Episódios

  • Just Do it! w/ Chad Simpson

    Just Do it! w/ Chad Simpson
    Oct 16 2025
    In this candid conversation recorded live at the NCI Summit in Austin, Bryan Orr sits down with Chad Simpson, owner of Simpson Solutions, for an unexpectedly revealing discussion about the reality of building a successful HVAC business. What makes this episode particularly compelling is Simpson's refreshing honesty about his struggles, failures, and the gradual transformation from a struggling contractor making $8 an hour to running a $28.5 million operation with healthy profit margins. Simpson's journey began unusually early—he wrote a paper in his freshman year of high school (1996) declaring his intention to own an HVAC company. After graduating from trade school and working for a residential replacement contractor, he started his own business with his father, who had just retired from building interstates and bridges. For the first eight years, Simpson made virtually no money despite working 12-hour days, falling into the common trap of thinking he could "outrun" financial problems by simply working harder and hiring more people. The turning point came around 2008 when mentor Brad Hohn discovered Simpson calling receivables on a golf course to make payroll—and offered to help departmentalize his finances with the promise of a Vegas golf trip once Simpson hit 10% net profit. The most striking aspect of Simpson's story is his emphasis on process documentation and his willingness to admit what he didn't know. After finally achieving profitability, he hired a business coach who refused to write processes for him, insisting Simpson had to "own" them himself. This led to the creation of Simpson's now-famous process book, which started with simple one-page job descriptions and grew to encompass every aspect of the business. Simpson's approach to callbacks changed dramatically after 2021, when his company's callback rate hit 23% following rapid growth. Working with Jim Bergmann and implementing Measure Quick transformed his operation from quick-fix service calls to thorough 2.5-3 hour diagnostics that actually prevent future problems rather than creating false urgency. Perhaps most impressive is Simpson's Fast Track training lab, which he built initially just to train his own technicians but has evolved into a resource for competitors, universities, and the entire industry. His philosophy centers on finding real problems through proper diagnostics rather than making up issues or pushing unnecessary replacements. Simpson emphasizes that service technicians should educate, not sell—and that when you deploy the right tools and probes, you'll find plenty of legitimate problems without resorting to dishonest tactics. Today, Simpson's company maintains a 2% service callback rate and 3% install callback rate while continuing to grow and expand into plumbing services. Topics Covered: Starting an HVAC business straight out of high school with minimal capital and business knowledgeThe reality of struggling financially for the first eight years despite long hours and hard workThe critical importance of understanding financial KPIs and departmentalized accountingHow mentorship from Brad Hohn transformed Simpson's approach to business financialsBuilding comprehensive process documentation and job descriptions for every roleThe difference between being teachable versus being controlling as a business ownerTransitioning from quick-fix service calls to thorough diagnostic work using Measure Quick and True Flow toolsReducing callback rates from 23% to 2-3% through proper commissioning and diagnosticsCreating the Fast Track training lab and training competitors at no costThe philosophy of finding real problems versus creating false urgency with customersWhy service technicians should focus on education rather than sales tacticsScaling from $3.5 million to $28.5 million while maintaining healthy profit marginsExpanding into plumbing services using the same process-driven approach developed for HVACThe importance of celebrating wins as a team and taking responsibility for losses as a leader News for next year's High-Performance HVAC Summit will be available at gotosummit.com. 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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    56 minutos
  • Analyst vs. PM vs. Operations - Short #261

    Analyst vs. PM vs. Operations - Short #261
    Oct 14 2025

    In this short business-oriented podcast, Bryan breaks down the differences between three commonly confused positions/roles: analyst vs. PM (project management) vs. operations.

    When you own or work in a small business, you might wear a lot of hats: estimating, writing proposals, troubleshooting, being a customer or coworker's therapist, etc. This work can be organized, and problem-solving roles include analysts, project managers (PMs), and directly responsible individuals (DRIs). Sometimes, the same person might do more than one of these (or all of them), but separate people can do these as long as you know what success looks like for each of these.

    Analysts gather data (such as costs, labor hours, inventory, and SME interviews) and ask big questions. They don't try to fix the problem right away; their job is to seek ideas, pay attention, document, and organize. They think in terms of stories and problem statements, and technicians can benefit from this type of mindset on service calls.

    Project managers translate the data, goals, and even the plans, and these people organize those items so that they can be executed in real life: creating checklists, gathering manuals, scheduling, and implementing basic SOP. PMs set a plan, but they have to maintain flexibility and drive execution (but may not be responsible for the outcome).

