#technology

Tech Tips:

The Evolving Career of the HVAC Contractor: Embracing Change to Stay Ahead

This tech tip was written by Shelby Breger, co-founder of Conduit Tech. You can check out everything Conduit has to offer and learn more about that interesting platform and how it helps contractors at https://getconduit.com/. Thank you, Shelby! Before starting Conduit Tech, Marisa and I spent a year doing everything we could to learn about […]

Technology Trade-offs

As a small business owner in the 21st century, I have recently been exposed to the overwhelming amount of new technologies and processes that I could use within my business. In the last few years, there has been a surge of software and connected tools that are entering the marketplace. All of them promise to […]

LIVE From the ACCA Conference 2024

This episode was recorded live on location at the 2024 ACCA conference in Orlando. Bryan starts by interviewing Marissa Reddy, a co-founder of Conduit Tech, a software company providing load calculation and sales tools for HVAC contractors. Marissa shares insights into what it takes for contractors to successfully adopt new technology in their businesses. […]

Don’t Fear Technology

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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 special episode from the 2025 AHR Expo, Bryan brings us two fascinating conversations with industry leaders who are shaping the future of HVAC technology and tools. The episode kicks off with Tony Gonzalez from Fieldpiece celebrating their 35th anniversary. Tony shares his remarkable journey from packaging meters in the warehouse to his current leadership role, providing unique insights into the company’s evolution. The discussion explores Fieldpiece’s pioneering role in developing HVAC-specific testing equipment, particularly highlighting their groundbreaking HS26 meter that filled a crucial gap in the industry when no other company was creating specialized meters for HVAC technicians.

The conversation with Tony delves deep into the technical aspects of modern HVAC work, particularly focusing on combustion analysis and its three fundamental pillars: safety, efficiency, and consistency. Tony explains how Fieldpiece’s JobLink system has revolutionized the way technicians document their work and communicate with customers through comprehensive digital reporting. The discussion also covers the evolution of refrigerants and POE oils, emphasizing how practices that weren’t considered critical in the past have become essential with modern systems and materials.

In the second segment, Bryan sits down with Mike and Ashley from Refrigeration Technologies’ Viper division, where they share the compelling origin story of their company. Mike recounts how his father, John Pastorello, a chemist who found himself taking an AC technician job in the 1980s, leveraged his chemistry background to develop superior products, starting with their flagship product, Big Blu. The conversation highlights Refrigeration Technologies’ impressive growth, including their recent expansion to a campus-like facility with an additional 30,000 square feet and their achievement of making the Inc. 5000 list for three consecutive years. Ashley, their Director of Education and Brand Management, discusses their innovative approach to industry engagement, including their first-ever “Viper Bowl” competition and their commitment to safety in product development.

Key Topics Covered in This Episode:

Fieldpiece’s 35-year journey and the evolution of HVAC-specific testing equipment
Modern combustion analysis fundamentals and the importance of proper testing
The JobLink system and its impact on documentation and customer communication
Evolution of refrigerants, POE oils, and critical installation practices
Refrigeration Technologies’ origin story and growth from a family business to an industry leader
Development and innovation of essential HVAC chemicals and tools under the Viper brand
The importance of safety in product formulation and application
Global expansion and market reach in the HVAC industry
Impact of modern technology on HVAC diagnostics and documentation
Training approaches and industry education initiatives
Company cultures focused on innovation and problem-solving
The role of family businesses in advancing HVAC technology

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