Episodios

  • What to Do in a Nuke Disaster - W/ Bill Nowicki

    What to Do in a Nuke Disaster - W/ Bill Nowicki
    Aug 28 2025
    In this fascinating episode, Bryan welcomes back longtime friend and nuclear industry veteran Bill Nowicki to discuss a recently released document from DHS and NUSTL that provides new recommendations for HVAC operations during nuclear events. Bill brings over 40 years of nuclear experience, starting as a 19-year-old Navy nuclear operator (after being deemed "not ready for the grill" at Friendly's restaurant) and progressing through various roles, including lead engineer on critical control systems at nuclear facilities. Bill shares his journey from nuclear plant evaluator to leadership trainer, now working internationally to help nuclear professionals develop their skills. His current podcast, "The Nuclear Leader," continues this mission alongside his passion project, "Navigating Mental Illness: Parent Stories." Bill provides an accessible explanation of nuclear reactor operations, using the analogy that "contamination is the poop and radiation is the smell" to help listeners understand the difference between radioactive material and radiation itself. He walks through the three-barrier system in nuclear plants: fuel cladding, reactor coolant system, and containment structures. The discussion covers how fission works, the controlled chain reaction process, and what happens when these systems fail, using examples from Three Mile Island, Chernobyl, and Fukushima to illustrate different failure modes. The episode explores the current nuclear renaissance driven by AI data centers and industrial companies seeking clean baseload power. Bill explains how private industry is now directly funding nuclear projects, bypassing traditional utility structures, with companies like Microsoft and ExxonMobil investing billions in new nuclear facilities. This represents a dramatic shift from the post-Three Mile Island era when nuclear construction essentially stopped in the United States. The core discussion focuses on updated emergency guidance that reverses previous recommendations. Instead of the old "shelter in place and shut off your AC" advice, the new guidance suggests keeping HVAC systems running while eliminating outdoor air intake. This approach recognizes that modern, well-sealed buildings with high-efficiency filtration can provide better protection by maintaining positive pressure and filtering recirculated air rather than allowing uncontrolled infiltration. Bill and Bryan discuss how building characteristics dramatically affect the best response strategy. High-performance homes with tight construction, MERV 13+ filters, and controlled ventilation systems offer significant advantages, requiring only the ability to shut off outdoor air intake. Conversely, older, leaky buildings may still benefit from complete system shutdown to prevent contamination circulation. The conversation highlights how lessons learned during COVID-19 about airborne contamination and filtration directly apply to nuclear emergency preparedness, emphasizing the importance of case-by-case analysis rather than one-size-fits-all approaches. Topics Covered Nuclear industry career paths - From Navy nuclear training to civilian plant operations and leadership rolesBasic nuclear physics - Fission process, chain reactions, and the difference between contamination and radiationNuclear plant safety systems - Three-barrier containment approach and historical accident analysisCurrent nuclear renaissance - AI-driven power demand and private industry investment in new reactorsEmergency preparedness evolution - How COVID-19 research influenced nuclear emergency HVAC guidanceBuilding performance factors - Impact of construction quality, filtration, and ventilation design on safetyHVAC system modifications - Importance of outdoor air shutoff capability and high-efficiency filtrationCase-by-case response strategies - Why building characteristics determine optimal emergency proceduresPodcasting journey - Early days of niche podcasting and building communities around specialized topicsLeadership development - International nuclear industry training and professional developmentPersonal stories - Navy submarine experiences and nuclear plant operational challenges Here is the full document from the DHS: https://www.nrc.gov/docs/ML2425/ML24250A059.pdf 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 7th 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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    51 m
  • Making Stuff Real - Short #254

    Making Stuff Real - Short #254
    Aug 26 2025

    In this short podcast episode about a bigger-picture topic, Bryan talks about making stuff real. He talks about how to make ideas, businesses, podcasts, and other large projects come to life based on his experiences with HVAC School, Kalos, and several other current and past projects.

    Understanding yourself and the thing you want to do is the first key to making things real. You need to be able to speak intelligently about a topic (without sounding pretentious); mastery isn't always the goal, but you need to have some level of understanding of the general topic and your own strengths and weaknesses. Starting a business requires you to acquire at least a working knowledge of software, compliance, insurance, licenses, and other items related to that particular business. You also want to avoid relying solely on someone else's vision or advice for your project.

    Then, curiosity and exploration are key; you need to get practice and immerse yourself in the work to get an understanding of the process and your strengths and weaknesses. It's okay if your work doesn't look good; you just need experience, not affirmation, early on.

