The VCRT redesigned + More w/ Fieldpiece

In this podcast, Bryan chats with Tony Gonzalez of Fieldpiece about their latest innovations for service tools, including the redesigned VCRT, as well as the training resources they offer.

They start off discussing Fieldpiece's philosophy of developing solutions for technicians' real pain points, not just making products. Understanding workflows and obstacles lets them design better tools. Tony then reveals their new line of valve core removal tools aimed at faster, easier access to system ports. Features include integrated ball valves to isolate gauges, sight glasses to confirm capture of the core, and improved ergonomics for gripping.

Next they touch on Fieldpiece University, their free online learning platform for HVAC best practices. It contains individual courses as well as guided “training tracks” on full applications like combustion analysis. With quality content being critical, Tony aims to continue expanding their offerings this year.

They also briefly discuss A2L refrigerants – while tool compatibility questions persist in the field, most quality equipment made in recent years carries approvals. Technicians mainly need to verify the manufacturer's guidance and adhere to existing best practices.

Key topics:

New valve core removal tools
Enhanced sight glass and isolation
Continual improvement of Fieldpiece University
Clarifying tools and A2Ls

The overarching theme is providing solutions – both through innovative tools and readily accessible education for the industry. You can learn more about Fieldpiece at https://www.fieldpiece.com/.

Learn more about the 5th Annual HVACR Training Symposium at https://hvacrschool.com/Symposium24.

If you have an iPhone, subscribe to the podcast HERE, and if you have an Android phone, subscribe HERE.”

Subscribe to our YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/@HVACS.

Check out our handy calculators HERE or on the HVAC School Mobile App (Google Play Store or App Store).

Comments

Redux – The Lost Art of Steam Heating w/ Dan Holohan

Q&A on Superheat – Short #223

Duct Cleaning – How Long & How Often?

Are EVs an Opportunity? – Short #222

Choosing HVAC Cleaners w/ Becca from Viper

Q&A – Evap Placement – Short #221

Can Ducts Be Cleaned Ethically?

Should I Fog or “Sanitize” My Ducts? – Short #220

Condensing Furnace Drain Guidance w/ AC Service Tech

What Can Be Done About Healthcare? w/ Ethos

#core removal tool #hvac tools #hvac training #tools #vcrt

Author:

Tony Gonzalez

Company: Fieldpiece Instruments

Position: Technical Training Manager

Bryan Orr

Company: HVAC School

Position: Founder

Check out our most recent video

How to Evacuate an AC system, Full Vacuum Procedure

Our latest Podcast

HVAC School – For Techs, By Techs

Real training for HVAC ( Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration) Technicians. Including recorded tech training, interviews, diagnostics and general conversations about the trade.

In today’s podcast, Bryan talks with legendary Hydronics author and trainer Dan Holohan about the history of steam heating and some practical applications of old ideas. Recently, Dan has been working on more novels, having published two of them over the past few months.

Steam heating is a “lost art” nowadays; it has become increasingly uncommon and has been disappearing since the Vietnam War. Many people who understood steam heating either retired or died after the Vietnam War. Many elements of steam heating are difficult to understand or surprising. (For example, steam pressure has a surprising relationship with velocity: low-pressure steam moves through piping much more quickly than high-pressure steam.) So, Dan Holohan is on a mission to revive that knowledge and teach the newer generations about the lost art.

There are many older steam heating systems still operating today, especially in the older large buildings in New York. Dan learned a lot about steam heating when working on these old systems and optimizing them. Most of the time, he optimized those systems by removing unnecessary accessories, not by adding components like steam traps.

Many old boilers used coal as a heat source. Nowadays, many old boilers have been fitted with conversion oil burners with thermostats, but they are still piped for coal. Some systems now have multiple risers or massive vents on the main riser to prevent the thermostats from getting too hot too early and satisfying the thermostat too early. We call that master venting, which reduces pressure and allows steam to move very quickly and efficiently.

Dan also discusses:

The 2-PSI standard
Transportation metaphors for BTUs in steam
Harmful renovations for old boilers
Replacement vs. restoration mindsets
Gaps in steam boiler education
Monopolizing the market if you HAVE the education
Boiler piping and venting
Two-pipe vs one-pipe steam

Find out more about Dan and hydronic heating at HeatingHelp.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.