Hvac Know It All Podcast

In this episode of the HVAC Know It All Podcast, host Gary McCreadie speaks with Joshua Canfield, owner of Blue Box HVACR. Together, they explore how training for new HVAC technicians has changed over the years. Josh shares his own journey from being thrown into the trade with no experience to running jobs alone within weeks. They talk about the need for a balanced training approach that combines hands-on work, guidance, and time under pressure. Josh also highlights how small wins and emotional intelligence can build confidence in young techs. Their conversation gives practical ideas for teaching the next generation in today's industry. In this episode, Joshua Canfield talks about the challenges of training new HVAC technicians in today's industry. He explains how systems have become more complex with added electronics, while many techs lack hands-on experience and confidence. Josh shares stories from his own start in the trade, where he learned by doing jobs on his own with little help. He and Gary discuss a

In part 2 of this episode of the HVAC Know It All Podcast, host Gary McCreadie is joined again by Jim Fultz, National Technical Training Manager at Copeland and a former Emerson trainer, to explore dual fuel systems and the importance of proper equipment placement. They talk about the difference between thermal and economic balance points, and why running a heat pump and furnace at the same time can cause serious issues. Jim explains how incorrect coil placement can lead to rusted heat exchangers and how technology like the Sensi Touch 2 thermostat helps manage switchover points more accurately. This episode offers helpful tips for HVAC techs working with hybrid heating systems. Gary and Jim talk about how dual fuel systems work and why the placement of coils and furnaces matters for system life and safety. Jim explains the problems that happen when coils are placed before furnaces, like rust inside heat exchangers from trapped moisture. They cover why heat pumps and gas furnaces should not run at the same ti

In this episode of the HVAC Know It All Podcast, host Gary McCreadie talks with Jim Fultz, National Technical Training Manager at Copeland and a former Emerson trainer. Jim explains the concepts of thermal and economic balance points in heat pump systems, breaking down how each affects system performance and efficiency. He walks through how to calculate these balance points using real examples, showing when a heat pump needs backup heat. Jim also discusses how the Sensi Touch 2 thermostat helps manage these settings by letting users program exact switch-over points. His advice gives techs the tools to improve system setup and avoid costly service calls. In this episode, Jim Fultz explains the difference between thermal and economical balance points in heat pump systems. He shows how thermal balance is about the heat pump's ability to meet a home's heating load as outdoor temperatures drop, while economical balance relates to energy cost and efficiency. Jim uses real examples to show how to calculate these poi

In this episode of the HVAC Know It All Podcast, host Gary McCreadie talks with Furman Haynes, Co-Founder of WorkHero. They discuss the challenges and rewards of starting and running a small HVAC business. Furman explains how new business owners often struggle with administrative tasks, financial management, and marketing. They talk about the importance of learning business practices while balancing fieldwork and how automation and processes can help owners save time and grow. Furman also shares how WorkHero supports small contractors with solutions to improve their business operations. Furman talks about the struggles small HVAC business owners face, especially with managing administrative work and finances. He explains how learning business skills while handling fieldwork can be overwhelming. Furman says that building strong processes and using automation can save time and help businesses grow. He shares how WorkHero supports contractors by simplifying tasks and improving business operations. His goal is to

In part 2 of this episode of the HVAC Know It All Podcast, host Gary McCreadie continues his discussion with Jessica Slaughter, Marketing Manager at RLS Rapid Locking System, about the growing use of press fittings in the HVAC industry. They talk about common pushbacks like tool cost and trust in the technology, and how RLS is working to address these concerns. Jessica explains how press fittings save time, improve safety, and are being used in everything from homes to data centers worldwide. This episode gives HVAC pros useful insights into the benefits and future of press technology. Gary and Jessica talk about how press fittings are changing the HVAC trade by saving time, cutting labor, and reducing fire risks. Jessica shares how RLS is working to make tools more affordable and fittings easier to get, while expanding their product line to help techs stay with press. They discuss common concerns like cost and trust, and how the press is now used in homes, data centers, hotels, and more. Jessica also explain

