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#hvac troubleshooting

Tech Tips:

The Limitations of Diagnostic Charts

This tech tip is based on the podcast with Joey Henderson, “Using Refrigerant Troubleshooting Charts w/ Joey Henderson.” You can listen to that podcast HERE. The HVAC trade is very much a visual one; I wouldn’t recommend doing a drinking game where you take a shot each time you read “Do a thorough visual inspection” […]

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Videos:

HVAC Control Board Troubleshooting: Voltages, Error Codes & Common Failures Explained

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Podcasts:

Symposium – What Good Techs Do Different W/ Data

Discover what separates elite HVAC technicians from average ones in this eye-opening session from the 7th Annual HVAC/R Training Symposium. Shelby Breger, co-founder of Conduit Tech, and Jim Bergmann, President of measureQuick, reveal what good HVAC techs do differently with data and how they leverage data to transform their diagnostics, commissioning, and service work. […]

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Symposium – Do Inverters Suck?

Join us for this eye-opening session from the 7th Annual HVAC/R Training Symposium featuring industry experts Roman Baugh, Jon Esquivel, and Adam Mufich as they expose the truth about inverter-driven HVAC systems. What You'll Learn: Common Inverter Problems – Why these systems fail and how to prevent callbacks Design Mistakes – Oversized inverters acting […]

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Users with Tag #hvac troubleshooting

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How to Evacuate an AC system, Full Vacuum Procedure

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HVAC School – For Techs, By Techs

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.

Building Science at the Kitchen Table: Using Testing to Close the Sale

byBryan Orr

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.

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.

Building Science at the Kitchen Table: Using Testing to Close the Sale

Search Episodes

Building Science at the Kitchen Table: Using Testing to Close the Sale

04/02/2026

Bryan Orr

Hard Lessons w/ Roman, Tim D., Nathan O. and ELK

03/31/2026

Bryan Orr

Better Seen than Viewed w/ Jim Bergmann

03/26/2026

Bryan Orr

Symposium – What Good Techs Do Different W/ Data

03/24/2026

Bryan Orr

Heat Recovery from Data Center w/ Jeff Staub

03/19/2026

Bryan Orr

All About ESCO with Renee Tomlinson and MeasureQuick’s Latest Features with Jim Bergmann

03/17/2026

Bryan Orr

Building Tools & the Trade w/ Tony G. from Fieldpiece

03/12/2026

Bryan Orr

Symposium – Do Inverters Suck?

03/10/2026

Bryan Orr

Recovery Pro Tips w/ Jesse from NAVAC

03/05/2026

Bryan Orr

Symposium – What is the House Trying to Tell Me?

03/03/2026

Bryan Orr

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VIPER SNIPER UNIVERSAL AEROSOL TRIGGER SPRAYER

VIPER SNIPER UNIVERSAL AEROSOL TRIGGER SPRAYER The Viper Sniper is an ergonomic trigger sprayer that fits all standard aerosol cans. Designed for comfort and control, it reduces finger fatigue and delivers a smooth, consistent spray, especially in those hard-to-reach areas. Features quick-attach side clips for easy, secure use. Compatible with all standard aerosol cans —including Viper Aerosol Coil Cleaner and Coil Coating Spray. Fits Any Aerosol Can Full Hand Ergonomic Grip Easily Clips On and Off 2 Sprayers per pack

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Nylog Blue Gasket -Thread Sealant for AC/R Systems

Nylog Blue Gasket -Thread Sealant for AC/R Systems One drop of Nylog on your rubber hose gaskets prior to attaching your core tools, hoses or vacuum gauge will assure that things do not bind or leak during evacuation. Derived from refrigeration grade lubricants. Non-hardening, non-drying fluid which bonds tenaciously to many different substrates. Typically, one drop of Nylog can be stretched about three feet before breaking.

NAVAC

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