The ESCO Institute "Did you Know?" podcast provides HVACR professionals access to reliable, up-to-date, and relevant information, directly from trusted sources. The world of HVACR has been changing at an exponential rate over the last few years; new SEER ratings, flammable refrigerants, and an array of technological advances. Keeping up with all the changes in regulation, manufacturing, refrigerants and how to properly prepare students and technicians has became daunting. Many of our guests are speakers and exhibitors at the HVAC EXCELLENCE National HVACR Education Conference and represent every sector of the HVACR industry. Thanks for joining in!
What do you do when your HVAC team has zero training structure in place? How do you go from winging it… to winning with a solid training path? In this episode, we're joined by the one and only Paul Rhodes from the Maintenance Mindset podcast — and he's bringing the blueprint for building HVAC training and apprenticeship programs from the ground up!
In this exclusive conversation, Mr. Hutchinson shares the story behind his rise through the ranks, the pivotal moments that shaped his career, and his passion for advancing our industry through education. You'll also hear how Daikin Comfort Technologies is partnering with ESCO to bring cutting-edge training and awareness to the next generation of HVACR professionals — and why that matters now more than ever. Whether you're a technician, instructor, or industry leader, this episode is packed with insight, inspiration, and a clear vision for the future of HVACR.
Get ready to turn up the heat and the laughs at the 2025 National HVACR Education Conference!
In this episode of the Did You Know Podcast, we explore the groundbreaking Home Energy Rebates programs with Mia Lombardi from the U.S. Department of Energy. Mia provides insights into how these initiatives, stemming from the Inflation Reduction Act, are transforming energy efficiency across American households. She discusses the critical differences between tax incentives and rebates, the potential for stacking benefits, and how HVAC professionals can play a pivotal role in this energy revolution.Key Takeaways:Home Energy Rebates Explained:Federally funded programs aimed at reducing energy costs through household upgrades. Two key initiatives: Home Efficiency Rebates (whole-home improvements) and Home Electrification and Appliance Rebates (specific product upgrades). Combined, these programs represent an $8.8 billion investment in energy efficiency.Rebates vs. Tax Incentives:Rebates are point-of-sale discounts, while tax incentives are claimed after installation. Households can benefit from both, provided eligibility criteria are met.Opportunities for HVAC Professionals:Contractors can guide customers through energy audits and eligible upgrades. Training programs, like home energy auditing certifications, can expand professional opportunities.Stacking Benefits:Consumers can combine federal rebates with state or utility-funded programs. Tax credits can further offset costs, making energy-efficient upgrades more accessible.Educational Resources:Visit DOE for program details, state-specific information, and eligibility requirements. Check out local utility programs for additional rebates and benefits.FOLLOW OUR GUEST MIA LOMBARDI ON:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mialombardi/ Website: https://www.energy.gov/ FOLLOW OUR HOST CLIFTON BECK ON:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/
Have YOU ever been hit with a word you don't understand during a conversation?
Have you ever thought it was odd that your smart fridge can connect to WiFi, show you what's inside, send you expiration alerts, and even recognize your food, but your home's HVAC system is still operating with basic controls?
Welcome to the classroom of today – where things may look and feel a bit different than just a few years ago!
In the HVAC industry, staying updated on the latest technology is essential for instructors and professionals alike. SmartAC.com, Inc. showcases how modern HVAC systems, enhanced with digital circuits, sensors, software, and analytics, are transforming the field. These advancements allow for proactive monitoring and problem-solving, often addressing issues before they occur. By embracing these technologies, HVAC businesses can boost customer confidence and foster greater loyalty. The digital revolution in HVAC is here, and SmartAC is leading the charge, helping both instructors and professionals navigate this high-tech landscape.This episode acquired from Did You Know-The ESCO HVAC Show-episode 107https://youtu.be/QLaSsODxRBs
Do good HVACR technicians make great instructors?
Get ready for a wild ride with Did You Know- "Tales from the Trenches"! In this episode, we're bringing you the craziest stories and unforgettable moments from the deep, unpredictable world of the service industry. From makeshift bathtub butcher shops (yes, you read that right) to epic toilet removal disasters, we're diving into the tales you just have to hear to believe. Whether you're in the trade or just love a good laugh, buckle up for an entertaining journey through the daily adventures of property maintenance personnel. This is one episode you won't want to miss!
What's the deal with A2L refrigerants?
How confident are you when it comes to troubleshooting a communicating residential HVAC system?
Creating a successful HVACR program isn't always a straightforward process... or is it?
