HVAC School - For Techs, By Techs Podcast Por Bryan Orr arte de portada

HVAC School - For Techs, By Techs

HVAC School - For Techs, By Techs

De: Bryan Orr
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HVAC School is the ever growing online source for real training topics for technicians in the Air-conditioning, Heating and Ventilation Fields. In the podcast, we will share recorded training, tech ride alongs, share challenging diagnostic scenarios. All to help make the industry, your company, and your truck a better place to be. Desarrollo Personal Economía Exito Profesional Éxito Personal
Episodios
  • Electric Heat Talk w/ Bert

    Electric Heat Talk w/ Bert
    Feb 5 2026
    In this informative episode, host Bryan welcomes guest Bert for an in-depth discussion on the often-overlooked but critically important topic of electric heat in HVAC systems. The conversation takes listeners through both the common and uncommon issues that arise with electric heat installations, offering practical insights drawn from years of field experience. Bryan and Bert balance technical expertise with relatable storytelling, making complex electrical concepts accessible to both HVAC professionals and homeowners interested in understanding their heating systems. The discussion begins with some of the more dramatic (and rare) scenarios, including tales of objects left on heat strips during installation—from instruction manuals to spray glue cans—that have led to fires and property damage. These cautionary tales serve as memorable reminders of the importance of proper installation practices. The conversation then shifts to the far more common issues technicians encounter regularly, particularly loose electrical connections. With electric heat strips drawing substantial continuous amperage—often 20 amps per 5kW or more—poor connections can quickly lead to melted wire nuts, damaged terminal blocks, and potentially dangerous situations. Bryan and Bert emphasize that these connection problems often don't manifest until the heating season begins, making proper installation and inspection critical. Bryan and Bert also address widespread confusion around emergency heat versus auxiliary heat, explaining why emergency heat settings are largely obsolete in most modern heat pump applications. They clarify that in typical residential installations with 5-10kW heat strips, the electric backup cannot efficiently heat an entire home on its own, making the emergency heat function impractical. Instead, auxiliary heat should work in tandem with the heat pump to supplement heating during extremely cold conditions or defrost cycles. The hosts advocate for implementing lockout controls that prevent auxiliary heat from activating unless outdoor temperatures drop below 40 degrees, helping homeowners avoid unnecessarily high electricity bills while still maintaining comfort. The technical discussion extends to critical safety mechanisms, including interlocks, thermal overloads, and fusible links that prevent catastrophic failures. Bryan provides historical context on how interlock systems have evolved from high-voltage relay-based designs to modern control board logic, while warning against improper retrofitting that can create new hazards. The episode concludes with practical guidance on proper sizing, voltage considerations, airflow requirements, and the economics of electric heat versus other fuel sources. Throughout the conversation, Bryan and his guest stress that while electric heat is simple and reliable, it demands respect for proper electrical practices and thoughtful system design to ensure both safety and cost-effectiveness. Topics Covered Installation Horror Stories and Safety Hazards: Objects left on heat strips causing fires, including the infamous spray glue can incidentLoose Electrical Connections: The #1 issue with electric heat systems and why continuous high amperage makes proper connections criticalWire Sizing and Breaker Matching: Common mistakes when replacing furnaces with heat pumps and the dangers of undersized wiringEmergency Heat vs. Auxiliary Heat: Why emergency heat is largely obsolete in modern residential applications and when auxiliary heat should actually engageHeat Output Calculations: Understanding BTU production per kilowatt (3.41 BTUs per watt) and why 5-10kW strips can't heat most homes aloneLockout Controls and Outdoor Thermostats: Implementing temperature-based restrictions to prevent unnecessary auxiliary heat operation above 40°FInterlock Systems Evolution: How blower/heat strip safety interlocks have changed from relay-based to control board logicThermal Overloads and Fusible Links: The two types of safety devices that prevent overheating and fire hazardsDefrost Cycle Operation: How auxiliary heat integrates with heat pump defrost sequencesBalance Point and Dual Fuel Considerations: Economic and operational factors in choosing between electric and gas backup heatVoltage Variations and Sizing: Working with different voltage ratings (208V vs. 240V) and how they affect heat outputDiagnostic Techniques: Using Ohm's law and resistance measurements to verify heat strip operation and specificationsAirflow Requirements: Why proper air movement is critical for preventing overload trips and premature failuresElectrical Safety Practices: Avoiding dangerous shortcuts like bypassing thermal limits or using undersized relaysEnergy Efficiency and Economics: Comparing the true cost-effectiveness of electric heat versus gas and heat pump operation Have a question that you want us to answer on the podcast? Submit your questions at https://www.speakpipe.com/hvacschool. Purchase ...
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    31 m
  • Vapor Diffusion Ports, Hygric Buoyancy, and Fruit - Short #277

    Vapor Diffusion Ports, Hygric Buoyancy, and Fruit - Short #277
    Feb 3 2026

    In this short podcast episode, Bryan talks about some building science concepts, including vapor diffusion ports, hygric buoyancy, and... fruit packaging?

    Much of building science wisdom over the past couple of decades has dealt with air sealing (just seal it tighter!). However, building tightness has a darker side: more difficulty drying. When buildings can't dry, moisture accumulates and leads to rot.

