HVAC School - For Techs, By Techs Podcast Por Bryan Orr capa

HVAC School - For Techs, By Techs

HVAC School - For Techs, By Techs

De: Bryan Orr
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 HVAC School is the ever growing online source for real training topics for technicians in the Air-conditioning, Heating and Ventilation Fields. In the podcast, we will share recorded training, tech ride alongs, share challenging diagnostic scenarios. All to help make the industry, your company, and your truck a better place to be. Desenvolvimento Pessoal Economia Sucesso na Carreira
Episódios
  • Is HVAC School Worth It?

    Is HVAC School Worth It?
    Aug 21 2025
    In this comprehensive discussion, Bryan sits down with Brad Cooper, an experienced HVAC instructor from Arkansas, and JD Kelly, a trade school graduate, to tackle one of the most pressing questions in the HVAC industry: Is trade school worth it? Rather than offering a simple yes or no answer, the trio dives deep into the nuanced factors that determine whether trade school provides real value for aspiring HVAC technicians. The conversation begins with Brad's unique perspective as both a field technician with over 20 years of experience and a current instructor who transitioned to teaching five years ago. His father's business background and the common frustration of having to "go behind people and fix stuff" motivated Brad to enter education, believing that proper training from the start could eliminate many field problems. JD brings the student perspective, having attended trade school while working full-time, which gives him insight into both the challenges and benefits of formal HVAC education. A significant portion of the discussion focuses on what to look for when evaluating trade schools. The guests emphasize that the investment in laboratory equipment and facilities often reflects the school's commitment to the program - you can tell immediately upon walking into a lab whether the institution truly prioritizes HVAC education. They stress the importance of accreditation, particularly from organizations like HVAC Excellence, which provides regular oversight and ensures schools meet industry standards. The conversation reveals that accreditation isn't just about having a certificate on the wall; it represents a school's willingness to submit to external scrutiny and maintain educational quality. The discussion also addresses the critical balance between theoretical knowledge and practical application. All three speakers agree that the most valuable trade school experiences combine classroom learning with real-world field exposure through partnerships with local contractors, apprenticeship programs, or internship opportunities. They emphasize that instructor quality matters more than having the latest equipment - a humble, field-experienced teacher who can adapt to different student skill levels and learning styles proves far more valuable than someone with extensive theoretical knowledge but limited practical experience. Topics Covered School Evaluation Criteria Laboratory equipment quality and investment levelsAccreditation importance (particularly HVAC Excellence)Modern tools vs. traditional equipment balanceManufacturer partnerships and industry connections Instructor Qualifications Field experience vs. teaching credentialsImportance of humility and adaptabilityManaging diverse skill levels in the classroomStorytelling and practical application methods Program Length and Structure Comparison of certificate programs vs. associate degreesBenefits of two-year programs for comprehensive learningIntegration of on-the-job training and apprenticeshipsRealistic expectations for different program lengths Hands-On Learning Importance of repetition and practical experienceManaging consumable materials and budget constraintsReal-world equipment exposure vs. lab simulationsPeer mentoring and collaborative learning approaches Student Readiness and Expectations Managing diverse student backgrounds and skill levelsRealistic employer expectations for graduatesThe value of combining school with field experiencePersonal responsibility in education and continuous learning Industry Connections Importance of school-contractor partnershipsField trip opportunities and manufacturer relationshipsBridging the gap between classroom and real-world applicationThe role of apprenticeships in comprehensive training Have a question that you want us to answer on the podcast? Submit your questions at https://www.speakpipe.com/hvacschool. Purchase your tickets or learn more about the 7th Annual HVACR Training Symposium at https://hvacrschool.com/symposium. Subscribe to our podcast on your iPhone or Android. Subscribe to our YouTube channel. Check out our handy calculators here or on the HVAC School Mobile App for Apple and Android
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    43 minutos
  • Split-Phase vs. 3-Phase - Short #253

    Split-Phase vs. 3-Phase - Short #253
    Aug 19 2025

    In this short podcast episode, Bryan breaks down the differences between split-phase and 3-phase power in HVAC systems. Split-phase is a form of single-phase power, and it's common in residential HVAC. Three-phase power is more common in commercial and industrial applications.

    Single-phase power uses only one of the three phases of power produced by the power company. When there is a neutral and two sides of 120V power, that is split-phase power. Transformers on power poles for residential service only have one line going into them (and only one sine wave). That power gets stepped down to ~240V. Most household appliances and electronics we use are rated for 120V or 240V power.

