MechBiz Studio

Recorded LIVE at CMPX 2026 in Toronto – we sit down with Jeff Hedden, a 45+ year HVAC industry veteran, to talk about how the trade has evolved and where it’s heading next.From R-22 to A2L refrigerants, and from early systems to today’s cold-climate heat pumps, Jeff breaks down the biggest shifts he’s seen – and what contractors need to understand right now.We get into:Refrigerant transitions and the reality of A2LThe rise of heat pump technologyHow electronics have changed system performanceWhy CMPX and trade shows still matterThe importance of relationships in this industryA great conversation for anyone in HVAC, plumbing, or hydronics looking to stay sharp and informed.Subscribe for more on-location interviews and real conversations from across Canada’s mechanical industry.

Hosts Adam Hedden and Matthew Reid dive into the world of domestic hot water systems - breaking down where hot water is actually used, how systems are sized, and why oversizing is one of the industry’s most common mistakes. From tank vs. tankless vs. indirect systems to real-world examples of high-demand homes, they explore how proper planning, fixture counts, and understanding peak demand can make or break a system. The conversation also covers heat pump water heaters, recirculation systems, water quality challenges, and maintenance realities that impact performance and longevity. If you get domestic hot water right, no one notices - but if you get it wrong, you’ll never stop hearing about it.

MechBiz Studio Launch | Hybrid HVAC Systems, Amendment 15 & Trade Show SeasonWelcome to the first episode of MechBiz Studio, the new video podcast from Mechanical Business focused on the people, technology, and trends shaping the HVAC industry.Hosts Adam Hedden and Matthew Reid kick off the series by introducing the podcast and sharing what listeners can expect from future episodes – real conversations about HVAC trends, system design, regulations, and the evolving mechanical industry.In this launch episode, the discussion explores the growing adoption of hybrid HVAC systems, where gas equipment, electrification, heat pumps, and heat recovery technologies are being designed to work together. Instead of a single solution, modern mechanical systems are increasingly combining multiple technologies to meet efficiency targets while maintaining comfort for the end user.The conversation also touches on the impact of Amendment 15 efficiency changes, which came into effect January 1, 2025. These new requirements are pushing more commercial heating equipment toward 90%+ efficiency and condensing designs, creating new challenges for system designers when balancing temperature requirements, equipment selection, and system performance.Beyond the technical discussion, Adam and Matthew share updates on their careers, talk about the close-knit nature of the HVAC industry, and look ahead to the upcoming trade show season including CMPX in Toronto, the MEET Show in Atlantic Canada, and other regional events.