In this episode of the HVAC Know It All Podcast, host Gary McCreadie sits down with Jessica Slaughter, Marketing Manager at RLS Rapid Locking System. Jessica discusses the benefits of using press fittings in HVAC and refrigeration, explaining how they provide a safer, faster, and more efficient alternative to brazing. She shares insights into common mistakes technicians make when using press fittings, particularly the importance of proper preparation, cleaning, and deburring. Jessica also highlights the durability of RLS press fittings and their ability to withstand high pressures, ensuring long-term reliability in the field. Her advice helps contractors improve their processes and enhance customer satisfaction. In this episode, Jessica highlights how press fittings offer a faster, safer alternative to brazing in HVAC and refrigeration systems. She emphasizes the importance of proper preparation, cleaning, and deburring to prevent leaks and ensure a solid press. By using the right tools and following the corr

In this episode of the HVAC Know It All Podcast, host Gary McCreadie talks with Kaytee Grey, VP of Fulfillment Operations at SupplyHouse, previously Head of Demand Planning. They talk about the shift from brick-and-mortar stores to online parts buying in the trades. Kaytee explains how e-commerce makes it easier and faster to find and order the right parts, helping techs get what they need with less hassle. They discuss how online shopping saves time, gives more product info, and lets techs take control of their orders. Kaytee also talks about how SupplyHouse supports both new and traditional buyers and how the industry is slowly moving toward a more digital future. Kaytee talks about how buying HVAC parts online helps techs save time and avoid mistakes. She explains that e-commerce gives fast access to detailed info, so techs can choose the right parts and trust what they get. Kaytee says this shift helps techs work faster, lowers stress, and gives them more control. She also shares how online tools, search

In part 2 of this episode of the HVAC Know It All Podcast, host Gary McCreadie continues his conversation with Nate Adams, Co-Founder at Phantasm and Founder at Nate the House Whisperer, about electrifying homes and the benefits of heat pumps, solar, and other electric technologies. They discuss how these systems improve comfort, lower costs, and offer better reliability compared to traditional methods. Nate also shares why many HVAC installations fail due to poor practices and the importance of proper sizing and installation. This episode offers valuable tips for HVAC pros to enhance their work and customer satisfaction. Gary and Nate talk about the benefits of electrifying homes with systems like heat pumps, solar, and induction stoves. Nate explains how these electric options are more reliable, cheaper, and provide a better experience for homeowners. They discuss why proper installation and system sizing are key to avoiding mistakes and ensuring long-term performance. Nate shares tips for HVAC pros, emphas

In this episode of the HVAC Know It All Podcast, host Gary McCreadie chats with Nate Adams, Co-Founder at Phantasm and Founder at Nate the House Whisperer. Nate explains how heat pumps provide unmatched comfort by adjusting to the home’s needs and running efficiently. He talks about the importance of system sizing, load matching, and radiant temperature for better comfort and energy savings. Nate shares his experiences with different heat pump systems, the importance of proper equipment, and how it can make homes more comfortable year-round. His advice helps contractors improve installations and customer satisfaction. Nate explains how heat pumps can deliver great comfort by adjusting to a home’s needs. He talks about how systems that match the load and temperature of the house run more efficiently and save energy. Nate shares how using the right equipment and proper sizing helps improve comfort and avoid issues. He emphasizes how radiant temperature, system matching, and load calculations can boost customer

In this episode of the HVAC Know It All Podcast, host Gary McCreadie continues his chat with Andrew Barton, CEO of AirMatch, Arenberg, Imogen Technologies LLC, and CFM Equipment Distributors. They discuss the Laser Calc tool and how it helps techs and contractors do fast and easy load calculations, both room-by-room and block load. Andrew explains how these tools save time, improve system sizing, and make proposals more accurate and professional. They also discuss why AirMatch isn’t ACCA-approved and why that doesn’t mean it’s less reliable. This episode gives real tips for techs looking to stand out with better system design. Gary and Andrew talk about how using load calculations, like room-by-room or block load, can help size HVAC systems the right way. Andrew explains how Laser Calc saves time, makes proposals fast, and helps techs show real value to customers. They also go over the mobile app version, which is great for quick jobs in the field. Andrew shares why AirMatch isn’t ACCA-approved and how it’s s