Have you ever been driving and suddenly come up with a brilliant solution to an HVACR industry challenge? What happens next? Many innovative tools and techniques in our field come from technicians in the field and industry experts who use their creativity to develop practical solutions. In this episode, Don Prather joins us to share how he tackled a common problem in zoning systems, especially in low-load scenarios, and turned it into both a product and a training initiative.
Did you know that an ECM motor could be using a 24VAC or a 5VDC signal to command the ECM what speed to run? In this episode we break down the changes in ECM technology and give great advice for troubleshooting the modern ECM. Not to mention a fun and engaging conversion with three of the coolest educators in the industry.
There is one constant in life: change. We will continue seeking a more environmentally friendly, easy-to-handle refrigerant until the day we figure out how to remove heat without the use of refrigerant. That is a given. So what if the next best refrigerant is determined to be milk? How well would it function? What would the pressures be? What oil would it use, if any? Sometimes, we overthink the world we live in and should focus on the basics: what is the evaporator design temperature and the condensing design temperature? These two items are the driving forces of a system, not the pressures. The pressures are a result of the pressure/temperature relationships created by the refrigerants. Tune in to see what we would do if milk becomes our next generation of refrigerants.
As technicians, we often push our minds and bodies to the brink of exhaustion to provide a good quality of life for our families. Unfortunately, we don't always take the best care of ourselves while trying to care for our loved ones.Join Chris Sullivan and Clifton Beck in this sobering yet essential conversation about life. They discuss the importance of life insurance, health insurance, and mental health, emphasizing why taking care of ourselves is just as crucial as taking care of others. Tune in for valuable insights and practical advice on safeguarding your well-being.
Carbon monoxide poisoning is no joking matter. Each year, over 2,000 people in the US die from carbon monoxide poisoning, yet public awareness about the dangers of unmanaged gas appliances remains low.As HVACR professionals, we have a significant responsibility to measure for CO during every furnace analysis. Join us as we delve into the severity of carbon monoxide poisoning, the critical role of proper gas appliance management, and the life-saving importance of regular CO measurements. This eye-opening discussion highlights our duty to protect our communities from this silent killer. Don't miss this vital conversation.
There was a time when customer service was the name of the game, and the Lennox Pulse was the spaceship of high efficiency furnaces. Today's furnaces are reaching even closer to that 100% efficiency mark, which we never would have imagined when 90% was a new thing. Come join a couple seasoned industry professionals, as we take a step back in time but also prepare you for the future of a very bright and promising industry, if you are willing to embrace it.
Did you know that 12,000 BTU equaling a ton is merely a reference number for system design and doesn't reflect actual equipment performance? In fact, many equipment performance standards are based on unrealistic consumer design scenarios. What? Blasphemy, you say?Join Alex Meaney and Clifton Beck as they dive deep into the fascinating world of system design, equipment selection, and system performance across different climates. This insightful discussion will unravel common misconceptions and provide a clearer understanding of HVAC systems. Don't miss out—tune in for an eye-opening exploration!
When is the best time to introduce young minds to the exciting world of trades? According to Katie Donahue, elementary school is the perfect stage to spark curiosity and interest! Imagine torches and tin snips in the hands of 5th-8th grade young ladies—this is the mission of "From Tutus to Toolbelts," an educational outreach initiative from Jefferson College.Join us in this fun and intriguing conversation as we explore innovative ways to inspire the next generation of talent. Discover how early exposure can ignite a passion for trades, turning dreams into reality. Don't miss out—tune in and see how we're shaping the future, one torch at a time!
There is no doubt that the HVACR contractor is facing an abundance of changes and challenges all at the same time. So how do you prepare for all of this and stay afloat? You trust a couple ole' experienced professionals and learn what NOT to do. There are many things to consider when installing a heat pump, especially a high performance inverter driven heat pump. But make no mistake, if your sizing and equipment selection are wrong, you are going to have a disappointed customer.
Did you know that the United States is one of the least trained and certified HVAC industries in the modern world? Many countries require thousands of hours of training as well as completing a nationally recognized certification. Here in the United States it varies by state and even city. Here in my home state of Indiana there is no state-level HVAC license, but you are required as a landscaper.....let that sink in. Take 25 and check out this interesting perspective from Aidan Lucey, a journeyman refrigeration mechanic who understands apprenticeships of different continents.
Did you know that the United States is one of the least trained and certified HVAC industries in the modern world? Many countries require thousands of hours of training as well as completing a nationally recognized certification. Here in the United States it varies by state and even city. Here in my home state of Indiana there is no state-level HVAC license, but you are required as a landscaper.....let that sink in. Take 25 and check out this interesting perspective from Aidan Lucey, a journeyman refrigeration mechanic who understands apprenticeships of different continents.
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