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I’ve Done It This Way for 20 Years – And That’s the Problem

Every trade has its favorite phrases. One of the most common in HVAC goes something like: “I’ve been doing it this way for 20 years and never had a problem.” When you hear that—or when you catch yourself saying it—it’s worth stopping to think. Usually, what that sentence really means is: “I’ve been doing it […]

Upgrading a Single-Pole Contactor with a SureSwitch: Using a Wiring Diagram

Along the path to becoming a great HVAC technician lies the dreaded wiring diagram. It's meant to be a helpful map of the equipment's electrical system, but with its crisscrossing lines and cryptic symbols, it often feels more like a barrier than a guide. If this sounds familiar, you're not alone. But what if you […]

Crankcase Heaters

Belly band crankcase heater When I first started in the trade as an apprentice, we worked on many Trane heat pumps that used crankcase heaters. These crankcase heaters slid into the compressor sump on the big orange Tyler reciprocating compressors. They looked like the one in the picture below. It was very common for these […]

Crankcase Heaters and Single-Pole Contactors

We keep two-pole, 40-amp 24v coil contactors on all of our vans. They are versatile and reliable, and you can replace most residential A/C contactors with them. There are a few things to watch for, though, especially when you have a crankcase heater. Many brands power the crankcase heater constantly and shut it on and […]

Crankcase Heaters – Short #248

In this short podcast episode, Bryan talks about crankcase heaters, including their different types, what they do, and when we need to use them. Crankcase heaters usually come in belly band varieties, but some can be inserted into the sump of the compressor. As their name suggests, crankcase heaters heat the crankcase when the […]

Locked Compressor Mistakes w/ Bert

In this informative HVAC podcast episode, Bryan and Bert dive deep into the complex world of locked and internal overload compressors, focusing specifically on single-phase residential units. The discussion begins with Bert explaining one of the most common challenges technicians face: diagnosing a locked compressor. He describes how compressors that are locked will typically […]

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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.

In this comprehensive episode, Bryan Orr sits down with Tim De Stasio to explore the world of comfort consulting and performance contracting in HVAC. Tim, who sold his contracting company to focus on this specialized field, shares his methodical approach to diagnosing home performance issues that go far beyond traditional HVAC troubleshooting. Working primarily in the humid coastal North Carolina market, Tim has developed a thorough process that treats the house as a complete system rather than just focusing on equipment.

Tim’s journey into comfort consulting began when he recognized the value of comprehensive home performance testing after seeing the work of practitioners like Michael Housh. His approach combines ethical selling with rigorous testing and data collection, allowing him to stand behind his recommendations with confidence. Unlike traditional HVAC service calls that might only involve checking refrigerant levels, Tim’s comfort consultations can take an entire day and involve extensive testing protocols that examine everything from building pressure to thermal imaging.

The conversation reveals how this type of work requires a fundamental shift in thinking – from being an equipment-focused technician to becoming more like a field engineer or building scientist. Tim emphasizes the importance of having repeatable processes and comprehensive checklists, using tools like Safety Culture app to document findings with photos, notes, and annotations. His methodology starts with a detailed pre-visit questionnaire and includes preparing clients for what will be a very different experience from typical HVAC service calls.

Perhaps most importantly, Tim demonstrates how proper diagnostics can lead to ethical sales opportunities. By using tools like blower door tests, thermal imaging, building pressure measurements, and comprehensive system evaluations, he can provide clients with data-driven recommendations prioritized by impact and return on investment. His approach includes a two-week period for analysis before delivering final recommendations, ensuring thoughtful conclusions rather than rushed judgments.

Topics Covered

The Business Model of Comfort Consulting – How Tim structures his three-pronged business: home performance testing/comfort consultations, HVAC design for contractors, and training
Preparing Clients for the Process – Using pre-visit questionnaires, YouTube videos, and setting proper expectations for an all-day, disruptive home evaluation
Comprehensive Visual Assessment – The “hands in pockets” approach, starting with exterior building examination including gutters, downspouts, vent terminations, and moisture issues
Interior Documentation Process – Room-by-room photo documentation, thermal imaging for missing insulation and thermal bridging, and moisture meter readings
Crawl Space and Attic Inspections – What to look for in foundation issues, vapor barriers, insulation conditions, and air sealing problems
Ventilation System Testing – Using flow boxes to measure bathroom fan performance, checking kitchen exhaust, and verifying dryer connections
Building Pressure Testing Protocols – Stack effect measurements, worst-case depressurization testing, dominant duct leakage assessment, and building pressure balance testing
Blower Door Testing Procedures – Proper setup, safety considerations, CFM50 vs ACH50 measurements, and using results for Manual J calculations
Thermal Imaging During Depressurization – Advanced techniques for identifying air leakage paths and problem areas throughout the building envelope
HVAC System Performance Analysis – Using Measure Quick for comprehensive system evaluation, comparing load calculations to nameplate capacity and delivered performance
Indoor Air Quality Monitoring – Integration of Haven Central monitors for long-term data collection and analysis
Report Generation and Client Communication – Creating field reports vs. final reports, prioritizing recommendations by impact and ROI
Testing Out and Verification – The importance of return visits to quantify improvements and validate work performed

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Search Episodes

How To Be a REAL Comfort Consultant

09/18/2025

Bryan Orr

Non-bleed TXVs and Hard Starts – Short #257

09/16/2025

Bryan Orr