PODCAST · business
HVAC School - For Techs, By Techs
by Bryan Orr
Real training for HVAC ( Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration) Technicians. Including recorded tech training, interviews, diagnostics and general conversations about the trade.
Episodes
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Next-Gen Filtration - Pressure Drop, MERV 16, and Bypass Prevention w/ Chris Howells
In this episode of the HVAC School Podcast, Bryan sits down with Chris Howells, senior training manager at AprilAire, to talk about what really makes a filtration system perform. Chris has nearly thirty years in the industry, including fifteen as a technician, and brings a field-first perspective...
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The Fuse Only Blows When You Leave - Short #307
In this short podcast episode, Bryan talks about the fuse that only blows when you leave. The service call usually goes like this: you replace a blown fuse, the system runs fine, you leave, and then the fuse blows again. There could be several causes of a blown fuse. First, ask what was happening...
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Questionable CO Alarms w/ Bill Spohn
In this episode of the HVAC School Podcast, Bryan welcomes back Bill Spohn to talk about carbon monoxide and a troubling trend in the alarms being sold online. They start with the basics: the difference between a standard UL 2034 alarm and a true low-level CO monitor. UL 2034 alarms were designed...
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Same Charge, Different Numbers - Short #306
In this short podcast episode, Bryan talks about what happens when you adjust the condenser airflow: you have the same charge, different numbers. This short covers HVAC condensers and flooded condensers in refrigeration applications. When you increase condenser airflow by repairing a condenser…
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Tech, Mechanic, or Craftsman? Finding Your Fit in HVAC
Some people light up when they find a difficult electrical problem. Others want a wrench in their hand or take real satisfaction in a beautifully planned installation. Those differences can shape how we learn, what frustrates us, and where we find satisfaction in HVAC work. Bryan and Bert explore...
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Normal Subcooling, Hidden Restriction - Short #305
A liquid-line restriction should cause high subcooling, right? Not always. In this short episode of the HVAC School podcast, we look at why normal subcooling does not rule out a restriction and why one familiar diagnostic pattern cannot tell the whole story. Subcooling describes the refrigerant's...
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Airflow Serenity w/ Alex Meaney
In this episode from the 7th Annual HVACR Training Symposium, Alex Meaney delivers a live conference talk he calls "Airflow Serenity," built around the idea of knowing which duct problems are worth chasing and which changes will actually move the needle for a customer. He opens by describing and...
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Less Compressor, More Suction Pressure - Short #304
In this short podcast episode, Bryan talks about compression ratio and compressors, particularly why you see more suction pressure when the compressor unloads and what that means for the HVAC system's operation. When the compressor drops into low-stage or unloads, the suction pressure goes up....
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Mastering Your Meter Advanced Functionality with Louise Kellar (UEi Test Instruments)
In this episode, Bryan welcomes back Louise Kellar of UEi Test Instruments for a deep dive into getting more out of a digital clamp meter than the basic volts, amps, and ohms most techs rely on every day. The tool in the spotlight is UEi's High Accuracy Clamp Meter (HAC), which is accurate when...
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Premature Coil Failure in Ductless Mini-Splits & VRF Equipment - Short #303
In this short podcast, Bryan and Roman discuss premature coil failure in ductless mini-splits and VRF equipment. These coils are susceptible to a few different types of corrosion. Warmer coil saturation temperatures and shorter runtimes result in lower latent capacity; whatever moisture is on the...
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Advanced Refrigerant Recovery: Best Practices for Diverse Systems and Environments
In this live episode, Bryan sits down with Jim Bergmann of measureQuick and NAVAC trainers Zane and Jesse Stewart for a deep, technician-focused conversation about advanced refrigerant recovery. The group covers diverse system types and environments, including low-ambient recovery. Recovery...
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The A2L & Refrigerant Transition - Short #302
In this short podcast episode, Bryan and Roman talk about the A2L & refrigerant transition again, particularly sensors on R-454B and R-32 equipment. Since the beginning of the A2L transition, we have seen the equipment evolve and begin requiring accessories, including refrigerant sensors and…
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Invented For Techs, by Techs: Inside Refrigeration Technologies' "The Lab"
In this episode, Bryan sits down with Mike Pastorello, owner of Refrigeration Technologies, and Ashley Lynds, director of education and brand management for Viper, to talk about the company's roots, its newest product launches, and where the brand is headed next. This podcast focuses on "The Lab"...
