HVAC School - For Techs, By Techs

• Learning and Teaching GRIT w/ Ty Branaman

  In this episode of the HVAC School podcast, host Bryan Orr and guest Ty Branaman have an in-depth, hands-on conversation about the philosophy, structure, and impact of GRIT Camps—workshops designed to introduce kids to the trades through immersive, practical experiences. The episode opens with reflections on a recent successful GRIT Camp in New Jersey, where both mentors and children gained new skills and confidence. Ty shares the excitement of seeing young participants, many of whom had never shown interest in school before, become deeply engaged in building, problem-solving, and learning from trades professionals. Parents noticed a newfound enthusiasm in their children, while mentors were invigorated by the opportunity to share their expertise and even learn new techniques alongside the kids. A central theme is the use of the Socratic method—teaching through curiosity, guided questions, and hands-on experimentation. Rather than providing step-by-step instructions, mentors encourage kids to make mistakes, ask questions, and discover solutions on their own. This approach fosters deeper understanding, builds confidence, and develops critical thinking skills. Bryan and Ty discuss the importance of meeting each learner where they are, allowing for individualized progress and ensuring that every participant, regardless of prior experience, leaves with a sense of accomplishment. The hosts also highlight how this method benefits mentors, many of whom find themselves learning and growing alongside the kids. GRIT Camps are designed like an “escape room” or adventure challenge. Each module—carpentry, electrical work, brazing, and more—presents real-world problems for kids to solve, emphasizing both safety and creativity. The hands-on activities are intentionally open-ended, allowing for flexibility and adaptation by different mentors and hosts. Safety is a recurring focus, with detailed discussions about best practices for working with tools, protective equipment, and managing risk, especially when introducing children to potentially hazardous tasks. The conversation also explores the broader societal impact of GRIT Camps, emphasizing the importance of restoring respect for hands-on skills and empowering both kids and mentors to build, fix, and create with confidence. Topics Covered in This Episode: The origins and goals of GRIT Camps The Socratic method: fostering curiosity, problem-solving, and hands-on learning Structuring camps as adventure challenges to boost engagement and creativity Safety protocols and best practices for working with tools and materials Teaching modules: carpentry, electrical work, brazing, and more Customization and creativity: allowing kids to personalize their projects The importance of respecting and restoring hands-on skills in society Encouraging contractors and communities to replicate and expand the GRIT Camp model The impact on kids, parents, and mentors—building confidence, skills, and community Reflections on neurodiversity, learning styles, and the value of practical education   Learn more about the GRIT Foundation at https://www.thegritfoundation.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

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• Band-Aids, Hacks, and Ethics - Short #244

  In this short podcast episode, Bryan talks about band-aids, hacks, and ethics. He explores ethical "band-aid" solutions and how to charge for them. He also covers the difference between patching up equipment ethically and unethical repairs. Temporary fixes and ugly permanent fixes fall into the ethical gray area for a lot of people, especially if technicians or HVAC business managers don't know where to draw the line between replacing a part completely and patching up issues. Patching condenser coils is an example of repair work that can be ethical. Some protocols say that the copper needs to be cut out and couplings need to be installed, but you can often patch tubing in areas where there isn't too much vibration. As always, you want to make sure that the system can hold pressure whenever you patch up a leak.  The ethics question comes into play when the longevity of the equipment or repair is questionable. Bryan draws the line when the system has structural integrity issues, including damaged fins and severe corrosion. Beyond a certain point, patching a system up either won't be effective or will be an added expense without a payoff. Some companies also strongly favor sales over repairs, so some of those decisions may also come down to company policy. The key to ethical and successful "hack" work is situational awareness; you need to know which repairs you're capable of, your company's policies, and the client's needs. You ultimately need to make sure your actions are legal and safe for you and the client.    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

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• Why VRF Compressors Die w/ Roman