    Hiring good people also matters; these people don't need to be perfect, but they need to be growth-oriented and reliable. You'll also likely work with people who are poor fits before finding the right person for your business or project. When you have the right people on your team, you need to be consistent, communicate clearly, pay well and on time, and provide plenty of meaningful work.

    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 7th Annual HVACR Training Symposium at https://hvacrschool.com/symposium.

    Subscribe to our podcast on your iPhone or Android.

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    Check out our handy calculators here or on the HVAC School Mobile App for Apple and Android
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    17 m
  • Is HVAC School Worth It?

    Is HVAC School Worth It?
    Aug 21 2025
    In this comprehensive discussion, Bryan sits down with Brad Cooper, an experienced HVAC instructor from Arkansas, and JD Kelly, a trade school graduate, to tackle one of the most pressing questions in the HVAC industry: Is trade school worth it? Rather than offering a simple yes or no answer, the trio dives deep into the nuanced factors that determine whether trade school provides real value for aspiring HVAC technicians. The conversation begins with Brad's unique perspective as both a field technician with over 20 years of experience and a current instructor who transitioned to teaching five years ago. His father's business background and the common frustration of having to "go behind people and fix stuff" motivated Brad to enter education, believing that proper training from the start could eliminate many field problems. JD brings the student perspective, having attended trade school while working full-time, which gives him insight into both the challenges and benefits of formal HVAC education. A significant portion of the discussion focuses on what to look for when evaluating trade schools. The guests emphasize that the investment in laboratory equipment and facilities often reflects the school's commitment to the program - you can tell immediately upon walking into a lab whether the institution truly prioritizes HVAC education. They stress the importance of accreditation, particularly from organizations like HVAC Excellence, which provides regular oversight and ensures schools meet industry standards. The conversation reveals that accreditation isn't just about having a certificate on the wall; it represents a school's willingness to submit to external scrutiny and maintain educational quality. The discussion also addresses the critical balance between theoretical knowledge and practical application. All three speakers agree that the most valuable trade school experiences combine classroom learning with real-world field exposure through partnerships with local contractors, apprenticeship programs, or internship opportunities. They emphasize that instructor quality matters more than having the latest equipment - a humble, field-experienced teacher who can adapt to different student skill levels and learning styles proves far more valuable than someone with extensive theoretical knowledge but limited practical experience. Topics Covered School Evaluation Criteria Laboratory equipment quality and investment levelsAccreditation importance (particularly HVAC Excellence)Modern tools vs. traditional equipment balanceManufacturer partnerships and industry connections Instructor Qualifications Field experience vs. teaching credentialsImportance of humility and adaptabilityManaging diverse skill levels in the classroomStorytelling and practical application methods Program Length and Structure Comparison of certificate programs vs. associate degreesBenefits of two-year programs for comprehensive learningIntegration of on-the-job training and apprenticeshipsRealistic expectations for different program lengths Hands-On Learning Importance of repetition and practical experienceManaging consumable materials and budget constraintsReal-world equipment exposure vs. lab simulationsPeer mentoring and collaborative learning approaches Student Readiness and Expectations Managing diverse student backgrounds and skill levelsRealistic employer expectations for graduatesThe value of combining school with field experiencePersonal responsibility in education and continuous learning Industry Connections Importance of school-contractor partnershipsField trip opportunities and manufacturer relationshipsBridging the gap between classroom and real-world applicationThe role of apprenticeships in comprehensive training 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 7th 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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    43 m
  • Split-Phase vs. 3-Phase - Short #253

    Split-Phase vs. 3-Phase - Short #253
    Aug 19 2025

    In this short podcast episode, Bryan breaks down the differences between split-phase and 3-phase power in HVAC systems. Split-phase is a form of single-phase power, and it's common in residential HVAC. Three-phase power is more common in commercial and industrial applications.

    Single-phase power uses only one of the three phases of power produced by the power company. When there is a neutral and two sides of 120V power, that is split-phase power. Transformers on power poles for residential service only have one line going into them (and only one sine wave). That power gets stepped down to ~240V. Most household appliances and electronics we use are rated for 120V or 240V power.

    However, we use split-phase power by tapping the center of the transformer secondary; there are two 120V halves. We can see the "differences" between split-phase and single-phase power with an oscilloscope. These halves may look like two different sine waves if we use neutral as a reference, but an oscilloscope will only show one 240V sine wave from leg to leg (without neutral). Therefore, split-phase power really is just single-phase power with a center reference point, and split-phase power doesn't matter to the HVAC unit.

    We get three-phase power when all three phases of power come in from the utility, not just one. Each individual phase is 120V, and all three can make up 208V power because the phases are 120 degrees out of phase.

