HVAC School - For Techs, By Techs Podcast Por Bryan Orr arte de portada

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. Desarrollo Personal Economía Exito Profesional Éxito Personal
Episodios
  • IAQ, Ethical Selling & Building Better Techs w/ Brynn Cooksey

    IAQ, Ethical Selling & Building Better Techs w/ Brynn Cooksey
    Jul 10 2025
    In this episode of the HVAC School podcast, Bryan welcomes back Brynn Cooksey from Air Doctors and HVAC U to discuss critical topics facing the HVAC industry today. Brynn brings his unique perspective as both a successful contractor in southeast Michigan and an industry educator who has made the transition to focusing primarily on workforce development and training. The conversation begins with a deep dive into indoor air quality (IAQ), where Brynn challenges the common industry approach of throwing products at problems without proper testing. He emphasizes that effective IAQ solutions start with comprehensive testing to identify specific issues like high particles, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), or excessive carbon dioxide levels. Rather than relying on "magic bullet" products, Brynn advocates for a holistic approach that prioritizes ventilation strategies, source control, and proper filtration. He particularly stresses the importance of the "V" in HVAC, ventilation, which he believes is often overlooked in favor of flashier solutions. His company's protocol of testing on every customer visit, from first encounters to maintenance calls, has created a culture where technicians become comfortable discussing IAQ solutions based on actual data rather than assumptions. The discussion transitions into ethical sales practices, a topic that resonates strongly in an industry where pressure to sell can sometimes conflict with customer needs. Brynn defines unethical sales as pressuring customers into products that won't benefit them or failing to provide complete information about benefits and consequences. His approach centers on thorough customer surveys to understand actual problems and budget constraints, followed by tying specific solutions to identified issues. This methodology puts the customer in control of decisions while positioning the contractor as a trusted advisor rather than a high-pressure salesperson. Brynn argues that price alone doesn't determine ethics - rather, it's the intent behind recommendations and the transparency of communication that matters most. The final segment focuses on workforce development, an area where Brynn has found significant success. His company's registered apprenticeship program, developed through the Department of Labor, has become a competitive advantage in attracting talent while providing structured, in-house training. The program requires minimal cost beyond commitment to ethical treatment of apprentices and systematic tracking of their progress. Brynn's transition from contractor to educator demonstrates the growing need for comprehensive training programs that go beyond basic technical skills to include building science, customer service, and ethical business practices. His ongoing weekly training sessions focus on field trends and callback prevention, contributing to an impressive callback rate of less than 0.5%. Topics Covered Indoor Air Quality Testing and Assessment Using monitors like Air Advice for comprehensive IAQ evaluationImplementing testing protocols on every customer interactionMoving beyond product-focused solutions to holistic approaches Ventilation Strategies and Building Science The importance of mechanical ventilation and ERV systemsUnderstanding the relationship between building envelope leakage and humidity issuesSource control as the foundation of effective IAQ management Ethical Sales Practices Defining unethical sales and pressure tacticsCustomer survey techniques and solution-tying methodologiesThe concept of fiduciary duty in HVAC contracting Equipment Sizing and System Design The impact of oversized equipment on IAQ and comfortProper load calculations and duct system designStatic pressure testing and airflow optimization Workforce Development and Training Implementing registered apprenticeship programsWeekly training sessions focused on field trends and callback preventionTransitioning from contractor to educator and industry trainer Building Envelope and Duct System Integrity Air sealing strategies for improved humidity controlThe relationship between leaky envelopes and indoor air qualityDuct modifications and system upgrades Customer Education and Professional Positioning Using testing data to support recommendationsOvercoming price objections through professional credibilityBuilding long-term customer relationships through transparency Learn more about Brynn's work at hvactrain.com. You can also read his article in Forbes at https://www.forbes.com/sites/brynncooksey/2025/02/19/rescuing-children-from-traditional-post-k-12-school-paths/. Learn more about the GRIT Foundation at https://www.thegritfoundation.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...
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    44 m
  • Crankcase Heaters - Short #248

    Crankcase Heaters - Short #248
    Jul 8 2025

    In this short podcast episode, Bryan talks about crankcase heaters, including their different types, what they do, and when we need to use them.

    Crankcase heaters usually come in belly band varieties, but some can be inserted into the sump of the compressor. As their name suggests, crankcase heaters heat the crankcase when the compressor is off. They prevent flooded starts since the heat keeps refrigerant from condensing to a liquid in the compressor when the system isn't running.

    Long off times, long line sets, and cold temperatures all increase a system's risk of flooded starts. Hard shutoff TXVs, liquid line solenoid valves, and crankcase heaters are all ways to reduce these risks; the valves hold liquid refrigerant back, and crankcase heaters merely prevent refrigerant from condensing.

