Chris Hughes and Steve Rogers from The Energy Conservatory discuss TEC's TrueFlow technology and its crucial role in predicting airflow issues in the sales process, particularly for heat pump retrofits. They explain how the TrueFlow app helps contractors accurately measure both static pressure and airflow in existing systems, enabling them to predict whether proposed equipment changes will work effectively. This is especially vital when considering the growing trend of replacing gas furnaces with heat pumps, as the airflow requirements can differ significantly.

The conversation delves into a detailed example of replacing an 80% efficient 48,000 BTU furnace with a heat pump. They demonstrate how the airflow requirement would nearly double from 652 CFM to 1,200 CFM, potentially causing the static pressure to quadruple due to Fan Law 2 principles. This dramatic increase could lead to significant performance issues if not properly addressed during the system design phase. The experts emphasize that using TrueFlow during the sales process allows contractors to identify potential problems and necessary modifications before installation rather than discovering issues during callbacks.

The discussion also covers the ideal workflow for system assessment and sales, starting with customer comfort evaluation and proper load calculations. It's important to reduce loads through envelope improvements when possible, particularly in cold climates where heat pump retrofits are becoming more common. Proper system sizing often means going smaller rather than larger, contrary to common industry practices, and the worst HVAC systems are often found in expensive custom homes rather than tract housing.

Key Topics Covered:

• TrueFlow technology and its role in system forecasting
• Fan Law 2 and its impact on static pressure when changing airflow
• Heat pump retrofit challenges and considerations
• The importance of accurate load calculations
• Dual fuel systems as a solution for cold climates
• The relationship between airflow and static pressure
• Sales process integration of technical measurements
• Common issues with oversized equipment
• The importance of envelope assessment
• Methods for reducing system loads
• Proper duct sizing and modification strategies
• The role of proper filter sizing and selection
• The benefits of flat-rate pricing for duct modifications
• Training resources and support available for TrueFlow users

Check out TEC's YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/@energyconservatory, and you can visit TEC's website at https://energyconservatory.com/.  

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

Purchase your tickets or learn more about the 6th Annual HVACR Training Symposium at https://hvacrschool.com/symposium. Subscribe to our podcast on your iPhone or Android.   Subscribe to our YouTube channel.  Check out our handy calculators here or on the HVAC School Mobile App for Apple and Android.

In this short podcast episode, Bryan and Mike from DITEK talk about what to do in tricky electrical scenarios, such as when the MCA is 27 and you have a 50A breaker.

When you size an HVAC system for compatibility with voltage monitors, like the DITEK Kool Guard, you need to pay attention to the MCA (minimum circuit ampacity), which should not be confused with MOCP (maximum overcurrent protection or breaker size). As long as the MCA is 40 amps or lower, you can attach the HVAC condenser to the Kool Guard. The KG2 also accepts wire sizes up to 6 AWG.

The Kool Guard is NOT a source of overcurrent protection; it is a voltage monitor rated for carrying current, which means ratings will be in MCA, not MOCP. MOCP is designed to deal with high starting amps and lets users know the maximum allowable current for a circuit so that it can trip properly when that current is exceeded. According to Section 440 of the National Electrical Code (NEC), motors with internal overload protection allow for a difference between the MCA and MOCP. You may find higher MOCPs on inverter-driven systems.

Learn more about DITEK at https://www.diteksurgeprotection.com/. 

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

Purchase your tickets or learn more about the 6th Annual HVACR Training Symposium at https://hvacrschool.com/symposium. Subscribe to our podcast on your iPhone or Android.   Subscribe to our YouTube channel.  Check out our handy calculators here or on the HVAC School Mobile App for Apple and Android.

Bryan discusses surge protection devices (SPDs) with Mike from DITEK, focusing on practical applications for HVAC contractors and how to provide value to clients. Mike emphasizes that surge protection is essential for modern HVAC systems, particularly given that they are typically the most expensive appliance in a home and increasingly rely on sophisticated electronic components like variable-speed compressors and inverter boards.

