HVAC School - For Techs, By Techs

In this short podcast episode, Bryan dives into soft start & solar technology, which often work together. He also talks about how we can install ductless systems in homes that rely on solar power. Soft starts are NOT hard starts. Hard starts add more current to the start (auxiliary) winding, which creates a stronger phase shift. Instead, soft starts control the current on the start and run windings and provide just enough of a phase shift to ramp up the motor slowly; it provides a regulated power supply, which means that a slow startup doesn't necessarily cause overheating because there is no locked rotor condition. We can use soft starts on two-stage compressors but need to make sure the compressor goes up to high speed during the starting sequence. Soft starts "learn" the compressor's cycles, so we need to make sure they are trained to reach the high stage, not the low stage. In systems with multiple compressors, we need to have a separate soft start for each compressor. We don't need to use soft starts on inverter-driven or variable frequency drive (VFD) systems. Soft starts also make sense in systems that rely on solar technology. Solar technology may be on-grid (where we sell back energy during peak times) or off-grid (where energy is banked). Ductless systems can work with solar energy, but they must be connected to the grid or the bank. Banked solar energy doesn't need to be rectified in the same way that AC power from the electrical company does, which may be advantageous for ductless systems that rely on DC-driven technology.   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 episode of the HVAC School podcast, host Bryan Orr welcomes Matt Bruner to discuss the concept of a "summer survival guide" for HVAC professionals. They explore strategies for maintaining work-life balance during the busy summer season and share personal experiences on prioritizing family and personal well-being while managing the demands of the HVAC industry. The conversation delves into the importance of intentional planning before the summer rush begins. Matt shares how he and his family implement practices like scheduling an end-of-summer vacation, utilizing daycare services, and outsourcing lawn care to create more family time. Bryan emphasizes the need for financial discipline, avoiding impulsive purchases, and instead investing in services that can alleviate stress and create more personal time. The discussion turns to the challenges of people-pleasing tendencies in the workplace and with clients. Both hosts stress the importance of setting boundaries, learning to say no, and prioritizing one's own family and well-being over excessive work hours or unreasonable client demands. They also touch on the evolution of the HVAC industry, discussing how younger workers are bringing a fresh perspective on work-life balance and how businesses are adapting to these changing expectations. Key topics covered in the podcast: Creating a "summer survival guide" for HVAC professionals Strategies for maintaining work-life balance during peak seasons Financial planning and discipline to support personal priorities Setting boundaries with employers and clients The evolution of work culture in the HVAC industry Balancing the desire to help customers with personal and family needs Implementing business practices that reduce stress and improve quality of life The importance of contentment and avoiding the trap of constant comparison Adapting service hours and availability to suit personal and family needs Overcoming the urge to always be available and learning to prioritize personal time   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 answers a listener-submitted question: How do inverter air conditioners work? Inverter-driven systems have variable capacity to match loads. We can provide cooling or heating BTUs to match the needs of the space without overcompensating or undercompensating and causing temperature swings. Load matching also helps us get better efficiency out of the system. High-humidity climates also benefit from load matching, as equipment doesn't dehumidify well unless it has been running the entire time. When set up and designed properly, variable frequency drives (VFDs) improve comfort, efficiency, and even dehumidification. You can "overclock" your compressor to get more BTUs out of it without oversizing, particularly when you have high heating loads due to the cold weather. Inverter-driven equipment takes AC power in, runs it through a rectifier circuit, and turns it into rough power that resembles DC power. The current is then smoothed out and goes through the inverter bridge circuit. Unlike an analog AC wave, we rely on pulse-width modulation (PWM) to simulate three-phase power and control the motor speeds according to a space's needs. We typically troubleshoot residential inverter-driven equipment by following the manufacturer flowcharts and possibly by communicating with tech support. Commercial VFDs are external to the motors and tend to be a bit more universal rather than manufacturer-specific.   Watch the livestream about VFDs & inverters with Matthew Taylor and Corey Cruz HERE, and you can also watch the livestream about cold climate heat pumps with Ross Trethewey and Russ King HERE. Learn more about NCI's High-Performance HVAC Summit at https://www.gotosummit.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 episode of the HVAC School podcast, host Bryan Orr interviews Tim De Stasio, an experienced HVAC practitioner and consultant. Tim shares his journey in the HVAC industry, from his early days in vocational school to running his own contracting business for 12 years. He now focuses on consulting, design, and contractor training, allowing him to pursue his passion for HVAC while sharing his knowledge with others. The conversation delves deep into the world of dehumidifiers, exploring their importance in modern HVAC systems, especially in humid climates. Tim emphasizes the need for supplementary dehumidification in many homes, particularly during part-load conditions when air conditioning systems may not effectively control humidity. He explains the process of selecting and sizing dehumidifiers, stressing the importance of considering factors such as peak latent load conditions, actual dehumidifier performance under real-world conditions, and static pressure