    The DRI owns the outcome; this person may or may not be the project manager. If there's a new program, software, or procedure, this person drives those. They are the operator and may not be involved in the analysis or planning, but they own the execution and are responsible for those results.

    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
  • How to REALLY get S&!# Done! w/ Nate Agentis

    How to REALLY get S&!# Done! w/ Nate Agentis
    Oct 9 2025
    In this powerful episode of the HVAC School podcast, Bryan sits down with Nate Agentis, third-generation plumber and author of Get Shit Done: How to Build a Strong Team, A Profitable Business, and a Lasting Legacy. Their conversation explores the intersection of personal health, business success, and meaningful leadership in the trades industry. Nate's journey from technician to business owner wasn't easy. After his grandfather built the family plumbing business from nothing, only to lose it to the IRS, and his father rebuilt it from scratch, Nate found himself thrust into leadership at age 33 when his mother was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. The tragedy of losing his mother while simultaneously taking over the business created a perfect storm that eventually led to burnout and a period of deep reflection during COVID-19. This experience became the foundation for his leadership philosophy and his book. The conversation delves into the generational divide in the trades, where older workers view younger employees as lazy while younger workers see their elders as slaves to their jobs. Nate argues that healthy leadership requires bridging this gap through understanding and practical solutions. His approach centers on five pillars: healthy owner, sticky culture, skilled technicians, efficient operations, and clear metrics. However, he emphasizes that without the foundation of personal health and self-awareness, the other pillars crumble. Perhaps most compelling is Nate's emphasis on humility and accountability as twin keys to success. He challenges the "self-made man" mentality prevalent in trades culture, arguing that true leadership requires vulnerability, community, and the willingness to seek help. This philosophy extends beyond business into his nonprofit work with Hope for the Trades, which provides educational resources, retreat opportunities, and humanitarian mission trips for tradespeople seeking both professional development and personal renewal. Key Topics Covered Generational Business Transitions - Navigating the challenges of taking over a family business during crisis and the unique pressures of third-generation ownershipThe Burnout Epidemic in Trades - Understanding why skilled tradespeople burn out and how to create sustainable career paths that don't sacrifice family and personal healthBridging Generational Divides - Addressing the tension between older workers who prioritize work ethic and younger workers who emphasize work-life balanceThe Five Pillars Framework - Healthy owner, sticky culture, skilled technicians, efficient operations, and clear metrics as the foundation for sustainable business growthHumility and Accountability in Leadership - Why admitting weakness and seeking help are actually signs of strength and keys to long-term successThe Balance Wheel Concept - A practical tool for evaluating different areas of life (marriage, parenting, health, spirituality, etc.) and identifying areas needing attentionCommunity and Isolation in Trades - Addressing the epidemic of loneliness among tradespeople and the importance of genuine relationships for personal and professional growthMetrics Without Depression - How to implement business measurement systems as tools for clarity rather than sources of shame or discouragementHope for the Trades Nonprofit - Educational resources, retreat programs, and humanitarian missions designed to support the whole person, not just the business ownerLegacy vs. Profit Mentality - Shifting focus from purely financial success to creating lasting positive impact on employees, families, and communitiesPractical Life Planning - Applying strategic planning principles to personal life, marriage, and parenting with the same intentionality used in business planning Sign up for Hope for the Trades at https://hopeforthetrades.com/ and get a free copy of Nate's book. You can also order Get Shit Done on Amazon at https://a.co/d/56QyjLQ. 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
  • The Hidden Cost of Killing Radiant Load - Short #260

    The Hidden Cost of Killing Radiant Load - Short #260
    Oct 7 2025

    In this short podcast, Bryan talks about the hidden cost of killing radiant load, especially when it comes to installing radiant barriers in attics.

    We sometimes get service calls about ducts sweating when they never used to sweat. If there are no problems with the system (i.e., the refrigerant charge, static pressure, airflow, supply air temperature, and blower speeds are all good), this type of situation can be a head-scratcher. Ask a customer if they've made any changes to the attic or equipment since the last service call, and there's a great chance they'll say something about adding a radiant barrier to keep the attic cooler.

    Ducts pick up heat from the surfaces in the attic. Radiant heat can come from the sun, but visible light isn't required for radiation to happen, and it can occur between objects. A radiant barrier prevents solar heat absorbed by the roof decking from radiating onto attic surfaces, but it doesn't change the dew point. When attic surfaces are cooler and the cool air passes through, the surface temperature drops below the dew point. Condensation happens on the surface; when moisture accumulates, it can lead to other problems, like the dirty M word. Moisture issues happen with low sensible load and high latent load, especially in times like hurricane season in Florida.

