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Choosing HVAC Cleaners w/ Becca from Viper

By Bryan Orr

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The podcast delves into the world of HVAC chemical solutions through an in-depth conversation with Becca Stamey, the marketing director at Refrigeration Technologies. The discussion provides insights into the company’s unique approach to developing cleaning products, rooted in a commitment to safety, effectiveness, and customer feedback. Founded by John Pastorello, a chemist turned HVAC technician, the company has always prioritized creating products that are non-toxic, non-corrosive, and environmentally friendly.

Becca highlights the range of Viper products, from condenser and evaporator cleaners to pan and drain sprays and all-purpose cleaners. Each product is carefully formulated with specific purposes in mind, such as the enzyme-based evaporator cleaner designed to address odor issues and break down biofilm. The conversation emphasizes the company’s innovative packaging, particularly the Venom Packs, which offer concentrated, durable, and space-efficient solutions for technicians. The podcast also underscores the company’s commitment to quality control, with U.S. manufacturing and personal oversight from the leadership team.

The episode provides a behind-the-scenes look at Refrigeration Technologies’ growth and dedication to the HVAC community. The company has been named to the Inc. 5000 list of top-growing companies for three consecutive years and is expanding its manufacturing capabilities. Becca discusses the company’s social media presence and community engagement, including their “Tech of the Month” program, which highlights and celebrates HVAC technicians who embody the company’s values.

Key Topics Covered:

Viper’s chemical product line and unique formulations
Condenser and evaporator cleaning solutions
Innovative Venom Pack packaging
Importance of non-toxic, environmentally friendly cleaning products
Company’s manufacturing process and quality control
Social media engagement and community recognition
Recent company growth and expansion
Upcoming appearances at industry events like AHR Expo

Learn more about Refrigeration Technologies at https://www.refrigtech.com/. You can also follow Refrigeration Technologies on Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok (ViperHVAC).

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#cleaning #coil cleaners #coil cleaning #drain cleaning #hvac #refrigeration technologies

Author:

Bryan Orr

Company: Kalos Services

Position: Co-Founder and President

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

Heat pumps may be everywhere, but according to David Richardson, the industry is in danger of aiming at the wrong target. In this 2026 HVACR Training Symposium session, the Kentucky contractor’s son, who has never lived in a home without a heat pump, opens with the story of Olympic rifle shooter Matthew Emmons. Emmons hit the bullseye with perfect precision in 2004, only to discover he had fired at the wrong lane’s target. Richardson argues that contractors risk the same mistake when they treat the heat pump itself as the goal and market it with the same “magic” promises used in the 1970s, a pattern that led to poor installations and a reputation problem that has lasted 50 years.

The real target, Richardson says, is the customer, and the heat pump is only one ring on that target alongside ductwork, the building envelope, equipment sizing, noise, and expectations. He distinguishes between HVAC equipment, which anyone can sell, and the HVAC system, which is where a contractor’s skill and craftsmanship show up. Average installations, he notes, deliver roughly 57% of rated performance, while a high-performance retrofit aims for 88% or better. With “free heat pump” offers likely coming next, he urges contractors to differentiate through engagement, education, clear expectations, and measured results, ending with what he calls a “craftsmanship receipt.”

The heart of the talk is five practical tips. First, learn what the customer is really after and set expectations early, including what a defrost cycle looks like. Second, don’t inherit a bad duct system, and use pressure, airflow, and temperature measurements to find problems before they become yours. Third, don’t inherit a bad building, since the structure works like a duct system and can undermine a perfect install. Fourth, bring the customer along by putting simple tools in their hands, such as a thermal camera or flow hood, and translating data into plain language. Fifth, follow a repeatable process that defines where testing begins and where additional paid services start.

Richardson closes with a call to document lessons learned, including mistakes, and to build these practices into company culture. His message is that heat pumps aren’t magic, but they can perform as if they were when installed well and priced to reflect the work. The session wraps with audience questions.

Topics Covered

The Olympic shooter analogy: precision aimed at the wrong target
History of heat pumps, the 1970s energy crisis, and early marketing hype
Why heat pumps shouldn’t be treated as a silver bullet, and the “silver buckshot” approach
HVAC equipment versus the HVAC system
Installation performance benchmarks: roughly 57% for average work, about 6% more for code-approved work, and a goal of 88% or better
The three E’s: engagement, education, and expectations, plus measured results
The craftsmanship receipt and verification: “if you don’t test, you’re just guessing”
Setting customer expectations, including cold-climate performance and defrost
Right-sizing and the pitfalls of oversized equipment, even with inverter technology
Testing for pressure, airflow, and temperature (PAT) and not inheriting bad ductwork
Building science basics: leakage, room pressures, blower doors, and thermal imaging
Using Socratic questions and plain language to involve the customer
Avoiding data overload and using tools like Measure Quick and the TrueFlow Grid
Following a process and getting paid for diagnostics, basic versus advanced retrofits
Learning from mistakes and changing company culture

This episode contains embedded sponsor messages from Refrigeration Technologies, Carrier, NAVAC, and Filtrete.

Resources

Purchase your tickets or learn more about the 8th Annual HVACR Training Symposium at https://hvacrschool.com/symposium.

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