The conversation delves into installation best practices, with a detailed discussion of proper wiring techniques for SPDs. Mike explains that surge protectors should be installed in parallel with the circuit, typically at the disconnect, and addresses common concerns about double-tapping lugs and ground connections. He emphasizes the importance of keeping wire lengths as short as possible and provides guidance for installations both with dedicated disconnects and panel-direct connections.

A significant portion of the episode focuses on DITEK's Kool Guard (KG2) product, which represents an evolution in HVAC protection by combining surge protection with voltage monitoring. Mike explains how modern HVAC equipment, particularly inverter-driven systems, is increasingly sensitive to both over-voltage and under-voltage conditions. The Kool Guard monitors voltage on each phase independently and provides visual indication of fault conditions through LED indicators, making it easier for homeowners to identify potential issues without opening electrical enclosures.

Key Topics Covered:

·        Why every modern HVAC system needs surge protection

·        Installation locations and proper wiring techniques for SPDs

·        The difference between line-side and load-side installation

·        Ground connection best practices

·        How to protect both condensers and air handlers

·        The evolution from basic surge protection to voltage monitoring

·        The importance of voltage monitoring for modern inverter-driven equipment

·        How Kool Guard monitors voltage phase-to-ground vs line-to-line

·        Common power quality issues beyond lightning strikes

·        How to discuss surge protection with customers

·        The limitations of utility-provided surge protection

·        The impact of aging power infrastructure on power quality

·        The advantages of USA-made surge protection products

·        How voltage monitoring prevents damage from brownouts and over-voltage conditions

·        The pre-programmed voltage protection ranges in Kool Guard

·        Visual indication features for fault conditions

Learn more about DITEK at https://www.diteksurgeprotection.com/. 

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

Purchase your tickets or learn more about the 6th Annual HVACR Training Symposium at https://hvacrschool.com/symposium. Subscribe to our podcast on your iPhone or Android.   Subscribe to our YouTube channel.  Check out our handy calculators here or on the HVAC School Mobile App for Apple and Android.

In this short episode, Bryan clears up the confusion behind pumping vs. compression.

Pumping is usually associated with liquid. Liquid, like vapor, is a fluid, but it's a lot denser and is essentially incompressible because the molecules are close together. Liquid volume varies based on temperature and density, but we can't squish the molecules together. That's why compressors with very little axial and radial compliance fail when flooded; they can't compress the liquid. A circulator pump in a hydronic system is an example of a pump that pushes liquid along, but the pressure difference across the pump is minimal compared to that of a compressor; the same is true of liquid vs. vapor CO2. 

However, vapor molecules are far apart and can be squished together to take up a smaller volume. That's why vapor can go through compressors, which take a fluid of one volume and apply pressure to shrink it to a smaller volume, raising the temperature in the process. Pneumatics, as opposed to hydraulics, utilize compression to move vapor around in a circuit. Recovery machines need to be able to compress vapor refrigerant and pump liquid into the recovery tank.

Compressors and pumps can either be positive displacement or non-positive displacement systems. A positive displacement system creates a trap and forces a fixed amount of fluid through a system, like a scroll compressor or a circulator pump. Refrigerant volumes may vary because vapor density varies with temperature and pressure (the volume flow is the same, but the mass flow varies). A condensing fan motor, on the other hand, is dynamic and varies the volume of air it moves in response to pressure, as the mechanism relies on velocity and kinetic energy to move air.

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

Purchase your tickets or learn more about the 6th Annual HVACR Training Symposium at https://hvacrschool.com/symposium. Subscribe to our podcast on your iPhone or Android.   Subscribe to our YouTube channel.  Check out our handy calculators here or on the HVAC School Mobile App for Apple and Android.

Trevor Matthews returns to the HVAC School Podcast to discuss building tech confidence and personal growth in the HVAC and refrigeration industry. The conversation explores the transformative power of self-investment, continuous learning, and maintaining a positive mindset. Trevor shares his personal journey from a hesitant technician to a successful business owner, highlighting the importance of pushing beyond comfort zones and embracing continuous improvement.

Some fundamental mindset shifts are necessary for professional development. Trevor candidly discusses his early career struggles, including his initial fear of public speaking and technical challenges. He emphasizes that confidence isn't something that happens overnight but is built through consistent effort, studying, and maintaining a willingness to learn. The key to the growth mindset is to focus on personal progress instead of comparing your achievements to those of others, and it's a perspective that can dramatically impact professional and personal growth.