    Adding heat to a space also makes it drier because it acts as a reheat source and drops the relative humidity. It also adds to the sensible load, leading to longer runtimes (better for comfort but more expensive in terms of energy). When we remove that radiant heat, we increase the risk of condensation and short runtimes. If moisture problems are caused by a radiant barrier, then the barrier will need to come out or the attic will need to be encapsulated and dehumidified.

    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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    9 minutos
  • Balance Point Explained w/ Jim Fultz

    Balance Point Explained w/ Jim Fultz
    Oct 2 2025
    This comprehensive episode dives deep into one of the most critical yet misunderstood concepts in HVAC: balance point calculations for heat pump systems. Jim and Bryan break down the complexities of dual fuel systems, explaining why proper sizing and balance point calculations are essential for both comfort and efficiency. The discussion moves beyond basic definitions to provide practical guidance that contractors can immediately apply in the field. The conversation begins with fundamental principles, emphasizing that heat pumps must be sized for cooling loads rather than heating loads to avoid moisture problems and ensure optimal performance. The hosts clarify the crucial distinction between dual fuel systems (where it's either the heat pump or backup fuel source) versus supplemental heat systems (where both can run simultaneously). This difference drives entirely different installation approaches and system configurations. A significant portion of the episode focuses on the two types of balance points that contractors encounter: capacity balance point and economic balance point. The capacity balance point represents the outdoor temperature at which the heat pump can no longer meet the heating demand, and backup heat must engage. The economic balance point, while more complex to calculate, determines when it becomes more cost-effective to run backup heat instead of the heat pump based on fuel costs and equipment efficiency. The technical discussion includes practical applications using modern thermostats like the Sensei Touch 2, which offers programmable balance point settings and lockout features. Jim introduces Copeland's new Equipment Interface Module (EIM), which simplifies heat pump retrofits by utilizing existing two-wire systems while maintaining full functionality, including balance point control and A2L refrigerant safety compliance. Key Topics Covered Load Calculations and System Sizing - Why heat pumps must be sized for cooling loads, not heating loads, and the critical role of Manual J calculations in dual fuel applicationsDual Fuel vs. Supplemental Heat Systems - Technical differences between systems where backup heat replaces the heat pump versus systems where both operate simultaneouslyCapacity Balance Point Calculation - Step-by-step methodology for determining when backup heat engagement is necessary based on equipment capacity versus heating loadEconomic Balance Point Analysis - Complex calculations involving fuel costs, equipment efficiency ratings, and coefficient of performance (COP) to optimize operational costsInstallation Constraints and Safety - Why coils cannot be installed upstream of gas furnaces, head pressure concerns, and proper placement of electric heat stripsThermostat Programming and Controls - Advanced features in modern thermostats including outdoor temperature sensors, lockout settings, and automated balance point managementEquipment Interface Module (EIM) - New technology for simplifying heat pump retrofits using existing wiring while maintaining safety compliance for A2L refrigerantsCoefficient of Performance (COP) - Understanding efficiency metrics and why heat pumps typically outperform electric resistance heat until extremely low temperaturesPractical Field Applications - Real-world scenarios, common mistakes, and troubleshooting approaches for balance point issuesCopeland Resources - Mobile apps and tools, including Copeland Scout for compressor replacement and WR Mobile for controls and thermostats 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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    49 minutos
  • Dehumidify with a Waterfall? - Short #259

    Dehumidify with a Waterfall? - Short #259
    Sep 30 2025

    In this short podcast episode, Bryan talks about history and HVAC science: how to dehumidify the air with a waterfall and how cold water became the first air conditioner.

    In 1902, Willis Carrier worked for a printing company in Brooklyn, New York. There was a huge humidity problem during the summer: the printing plant got damp, causing paper to swell and ink to smudge. Carrier realized that he could wring water out of the air if he brought the air's temperature below the dew point. His solution was to spray chilled water into the airstream; he filed a patent for an invention that would pass air through a mist of cool water, which caused it to cool down and shed its moisture. He called it the "apparatus for treating air."

    This invention applies basic psychrometric principles. Air holds water vapor up to a certain point. The dew point defines that point. If the air is full of water vapor and its temperature drops below that dew point, excess water vapor condenses to liquid water (such as when it passes over an evaporator coil). In the case of Carrier's invention, the cold water in the spray chamber acted as a giant cooling coil. However, if the water is warm, the opposite effect would happen.

    We do NOT dehumidify with liquid water due to the requirement for water treatment (to prevent algae and scale buildup). Cold water is less prone to bacterial and algal growth than warm water, but it's still essentially an indoor science experiment. Water is also messy and causes corrosion, and pumping it is expensive. Carrier's experiment evolved to the chilled water coil, which then evolved to the DX coils we see today.

