How to Use a Combustion Analyzer w/ Jim Bergmann

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How to Use a Combustion Analyzer w/ Jim Bergmann

October 10, 2019

In this podcast Jim talks through the process of combustion analysis using Accutools BluFlame

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HVAC School – For Techs, By Techs

Real training for HVAC ( Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration) Technicians. Including recorded tech training, interviews, diagnostics and general conversations about the trade.

Recorded live at the 7th Annual HVACR Training Symposium, this episode brings together Roman from HVAC School and building science practitioner Brynn for a deep-dive conversation on one of the most pressing challenges in the HVAC industry: how contractors can use building science principles not just to solve problems, but to communicate value and close sales at the kitchen table. With 26 years of industry experience and 15 years of consistently applying building science in his contracting business, Brynn shares the process his team has refined to help homeowners understand their comfort problems — and confidently invest in the right solutions.

Central to the conversation is the idea that testing — not guessing — is the foundation of a great HVAC business. Brynn outlines his team’s “big three” diagnostic approach: starting with indoor air quality testing, followed by a load calculation using a LIDAR tool, and finishing with a duct evaluation. These three steps give technicians the data they need to tie findings directly to a homeowner’s stated concerns. Rather than overwhelming customers with spreadsheets and raw numbers, the goal is to present information in a way that connects with their lived experience — validating that their hot rooms, cold spots, or humidity discomfort are real, measurable problems with real, measurable solutions. Brynn’s team can complete a full load calculation in as little as 20 minutes on-site, a capability that routinely impresses homeowners and sets them apart from competitors.

The episode also tackles the business case for slowing down. Rather than rushing technicians through six to eight calls a day, Brynn’s company reduced daily call volume to two to four, giving technicians time to perform thorough diagnostics. The result? Ticket sales increased, replacement opportunities grew organically, and install callbacks dropped to a remarkable half of one percent, compared to an industry average closer to ten percent. Roman and Brynn agree that adopting building science practices isn’t about overhauling your business overnight. The key is to start with one skill — like combustion testing or airflow measurement — master it, embed it in company culture, and build from there. Over time, these small habits compound into a business that delivers on its promises every time.

Beyond the technical content, the conversation wraps with a heartfelt discussion about workforce development and the GRIT Foundation, a nonprofit working to reintroduce skilled trades exposure to young people. With shop classes having largely disappeared from schools across the country, Brynn and Roman emphasize the importance of giving children the chance to discover a passion for hands-on work. Brynn’s team hosted a GRIT camp in Detroit, and one participant has since enrolled in HVAC college — a reminder that sparking curiosity early can change the trajectory of a young person’s life. Contractors interested in Brynn’s training programs and building science bootcamps can find more information at HVACTrain.com.

Topics Covered

The culture and community of the HVACR Symposium and why first-time attendees always come back
Why building science can feel intimidating to contractors — and how to simplify it for customer conversations
Brynn’s “big three” on-site diagnostics: indoor air quality testing, load calculation, and duct evaluation
How to ask the right questions first — understanding the customer’s pain before running tests
Using data to validate homeowner concerns (hot rooms, cold spots, humidity issues) rather than dismissing them
Completing a full load calculation in 20 minutes using LiDAR tools and tablet software
Presenting test results with third-party references (EPA, American Lung Association) to build trust
Why oversized HVAC equipment is the rule, not the exception — and what the data shows across thousands of homes
The business case for slowing down: fewer daily calls, better diagnostics, higher ticket sales, fewer callbacks
Reducing install callbacks from an industry average of ~10% to just 0.5% through building science practices
How to implement building science incrementally: start with one practice, make it a habit, then build from there
Using platforms like measureQuick and Smart Probe for ongoing performance verification
Mitigating legal and financial risk on larger residential and multi-family projects through proper documentation
Building a word-of-mouth reputation that eliminates the need for active marketing
The GRIT Foundation: reintroducing skilled trades to young people and inspiring the next generation of HVAC professionals
Where to find Brynn’s contractor bootcamps, online classes, and workforce development seminars at HVACTrain.com

Learn more about Brynn’s education opportunities at https://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 tickets or learn more about the 7th Annual HVACR Training Symposium at https://hvacrschool.com/symposium.

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