In this episode of the HVAC Know It All Podcast, host Gary McCreadie talks with Andrew Barton, CEO of AirMatch, Arenberg, Imogen Technologies LLC, and CFM Equipment Distributors. Andrew explains how AirMatch helps HVAC contractors build and price systems on-site using tools like Laser Calc for quick and detailed load calculations. He shares how the software helps customize equipment setups, match AHRI data, and get accurate prices fast. Andrew also talks about why proper sizing, system matching, and customer involvement lead to better sales and comfort. The goal is to help contractors close more deals with tools that are smart, fast, and easy to use. Andrew explains how AirMatch helps HVAC pros design and sell systems directly in the home. He talks about tools like Laser Calc, which helps size equipment right by doing quick load calculations. Andrew also covers how the software uses your own price sheets and equipment info to give instant, accurate quotes. He explains how picking the right system parts and ma

In this episode of the HVAC Know It All Podcast, host Gary McCreadie continues his discussion with John Ellis, a Product Ambassador at Dust Free, LP, an Instructor at Amana/Goodman/Dakin, and a Field Service Trainer at The New Flat Rate, Inc, on air quality, system design, and the role of UV lights in HVAC systems. In Part 02 of their talk, Gary and John explore the importance of air mixing, static pressure, and system performance. They break down how proper air distribution and good filtration can improve efficiency and comfort. They also dive into UV lamp use and its effectiveness in residential applications, offering practical insights for technicians on balancing technology with system design. John and Gary discuss the importance of air mixing in HVAC systems and how it affects air quality and comfort. They explain how poor air circulation can lead to stagnant pockets of air, causing pollutants to build up. John shares how using ceiling fans or proper system design can help improve air movement. They also

In this episode of the HVAC Know It All Podcast, host Gary McCreadie chats with John Ellis, a Product Ambassador at Dust Free, LP, an Instructor at Amana/Goodman/Dakin, and a Field Service Trainer at The New Flat Rate, Inc. He also owns Dynamic Air Consulting. He talks about indoor air quality and its key factors. John explains how thermal comfort, humidity control, ventilation, filtration, building pressures, and pollutant control are all linked. He highlights the importance of adjusting these factors based on the climate and type of building. John also talks about the impact of infiltration and stresses the need for accurate ventilation design to maintain a healthy indoor environment and avoid problems like air pressure imbalances. John talks about the importance of indoor air quality and the six key factors that affect it: thermal comfort, humidity, ventilation, filtration, building pressures, and pollutant control. He explains how these factors change depending on the climate and type of home. John also s

In this episode of the HVAC Know It All Podcast, host Gary McCreadie wraps up his chat with Tyler Nelson from Sauermann Group. In Part 02 of their discussion on refrigerant leaks, sealants, and best practices in HVAC diagnostics. Diving deeper into controversial yet evolving topics, Gary and Tyler examine both the theory and field-tested realities of leak detection and system maintenance, shedding light on how technicians can balance practicality, ethics, and innovation in their everyday work. Tyler and Gary talk about how leak sealants in HVAC systems are seen differently now, with some techs testing them and finding they work well in certain cases. They explain how formicary corrosion causes small leaks that are hard to fix fast, and why sealants can be a good short-term option. They also cover how to properly check for leaks using tools, bubbles, and even just your hands. Tyler shares details about a new leak detector from Sauermann that works on modern refrigerants and is easy for techs to use and afford.

In this episode of the HVAC Know It All Podcast, host Gary McCreadie talks with Tyler Nelson from Sauermann Group about the importance of early maintenance for heating systems. Tyler explains how doing checks before the cold weather hits can help prevent issues like cracked heat exchangers, saving time and stress later. They discuss how tackling maintenance during the shoulder season lets you handle repairs in better conditions, avoiding rushed work in the winter. Tyler also emphasizes the need for combustion analysis and safety checks to protect both technicians and customers from carbon monoxide risks. Tyler talks about the benefits of doing heating system maintenance early, before the cold hits. He explains how checking systems in mild weather helps avoid problems like cracked heat exchangers and long wait times for parts. Tyler shares tips on getting maintenance done early, using combustion analyzers for safety, and checking for carbon monoxide risks. He emphasizes how using the right tools and timing can

