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Tech Tips:

Where Should the Float Switch Go?
If you have worked at more than one company in your HVAC career, chances are youโ€™ve found there is more than one place to put a float switch. Every company seems to have its own โ€œsecret sauceโ€ for running drain lines and placing float switches.  Is your company a โ€œno float switchโ€ company? Although a […]
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Soft Lockout vs. Hard Lockout
If a furnace runs for years and years while tripping the limit switch but satisfies the thermostat, will it ever be noticed? The answer is most likely โ€œno,” but it will depend on whether the furnace utilizes soft or hard lockouts when the limit switch trips. So, what is a soft lockout vs. a hard […]
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To Glass Ceilings And Those Who Lend Us Their Hammers
This tech tip was written by Jennifer Manzo, an HVAC technician and the founder of the HVA-Chicks coalition, which offers tech support and training as well as resources for women in the industry. She was one of our panelists on this year’s Women’s Panel at the symposium and was recently featured on a livestream and […]
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Two Tips for Tough Vacuum Jobs
In the last year or so, I have had a couple of puzzling experiences related to pulling a vacuum. These instances have left me with questions and clues where I thought I had given up on understanding a certain vacuum situation. Typically, if Iโ€™ve had a hard time achieving a proper vacuum, I would be […]
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Is Value Perceived?
The other morning, I was scrolling through HVAC Facebook groups when I came across a post from a homeowner.ย He was requesting recommendations for a book that would teach him how to design and install a new HVAC system, complete with ductwork, in his home.ย Immediately, my HVAC career flashed before my eyes like a Christian reliving […]
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What to Do with Your Micro-Manometer
Imagine this: you are pulling into your driveway from a long day at work, and you see a package waiting for you on your porch. You jump out of your truck and trip over the rose bush while running to see if this is what you have been waiting for. Upon closer inspection, you realize that the […]
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Ventilation Strategies: ERVs, Dehumidifiers, and More
This tech tip recaps the livestream by the same name, featuring HVAC School contributors Matt Bruner and Adam Mufich, as well as special guests Corbett Lunsford and John Semmelhack. You can watch that livestream on our YouTube channel HERE, and you can learn more about the great educational opportunities Corbett has to offer at https://buildingperformanceworkshop.com/. […]
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How Do Communicating Systems Work?
This tech tip recaps the livestream by the same name, featuring HVAC School contributors Matt Bruner and Adam Mufich, as well as special guest Steve Cook from Hisense. You can watch that livestream on our YouTube channel HERE. We also owe special thanks to Roman Baugh, who added some extra information on the topic.  Communicating […]
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Manual J Field Data: Windows
A manual J load calculation will require you to input the U-value for the windows or โ€œfenestrationsโ€ on the house. Fenestration is a fancy construction word for window. Figuring out the U-value and SHGC of a window on an existing home is very difficult. But first, letโ€™s dive into what the terms U-value and SHGC […]
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Videos:

Podcasts:

Roman SpeakPipe VRF – Short #235
๏ปฟ๏ปฟ In this short podcast episode, Roman Baugh takes over the HVAC School podcast to answer a listener-submitted question about VRF (or VRV) system evacuation. Evacuation is a critical step of making repairs on VRF systems, which are very diverse and versatile but require a high level of understanding. VRF systems have multiple indoor units […]
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10 Things I’ve Learned In the Last 10 Years
๏ปฟ๏ปฟ This podcast episode is of Bryan’s session from the HVAC School Symposium, “10 Things I’ve Learned in the Last 10 Years.” Delivered as HVAC School approaches its 10-year milestone and Kalos hits 20 years, Bryan blends technical know-how with personal stories, revealing how his โ€œexpertiseโ€ is a product of constant learningโ€”often from the very […]
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R290 as a Drop In? – Short #234
๏ปฟ๏ปฟ๏ปฟ๏ปฟ In this short podcast episode, Bryan answers a listener-submitted question about using R-290 as a drop-in refrigerant for R-22 systems. It is NOT safe to use R-290 as a drop-in, but there are some similar properties between the two and some interesting thought experiments within this topic. R-290 is propane, a hydrocarbon that belongs […]
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Preventing Slugging & Flooding w/ Copeland
๏ปฟ๏ปฟ In this episode of the HVAC School Podcast, host Bryan welcomes Jeff from Copeland to discuss the critical topic of flooding and slugging in compressors. Jeff, calling in from frigid Minnesota (at negative 19ยฐF), explains the differences between these harmful conditions and how they can damage compressor systems. The conversation begins by differentiating between […]
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What is the Best Brand? – Short #233
๏ปฟ๏ปฟ๏ปฟ In this short podcast episode, Bryan answers a listener-submitted question: what is the best brand of equipment for residential new construction? A lot of people have their own personal preferences when it comes to brands, whether that’s with equipment, tools, or even cars. However, when it comes to HVAC equipment, there are a lot […]
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Helping Small Owners Succeed w/ WorkHero
๏ปฟ๏ปฟ Join Bryan Orr and Furman Haynes from WorkHero for a great discussion about how to keep HVAC local and help more small owners succeed. Live from AHR Expo 2025, we get to hear from one of the founders of an exciting new company that is offering expert office management that small HVAC business owners […]
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MeasureQuick Talks with Bert
๏ปฟ๏ปฟ In this livestream MeasureQuick Talks with Bert. This is an impromptu Talk with industry leaders, including Shelby Breger from Conduit and Joe Medosch from MeasureQuick, about how mobile technology is revolutionizing HVAC diagnostics and training. Featuring special guests discussing how modern tools like MeasureQuick and other diagnostic apps are making it easier for technicians […]
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Leak Detection Tech w/ Inficon
๏ปฟ๏ปฟ Join us as we sit down with Nick from Inficon at AHR Expo 2025 to discuss the latest innovations in Leak Detection Tech. We explore the evolution from halide torches to modern infrared sensors, and get an exclusive look at their newest product – the D-TEK Pro. Key topics covered: The transition from heated […]
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Live from AHR with Kalos Team Dre & Elliot
๏ปฟ๏ปฟ๏ปฟ Join Bryan Orr as he goes Live from the AHR Expo 2025 at the Orange County Convention Center with Kalos Services team members Dre and Elliot! They share their first impressions of the massive HVAC industry expo, discuss interesting booth displays, and chat about the latest tools and technology they’ve spotted on the show […]
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