    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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    8 minutos
  • What are User Requirements? w/ ELK

    What are User Requirements? w/ ELK
    Sep 25 2025
    In this comprehensive session, Eric Kaiser walks through the critical importance of establishing proper user requirements before making equipment purchases. Drawing from real-world experiences in the HVAC industry, he demonstrates how poor upfront planning leads to costly mistakes, buyer's remorse, and multiple equipment purchases. The discussion covers everything from selecting simple tools like screwdrivers to complex HVAC system installations for residential and commercial applications. Eric begins with relatable examples that everyone can understand - like buying screwdrivers that don't do the job you need them for, leading to accumulating multiple tools over time. He then escalates to more serious scenarios, sharing a story about a company that spent significant money switching business software twice because they failed to identify a crucial missing feature upfront. This pattern of inadequate planning costs businesses and homeowners thousands of dollars and countless hours of frustration. The heart of the presentation focuses on a structured approach to equipment selection that prioritizes needs over wants. Eric introduces a step-by-step process that includes defining intended use, conducting thorough assessments, categorizing requirements as needs versus wants, and performing systematic candidate evaluation. He demonstrates this methodology using electrical meter selection, showing how 38 potential options can be narrowed down to just two viable candidates through careful analysis of features like amperage capability, True RMS measurement, and accuracy requirements. The session expands into HVAC system selection, where the stakes are much higher. Participants share valuable insights about customer expectations, from wanting to know when quiet systems are running (leading to flag solutions on registers) to dealing with customers who expect their new heat pump to feel as warm as their old poorly-designed system. Eric emphasizes that understanding customer expectations often differs from understanding their stated wants, requiring skilled questioning to uncover the real requirements for comfort, noise levels, and operational preferences. Key Topics Covered The Cost of Poor Planning: Real examples of expensive mistakes from inadequate user requirements, including business software failures and HVAC mismatchesStructured Selection Process: Step-by-step methodology for equipment selection from initial use definition through final verification and purchaseNeeds vs. Wants Prioritization: Framework for distinguishing between essential requirements and desirable features to avoid decision paralysisElectrical Meter Selection: Detailed walkthrough showing how to narrow 38 options to 2 viable candidates using systematic evaluation criteriaHVAC System Selection Complexities: Load calculations, customer expectation management, and the importance of understanding actual usage patternsCustomer Psychology and Expectations: Understanding why customers may want noise from systems, visual confirmation of operation, and familiar operational feelCommercial Equipment Considerations: Rooftop unit replacement challenges, curb adapters, crane access, and the complexity of retrofit installationsInstallation and Commissioning: The critical role of proper system setup, customer training, and setting realistic expectations for new equipment operationRisk Assessment in Selection: How complexity and potential failure costs should determine the formality and thoroughness of your selection processData Collection for Future Decisions: The value of documenting system performance during routine maintenance to inform future replacement decisionsHidden Costs and Considerations: Factors like electrical requirements, ductwork compatibility, equipment accessibility, and service support that impact long-term ownership costs 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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    1 hora e 19 minutos
  • Static Pressure is like Blood Pressure - Short #258

    Static Pressure is like Blood Pressure - Short #258
    Sep 23 2025

    In this short podcast episode, Bryan explains the science behind a common HVAC simile: static pressure is like blood pressure. He covers the similarities and differences between measuring static pressure during a service call or maintenance and a doctor measuring your blood pressure at a checkup.

    Total external static pressure (TESP) should be measured every time you perform service or maintenance on a unit. The exact test port location will vary between air handlers and furnaces; the coil adds extra pressure drop in furnace applications. You need to pick a coil that has the lowest static pressure drop (same consideration as filters). Typically, the lower the pressure drop, the better. Make sure you use proper ports for static pressure testing when you do make those holes.

    Static pressure isn't airflow itself. It can help diagnose airflow issues or give indications, but it doesn't measure the CFM. Static pressure is a balloon-type pressure exerted on the walls of the duct. Just as high blood pressure doesn't mean your heart is pumping more blood than it should, a high static pressure doesn't mean your blower is moving a lot of air; both can indicate restrictions.

    You also don't want an extremely low static pressure, either. It could indicate that airflow is weak, just like a very low blood pressure indicates that the heart isn't pumping as it should. If you want to know your system airflow, you should use TEC's TrueFlow grid. However, static pressure is particularly good at measuring trends so that you can see where the numbers deviate from the norm for each individual system.

    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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    10 minutos