In part 2 of this episode of the HVAC Know It All Podcast, host Gary McCreadie continues his conversation with Jim Bergmann, President of measureQuick and Director of New Product Development at Redfish Instruments Inc. In Part 2, they discuss topics like the evolution of vacuuming techniques, moving away from triple evacuation, and why modern two-stage pumps are more efficient. Jim explains how to detect leaks using the decay vacuum method, the importance of nitrogen purging, and how refrigerant and oil behavior affects evacuation times. They also discuss the role of Measure Quick in helping technicians diagnose system issues and communicate better with customers, offering a more accurate approach to repairs and replacements. This conversation is full of tips for improving HVAC service and troubleshooting. Jim talks about how evacuation techniques have changed over time, moving away from triple evacuation to a single, deeper pull with modern pumps. He explains how refrigerant and oil mix, causing slow evacuat

In this episode of the HVAC Know It All Podcast, host Gary McCreadie welcomes Jim Bergmann, President of measureQuick and Director of New Product Development at Redfish Instruments Inc. They talk about the science behind evacuation, the impact of hose size on evacuation speed, and the common misconceptions around pulling a vacuum. Jim explains how using larger hoses and understanding conductant speed can improve evacuation time and performance. They also discuss the effects of temperature on evacuation, particularly in cold climates, and how to prevent moisture buildup in systems. This conversation provides clear insights for HVAC professionals to optimize their evacuation process and avoid common pitfalls. Jim talks about the science of pulling a vacuum and why the size of hoses matters for faster evacuation. He explains how using larger hoses and understanding conductant speed can reduce evacuation time. Jim also clears up myths about ice forming during evacuation and the impact of cold weather. He stresses

In this solo episode of the HVAC Know It All Podcast, host Gary McCreadie, Director of Player Development and Head Coach at Shelburne Soccer Club and President of McCreadie HVAC & Refrigeration Services and HVAC Know It All Inc, shares real-world lessons from the field, focusing on pulling vacuums and handling customer repairs. He explains why larger hoses improve vacuum speed, clears up common HVAC myths, and stresses the value of testing and thinking critically. Gary also talks about fixing equipment with limited budgets, using a coil-combing tool, and keeping customers running while maintaining safety and trust. It's a helpful, honest episode full of tips for techs working in real-world conditions. Gary shares real-world HVAC stories that show why using bigger hoses speeds up vacuums and how heat helps in cold-weather jobs. He explains how simple tricks, like straightening coil fins, can improve system performance and save customers money. Gary also talks about working with limited budgets and why buil

In this episode of the HVAC Know It All Podcast, host Gary McCreadie continues his conversation with John Zimmerman, Founder & CEO of Harvest Integrated, about HVAC solutions for the cannabis industry. John explains how his company approaches retrofit applications by offering full solutions, including ductwork, electrical services, and equipment installation. He emphasizes the importance of designing scalable, efficient systems without burdening growers with unnecessary upfront costs, providing them with long-term solutions for their HVAC needs. The discussion also focuses on the best types of equipment for grow operations. John shares why packaged DX units with variable speed compressors are the ideal choice, offering flexibility as plants grow and the environment changes. He also discusses how 24/7 monitoring and service calls are handled, and how they’re leveraging technology to streamline maintenance. The conversation wraps up by exploring the growing trend of “HVAC as a service” and its impact on bus

In this episode of the HVAC Know It All Podcast, host Gary McCreadie chats with John Zimmerman, Founder & CEO of Harvest Integrated, to kick off a two-part conversation about the unique challenges of HVAC systems in the cannabis industry. John, who has a strong background in data center cooling, brings valuable expertise to the table, now applied to creating optimal environments for indoor grow operations. At Harvest Integrated, John and his team provide “climate as a service,” helping cannabis growers with reliable and efficient HVAC systems, tailored to their specific needs. The discussion in part one focuses on the complexities of maintaining the perfect environment for plant growth. John explains how HVAC requirements for grow rooms are similar to those in data centers but with added challenges, like the high humidity produced by the plants. He walks Gary through the different stages of plant growth, including vegetative, flowering, and drying, and how each requires specific adjustments to temperature