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Building HVAC Science - Building Performance, Science, Health & Comfort
In this episode of Building HVAC Science, Bill Spohn and Eric Kaiser, along with the TruTech Tools team, recap their experiences at the 6th Annual HVACR Training Symposium and AHR Expo in Orlando, Florida. They share insights from meeting industry professionals, attending educational sessions, and exploring the latest HVAC tools and technology. The team discusses key highlights, including the impact of Second Chance University, the HVAC Tactical Awards, and the High-Performance Hangout, emphasizing the strong sense of community within the industry. The team also dives into standout products showcased at AHR, such as Testo's new thermal imaging cameras, Inficon's D-TEK Pro leak detector, and NAVAC's latest digital manifold. They touch on the increasing role of technology in HVAC, including EEV Mate's electronic expansion valve tool and advancements in vacuum pumps and refrigerant scales. Finally, they reflect on the growing educational initiatives in HVAC, such as the Grit Foundation's efforts to introduce young people to the trades and the launch of Better HVAC, a nonprofit that fosters ethical practices and knowledge-sharing. Whether you attended the events or missed out, this episode provides an engaging recap of what's shaping the HVAC industry in 2024. Tune in to hear firsthand experiences and takeaways from some of the most significant gatherings in the field! Two things we missed: The Third US HeatPumpSummit is on tap for this November in Massachusetts. https://www.usheatpumpsummit.com/ Our friends at www.WorkHero.pro ran a survey in conjunction with the www.HVACRSchool.com to look at the day-to-day realities of running a small HVAC business. See the survey results here: https://www.workhero.pro/blog/report Sue on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/suzanne-bertsch-962496174/ Josh on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/josh-crawley-20b41550/ Bill, Jr. on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/billy-spohn-jr-a06201a3/ Eric on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-kaiser-323a1563/ Bill, Sr. on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/billspohn/ 2nd Chance University: https://2ndchanceuniversity.org/ www.BetterHVAC.org HVAC Tactical: https://hvactactical.com/ www.TheGritFoundation.com https://hvacrschool.com/events/6th-annual-hvac-r-training-symposium/ The NCI Summit: https://www.gotosummit.com/ This episode was recorded in February 2025.
Building HVAC Science - Building Performance, Science, Health & Comfort
Eric Kaiser and Bill Spohn share their experiences and observations from the 2024 AHR Expo, a major event for the heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration (HVACR) industry held this past week (Jan 22-24, 2024). Main points: There were thousands of vendors showcasing new products and technologies. We mention the educational sessions, standards committee meetings, and networking opportunities available at the event. New products and trends: We share some of the new products they saw at the expo, such as vacuum pumps from JB Tools, core tools from Fieldpiece, and a digital manifold from Yellow Jacket. We also mention the growing trend of electrification in the HVAC industry. Awards and events: We highlight the HVAC Tactical Awards, which recognize outstanding individuals in the industry. We also mention our own presentation on climate-resilient HVAC and an event TruTechTools co-sponsored with NCI, TEC, HVACRSchool, Sauermann, & MeasureQuick focused on networking High performance HVAC contractors from across the country. We also note several resources for listeners interested in learning more about the HVAC industry, including the Better HVAC Alliance, the MeasureQuick blog, Rewiring America, and the HVACR School Symposium. We hope to give you a glimpse into the world of the AHR Expo and highlight some of the latest developments in the HVAC industry. It's a valuable resource for anyone interested in learning more about this important sector. Please consider attending if you can. It's the place where cool stuff happens! www.AHRexpo.com Other links mentioned in the podcast: www.BetterHVAC.org www.RewiringAmerica.org www.GetDuckling.com www.HVACtactical.com The HVAC Tactical Awards Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R_xB06pbe28 Climate Resilient HVAC presentation: https://www.contractingbusiness.com/industry-events/ahr/article/21281376/2024-ahr-expo-climate-resilient-hvac ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 221: https://webstore.ansi.org/standards/ashrae/ansiashraestandard2212020 MeasureQuick blog: https://measurequick.com/solving-our-labor-endemic/ HVACSchool Symposium: https://hvacrschool.com/events/5th-annual-hvac-r-training-symposium/ This episode was recorded in January 2024
Building HVAC Science - Building Performance, Science, Health & Comfort
Jeremy's been studying the details for many years. Details like: Building and energy codes are becoming more and more stringent. Green building programs are driving more and more high-end construction. Products and construction techniques are rapidly evolving. He's also paid attention to what is sorely needed and missing. That's why he's helped to define the full HVAC use-case: requirements, performance, technology, architectural integrity, installation, and maintenance. Listen in as Jeremy give clues and hints on how we can all do better in HVAC design. Jeremy's business: https://www.hvacdesignpartners.com/ Jeremy's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jdbegley/ Links to the “order of Operations for Heat Pumps” blog posts https://information.insulationinstitute.org/blog/order-of-operations-matters-with-heat-pumps https://information.insulationinstitute.org/blog/its-the-order-of-operations-with-heat-pumps-part-2 A couple of Jeremy's favorite resources: The National Comfort Institute www.NCIhvac.com The Energy Vanguard blog: Allison Bailes: www.energyvanguard.com Bryan Orr's HVAC School: www.HVACRSchool.com The Comfort Institute: www.comfortinstitute.org/ ACCA: https://www.acca.org/certification This episode was recorded in May 2023.