    Air leaks and vapor diffusion are NOT the same thing. Vapor diffusion refers to water vapor diffusing through surfaces into the home (through the materials of walls, floors, etc.). Air moves much more water than vapor diffusion, so air leaks are a bigger problem in terms of moisture. Therefore, air barriers matter more than vapor barriers... until the air barrier battle has been won.

    Hygric buoyancy refers to moist air's lower density than dry air, so wet air rises toward the attic (and then the attic peaks). While sealed attics are excellent, moisture can accumulate at the roof deck, especially when the roofing cools at night. The condensation is worsened by using open-cell foam, as open-cell foam is air-closed but vapor-open (whereas closed-cell foam is air-closed AND vapor-closed). Drying isn't needed if you can KEEP the moisture out of closed-cell foam. Open-cell foam requires a place for vapor to go.

    Vapor diffusion ports are airtight, controlled vapor-open outlets at the highest points of sealed attics. A cap protects them from bulk water, and they consist of a membrane that blocks air but allows vapor to exit. Unlike a ridge vent, ventilation is not the goal of a vapor diffusion port; it is drying by diffusion rather than airflow and acts as a controlled pressure-relief valve for moisture. Vapor diffusion ports have been proven to be effective at drying and preventing roof rot in humid climates (but NOT ALL climates). They do not work against bulk water intrusion, in cold climates, or when used as vents. Vapor diffusion ports work like fruit packaging, which is designed to let oxygen in and CO2 out, while controlling moisture and slowing decay.

    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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    14 m
  • Gas & Combustion Safety w/ Bert

    Gas & Combustion Safety w/ Bert
    Jan 29 2026
    In this informative episode, Bryan and Bert dive deep into gas appliance safety and combustion analysis from the unique perspective of Florida HVAC technicians. While they humorously acknowledge that Florida's mild winters mean they don't work on gas furnaces daily, they make a compelling case that this actually makes their training even more critical. When technicians only encounter gas appliances occasionally, the stakes are higher—which is why they've developed rigorous protocols to ensure safety every single time. The conversation covers everything from the basics of gas leak detection to the nuances of carbon monoxide monitoring, combustion air zones, and proper venting. Bryan and Bert share real-world stories of dangerous situations they've encountered, from exploding pool heaters to improperly capped gas lines at vacation rentals. Their approach emphasizes that every gas leak is your problem when you're on site, regardless of why you were originally called out. This episode is packed with practical wisdom for both seasoned professionals working in gas-heavy markets and those who encounter these systems less frequently. Throughout the discussion, the hosts stress fundamental safety principles that apply across all markets: using your nose to detect leaks, understanding the difference between unspent gas and carbon monoxide, ensuring proper combustion air zones, and never ignoring warning signs like delayed ignition or flame rollout. They also tackle common misconceptions about equipment like flexible gas connectors, orphaned water heaters, and the real risks of cracked heat exchangers. The conversation wraps up with important reminders about company lockout/tagout procedures, the critical importance of low-level carbon monoxide detectors, and the tools every technician should carry. Bryan and Bert's candid, no-nonsense approach makes complex safety topics accessible while never losing sight of how serious the consequences can be when gas work goes wrong. Topics Covered Gas leak detection and response protocols - Why every gas leak on site becomes your responsibility, using your nose as the first line of defense, and never leaving a leak for someone else to fixCarbon monoxide safety and monitoring - Understanding CO as a combustion byproduct, the limitations of standard UL-rated detectors, and the critical importance of low-level CO monitorsCombustion air zones and depressurization - Identifying risks from sealed spaces, return air leaks, exhaust fans, and other equipment that can create dangerous negative pressureDelayed ignition and flame rollout - Recognizing warning signs, understanding causes, and why you should never ignore scorched wires or tripped rollout switchesProper gas line assembly and materials - Selecting appropriate materials for different environments, avoiding flexible connector failures, and ensuring proper sizingCombustion analysis fundamentals - Measuring CO levels in the flue, targeting air-free CO under 100 ppm, and understanding when adjustments are neededNatural draft vs. induced draft systems - Differences in safety considerations, orphaned water heaters, and the myth of oversized flue pipesVenting requirements and back drafting - Identifying improper venting, looking for evidence of back draft on water heaters, and ensuring proper flue designGas pressure testing and adjustment - When to adjust and when not to, reading data tags, and understanding that most flame problems are air-related, not gas pressureCracked heat exchangers in context - Why they're less common in warm climates, the role of proper airflow, and focusing on actual safety risks vs. edge casesTools and equipment recommendations - Combustion analyzers, personal protective CO detectors, combustible gas detectors, precision manometers, and low-level CO alarms Lockout/tagout procedures - Following company protocols, communicating clearly with customers, and balancing safety requirements with homeowner autonomy 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
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I've listened to a few other hvac podcasts lately and they are painful. This one is actually really really good.

Really good!

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Bryan Orr is a great instructor. He is very knowledgeable. He has experts from various parts of the industry as guests. He goes above and beyond to give back to the HVACR industry. he has helped me to become a better technician. so grateful for the content he provides.

amazing HVACR podcast

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valuable information for techs by techs right on. Perfect title for Podcast. Looking forward to applying for the scholarship. I'm interested in the apprenticeship and learning the trade.

Relevant Topics

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The podcasters are easy to listen to, not hard on the ears. The HVAC & related material are always informative & applicable. I appreciate these audios.

Informative & Enjoyable

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I’m new to the trade and love the way you explain it.
Thank you so much.

Thank you.

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