BACK
Not All CFM Are Created Equal
3 Things to Check When the Unit Wonโt Keep Up
Drain Trap Depth and Negative Pressure
Observations from the Field: Insights Gained from HVAC Ride-Alongs
8 Reasons Why Teamwork is Important in HVAC
The Limitations of Diagnostic Charts
Wet-Bulb and Dry-Bulb Temps in HVAC Service
Equipment Sizing and Airflow in Different Markets
Short Cycling
Crankcase Heaters – Short #248
The Contactor Reimagined w/ Copeland
Capacitor Testing and Replacement – Short #247
Cold Coil vs. Desiccant Dehumidification
Learning Better – Short #246
Intro to The Sigma Capacitor
What’s up with Refrigerant & System Regulations w/ Copeland
TXV Troubleshooting – Short #245
Learning and Teaching GRIT w/ Ty Branaman
#hvac
Tech Tips:
Weโre in the business of moving heat, but we have to move air to accomplish that. We use CFM (cubic feet per minute) to quantify the air we move over the indoor coil, and it helps to imagine hundreds of 1โx1โx1โ boxes of air moving over that coil each minute. (After all, 400 CFM is […]
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What is your methodology for troubleshooting an HVAC system that โcanโt keep upโ on the hottest days of the summer? Let me walk you through my process and hone in on one or two ideas that have been overlooked for too long in our industry. In this article, Iโm assuming we have ruled out intermittent […]
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We recently received a Speakpipe question for the podcast about a common nuisance call on straight-cool A/C units and heat pumps. The systems, often retrofit units, were backing water up into the secondary drain pan and overflowing it. This issue isnโt happening on furnaces, which are positively pressurized, which means we have to take a […]
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When we started Conduit, one thing that was incredibly important to us was that we constantly took lessons from the field to make sure weโre building the best product and process. HVAC Contractors around the country graciously let us ride in their trucks with them to visit customers. Our goal was to better understand the […]
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This tech tip was inspired by a Facebook post by Jason Julian in the HVAC School Group. Jason is the owner of his own HVAC business, Julian Heat & Air, and was part of the 2024 HVACR Training Symposium’s Small Business Roundtable. Thanks, Jason! HVAC work is NOT easy. Some installs (and even service calls) […]
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This tech tip is based on the podcast with Joey Henderson, โUsing Refrigerant Troubleshooting Charts w/ Joey Henderson.โ You can listen to that podcast HERE. The HVAC trade is very much a visual one; I wouldnโt recommend doing a drinking game where you take a shot each time you read โDo a thorough visual inspectionโ […]
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This tech tip is based on a segment of a recent podcast episode with Joey Henderson, โUsing Refrigerant Troubleshooting Charts w/ Joey Henderson.โ You can listen to that podcast HERE. Credit: efficientcomfort.net If youโve seen a superheat charging chart (like the one above), youโll notice that you need to take the dry-bulb (DB) temperature entering […]
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This tech tip was heavily informed by Ed Janowiakโs past symposium presentations. You can watch his presentation about setting proper airflow HERE. You can also now purchase your tickets for the 6th Annual HVACR Training Symposium HERE. HVAC School was founded by a Floridianโrepresenting Climate Zone 2, to be exact. So, itโs no surprise that […]
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A friend of mine was telling me that a utility had the idea that they could reduce energy consumption by turning HVAC equipment on and off rapidly during times of high load. In their minds, wouldn’t it be better to spread out the off time rather than keeping the system off for longer periods and […]
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Videos:
Podcasts:
๏ปฟ๏ปฟ 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 […]
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๏ปฟ๏ปฟ๏ปฟ In this episode of the HVAC School podcast, Bryan welcomes back Jim to discuss the groundbreaking SureSwitch contactor technology from Copeland. This isn’t just another incremental improvement – it’s a complete reimagining of how contactors should work in modern HVAC systems. Jim brings his expertise and even demonstrates the technology with a special cutaway […]
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๏ปฟ๏ปฟ In this short podcast episode, Bryan goes through the process of testing and replacing a run capacitor. Run capacitors provide continuous phase-shifted current to the start winding, allowing the motor to run in the right direction and with the appropriate amount of torque. These capacitors are needed in most of the single-phase PSC motors […]
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๏ปฟ๏ปฟ In this comprehensive episode of the HVAC podcast, Bryan hosts an in-depth discussion about dehumidification technologies with two industry experts: David Schurk, National Sales Manager for Innovative Air Technologies, and Nikki Krueger from Santa Fe Products. The conversation explores the fundamental differences between compression refrigeration dehumidification and solid desiccant systems, providing valuable insights for […]
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๏ปฟ๏ปฟ In this short podcast episode, Bryan talks about learning styles and gives some tips for “learning better” and getting more out of continuing education opportunities. The first step to getting more out of educational opportunities is to know your learning style. There are three main styles: visual, kinesthetic (hands-on), and auditory. Most tradespeople will […]
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๏ปฟ๏ปฟ Sharon Goepferich from Cool Air Products joins the podcast to discuss cutting-edge capacitor technology and innovative HVAC solutions in an introduction to the Sigma capacitor. Sharon brings a decade of industry experience, having worked extensively with capacitors and HVAC components while traveling across the country to educate technicians and contractors. The conversation begins with […]
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๏ปฟ๏ปฟ In this insightful episode of the HVAC School podcast, host Bryan sits down with Jennifer Butsch, Director of Regulatory Affairs at Copeland, to discuss the rapidly evolving regulatory environment affecting the HVAC industry. With eight years of experience at Copeland and a background spanning codes, standards, and regulatory affairs, Jennifer provides a unique perspective […]
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๏ปฟ๏ปฟ In this short podcast episode, Bryan walks through some common thermostatic expansion valve (TXV) troubleshooting scenarios. Many of the same principles apply to troubleshooting electronic expansion valves (EEVs). These dynamic metering devices maintain a constant superheat. Troubleshooting does NOT start and end with the TXV. First, you need to inspect components (especially filters, ductwork, […]
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๏ปฟ๏ปฟ In this episode of the HVAC School podcast, host Bryan Orr and guest Ty Branaman have an in-depth, hands-on conversation about the philosophy, structure, and impact of GRIT Campsโworkshops designed to introduce kids to the trades through immersive, practical experiences. The episode opens with reflections on a recent successful GRIT Camp in New Jersey, […]
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