    However, we use split-phase power by tapping the center of the transformer secondary; there are two 120V halves. We can see the "differences" between split-phase and single-phase power with an oscilloscope. These halves may look like two different sine waves if we use neutral as a reference, but an oscilloscope will only show one 240V sine wave from leg to leg (without neutral). Therefore, split-phase power really is just single-phase power with a center reference point, and split-phase power doesn't matter to the HVAC unit.

    We get three-phase power when all three phases of power come in from the utility, not just one. Each individual phase is 120V, and all three can make up 208V power because the phases are 120 degrees out of phase.

    Have a question that you want us to answer on the podcast? Submit your questions at https://www.speakpipe.com/hvacschool.

    Purchase your tickets or learn more about the 7th Annual HVACR Training Symposium at https://hvacrschool.com/symposium.

    Subscribe to our podcast on your iPhone or Android.

    Subscribe to our YouTube channel.

    Check out our handy calculators here or on the HVAC School Mobile App for Apple and Android
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    12 minutos
  • IAQ for the HVAC Technician w/ Brynn Cooksey

    IAQ for the HVAC Technician w/ Brynn Cooksey
    Aug 14 2025
    In this episode from the 6th Annual HVACR Training Symposium, Brynn Cooksey, a home performance contractor from Michigan and technical training business owner, reveals how indoor air quality (IAQ) testing transformed his contracting business from a commodity service into a profitable specialty. Cooksey shares his proven methodology for turning IAQ into an "instant profit center" by implementing systematic testing on every service call. Cooksey opens with a striking reality check: according to the EPA, Americans spend 90% of their time indoors, yet indoor air quality is 2-5 times worse than outdoor air. This presents a massive opportunity for HVAC contractors, as he explains that consumers are already spending $10 billion annually on air quality products at big box stores - but they're treating symptoms rather than addressing root causes. His approach involves educating contractors on how to position themselves as the solution providers rather than letting customers self-diagnose with retail products. The presentation dives deep into six critical IAQ parameters that every contractor should measure: particles (especially dangerous PM 2.5), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, humidity, and temperature. Cooksey emphasizes his "test in, implement solution, test out" methodology, demonstrating how this systematic approach not only ensures customer satisfaction but also provides concrete proof of value delivered. He shares real-world examples, including a dramatic case where routine IAQ testing during a water heater service call revealed a cracked heat exchanger that could have been life-threatening. The episode concludes with extensive coverage of ventilation strategies, which Cooksey calls the "silver bullet" for IAQ improvement. He walks through the differences between supply-only, exhaust-only, and balanced ventilation systems, strongly advocating for Energy Recovery Ventilators (ERVs) as the optimal solution. His practical approach includes using DOE's free REDCalc tool for proper ventilation sizing and emphasizes the importance of controlled ventilation over relying on natural air leakage - debunking the myth that "houses need to breathe." Topics Covered The IAQ Business Case: How testing indoor air quality on every service call creates new revenue streams and differentiates contractors in a commoditized marketSix Critical IAQ Parameters: Detailed explanation of particles (PM 2.5), VOCs, carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, humidity, and temperature - what they are, how to measure them, and health impactsSystematic Testing Methodology: The "test in, implement solution, test out" approach that provides measurable results and customer proof of valueParticle Control Strategies: Source control, enhanced filtration (MERV 13-16), duct cleaning benefits, and duct sealing with Aeroseal technologyChemical and VOC Management: Understanding formaldehyde and benzene sources, proper storage techniques, and why PCO devices aren't recommendedCarbon Monoxide Detection: The life-saving importance of testing every home, understanding chronic vs. acute exposure, and why standard CO detectors aren't sufficientVentilation as the Silver Bullet: Comprehensive coverage of supply-only, exhaust-only, and balanced ventilation strategies, with strong emphasis on ERV systemsPractical Implementation Tools: Using DOE's REDCalc tool for ventilation sizing, integrating IAQ testing into service calls, and customer communication strategiesReal-World Case Studies: Multiple examples of IAQ testing uncovering dangerous conditions, from cracked heat exchangers to improper combustion appliance installationBuilding Science Integration: How IAQ testing leads to broader building performance improvements, including duct sealing, insulation, and equipment sizing corrections Have a question that you want us to answer on the podcast? Submit your questions at https://www.speakpipe.com/hvacschool. Purchase your tickets or learn more about the 7th Annual HVACR Training Symposium at https://hvacrschool.com/symposium. Subscribe to our podcast on your iPhone or Android. Subscribe to our YouTube channel. Check out our handy calculators here or on the HVAC School Mobile App for Apple and Android
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    55 minutos
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