    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 7th Annual HVACR Training Symposium at https://hvacrschool.com/symposium.

    Subscribe to our podcast on your iPhone or Android.

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    Check out our handy calculators here or on the HVAC School Mobile App for Apple and Android
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    12 m
  • IAQ for the HVAC Technician w/ Brynn Cooksey

    IAQ for the HVAC Technician w/ Brynn Cooksey
    Aug 14 2025
    In this episode from the 6th Annual HVACR Training Symposium, Brynn Cooksey, a home performance contractor from Michigan and technical training business owner, reveals how indoor air quality (IAQ) testing transformed his contracting business from a commodity service into a profitable specialty. Cooksey shares his proven methodology for turning IAQ into an "instant profit center" by implementing systematic testing on every service call. Cooksey opens with a striking reality check: according to the EPA, Americans spend 90% of their time indoors, yet indoor air quality is 2-5 times worse than outdoor air. This presents a massive opportunity for HVAC contractors, as he explains that consumers are already spending $10 billion annually on air quality products at big box stores - but they're treating symptoms rather than addressing root causes. His approach involves educating contractors on how to position themselves as the solution providers rather than letting customers self-diagnose with retail products. The presentation dives deep into six critical IAQ parameters that every contractor should measure: particles (especially dangerous PM 2.5), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, humidity, and temperature. Cooksey emphasizes his "test in, implement solution, test out" methodology, demonstrating how this systematic approach not only ensures customer satisfaction but also provides concrete proof of value delivered. He shares real-world examples, including a dramatic case where routine IAQ testing during a water heater service call revealed a cracked heat exchanger that could have been life-threatening. The episode concludes with extensive coverage of ventilation strategies, which Cooksey calls the "silver bullet" for IAQ improvement. He walks through the differences between supply-only, exhaust-only, and balanced ventilation systems, strongly advocating for Energy Recovery Ventilators (ERVs) as the optimal solution. His practical approach includes using DOE's free REDCalc tool for proper ventilation sizing and emphasizes the importance of controlled ventilation over relying on natural air leakage - debunking the myth that "houses need to breathe." Topics Covered The IAQ Business Case: How testing indoor air quality on every service call creates new revenue streams and differentiates contractors in a commoditized marketSix Critical IAQ Parameters: Detailed explanation of particles (PM 2.5), VOCs, carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, humidity, and temperature - what they are, how to measure them, and health impactsSystematic Testing Methodology: The "test in, implement solution, test out" approach that provides measurable results and customer proof of valueParticle Control Strategies: Source control, enhanced filtration (MERV 13-16), duct cleaning benefits, and duct sealing with Aeroseal technologyChemical and VOC Management: Understanding formaldehyde and benzene sources, proper storage techniques, and why PCO devices aren't recommendedCarbon Monoxide Detection: The life-saving importance of testing every home, understanding chronic vs. acute exposure, and why standard CO detectors aren't sufficientVentilation as the Silver Bullet: Comprehensive coverage of supply-only, exhaust-only, and balanced ventilation strategies, with strong emphasis on ERV systemsPractical Implementation Tools: Using DOE's REDCalc tool for ventilation sizing, integrating IAQ testing into service calls, and customer communication strategiesReal-World Case Studies: Multiple examples of IAQ testing uncovering dangerous conditions, from cracked heat exchangers to improper combustion appliance installationBuilding Science Integration: How IAQ testing leads to broader building performance improvements, including duct sealing, insulation, and equipment sizing corrections 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 7th 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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    55 m
  • Bi-metal & Magnetic Switches - Short #252

    Bi-metal & Magnetic Switches - Short #252
    Aug 12 2025

    In this short podcast episode, Bryan covers some basics on bi-metal and magnetic switches.

    Bi-metal switches are made of two dissimilar metals that are bonded together and are often integrated into motors. When the temperature changes, the metals bend. In an overload circuit, they're designed to bend and open the circuit in an overheat condition. Mercury thermostats also use these; they have a bulb attached to a bi-metallic coil, which causes it to wind or unwind when heated or cooled. Fan limit switches also use bi-metallic coils. Bi-metallic discs also exist, and they snap open to make or break a circuit.

    Bi-metallic switches have a time delay and often auto-reset (with exceptions like rollout switches on furnaces), which is advantageous in some applications. However, they're also affected by the ambient temperature and are more likely to trip in warm weather and less likely to trip in cold weather. Nuisance trips are more common than in magnetic switches, and they may weld themselves shut and fail closed (though failing open is relatively common as well).