    Crankcase heaters have to be wired to the line side of the contactor or starter. They're often wired around one of the contacts (with a single-pole contactor). When the contact opens, there is a circuit from one leg, through the crankcase heater and compressor windings, to the other leg. This method does NOT use the compressor winding itself as a crankcase heater. When you use a crankcase heater on a compressor with a seam, you want the part of the heater that does the tensioning near the seam. Crankcase heaters should be installed at the base of the compressor, and you'll usually use OEM crankcase heaters.

    "Crankcase Heaters and Single-Pole Contactors" tech tip: https://www.hvacrschool.com/crankcase-heaters-and-single-pole-contactors/

    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 m
  • The Contactor Reimagined w/ Copeland

    The Contactor Reimagined w/ Copeland
    Jul 3 2025
    In this episode of the HVAC School podcast, Bryan welcomes back Jim to discuss the groundbreaking SureSwitch contactor technology from Copeland. This isn't just another incremental improvement - it's a complete reimagining of how contactors should work in modern HVAC systems. Jim brings his expertise and even demonstrates the technology with a special cutaway camera setup, giving listeners and viewers an inside look at this innovative solution. The conversation begins with the evolution of contactors in the HVAC industry, explaining how manufacturers moved backward from heavy-duty two-pole contactors to lighter, more cost-effective one-and-a-half pole designs. While this cost reduction made sense for manufacturers, it often left technicians dealing with more frequent failures and replacements. The SureSwitch represents a leap forward, combining the reliability of traditional heavy-duty contactors with modern electronic intelligence and enhanced protection features. One of the most compelling aspects of the SureSwitch is its multi-voltage coil capability, supporting 24V, 110V, and 240V applications with a single unit. This flexibility dramatically reduces inventory requirements for contractors and service companies, allowing one contactor to handle residential HVAC, refrigeration cases, ice machines, and pool heaters. The universal application makes it particularly valuable for smaller businesses that need to stock fewer SKUs while maintaining the ability to handle diverse applications. The technical innovation behind the SureSwitch's longevity is fascinating. Using an optical sensor (described as a "little eye" in the sealed chamber), the contactor monitors for electrical arcing during contact opening and closing. The built-in microprocessor analyzes the 60Hz AC sine wave and times the contact operation to occur at the zero-crossing point, eliminating destructive arcing. This "no-arc zone" operation, combined with latching contacts that prevent chatter during brownout conditions, results in contacts that remain clean and functional even after a million cycles - five times longer than traditional contactors. Key Topics Covered · Contactor Evolution and Industry Innovation o Historical perspective on contactor design changes from heavy-duty to cost-optimized o Why the HVAC industry needed to innovate forward rather than continue cost-cutting · Multi-Voltage Flexibility o Single contactor handles 24V, 110V, and 240V coil applications o Reduces inventory requirements and simplifies contractor operations o Applications include residential HVAC, refrigeration, ice machines, and pool heaters · Arc-Free Contact Technology o Optical sensor monitoring system for detecting electrical arcing o Microprocessor-controlled timing to operate at AC sine wave zero-crossing o Five times longer contact life compared to traditional contactors · Chatter Elimination and Latching Mechanism o Internal power supply eliminates dependency on weak control voltage o Magnetic latching system prevents contact bouncing during brownout conditions o Protection against undersized control wiring and long wire runs · Sealed Contact Chamber Design o 100% sealed contact chamber prevents insect and debris contamination o Eliminates common failure modes from ants, earwigs, and lizards o Reduces need for pest control interventions · Built-in Compressor Protection Features o Brownout protection with automatic voltage monitoring (184V threshold) o Random start delay (0-90 seconds) for multiple unit installations o Short cycle timer protection working independently of thermostat timers · Installation and Compatibility Considerations o Compatible mounting holes with standard contactors o Proper crankcase heater wiring configurations o Training considerations for technicians adapting to new terminal layout · Warranty and Business Applications o 10-year warranty vs. standard 1-year contactor warranties o Good-better-best selling scenarios for contractor businesses o Applications in high-end residential and commercial installations Learn more at the SureSwitch at http://www.hvacrschool.com/SureSwitch. 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 6th 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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    44 m
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valuable information for techs by techs right on. Perfect title for Podcast. Looking forward to applying for the scholarship. I'm interested in the apprenticeship and learning the trade.

Relevant Topics

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I've listened to a few other hvac podcasts lately and they are painful. This one is actually really really good.

Really good!

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Bryan Orr is a great instructor. He is very knowledgeable. He has experts from various parts of the industry as guests. He goes above and beyond to give back to the HVACR industry. he has helped me to become a better technician. so grateful for the content he provides.

amazing HVACR podcast

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The podcasters are easy to listen to, not hard on the ears. The HVAC & related material are always informative & applicable. I appreciate these audios.

Informative & Enjoyable

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I’m new to the trade and love the way you explain it.
Thank you so much.

Thank you.

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Great educational speakers and great industry information. Would highly recommend to anyone in HVAC industry. Also has great plugs for great industry tech.

Great educational speakers and great industry information.

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