  In this episode, Bryan and Roman dive deep into the world of Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) systems, focusing on the persistent issue of compressor failures. VRF technology has evolved, and it has seen a major rise in the North American market since the early 2010s. Roman shares his passion for VRF, tracing its origins back to 1982 and explaining how it earned the nickname “chiller killer” by replacing traditional chiller systems in large facilities like hotels, churches, and schools. However, with this rapid adoption came a troubling reputation: VRF systems became notorious for frequent compressor failures, prompting some institutions to revert to older technologies. There are three primary causes of compressor failure in VRF systems: oil lubrication issues, liquid refrigerant return, and electrical failures. VRF compressors are shipped with excess oil to account for the system’s extensive piping and multiple indoor units, but improper refrigerant charge—either overcharging or undercharging—can disrupt oil return and lead to gradual compressor death. They emphasize the importance of correct installation, accurate charge calculation, and diligent maintenance. Bryan adds that measuring discharge superheat is a key diagnostic tool: high discharge superheat with normal suction superheat signals poor lubrication and impending failure. The discussion then shifts to the dangers of liquid refrigerant returning to the compressor. Even small amounts can wash oil off the scroll plates, leading to metal-on-metal contact, galling, and eventual mechanical breakdown. Roman details the difference between high-pressure shell and low-pressure shell compressors, noting that VRF systems are more susceptible to operational flood back, which can cause elevated amp draws and catastrophic failure. They also highlight the role of contamination—such as copper shavings or sand from installation—which can damage expansion valves and lead to chronic flood back issues. Maintenance, including regular oil analysis and monitoring of expansion valve performance, is crucial for long-term reliability. Finally, the episode covers electrical failures, often the result of underlying mechanical issues rather than true electrical faults. The hosts advocate for using insulation resistance testing (megohmmeters) as a maintenance tool to track winding degradation over time. They stress that proper cleanup after a compressor failure is vital, recommending temporary filter dryers and oil analysis to mitigate contamination. The conversation closes with practical advice: always investigate the root cause of a compressor failure, communicate findings with clients, and prioritize best practices in installation and service to prevent repeat issues.  Topics Covered in This Episode: The history and rise of VRF technology in North America Why VRF systems earned the nickname “chiller killer” The three primary causes of VRF compressor failure: Oil lubrication issues (overcharge/undercharge, oil return) Liquid refrigerant return (flood back, expansion valve failures) Electrical failures (mechanical causes, insulation degradation) Diagnostic techniques: discharge superheat, suction superheat, amp draw analysis The impact of installation practices and system contamination Maintenance best practices: oil analysis, filter dryers, insulation resistance testing The importance of root cause analysis after compressor failures Resources for ongoing VRF education: VRF Tech Talk podcast, Facebook group, and Roman’s YouTube channel   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

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• No Serve Situations - Short #243

  In this short podcast episode, Bryan talks about some no-serve situations he's encountered as a technician and HVAC business owner. He also talks about situations that may be unpleasant but aren't quite no-serve situations. Some common and obvious no-serve situations are when a client threatens a technician, especially with lawsuits, bad reviews, or even bodily harm. However, some clients are just naturally defensive, so we want to be careful and give people a chance if they're angry and might just need to calm down. Unrealistic expectations can also cause no-serve situations. Some complaints are tricky to deal with but can be solved, but other problems are impossible to solve. We have every right not to serve clients who have problems that don't have realistic solutions (such as wanting a thermostat that doesn't make a clicking noise at all). In those cases, Kalos usually gives some degree of a refund and agrees not to do business with the customer again. Dirtiness of the living space can also be a no-serve situation. Unless a home is dangerously filthy (e.g., it can cause a respiratory disease) or the equipment is not accessible, we can serve them. Even if the home is filthy or the equipment is inaccessible, we can ask the owner to clean up and return to serve them. On the other side of the coin, hypochondriacs can be a challenge to deal with, but no-serve situations are rare; we can take precautions, including more thorough testing and hold-harmless agreements. Other no-serve situations are people who don't pay, people who regularly pay extremely late, customers who aren't the owner (such as tenants or family members), and clients who try to drag you into drama with other contractors.   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

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• Locked Compressor Mistakes w/ Bert

  In this informative HVAC podcast episode, Bryan and Bert dive deep into the complex world of locked and internal overload compressors, focusing specifically on single-phase residential units. The discussion begins with Bert explaining one of the most common challenges technicians face: diagnosing a locked compressor. He describes how compressors that are locked will typically run for only a second before overheating and stopping, creating a cycle that can be difficult to detect if technicians aren't carefully monitoring at the right moment. The hosts share personal experiences and practical diagnostic techniques, with Bert recounting how he once simulated a locked compressor by cutting the start winding wire and concealing it beneath other wires and zip ties. This demonstration highlights the importance of thorough inspection, including checking terminal connections. Bryan shares a story from his early career when he mistakenly condemned a compressor with damaged terminals, not knowing about terminal repair kits - a candid moment that illustrates how even experienced technicians continue to learn throughout their careers. A significant portion of the podcast is dedicated to explaining the electrical fundamentals of compressor operation, including an enlightening discussion about start windings, run windings, and common connections. Bryan passionately clarifies misconceptions about current flow through these different windings, explaining that the start winding actually has consistently lower amperage due to its connection through a capacitor. The hosts also detail the critical differences between a compressor that's overheating versus one that's truly locked, emphasizing that the physical temperature of the compressor often provides the key diagnostic clue. Key Topics Covered: ·        How to identify a locked compressor versus one that's out on internal overload ·        The importance of checking terminal connections and wire continuity ·        Why compressors that are truly locked don't have time to physically overheat ·        Common causes of compressor overheating: condenser fan failure, refrigerant issues, airflow problems ·        The proper diagnostic method for catching a locked compressor "in the act" ·        The mechanics of start windings versus run windings and their amperage differences ·        When and how to use hard start kits appropriately (and why they shouldn't be used universally) ·        How to communicate with customers when diagnosing compressor issues ·        The role of crankcase heaters in preventing flooded starts ·        Terminal repair techniques and when they're appropriate   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  

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