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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Episodes
  • How to Predict Air Flow Issues in the Sales Process

    How to Predict Air Flow Issues in the Sales Process
    Nov 21 2024
    Chris Hughes and Steve Rogers from The Energy Conservatory discuss TEC's TrueFlow technology and its crucial role in predicting airflow issues in the sales process, particularly for heat pump retrofits. They explain how the TrueFlow app helps contractors accurately measure both static pressure and airflow in existing systems, enabling them to predict whether proposed equipment changes will work effectively. This is especially vital when considering the growing trend of replacing gas furnaces with heat pumps, as the airflow requirements can differ significantly. The conversation delves into a detailed example of replacing an 80% efficient 48,000 BTU furnace with a heat pump. They demonstrate how the airflow requirement would nearly double from 652 CFM to 1,200 CFM, potentially causing the static pressure to quadruple due to Fan Law 2 principles. This dramatic increase could lead to significant performance issues if not properly addressed during the system design phase. The experts emphasize that using TrueFlow during the sales process allows contractors to identify potential problems and necessary modifications before installation rather than discovering issues during callbacks. The discussion also covers the ideal workflow for system assessment and sales, starting with customer comfort evaluation and proper load calculations. It's important to reduce loads through envelope improvements when possible, particularly in cold climates where heat pump retrofits are becoming more common. Proper system sizing often means going smaller rather than larger, contrary to common industry practices, and the worst HVAC systems are often found in expensive custom homes rather than tract housing. Key Topics Covered: TrueFlow technology and its role in system forecastingFan Law 2 and its impact on static pressure when changing airflowHeat pump retrofit challenges and considerationsThe importance of accurate load calculationsDual fuel systems as a solution for cold climatesThe relationship between airflow and static pressureSales process integration of technical measurementsCommon issues with oversized equipmentThe importance of envelope assessmentMethods for reducing system loadsProper duct sizing and modification strategiesThe role of proper filter sizing and selectionThe benefits of flat-rate pricing for duct modificationsTraining resources and support available for TrueFlow users Check out TEC's YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/@energyconservatory, and you can visit TEC's website at https://energyconservatory.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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    47 mins
  • MCA is 27 and the Breaker is a 50A - Short #219

    MCA is 27 and the Breaker is a 50A - Short #219
    Nov 19 2024

    In this short podcast episode, Bryan and Mike from DITEK talk about what to do in tricky electrical scenarios, such as when the MCA is 27 and you have a 50A breaker.

    When you size an HVAC system for compatibility with voltage monitors, like the DITEK Kool Guard, you need to pay attention to the MCA (minimum circuit ampacity), which should not be confused with MOCP (maximum overcurrent protection or breaker size). As long as the MCA is 40 amps or lower, you can attach the HVAC condenser to the Kool Guard. The KG2 also accepts wire sizes up to 6 AWG.

    The Kool Guard is NOT a source of overcurrent protection; it is a voltage monitor rated for carrying current, which means ratings will be in MCA, not MOCP. MOCP is designed to deal with high starting amps and lets users know the maximum allowable current for a circuit so that it can trip properly when that current is exceeded. According to Section 440 of the National Electrical Code (NEC), motors with internal overload protection allow for a difference between the MCA and MOCP. You may find higher MOCPs on inverter-driven systems.

    Learn more about DITEK at https://www.diteksurgeprotection.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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    6 mins
  • Deploying Surge Protection & Voltage Monitoring w/ DITEK

    Deploying Surge Protection & Voltage Monitoring w/ DITEK
    Nov 14 2024
    Bryan discusses surge protection devices (SPDs) with Mike from DITEK, focusing on practical applications for HVAC contractors and how to provide value to clients. Mike emphasizes that surge protection is essential for modern HVAC systems, particularly given that they are typically the most expensive appliance in a home and increasingly rely on sophisticated electronic components like variable-speed compressors and inverter boards. The conversation delves into installation best practices, with a detailed discussion of proper wiring techniques for SPDs. Mike explains that surge protectors should be installed in parallel with the circuit, typically at the disconnect, and addresses common concerns about double-tapping lugs and ground connections. He emphasizes the importance of keeping wire lengths as short as possible and provides guidance for installations both with dedicated disconnects and panel-direct connections. A significant portion of the episode focuses on DITEK's Kool Guard (KG2) product, which represents an evolution in HVAC protection by combining surge protection with voltage monitoring. Mike explains how modern HVAC equipment, particularly inverter-driven systems, is increasingly sensitive to both over-voltage and under-voltage conditions. The Kool Guard monitors voltage on each phase independently and provides visual indication of fault conditions through LED indicators, making it easier for homeowners to identify potential issues without opening electrical enclosures. Key Topics Covered: · Why every modern HVAC system needs surge protection · Installation locations and proper wiring techniques for SPDs · The difference between line-side and load-side installation · Ground connection best practices · How to protect both condensers and air handlers · The evolution from basic surge protection to voltage monitoring · The importance of voltage monitoring for modern inverter-driven equipment · How Kool Guard monitors voltage phase-to-ground vs line-to-line · Common power quality issues beyond lightning strikes · How to discuss surge protection with customers · The limitations of utility-provided surge protection · The impact of aging power infrastructure on power quality · The advantages of USA-made surge protection products · How voltage monitoring prevents damage from brownouts and over-voltage conditions · The pre-programmed voltage protection ranges in Kool Guard · Visual indication features for fault conditions Learn more about DITEK at https://www.diteksurgeprotection.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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    36 mins

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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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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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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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Profile Image for Dylan L Villano

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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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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