Self-investment consists of dedicating time to learning, staying physically and mentally healthy, and maintaining a positive attitude, and it can open up unprecedented opportunities. Many technicians have transformed their careers by adopting a growth mindset, continuously seeking knowledge, and being willing to step outside their comfort zones.

Key Topics Covered:

• Building professional confidence
• The importance of continuous learning
• Overcoming fear and self-doubt in technical careers
• Strategies for personal and professional growth
• Maintaining a positive mindset
• Investing in self-improvement
• Balancing work, health, and personal development
• The power of small, consistent actions
• Avoiding comparison with others
• Techniques for staying motivated
• Recommended resources for personal development

Recommended Resources Mentioned:

• Book: "Limitless" by Jim Kwik
• Book: "Good to Great" by Jim Collins
• Book: "Think and Grow Rich" by Napoleon Hill
• Book: "Mastery" by Robert Greene
• Podcast: Hidden Brain
• Podcast: AC Service Tech

Check out Refrigeration Mentor at https://refrigerationmentor.com/ or email Trevor at [email protected]. 

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

Purchase your tickets or learn more about the 6th Annual HVACR Training Symposium at https://hvacrschool.com/symposium. Subscribe to our podcast on your iPhone or Android.   Subscribe to our YouTube channel.  Check out our handy calculators here or on the HVAC School Mobile App for Apple and Android.

In this short podcast episode, Bryan talks about the CPS Molecular Transformator and what it does.

The Molecular Transformator is a version of a tube-in-shell heat exchanger, which is a method of exchanging heat from one fluid medium to another fluid medium. Tubes containing a fluid pass through a shell containing water or glycol, and there is a heat exchange between that secondary fluid and the fluid being circulated in the tubes. In a Molecular Transformator, the fluid being circulated is recovered refrigerant, and the secondary fluid is water (in a bucket), which absorbs heat from the refrigerant and cools it down to make sure that the refrigerant enters the recovery tank as a liquid.

Refrigerant recovery machines have condensers inside of them, but they are quite small and don't hold a lot of refrigerant by design; many recovery machines use microchannel coils. A lot of the time, the refrigerant leaving a recovery machine is a liquid-vapor mix and too high-temperature; a lot of people run a hose over the tank or put it in a bucket of ice. The "Molecular Transformator" tries to settle the vapor molecules down into a liquid; it transforms the vapor molecules using the same mechanism as a tube-in-shell heat exchanger.

The main issue is that there will be leftover refrigerant in the Molecular Transformator after recovery. However, you can mitigate this problem with ball valves and proper purging. Do so responsibly to avoid venting refrigerant.

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

Purchase your tickets or learn more about the 6th Annual HVACR Training Symposium at https://hvacrschool.com/symposium. Subscribe to our podcast on your iPhone or Android.   Subscribe to our YouTube channel.  Check out our handy calculators here or on the HVAC School Mobile App for Apple and Android.

In this enlightening episode, we sit down with Mike, a 20-year veteran from DITEK, a leading American manufacturer of surge protection devices based in Largo, Florida. The conversation begins with a brief discussion about recent hurricane impacts in the Tampa Bay area, where DITEK maintains its 65,000-square-foot manufacturing facility. Mike shares how the company, despite facing challenging weather conditions, continued its operations and maintained its commitment to American manufacturing.

The bulk of the discussion centers around surge protection technology and its critical importance in protecting HVAC systems and other electronic equipment. Mike provides an excellent analogy, comparing surge protectors to pressure relief valves for electrical systems. He explains how Metal Oxide Varistors (MOVs) work as semiconductors that create low impedance paths to ground when voltage exceeds certain thresholds. The conversation delves into the evolution of MOV technology, particularly the development of thermally protected MOVs that provide enhanced safety features.

The episode also addresses common misconceptions about surge protection, particularly the belief that surge protectors are primarily for lightning protection. Mike explains that while lightning strikes are a concern, especially in areas like Florida, approximately 65% of surges actually originate from within facilities themselves, often from equipment cycling on and off or other power quality issues. He emphasizes the importance of proper installation, particularly regarding ground connections and lead lengths, noting that every six inches of wire length can add about 100 volts to the clamping voltage of the device.

