pressure within the system can overcome the trap's ability to prevent air from being sucked into the drain line. The hosts discuss the chart Roman presents, which provides guidance on selecting the appropriate trap depth based on the static pressure of the system.

The discussion then delves into the challenges associated with maintaining condensate drains, including the buildup of debris and the potential for double traps or airlock issues. The hosts share their experiences and best practices for cleaning and troubleshooting drain lines, with a particular focus on the importance of understanding the system's airflow and static pressure characteristics.

The conversation also touches on the use of condensate pumps, with the hosts expressing mixed opinions on their effectiveness and the potential for issues, particularly in high-humidity environments. The importance of proper insulation and support for drain lines is also highlighted, as sagging or improper installation can lead to further problems over time.

Key Topics Covered:

• Typical drain configurations in different regional markets
• The impact of static pressure on condensate drain performance
• Proper trap sizing and depth based on system static pressure
• Challenges with drain line maintenance and troubleshooting
• The use of condensate pumps and their potential drawbacks
• Importance of proper insulation and support for drain lines
• Strategies for cleaning and maintaining condensate drains
• Relationship between airflow, static pressure, and drain issues
• Redundant protection methods, such as secondary drain pans and switches
• Techniques for identifying and addressing air turbulence issues

Have a question that you want us to answer on the podcast? Submit your questions at https://www.speakpipe.com/hvacschool.

Learn more about the 5th Annual HVACR Training Symposium athttps://hvacrschool.com/Symposium24.

If you have an iPhone, subscribe to the podcastHERE, and if you have an Android phone, subscribeHERE.”

Subscribe to our YouTube channel athttps://www.youtube.com/@HVACS.

Check out our handy calculatorsHEREor on the HVAC School Mobile App (Google Play StoreorApp Store).