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The Ethics of IAQ – Testing vs. Remediation Conflicts - Short #301
In this short podcast episode, Bryan and Roman talk about the ethics of IAQ, particularly in terms of microbial growth testing vs. remediation conflicts, based on Roman's recent experience hiring a mold assessor and then a remediation expert in his home. Remediation is governed by S520 of the...
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Is 400 CFM per Ton Always Right? w/ Ty
400 CFM per ton is useful—until it isn't. In this episode, Bryan and Ty take on one of the trade's favorite rules of thumb. It can be a reasonable starting point for many systems under moderate, near-sea-level conditions, but it is not a universal target. Proper airflow depends on actual…
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The MERV 15 Filtration Physics - Short #300
In this short podcast episode, Bryan and Roman Baugh talk about indoor air quality and microbial control, specifically MERV 15 filter physics and how it all works when bringing in outdoor air. We filter indoor air to keep dust and particles off the equipment and keep them from circulating through...
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Tips for Being On Call w/ Ty
In this episode, Bryan Orr sits down with Ty Branaman for a wide-ranging conversation about what it really takes to be a good on-call technician. They open by reminiscing about how dispatch technology has evolved over their careers — from pagers, radio codes, and outdated paper map books to...
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The Florida "M-Word" – Legal Boundaries & Tech Communication - Short #299
In this short podcast episode, Bryan and Roman talk about Florida law and how it relates to the "M-word" (mold) and the legal boundaries our techs must respect when they communicate with customers. HVAC School and Kalos are NOT mold experts, but we have experience as HVAC professionals who...
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Becoming a GRIT Host or Mentor w/ Leilani
In this episode, Bryan sits down with Leilani for an introduction to GRIT Camps — the hands-on program that brings skilled trades exposure to youth ages 12–17 through community events led by working tradespeople. Leilani explains that a GRIT Camp pairs recruited mentors with students for a day of...
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Behind the Drywall – The Psychrometrics of a Hidden Moisture Failure - Short #298
In this short episode, Bryan and Roman talk about the psychrometrics of a hidden moisture failure... behind the drywall. Roman had an indoor air quality and mold assessment in his own home, and he learned that there were active mold spores in his home; he shares what he learned from the…
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HVAC Education. What NOT to Do w/ Jim F., Roman B. and Craig M.
Join Roman Baugh, Craig Migliaccio (AC Service Tech), and Jim Fultz for an unfiltered conversation about training mistakes, teaching pitfalls, and educational failures in the HVAC industry. Recorded live at the 7th Annual HVAC/R Training Symposium, this candid discussion reveals what experienced...
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Q&A What Uninsulated Refrigerant Lines Really Cost You - Short #297
In this short podcast episode, Bryan answers a question from Evan about the true cost of uninsulated refrigerant lines, especially in terms of efficiency losses and decreased longevity. Insulation keeps refrigerant cold, usually in the suction line; it makes it harder for cool vapor refrigerant…
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Outdoor Air & Ventilation Strategies with John Semmelhack, Ty Branaman & Tim De Stasio
In this live-stream episode, Bryan is joined by Tim DeStasio, John Semmelhack, and Ty Branaman for a deep dive into residential ventilation — the often-overlooked "V" in HVAC. The group opens with quick life updates before launching into a wide-ranging conversation covering the three core...
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Selecting a Replacement Motor - Short #296
In this short podcast episode, Bryan covers the points to consider when selecting a replacement motor, particularly blower motors and condensing fan motors in residential and light commercial applications. Horsepower and amperage both matter for matching, but they are not the only items to...
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Nailing a Job Interview w/ Refrigeration Mentor
In this episode, Bryan welcomes back Trevor Matthews from Refrigeration Mentor for a conversation focused entirely on nailing a job interview in the HVAC and refrigeration trades — whether it's a technician's very first shot at breaking into the industry or an experienced tech looking to move to…
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Digital Tools and AI - "So Happy Together" - Short #295
This short podcast episode is Tyler Nelson's Bry-X presentation from the 7th Annual HVACR Training Symposium: Digital Tools and AI - "So Happy Together." Tyler is the Business Development Manager and Global Trainer at Sauermann Americas. Artificial intelligence (AI) is measured data, not an...