Building HVAC Science - Building Performance, Science, Health & Comfort
“I’ve been struck again and again by how important measurement is to improving the human condition.” Bill Gates Lend us your ears as Kaleb and Bill have a very fun interview with Ben Reed, VP of Products at TZOA, a relative new comer to the world of measurement products. TZOA’s approach with the Haven product is totally unique: a retrofittable residential air quality monitor that lives inside the central air handler and can control 1 or 2 systems that can impact air quality. Not just measurements/sensors, but control/solutions. This product is exclusively available to qualified contractors and is NOT a DIY device. In addition to a great streamlined product, the dashboard is AMAZING, largely due to the tight ties between the contractor-beta testers and clever product developers. Learn more at these links: Tzoa: https://tzoa.com/ HVACRSchool: www.HVACRSchool.com The Haven product: https://www.trutechtools.com/haven-central-air-monitor.html This episode was recorded in December 2020.
This is a voice over audio presentation of the article of the same title on the HVACRschool.com website
This week I had the pleasure to speak with Bryan Orr - he and his dad operate a large HVAC company in FL. Bryan has a strong background in the heating and air business and shared some great tips on the techniques, tools and methods of how a home inspector can effectively inspect and report on a home’s cooling system. I think you’ll learn something - I know I did. He has a simple approach - listen in to my conversation with Bryan Orr. Catch Bryan online: www.HVACRschool.com He mentioned the Testo 115i and the Testo 605i. Find them at www.Trutechtools.com.
In this short episode we review the basics of the refrigerant circuit. Compressor, Condenser, Metering Device and Evaporator Find out more at HVACRSchool.com
Building HVAC Science - Building Performance, Science, Health & Comfort
Today Bill speaks with Gary Reecher, a dedicated HVAC/R technician from day one. Gary discusses how his background in the US Air Force as an Environmental Systems Technician helped shaped his interest and approach to HVAC/R. Gary is very active in the Refrigeration Service Engineers Society (www.RSES.org) and encourages listeners to look at attending a local, regional or national meeting, subscribing to the journal or looking at the excellent training books and webinars that they produce. Gary discussed the industry shortage of technicians and installers, and more importantly instructors. He encourages listeners to get involved if able and interested. Contact your local tech school and consider joining the advisory board, if nothing else. Gary is also involved with Skills USA (www.skillsusa.org ) which is a partnership of students, teachers and industry working together to ensure America has a skilled workforce. Gary’s favorite online group is the www.HVACRSchool.com, their daily tech tips and their associated FaceBook page. Gary also supports the work of the Council of Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Educators (www.carehvac.org). Gary continues to help the industry in ways small even though he is well past retirement.
Andre Patenaude talks to us about the basics regarding CO2 as a refrigerant, CO2 refrigeration and Transcritical booster systems. Find out more at HVACRSCHOOL.com/CO2
In this episode Bryan speaks with Stephen Rardon about gas and combustion analysis. For 6% off of tools go to HVACRschool.com/trutech offer code = getschooled Big thanks to Carrier & Carrier Enterprise for their generous support of HVAC School.