    Magnetic switches are usually more external to the equipment or parts they're protecting (such as in the contactor or starter assembly instead of inside a motor itself). These switches are also more instantaneous and are better for mission-critical applications. These also respond to amperage and aren't affected by ambient temperature. They're more likely to fail open than closed.

    Compared to bi-metallic technology, magnetic switches trip faster and are better for sudden issues rather than long-term operational overheating. In many cases, we use both of them to get the benefits of each.

    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 7th 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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    12 m
  • Fan Law 2 for Techs w/ Adam Mufich

    Fan Law 2 for Techs w/ Adam Mufich
    Aug 7 2025
    In this educational session, Adam from National Comfort Institute (NCI) delivers a comprehensive deep dive into Fan Law 2 and its practical applications for residential HVAC systems at the 6th Annual HVACR Training Symposium. Adam begins by establishing the fundamental concepts of CFM (cubic feet per minute) and static pressure, explaining how these measurements relate to system performance. He shares a humbling personal story about learning to measure gas pressure from a homeowner, emphasizing that even experienced technicians can benefit from understanding basic measurement principles. The presentation focuses heavily on Fan Law 2, which allows technicians to predict how changes in airflow will affect static pressure in a non-proportional relationship - a critical concept for equipment sizing and replacement decisions. The core of the presentation revolves around practical applications of Fan Law 2 in real-world scenarios. Adam demonstrates how to calculate pressure drops across filters, evaporator coils, and entire duct systems when airflow changes occur. He emphasizes that static pressure increases exponentially when airflow increases, which explains why oversized systems often perform poorly. Through detailed examples using actual field measurements, he shows how a 16% increase in airflow can result in a 33% increase in static pressure, highlighting the importance of proper system sizing. Perhaps most importantly, Adam presents a systematic approach to equipment selection that goes beyond simply matching tonnage. He demonstrates how contractors can "back into" total external static pressure calculations by carefully selecting low-pressure-drop components like evaporator coils and filters. This methodology allows technicians to predict system performance before installation, preventing the common scenario where new equipment sounds "like a rocket ship" due to excessive static pressure. The presentation concludes with a compelling comparison showing how proper component selection can reduce system static pressure from over 1.0 inches to 0.64 inches while maintaining the same capacity and airflow. Topics Covered Static Pressure Fundamentals Definition and measurement using manometersInches of water column explainedRelationship between static pressure and system performance Fan Law 2 Mathematics Breaking down the intimidating formula into simple termsStep-by-step calculation examplesCommon mistakes when squaring numbers in calculations Practical Applications Filter pressure drop calculations at different airflowsEvaporator coil pressure drop analysisTotal External Static Pressure (TESP) predictionsDuct system pressure calculations Equipment Selection Strategy How to select evaporator coils based on pressure drop ratingsFilter sizing for optimal pressure dropUsing manufacturer data sheets effectivelyAHRI matchup considerations beyond just capacity Real-World Problem Solving Preventing "rocket ship" installationsRetrofitting existing systems with proper calculationsDownsizing benefits for static pressure reductionSystem commissioning and performance verification Professional Development Moving beyond equipment replacement guessworkUsing measurement tools like True Flow GridUnderstanding manufacturer specificationsElevating installation quality through proper system design 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 7th 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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    45 m
  • Understanding Voltage Drop - Short #251

    Understanding Voltage Drop - Short #251
    Aug 5 2025

    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 happens across loads (like contactor coils). Voltage drop across loads is usually designed, but voltage drop across conductors is usually undesigned and undesirable.

    Several factors contribute to conductor resistance. Length is a major one; long runs of wire introduce more resistance to the circuit than shorter runs. Size/gauge also matters; smaller-gauge wire has more resistance than larger-gauge wire. Copper is the most common material for wiring, but we use other materials (including steel or aluminum), and those have different resistance values. Temperature also affects resistance, as they both increase and decrease as the other one does.

    When we measure voltage drop, we want to make sure we're doing it under load, NOT on startup. Voltage drops that happen on startup can be mitigated with more suitable infrastructure (including larger wires) or soft starts.

    Undersized conductors don't have sufficient cross-sectional area for the applied load. To avoid voltage drop due to undersized conductors, we should size conductors based on minimum circuit ampacity (MCA), not breaker size (MOCP). Poor connections can also cause resistance to jump, which reduces voltage; we need to pay attention to the connection design (including torque specs and proper lugging) to avoid making mistakes. Long wires don't cause overheating by themselves, but they still contribute to voltage drop and cause reduced performance (including drawing higher current on startup).

    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 7th 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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    17 m