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HVAC Summer Service Calls: Rushing, Mental Fog & How to Stay on Your Game
In this episode, Bryan leads a live team meeting focused on getting technicians mentally and practically ready for the summer rush. He opens by asking the group to name what makes the season different, and the answers pile up quickly: higher call volumes, hotter attics, more irritable customers,...
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The House Always Wins! A Class On Building Science Basics - Short #294
In this short episode from the Bry-X stage of the 7th Annual HVACR Training Symposium, Tessa Murry gives a class on building science basics: The House Always Wins! Tessa is a building scientist who works with TEC. Tessa's class is about how the house puts HVAC contractors in difficult situations....
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Compressor Failures, What and Why w/ Ty
In this episode, Bryan sits down with compressor teardown specialist Ty Branaman for a deep dive into what really kills refrigeration and AC compressors. After some lighthearted banter, the conversation quickly turns technical: Ty has spent years cutting apart failed compressors on video, and he...
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Multi Position Valves and More - Short #293
In this short podcast episode, Bryan talks about multi-position service valves and more valve types. Many typical residential systems have brass service valves with a hex cap and Schrader ports; access happens solely through the Schrader ports (where the cores are). Schraders are restrictive and...
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Triple Point In Water and CO2 w/ Andrew G. and Matthew T.
In this episode, Bryan is joined by Matthew Taylor, a supermarket refrigeration specialist whose expertise centers on CO₂ rack systems, and Andrew Greaves, Director of User Experience at NAVAC Tools, for the third installment of their series on triple-point evacuation. The conversation expands...
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Washing Commercial Coils and Water Challenges - Short #292
In this short podcast episode, Bryan talks about considerations for washing commercial coils and water challenges techs might face. Despite being the topic of debate within the last several years, cleaning coils matters and will affect performance. When washing coils, we use Refrigeration...
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Does AI Belong in Trades Education w/ Ty
Bryan opens this conversation with Ty Branaman, Head of Training at the GRIT Foundation, by digging into a question that anchors everything else in the episode: what is trades education actually for? Ty's answer is unambiguous — it's about people, not information. He describes his own struggle…
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Q&A System Oversizing - Short #291
In this short Q&A podcast episode, Bryan answers a question from Evan, a licensed mold assessment consultant, about system oversizing: What can be done when an HVAC system is oversized to control humidity and keep occupants comfortable? The extent of the problem will depend on how badly the...
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Filters - MERV 13, Myths & More
In this episode of the HVAC School Podcast, Bryan sits down with Kelsey Hei and Andy Fox from 3M Filtrete to pull back the curtain on what really goes into a quality air filter. Most homeowners — and even some contractors — think of air filters as simple screens that catch dust, but as this…
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From High Performance Medicine to High Performance HVAC - Short #290
In this short podcast from the 8th HVACR Training Symposium's Bry-X stage, Ken Davis shares his experience as an HVAC contractor who has brought vital experience from high-performance medicine to High-Performance HVAC. Ken's experience comes from developing high-reliability organizations (HROs).…
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Training The Next Generation of HVACR Technicians w/ Lenny Diaddario (Copeland)
In this episode of the HVAC School Podcast, host Bryan sits down with Lenny from Copeland to explore how one of the most respected names in HVAC and refrigeration is actively investing in the next generation of technicians. Lenny leads Copeland's aftermarket demand creation efforts, which…
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Communications Might Be Your Best Tool - Short #289
This short episode is Andy Holt's session from the Bry-X stage of the 7th Annual HVACR Training Symposium: Communications Might Be Your Best Tool. In this session, Andy covers some key communication and customer service principles that can help you become a better technician. In the end…
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All About Airflow Testing w/ Eric Kaiser
In this session from the 7th Annual HVACR Training Symposium in Florida, Eric "Elk" Kaiser delivers a comprehensive workshop on airflow testing and measurement. Eric opens by challenging technicians to think beyond simply pointing an instrument at a duct and reading a number. Before selecting any...
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The Deep End with Roman Baugh: Live Call, Grounded Compressor, Mitsubishi Mini-Split
In this short podcast, Roman Baugh takes over with his new series, "The Deep End," where he shares tech support conversations. This time, Roman is on the other end of a live tech support call about a grounded compressor with an existing Mitsubishi mini-split (Mr. Slim heat pump). The unit in this...