effects on output capacity. The discussion also covers the critical role of proper envelope sealing and ductwork in managing humidity. Tim advocates for addressing these issues before installing a dehumidifier, highlighting the importance of blower door testing and fixing any leaks. The podcast concludes with insights on dehumidifier control strategies, the limitations of ERVs in humidity control, and the potential risks associated with uncontrolled outdoor air introduction into HVAC systems. Key topics covered in the podcast: Tim De Stasio's background and transition to HVAC consulting and training The importance of supplementary dehumidification in various climates Selecting and sizing dehumidifiers based on peak latent load and real-world performance The impact of static pressure on dehumidifier output capacity The necessity of addressing envelope and ductwork issues before installing dehumidifiers Strategies for controlling dehumidifiers in conjunction with AC systems Myths about dehumidification, including misconceptions about variable speed equipment and ERVs The potential risks of uncontrolled outdoor air introduction and the importance of proper ventilation strategies Resources for learning more about dehumidification and HVAC best practices   Contact Tim at timdestasiohvac@gmail.com or follow him on LinkedIn HERE. You can also follow David Schurk on LinkedIn HERE. 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 shares some strategies for teaching communication confidence, which may come in handy if you have newer techs who feel nervous or struggle to communicate with other people. The main way to build confidence is to get them to talk in the first place. Scripts and roleplay scenarios during training can help get people used to speaking and give them a reference. Whether we're in sales or not, we have to share information and complete business transactions. Roleplaying those conversations in a controlled, familiar setting allows your more timid team members to put in the reps. The youngest generation in the workforce tends to be exceptionally uncomfortable talking compared to others; they often prefer to communicate via text. These techs can learn a lot from spending time with customer service representatives (CSRs), especially in difficult situations with upset clients. Then, you can address the non-verbal cues that also play a massive role in in-person communication. At Kalos, we have developed software that allows people to record voice memos that are then transcribed. We combine this with soft skills training to help build confidence in our team members so that our leaders can understand what their teams are doing. Communication also starts at the top, so leaders must be honest with themselves about their communication skills and how well they regulate emotions and positively convey information. Leaders are also ultimately the ones who are responsible for understanding their team's communication gaps and creating the guidelines.   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.

This episode focuses on understanding and effectively utilizing various refrigeration system charts and measurements for troubleshooting and diagnostics. Joey Henderson, an HVAC veteran and trainer, shares his wealth of knowledge and experience on this topic. Joey starts by discussing the challenges he faced early in his career when trying to make sense of the confusing charts with arrows indicating high, low, high head, low head, etc. He emphasizes the importance of knowing the "supposed to be" values before attempting any measurements or referencing charts. Without this baseline understanding, the measurements become meaningless. He then delves into specific measurements like subcooling, superheat, evaporator temperature/suction saturation, condenser split, and compressor amperage. For each measurement, Joey explains the ideal range, how to interpret deviations, and how different factors like humidity, airflow, and refrigerant type can affect these values. He also highlights the differences in approaches for fixed metering devices versus TXV/EEV systems. Topics covered in the podcast: Understanding refrigeration system charts and their limitations Importance of knowing "supposed to be" values for meaningful diagnostics Measuring and interpreting subcooling Measuring and interpreting superheat Determining evaporator temperature/suction saturation Calculating and understanding condenser split Evaluating compressor amperage Differences in charging fixed metering devices vs. TXV/EEV systems Impact of humidity, airflow, and refrigerant type on measurements Using psychrometers and measuring wet bulb temperatures accurately Calculating and interpreting Delta T (wet bulb/dry bulb split) Resources like the Efficient Comfort website and Dick Wirz's RefTech app   Check out some of the resources discussed at https://efficientcomfort.net/. 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 talks about wiring in condenser fan motors, including aftermarket motor considerations and the different wire configurations. When condensing fan motors fail, we need to know what to use to replace them. We often use PSC motors, though in cases when we replace a motor with an ECM, we still need to match the horsepower despite the increased flexibility. The motors we typically keep on our truck are 1/3 or 1/6 HP motors.  Frame size (diameter) and depth also come into play; you may encounter a 42-frame motor or a 48-frame motor. You can't replace an 825 RPM motor with a 1075 RPM one because the poles are different (6-pole vs. 8-pole). Single-phase 208/230v will be the most common motors in residential systems, and the phase and voltage must match. You should also know how to reverse a motor if it is reversible. The bearing type will have some tradeoffs; ball bearings last longer but are louder than sleeve bearings.  3-wire and 4-wire condensing fan motors are essentially the same; the white wire and brown-and-white wire are essentially the same, as there is a jumper inside the motor. You can connect a 4-wire condenser to both sides of the capacitor; in any case, follow the wiring diagram. When mounting a motor, make sure the wires are strapped properly. Then, remember to unplug the correct weep ports (opposite side of the shaft) to allow condensate to drain out.   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.