Key Topics Covered:

• DITEK's history and commitment to American manufacturing
• Basic principles of surge protection and how MOVs work
• Evolution of MOV technology and thermal protection features
• Difference between transient voltage and temporary overvoltage (TOV)
• Importance of proper grounding and lead length in surge protection
• Cascading surge protection strategy for comprehensive protection
• UL testing standards and voltage protection ratings (VPR)
• Common misconceptions about surge protection
• Impact of aging electrical infrastructure on power quality
• Importance of customer support and ethical business practices
• Installation best practices for surge protection devices
• Relationship between ground resistance and surge protector performance
• Types of surge protective devices (SPD) and their classifications

Learn more about DITEK at https://www.diteksurgeprotection.com/. 

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

Purchase your tickets or learn more about the 6th Annual HVACR Training Symposium at https://hvacrschool.com/symposium. Subscribe to our podcast on your iPhone or Android.   Subscribe to our YouTube channel.  Check out our handy calculators here or on the HVAC School Mobile App for Apple and Android.

Bryan answers a listener-submitted question: "Am I toxic for caring?" He gives advice on how to maintain professional relationships while still maintaining very high standards of quality for your own work.

Having high standards is great, but it can be frustrating when you perceive coworkers as having lower standards than you. A poor-quality end product is fairly objective, but other ways of judging coworkers' standards are a lot more subjective and may vary by culture, and we end up judging the person rather than the work. While we should care about the objective outcomes of a job, we want to challenge ourselves when we start comparing others' work to our own unfavorably.

Judging others' work isn't inherently bad or "toxic," but it has to be controlled and done in service of something greater. When we confront others or judge their work, we need to make sure it comes from a place of professional pride (rather than personal pride) and personal humility.

As tradespeople, we don't always do the best work, either. In some mission-critical applications, we need to rely on workarounds to get a quick outcome. In those situations, it's a lot more important to be honest about what we're doing and the value we promise. When we find opportunities for our colleagues to do things better, we can offer advice in service of the job and allow the other person to take it or leave it; we don't get to decide that for others. We also have to acknowledge that people have different natural inclinations, and we'd be wise to respect those differences.

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

Purchase your tickets or learn more about the 6th Annual HVACR Training Symposium at https://hvacrschool.com/symposium. Subscribe to our podcast on your iPhone or Android.   Subscribe to our YouTube channel.  Check out our handy calculators here or on the HVAC School Mobile App for Apple and Android.

Ruchir Shah joins the podcast to share his journey into HVAC education technology and the founding of SkillCat, a comprehensive training platform for skilled trades. As a five-time entrepreneur in educational technology, Ruchir's path to HVAC was influenced by his earlier work studying the BP oil spill and developing training solutions for oil and gas workers. When COVID-19 hit and many skilled workers found themselves displaced, he recognized a broader pattern of declining income for blue-collar workers over the past 50 years, which led to the creation of SkillCat.

The discussion delves into SkillCat's innovative approach to EPA 608 certification, making it more accessible and affordable at just $10 per month. Their platform uses phone-based testing with built-in security measures, achieving a 97-98% pass rate through comprehensive training. This system addresses traditional barriers like high costs, scheduling difficulties, and low pass rates that have historically made it challenging for people to enter the HVAC field.

SkillCat and HVAC School have started a partnership. This collaboration aims to transform HVAC School's extensive content library into structured, accredited courses within the SkillCat platform. The partnership represents a marriage of HVAC School's technical expertise and industry insights with SkillCat's educational technology capabilities, making high-quality HVAC training more accessible and organized for both individual technicians and contracting companies.

Key Topics Covered:

• SkillCat's origin story and mission to make trades education more accessible
• Revolutionary approach to EPA 608 certification testing and training
• Development of simulation-based training across HVAC, plumbing, and electrical trades
• Implementation of career pathing and progress tracking for technicians
• Importance of applied learning in trades education
• Features of SkillCat's apprenticeship program
• Integration of on-the-job assessments through the platform
• The role of educational technology in addressing the skilled trades shortage
• Continuous improvement approach based on user feedback
• Affordability and accessibility of trades education through mobile apps

You can learn more about SkillCat by searching for it in the Google Play Store (Android) or App Store (iOS), or you can visit their website at https://www.skillcatapp.com/. 

