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Tech Tips:

The 10 Commandments of the HVAC/R Technician
One trait I've seen with good technicians is that they take their jobs VERY seriously, but they learn not to take themselves too seriously. A few months ago, I had someone tell me online that I must think I'm the A/C “god” because I'm always telling everyone the “right” way to do things. This got […]
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Storming the Gates to Trade Education
Before we jump into the stuff that will make folks angry, let's start with some common ground. Most of us can probably agree that the desired result of education in the trades is: Knowing what you are doing and doing it as safely, efficiently, and correctly as possible. If we can agree that we all […]
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Electronic Leak Detection DOES WORK
I hear many techs complain about the finicky and ineffective nature of electronic leak detection. So much so that some claim that it is a waste of time altogether. We recently located a leak inside the fins of a ductless evaporator coil—pinpointed to an exact spot—using an electronic leak detector. For demonstration purposes, we took […]
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Electronic Leak Detection DOES WORK
I hear many techs complain about the finicky and ineffective nature of electronic leak detection—so much so that some claim that it is a waste of time altogether. We recently located a leak inside the fins of a ductless evaporator coil—pinpointed to an exact spot—using an electronic leak detector. For demonstration purposes, we took that […]
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Introduction to Pool Heat Pumps
Air-to-water pool heat pumps are seeing more and more popularity in the climates that can support them over the more traditional gas and electric pool heaters we usually see. While they definitely contain some familiar operating principles to an air-to-air heat pump, there are some striking differences in how the heat is transferred and how […]
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Videos:

Podcasts:

Preventing Low Voltage Issues
In this episode, Bryan and Bert dive deep into the world of low voltage wiring in HVAC systems. They discuss common mistakes, best practices, and troubleshooting techniques that technicians and contractors should be aware of when dealing with control wiring. The conversation begins with a focus on mechanical issues, such as running wires in places […]
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STOP Overthinking! – QA Short #204
In this short podcast from our Q&A series, Bryan answers a viewer question and implores you to STOP overthinking in the trade! He also shares a parable and some tips to help stop overthinking, especially if you're just starting out in the trade. In many cases, the simplest assumption is the right one (this is […]
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Stewarding Younger Techs
In this insightful podcast episode, Bryan and Dre discuss the challenges and opportunities of managing young technicians in the HVAC industry. They explore the growing interest among young people in trades like HVAC, noting a shift away from traditional four-year college paths. The conversation highlights the satisfaction that comes from working with one's hands and […]
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Duct Smoke Detector Facts and Wiring – Short #203
In this short podcast, Bryan answers a listener-submitted question about duct smoke detector facts and wiring. He focuses on Honeywell duct smoke detectors (namely the D4120W), but there are some general best practices that can be applied to most duct smoke detectors. The power supply may be 24v or 120v AC or DC and may […]
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Trust the NEW Process: Embracing Evolution in HVAC Technology
In this episode of the HVAC School podcast, host Bryan and guest Jesse Stewart from NAVAC discuss the generational divide in the HVAC industry and the importance of embracing new technologies and processes. They explore the challenges faced by both experienced technicians who may be set in their ways and newcomers to the trade who need […]
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Soft Start & Solar – Short #202
  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 […]
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Make Summer Work for You w/ Matt Bruner
   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 […]
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How Do Inverter Air Conditioners Work? – Short #201
 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 […]
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How to Size Dehums w/ Tim De Stasio
 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, […]
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