This podcast episode focuses on the critical shortage of HVACR technicians and installers across the industry. The hosts discuss the massive gap that exists, with estimates of nearly 200,000 open roles expected in the next few years. They are joined by Lenny Diaddario from Copeland's contractor services department and Chris Harris from the educational nonprofit National Coalition of Certification Centers (NC3). Lenny and Chris explain the various initiatives Copeland and NC3 have undertaken to help attract more people to the HVACR trades. This includes STEM education outreach to get kids interested from an early age, partnerships with organizations like SkillsUSA and PHCC, virtual reality training tools that allow interactive compressor teardowns, and comprehensive certification curricula developed in collaboration with subject matter experts and instructors. One major program they highlight is the "train the trainer" events where instructors from trade schools can get certified on the Copeland curriculum over an intensive week. They then take that knowledge back to their schools to teach and certify students as Copeland technicians. The goal is to build a strong foundational workforce of certified HVACR professionals. Topics covered include: The severe shortage of HVACR technicians and the need to fill roles Changing the stigma around vocational education and trade schools Appeal of trades to younger generations for self-reliance Copeland's initiatives like STEM days, SkillsUSA, virtual reality trainers NC3's certification curricula and "train the trainer" instructor events Copeland's online/mobile training resources like apps and AI assistant In-person training courses offered ranging from 1 day to multi-day The long-term vision for socioeconomic impact through a skilled trades workforce   Browse some of Copeland's training opportunities at https://www.copeland.com/en-us/training-support/hvacr-training.  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 episode of the HVAC School Podcast, Bryan interviews Rachel Kaiser, a chemist with a passion for making science more accessible and understandable, especially when it comes to the topic of combustion. Rachel shares her background of how her family's restaurant business sparked her early interest in chemistry and the science behind mixing ingredients to produce desired results. Rachel dives deep into explaining the fundamental chemistry behind the combustion process. She breaks down the three key components required for combustion to occur - fuel, oxygen, and a heat source - and how the ideal chemical reaction is represented. However, she emphasizes that in the real world, factors like using natural gas (a mixture of gases) as fuel instead of pure methane and air (also a mixture) as the oxygen source lead to incomplete and imperfect combustion reactions. The discussion highlights the importance of combustion analysis and monitoring for byproducts like carbon monoxide (CO) and nitrogen oxides (NOx). Rachel stresses that testing is crucial not just for technician safety but to ensure proper combustion for occupants as well. High CO levels, for instance, indicate incomplete combustion and the likely presence of other undesirable compounds. Topics covered include: The chemistry definition of combustion/flame Ideal vs real-world combustion reactions The three requirements for combustion Natural gas as a fuel mixture Air as the oxygen source and mixing considerations Carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxides as byproducts The role of combustion analysis Using visuals/experiments to teach combustion chemistry Applying chemistry knowledge for troubleshooting   Connect with Rachel on LinkedIn and ask her more about chemistry in HVAC HERE. You can also view her presentation from the 5th Annual HVACR Training Symposium and/or purchase your virtual ticket to all sessions HERE. 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 of the HVAC School podcast, Bryan talks about hoses and their various types and applications, particularly focusing on NAVAC hoses. Charging hoses (NAVAC: NH5 and NH5L) ideally shouldn't be longer than 5-6 feet, as the longer the hose, the more refrigerant it will hold. Manifold gauges also have leak points, so it's usually better to use probes instead of manifolds to help with charging. Charging hoses with ball valves (NH5S and NH5SC) can help you control the flow and are great for recovery. Whenever you use charging hoses, they will have a core depressor on one side only (usually the 45-degree side, if applicable); the right amount should be exposed, and the seal should be in good shape. Larger-diameter hoses with higher burst pressure are advantageous for recovery (though it's better to have separate hoses for recovery and evacuation). Larger-diameter hoses of a shorter length will allow you to get a higher flow rate, including cases where you have 1/4" connectors (though the F1028 & F1029  Rapid Y connection fittings can help out with those cases where you have 1/4" connectors by giving you the ability to connect two 3/8" hoses); hoses with a diameter of 3/8" are usually the biggest recommended ones for recovery. NAVAC's recovery hoses are the NHR38AA and NHR38AB. Evacuation hoses are even bigger. Some good evacuation hoses include the NH34AB and NH34AC; they are short 3/4" hoses that are vacuum-rated and quite flexible. NAVAC also has smaller hoses, which tend to look more like recovery hoses. You do not want to use 1/4" hoses and core depressors for evacuation, but they are good for charging.   Check out all of the hoses NAVAC has to offer at https://navacglobal.com/products-by-category/hoses-kits/.  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.