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

Purchase your tickets or learn more about the 6th Annual HVACR Training Symposium at https://hvacrschool.com/symposium. Subscribe to our podcast on your iPhone or Android.   Subscribe to our YouTube channel.  Check out our handy calculators here or on the HVAC School Mobile App for Apple and Android.

In this short Q&A podcast, Bryan answers a listener-submitted question about apps for doing proper loads. Fred specifically asks about apps or charts that can help an HVAC contractor determine the insulation value of a home without assuming numbers or drilling into walls during load calculations.

Load calculations account for all the ways that BTUs can enter or leave a home: conduction, convection, and radiation. Insulation prevents heat transfer via conduction, so it's important to the load calculation process. High-end HVAC design software like Wrightsoft and Kwik Model 3D will have these features built into them (based on the age and location of the home). ASHRAE's handbook also has tables and data with R-values and U-factors to help you out with Manual J load calculations.

RED Calc is an app that allows you to calculate a wall's R-value with measurements, including surface and air temperatures indoors and outdoors. This RED Calc software is available through the U.S. Department of Energy, as is REScheck. The DOE insulation fact sheet is also quite valuable, as are The Engineering Toolbox and materials straight from the insulation manufacturers.

The best way to get a comprehensive load calculation is to have a lot of tribal knowledge about how houses are built in your area, analyze energy bills, and combine tools like RED Calc with building performance tests.

RED Calc is available through the U.S. DOE at https://basc.pnnl.gov/redcalc. REScheck is available at https://www.energycodes.gov/rescheck. 

ASHRAE's resources are available at https://ashrae.org/technical-resources. 

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

Purchase your tickets or learn more about the 6th Annual HVACR Training Symposium at https://hvacrschool.com/symposium. Subscribe to our podcast on your iPhone or Android.   Subscribe to our YouTube channel.  Check out our handy calculators here or on the HVAC School Mobile App for Apple and Android.

Bryan sits down with Jim Bergmann at the NCI Summit in Asheville, North Carolina, to discuss the latest developments in HVAC technology, training, and industry trends. 

The discussion delves into the evolution of MeasureQuick 3.0, highlighting the shift back to a more technician-centric approach. Jim explains how they've redesigned the software to put gauges front and center and implemented an AI-driven system to guide technicians through the process step-by-step. This renewed focus on the end-user experience aims to make the product more valuable for technicians and, in turn, more likely to be adopted as part of standard operating procedures in HVAC companies.

Jim and Bryan also explore the importance of understanding HVAC history and fundamentals. They discuss how revisiting old engineering books can provide valuable insights into the core principles of the industry, often explained in more accessible terms than modern textbooks. This approach to learning, combining practical experience with theoretical knowledge, is something both Jim and Bryan advocate for in technician training and development.

The conversation then shifts to the challenges and opportunities in the HVAC industry, particularly in light of the push for electrification and the adoption of heat pump technology. Jim emphasizes the critical need for proper evacuation techniques and moisture removal in systems, especially for cold-climate heat pumps. He stresses the importance of standardized processes and documentation to ensure consistent quality in installations and maintenance.

Topics covered in the podcast:

• MeasureQuick 3.0 updates and user interface improvements
• The importance of technician-centric product design
• Partnerships between MeasureQuick and organizations like NCI
• The value of understanding HVAC history and fundamentals
• Challenges and opportunities in adopting heat pump technology
• The critical importance of proper system evacuation techniques
• Standardizing processes for HVAC technicians in the field
• The role of technology in attracting younger workers to the HVAC industry
• The benefits of attending industry events like the NCI Summit
• The ongoing need for collaboration and knowledge sharing in the HVAC community

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

Purchase your tickets or learn more about the 6th Annual HVACR Training Symposium at https://hvacrschool.com/symposium. Subscribe to our podcast on your iPhone or Android.   Subscribe to our YouTube channel.  Check out our handy calculators here or on the HVAC School Mobile App for Apple and Android.