#hvac

In this article, we’ll discuss superheat while using this diagnostic sheet to help us better understand how it is calculated and from where it is derived. I want to thank Ty Branaman for helping me develop these sheets that will hopefully aid in a better understanding of some of the basic HVAC measurements that both […]

Imagine a small IT room packed with servers, monitors, and humans. CO₂ levels easily spike to over 3000 PPM since the room lacks fresh air ventilation. Two overworked mini-split units churn away, cooling the space and unknowingly creating the perfect acidic environment. Fast forward a few months, and those shiny coils now resemble something pulled […]

I’ve been designing a system for a home here in Dallas and noticed a couple of interesting (and disturbing!) things about the equipment’s advertised capacity vs. the actual capacity at design conditions.  Equipment is rated at AHRI conditions (95 degrees outside and 80-degree dry bulb, 67-degree wet bulb inside). These conditions make equipment performance LOOK […]

Valve core removal tools were originally developed to remove damaged valve cores without the need to pump the system down. This technology was a major leap forward in work efficiency, as pumping down a system can be a tedious and time-consuming task.   Eventually, technicians discovered that removing valve cores led to faster evacuation, recovery, and […]

I wanted to offer some practical advice from Bryan’s last podcast, “White Shirt Techs- Manifesto.” The link can be found here. In this episode, Bryan strongly (and rightfully) critiques sales tactics that are divorced from technical skills and meaningful benefits for homeowners.  As a one man HVAC company, I wanted to offer a suggestion for […]

I teamed up with Ty Branaman to design an intuitive way for techs to solve some of the “what should it be?” questions in the HVAC field.  The topic for this sheet is subcooling. Subcooling is a measurement of the temperature DECREASE of a liquid below its saturation (mixed liquid/vapor) temperature at a given pressure. […]

Our HVAC equipment can’t run without the contactor coil, but contactors can develop problems with age and during high-voltage electrical events. Contact pitting is unmistakable, and it’s unfortunately all too common in areas where bugs can get into the coil and fry on the contacts. Factor in problems with the utility, such as brownouts and […]

If you’ve been following my writing for the last couple of years, you know that I like to blather on and on about combustion analysis. Now, I am by no means an expert on the subject, as I live in North Texas (which is not known for its intense heating season), but I love using […]

I’d like to give special thanks to Roman Baugh for the section about compressor superheat. It’s not something we talk about very often outside of chiller and commercial refrigeration applications, but it definitely has value in the HVAC world as well. Thanks, Roman! Since I started in the trade, we would take discharge line temperature […]

 This podcast episode is of Bryan's session from the HVAC School Symposium, “10 Things I've Learned in the Last 10 Years.” Delivered as HVAC School approaches its 10-year milestone and Kalos hits 20 years, Bryan blends technical know-how with personal stories, revealing how his “expertise” is a product of constant learning—often from the very […]

 In this short podcast episode, Bryan answers a listener-submitted question about using R-290 as a drop-in refrigerant for R-22 systems. It is NOT safe to use R-290 as a drop-in, but there are some similar properties between the two and some interesting thought experiments within this topic. R-290 is propane, a hydrocarbon that belongs […]

 In this episode of the HVAC School Podcast, host Bryan welcomes Jeff from Copeland to discuss the critical topic of flooding and slugging in compressors. Jeff, calling in from frigid Minnesota (at negative 19°F), explains the differences between these harmful conditions and how they can damage compressor systems. The conversation begins by differentiating between […]

 In this short podcast episode, Bryan answers a listener-submitted question: what is the best brand of equipment for residential new construction? A lot of people have their own personal preferences when it comes to brands, whether that's with equipment, tools, or even cars. However, when it comes to HVAC equipment, there are a lot […]

 Join Bryan Orr and Furman Haynes from WorkHero for a great discussion about how to keep HVAC local and help more small owners succeed. Live from AHR Expo 2025, we get to hear from one of the founders of an exciting new company that is offering expert office management that small HVAC business owners […]

 In this livestream MeasureQuick Talks with Bert. This is an impromptu Talk with industry leaders, including Shelby Breger from Conduit and Joe Medosch from MeasureQuick, about how mobile technology is revolutionizing HVAC diagnostics and training. Featuring special guests discussing how modern tools like MeasureQuick and other diagnostic apps are making it easier for technicians […]

 Join us as we sit down with Nick from Inficon at AHR Expo 2025 to discuss the latest innovations in Leak Detection Tech. We explore the evolution from halide torches to modern infrared sensors, and get an exclusive look at their newest product – the D-TEK Pro. Key topics covered: The transition from heated […]

 Join Bryan Orr as he goes Live from the AHR Expo 2025 at the Orange County Convention Center with Kalos Services team members Dre and Elliot! They share their first impressions of the massive HVAC industry expo, discuss interesting booth displays, and chat about the latest tools and technology they've spotted on the show […]

 In this engaging episode of the HVAC School Podcast, host Bryan sits down with Jesse from NAVAC to dive deep into the evolving landscape of refrigeration technology, focusing primarily on the transition to A2L refrigerants. The conversation offers a refreshingly pragmatic approach to addressing industry concerns about these new, mildly flammable refrigerants, dispelling myths […]