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Tech Tips:

Blower Fan Watt Draw Considerations for ECMs

I'd like to give special thanks to Steve Rogers from TEC for helping write this tech tip about ECM blower fan watt draw and sharing some helpful visuals. Thanks, Steve! ACCA Standard 310 introduced a grading protocol for HVAC systems. While HVAC practitioners won’t be the ones carrying out the tasks laid out in Standard […]

Tool Selection: Electrical Meters

I'd like to give a special thanks to Tony Gonzalez from Fieldpiece for providing technical guidance about the SC680's power measurement capabilities, as well as VAC and AAC measurements on ECMs. You can learn more about the SC680 and other electrical meters on Fieldpiece's website. We’ve talked through specifications, applications, and features for a few […]

HVAC Moneyball: Could It Work?

This tech tip was submitted by Tim De Stasio. He originally published it on his website, which you can visit HERE. Thanks, Tim! Winning takes strategy and the right information. The HVAC business is no different. But what information should we collect, even pay for, to get better and win? What if these widely accepted […]

Using Power Factor to Check Capacitors Under Load

Capacitors are traditionally tested with a capacitance meter (commonly found as a function within a multimeter), with the component taken entirely out of the circuit. “Bench testing,” as this method is referred to, is hands-down the safest method of checking capacitance in microfarads. All other methods require the capacitor to be wired into the circuit […]

An even EASIER way to check capacitors

In a previous article, we covered the standard way to check capacitors under load. I am now going to give you an even easier test. A properly functioning PSC (permanent split capacitor) or CSCR (capacitor start capacitor run) motor should have a power factor of very close to 1 if they have a properly sized […]

EER in the Field – Short #231

In this short podcast episode, Bryan talks about EER (Energy Efficiency Ratio) and SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) and how to calculate EER in the field. EER and SEER are ratings that we often see on equipment (as are SEER2 and EER2) based on a ratio of an output to an input. Whereas coefficient […]

What Is Up With Blower Amps & Watts w/ Steve Rogers

Bryan Orr and Steve Rogers dive deep into measuring power consumption in HVAC blower motors, particularly focusing on the differences between PSC (Permanent Split Capacitor) and ECM (Electronically Commutated Motor) technologies. The discussion stems from a question raised at an educators' conference about the accuracy of clamp-on meters in measuring blower motor watt draw, […]

jean duarte
#capacitance #emf #power factor #watts

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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 comprehensive discussion, Bryan and Bert tackle one of the most critical yet underdeveloped skills in the trades: conflict resolution and de-escalation. They argue that poor conflict management is one of the primary reasons technicians lose jobs, damage team dynamics, and limit their career advancement. The conversation explores both customer-facing conflicts and internal team disputes, offering practical strategies grounded in real-world experience.

The hosts distinguish between rational and irrational customer anger, noting that both require similar approaches—taking clients seriously, listening fully, and resisting the urge to immediately correct or defend. Bert emphasizes the importance of body language, describing how he physically leans into difficult conversations rather than backing away, making eye contact, and allowing customers to repeat themselves until they feel genuinely heard. Bryan adds that the “slow is smooth, smooth is fast” military principle applies perfectly to people problems—rushing to fix the emotional situation often prolongs the conflict, while patient listening typically resolves issues more quickly.

When addressing internal team conflicts, they stress going directly to the person involved rather than gossiping or complaining to management. Both hosts acknowledge that ego, the need to be right, and past trauma can trigger fight-or-flight responses that sabotage productive conversations. They advocate for approaching conflicts with humility and a willingness to be wrong, focusing on the single most important issue rather than bringing up a laundry list of grievances. Bert shares that preventing conflict often means letting minor issues go while addressing patterns before they fester into major problems.

The conversation concludes with practical advice about maintaining relationships after difficult conversations, recognizing that drawing back creates rejection while intentionally staying connected demonstrates genuine care. They emphasize that mastering conflict resolution isn’t just about keeping your job—it’s about becoming invaluable in your career and developing skills that serve you in every area of life.

Topics Covered:

Common sources of customer anger: feeling dismissed, not taken seriously, fear around property damage, and frustration with time and money
The difference between rational emotions (legitimate grievances) and expectation gaps (perceived as “irrational”)
Body language techniques for de-escalation: leaning in, maintaining eye contact, staying present rather than fleeing
Why interrupting customers to prove you’re right backfires and escalates conflict
Managing fight-or-flight responses and recognizing when fear drives aggressive reactions
The importance of letting customers repeat themselves until emotional release occurs
Internal team conflict triggers: lack of recognition, perceived unfair workloads, misinterpreted communication
Why going directly to the person involved beats gossiping or complaining to management
The danger of storytelling and assigning motives to others’ actions
Practical conflict resolution framework: prepare both parties, choose private settings, listen twice as much as you speak, and be willing to be wrong
How mastering conflict resolution makes you invaluable and accelerates career advancement
Maintaining relationships after difficult conversations to avoid creating rejection

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Search Episodes

The Art of De-escalation

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Bryan Orr

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