HVAC School - For Techs, By Techs

By: Bryan Orr
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  • Summary

  • 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.
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Career Success Economics Personal Success
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Episodes
  • Are you using AI to Troubleshoot w/ Refrigeration Mentor

    Are you using AI to Troubleshoot w/ Refrigeration Mentor
    Feb 6 2025
    In this episode of the HVAC School Podcast, Trevor Matthews and Bryan dive deep into the transformative potential of artificial intelligence (AI) in the refrigeration and HVAC industries. They explore how AI is not a new concept in their field, discussing how manufacturers like Copeland, Sporlan, and Danfoss have long incorporated AI-driven tools and repositories of information into their applications. The conversation goes beyond simple technological novelty, positioning AI as a powerful learning and troubleshooting assistant for technicians. The discussion highlights AI's role as a supportive tool rather than a job replacement. Trevor emphasizes that AI cannot physically perform trade-specific tasks like climbing ladders or brazing pipes, but it can provide invaluable guidance, explain complex procedures, and help technicians quickly access specialized knowledge. Particularly beneficial for less experienced technicians working late-night shifts or challenging service calls, AI can serve as an instant reference point, helping to jog memory and provide step-by-step troubleshooting guidance. Bryan and Trevor both stress the importance of approaching AI with curiosity and critical thinking. They advise against treating AI-generated information as absolute truth, instead recommending users ask follow-up questions, verify information, and use AI as a conversational learning tool. Trevor is actively developing a specialized AI platform for refrigeration training, working to train the system with industry-specific knowledge and real-world experience to create a more accurate and helpful resource for technicians. Key Topics Covered: AI's current applications in refrigeration and HVAC industriesHow AI can support technician learning and troubleshootingStrategies for effectively using AI toolsThe importance of maintaining technical knowledge while using AITrevor's ongoing development of a specialized refrigeration AI training platformPractical examples of AI use in technical and non-technical scenariosAddressing concerns about AI potentially "dumbing down" the industry For those interested in participating in Trevor's AI beta test, email info@refrigerationmentor.com with the subject line "Looking to be included in the beta test for the refrigeration training AI." You can also visit the Refrigeration Mentor website at https://refrigerationmentor.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 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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    38 mins
  • The New Sensi Equipment Interface - Short #229

    The New Sensi Equipment Interface - Short #229
    Feb 4 2025

    In this short episode of the HVAC School podcast, Bryan and Tom Lorenz from Copeland talk about the new Sensi equipment interface. This product has been in field trials for months and will be launching in February. It will also be featured at the 2025 AHR Expo in Orlando. You can learn more about when and where the product launch will be at AHR at https://ahr25.mapyourshow.com/8_0/sessions/session-details.cfm?scheduleid=197.

    Sensi is launching the new Sensi equipment interface module (indoor and outdoor), which eliminates the need to pull additional thermostat wire, and it's great for upgrades from A/C units to heat pumps or single-stage or multi-stage units. These have a strong wireless connection that can be picked up approximately 100 feet through walls.

    The ideal indoor application will be whenever you have single-stage to multi-stage upgrades and can't pull more wires. Outdoor applications are best for A/C-to-heat pump conversions and upgrades from single-stage to multi-stage. This module also contains outdoor sensors and can work with accessories like dehumidifiers. The Sensi equipment interface module has been tested in extreme weather conditions and has proven its durability.

    These will be launched as part of a kit with indoor and outdoor modules and a Sensi Touch 2 smart thermostat. The Sensi Touch 2 will also receive an upgrade to make it compatible with the new Sensi equipment interface module. The Sensi equipment interface module will also come with contractor branding capabilities, which is an option for Sensi smart thermostats and traditional White-Rodgers 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 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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    13 mins
  • The Buyout Epidemic - Manifesto

    The Buyout Epidemic - Manifesto
    Jan 30 2025
    In this episode of the HVAC School Podcast, Bryan shares his perspective on the growing trend of private equity buyouts and investments in the trades, particularly in home services businesses. He addresses the "buyout epidemic" with a balanced view, acknowledging the significant financial opportunities these deals present while expressing concerns about their long-term impact on the industry and its people. Bryan discusses how private equity firms are particularly attracted to home services businesses due to their potential for high margins, especially through implementing standardized processes, sales training, and often significant price increases. While he doesn't condemn the pursuit of profits or sales training, he emphasizes the importance of maintaining a balance between technical expertise and sales capabilities. He shares his own experience receiving numerous buyout offers for his company, Kalos Services, and explains why he consistently refuses them despite the potential for substantial financial gain. The podcast delves into deeper questions about the purpose of business ownership and the true value of money. Bryan characterizes money as "liquid value" or "liquid effort" - a means to an end rather than an end itself. He challenges business owners to consider whether selling to private equity aligns with their core values and the long-term interests of their employees, customers, and the trades industry as a whole. He suggests that rather than selling to outside investors who aim to extract value, owners might be better served by implementing improvements themselves and maintaining control over their business's direction and culture. Key topics covered in the podcast: The current wave of private equity investment in home services and trades businessesDifferent private equity strategies, including "roll-up" acquisitionsThe relationship between sales training, pricing, and profit margins in home servicesThe importance of maintaining technical training alongside sales capabilitiesThe concept of money as "liquid value" and its proper role in businessThe challenges of maintaining business values and culture under outside ownershipThe difference between ownership that understands the trades versus pure financial ownershipThe potential long-term consequences of concentrated corporate ownership in the tradesThe value of building sustainable, independently-owned businessesThe importance of developing internal leadership rather than selling to outside investorsThe balance between profitability and maintaining quality serviceThe risks of prioritizing short-term financial gains over long-term industry health 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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    30 mins

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Really good!

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

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Profile Image for Andy

Relevant Topics

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.

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amazing HVACR podcast

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.

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Informative & Enjoyable

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

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Thank you.

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

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Great educational speakers and great industry information.

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

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