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Add Duct Renovations to Your Product Offerings
In this episode, HVAC veteran Adam Mufich of National Comfort Institute (NCI) pulls back the curtain on one of the industry's most overlooked problems: the majority of residential HVAC systems in the United States are not delivering the correct amount of airflow. Drawing on decades of hands-on...
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Refrigeration Pulse Valves - Short #288
In this short podcast from the Bry-X stage of the 7th Annual HVACR Training Symposium, Matthew Taylor from Kalos Services introduces refrigeration pulse valves, which started as a solution for CO2 refrigeration systems and are now common in commercial refrigeration as a whole. He briefly explains...
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Residential HVAC Install Process Improvement
In this candid team meeting, Bryan — a founder of Kalos Services and a veteran of residential HVAC — gathers his install crew to have an honest conversation about what goes wrong on the job. With summer around the corner and the workload about to spike, Bryan circles back to his roots in...
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How to Teach Kids the Trades - Short #287
In this short podcast from the Bry-X stage of the 7th Annual HVAC/R Training Symposium, Ty Branaman and Leilani Orr talk about how to teach kids the trades. They share lessons they've learned from the GRIT Foundation and over their careers as trades and home educators. Their approaches have…
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Geothermal – Back to the Basics w/ Brad Cooper
In this episode, Brad Cooper — second-generation HVAC technician, educator at Arkansas State University-Beebe (ASUBB), and CMHE-certified professional with HVAC Excellence — breaks down geothermal systems for everyday HVAC technicians. Brad brings a grounded, no-hype perspective to a technology...
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How to Make Online Training That Does Not Suck - Short #286
In this short podcast, Ruchir Shah and Dan Riggs from SkillCat talk about how to make online training that does not suck! They talk about how to develop training that is relevant to the trades and can be applied in real-world trade work. The skill gap is widening in the trades, especially as...
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The Vacuum Deep Dive: Microns, Moisture, and Molecular Science
In this action-packed live stream episode of HVAC School, host Bryan is joined by Eric Kaiser, Ty Branaman, and Roman Baugh for a continuation of a deep-dive conversation on vacuum practices — picking up where a previous episode left off with Andrew Greaves and Jim Bergmann. The team sets out to...
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Surge Protection for HVAC - Short #285
This short podcast is from the Bry-X stage of the 7th Annual HVACR Training Symposium: Cheryl Klein's "Surge Protection for HVAC." Cheryl is with DITEK, a veteran-owned company based in Florida, and has extensive knowledge of whole-home surge protection and HVAC-specific surge protectors. HVAC...
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20 Years in Family Business from the Kalos Founders
In this special live panel session recorded at the 7th Annual HVAC/R Training Symposium, the three founders of Kalos Services — Bryan Orr, his father Robert (Bob) Orr, and uncle Keith Huntington — sit down together to celebrate the company's 20th anniversary and answer questions from the audience...
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Permanent Load Reduction As a Sales Driver - Short #284
This short podcast episode is Jeremy Begley's Bry-X session from the 7th Annual HVACR Training Symposium: "Permanent Load Reduction in HVAC – The Hidden Driver of Long-Term Sales." Some common customer complaints we hear as HVAC contractors include high humidity, high electric bills, noise, and...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Real training for HVAC ( Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration) Technicians. Including recorded tech training, interviews, diagnostics and general conversations about the trade.
HOSTED BY
Bryan Orr
CATEGORIES
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does HVAC School - For Techs, By Techs have?
HVAC School - For Techs, By Techs currently has 950 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is HVAC School - For Techs, By Techs about?
Real training for HVAC ( Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration) Technicians. Including recorded tech training, interviews, diagnostics and general conversations about the trade.
How often does HVAC School - For Techs, By Techs release new episodes?
HVAC School - For Techs, By Techs releases new episodes frequently with a large back catalog of 950 episodes. Check the episode list for recent publication dates.
Where can I listen to HVAC School - For Techs, By Techs?
You can listen to HVAC School - For Techs, By Techs on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts HVAC School - For Techs, By Techs?
HVAC School - For Techs, By Techs is created and hosted by Bryan Orr.
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