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Tech Tips:

Why the Breaker Size May Be Lower than the MCA (and Why That’s NOT Necessarily a Code Violation)

This HVAC system we recently installed has been causing quite a bit of trouble for us with inspectors. If you look at the label, you will see that the breaker size is 25 amps, and the minimum circuit ampacity (MCA or wire size) is 29 amps. The MOCP (maximum overcurrent protection, max fuse, or max […]

Understanding Voltage Drop – Short #251

In this short podcast episode, Bryan drops some knowledge to help with understanding voltage drop, a few different causes of it, and NEC recommendations. Voltage is electrical potential or “pressure,” and voltage drop is the reduction in electrical potential energy. We often think of it happening across conductors (which add resistance), but it also […]

MCA is 27 and the Breaker is a 50A – Short #219

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 […]

What Size Wire Does this Condenser REALLY Require?

In this episode of the podcast, we talk about condenser wire sizing considerations, ampacity, temperature, conductor sizing, voltage drop, and why a #10 wire doesn't always require a 30-amp breaker. There's usually nothing wrong with OVERSIZING a wire or conductor. However, you still need to know which wires are safe for operation and comply with […]

Kevin Battaglia
#MCA #MOCP #NEC #Overcurrent #Wire Size

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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 this candid conversation, Nathan and Bryan dive deep into the often-misunderstood world of sales in the construction and HVAC trades. Nathan, who has transitioned from fieldwork to spending roughly 60% of his time in sales, offers a unique perspective on why sales professionals are necessary despite the skepticism they face from tradespeople. The discussion tackles head-on the negative perceptions surrounding salespeople while making a compelling case for their essential role in growing and sustaining a trades business.

The conversation explores the fundamental differences between residential and commercial sales, revealing insights that anyone in the industry will find valuable. Nathan explains that residential sales requires quick relationship-building, subject matter expertise, and the ability to emotionally connect and disconnect rapidly from customers you may only see every few years. It’s essentially retail sales with a technical component. Commercial B2B sales, on the other hand, is far less transactional and much more relational—it’s about building confidence, managing accounts effectively, and ensuring clients can focus on their core business while you handle their facility problems seamlessly.

One of the most refreshing aspects of this discussion is Nathan’s honesty about the unglamorous side of sales. He emphasizes that the job isn’t about fancy lunches or golf outings—it’s about being the person who answers their phone, follows through on commitments, and doesn’t shy away from uncomfortable conversations. The guys share frustrating examples of poor salesmanship, from ghosting potential clients to making promises that can’t be kept, illustrating how these failures give the entire profession a bad reputation. Nathan stresses that good sales is fundamentally about managing expectations, delivering on promises, and serving as the crucial liaison between customer needs and production capabilities.

The conversation concludes with practical advice for tradespeople considering a move into sales: if you’re motivated by the chase, enjoy solving people’s problems, and find satisfaction in knowing your work directly impacts the bottom line, sales might be for you. But if you’re just looking for an easier path with less physical labor, think again—great salesmanship is mentally demanding work that requires constant follow-through and resilience.

Topics Covered:

Why tradespeople are often critical of sales and the misconceptions about the profession
The difference between “good” and “bad” salespeople and the moral use of sales skills
Essential traits for successful residential HVAC salespeople, including product knowledge and emotional agility
How commercial B2B sales differs from residential—less transactional, more relational
The critical importance of follow-through, responsiveness, and keeping promises in account management
Why sales serves as the essential “oil in the machine” that prevents business breakdowns
The role of salespeople in managing customer expectations and protecting production teams
The unsexy reality of sales work: constant uncomfortable conversations and problem-chasing
When entertaining clients (golf, lunches) is appropriate versus when it becomes buying work
Advice for tradespeople considering transitioning into sales roles

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Search Episodes

Residential vs. Commercial HVAC Sales

12/18/2025

Bryan Orr

When Ammonia Ruled the World – Short #270

12/16/2025

Bryan Orr