Did You Know?-The ESCO HVAC Podcast

From crawling in attics as young technicians to influencing the future of the HVACR industry, the path to leadership is anything but straight. In this episode, we sit down with Jeff Bledsoe to unpack the real story behind the journey. Jeff shares how small decisions, unexpected detours, and powerful mentors helped shape his career — and how those same moments can shape yours too. This is a convers...

Join us as we sit down with Joey Henderson, better known as Joe Joe the HVAC Man, to explore the art and science of invasive diagnostics in the HVAC industry. With decades of experience and a passion for training, Joe Joe shares his expertise on how technicians can elevate their skills and improve system performance. We dive into: • The importance of understanding saturation temperatures over pres...

During this forward-thinking episode, we sit down with Winston Chi from NOSO LABS to explore how AI and technology are reshaping the HVAC industry. From solving workforce challenges to improving training and customer interactions, Winston shares his unique perspective on leveraging innovation to drive success. We discuss: • The generational gap in the HVAC workforce and its impact on the industry...

Join us as we explore Hitachi’s cutting-edge innovations with the Bosch Home Comfort team. From advanced heating and cooling capabilities to groundbreaking maintenance features, Hitachi is redefining home comfort and efficiency. We explore: • The evolution of Hitachi’s Air Home series, including the 400, 600, and 800 tiers • How FrostWash technology eliminates 99% of bacteria and simplifies mainte...

In this informative episode, we’re joined by Jamie Kitchen from Danfoss to demystify one of the most misunderstood components in HVAC systems: the expansion valve. With decades of experience in the field, Jamie and Clifton break down the fundamentals, common misconceptions and evolution of this critical component. We explore: • How expansion valves work and why they’re often misdiagnosed • The rol...

In this informative episode, we’re joined by Jamie Kitchen from Danfoss to demystify one of the most misunderstood components in HVAC systems: the expansion valve. With decades of experience in the field, Jamie and Clifton break down the fundamentals, common misconceptions and evolution of this critical component. Learn more at danfoss.com . 🎥 This Week’s Video is Brought to You By Our Amazing Sp...

In this forward-looking episode, we sit down with Collin Murphy from Famous Supply to discuss the challenges and opportunities shaping the HVAC industry in 2025. Recorded live at the Allied Air DSR Technical Training Conference, this conversation dives into the critical transitions in refrigerants, technology and training that are redefining the field. We discuss: The impact of refrigerant and tec...

In this motivational episode, we sit down with Chad Green from Hercules Industries to discuss the critical need for recruitment and education in the skilled trades. Recorded live at the Allied Air DSR Conference, this conversation highlights the challenges and opportunities facing the HVAC industry as it prepares for a generational shift. We explore: The growing technician shortage and its impact...

In this inspiring and practical episode, we sit down with Tony Mormino to explore the art of personal branding and the courage it takes to put yourself out there. From overcoming fear to leveraging social media, Tony shares his journey of building a successful brand and the lessons he’s learned along the way. We dive into: Why your personal brand is your reputation—and how to shape it The importan...

In this engaging episode, we broadcast from the 2025 Allied Air DSR Technical Training Conference to discuss the evolving HVAC landscape and the critical importance of mastering the fundamentals. From refrigerant transitions to inverter technology, we welcome Brandon Baucom to explore how proper installation and training are shaping the future of the industry. We cover: Why clean installs and foll...

In this forward-thinking episode, we sit down with James Hatfield from LiveSwitch to discuss how live video and AI are revolutionizing the way service businesses operate. We explore: How AI-powered diagnostics can pinpoint issues and recommend fixes in real time The power of remote guidance, allowing senior techs to support junior techs from anywhere Ways to streamline documentation by automatical...

In this informative and forward-looking episode, we sit down with Matt and Jason from Bosch Home Comfort Group to explore the future of commercial HVAC. We dive into: Why dual fuel technology is such a hot topic in today’s market How combining heat pumps and gas furnaces creates cost-effective, flexible solutions The role of advanced controls in switching seamlessly between fuel sources The impact...

In this enlightening and inspiring episode, we sit down with Jennifer Manzo, a passionate HVAC educator and advocate, to uncover the untold history and growing influence of women in the HVAC industry. We explore: The fascinating historical contributions of women to HVAC, from ancient times to modern innovations Pioneering figures like Alice Parker and Margaret Ingels who shaped the industry The ch...

In this insightful and timely episode, we sit down with Alex and Tom from Rewiring America, the leading nonprofit driving the electrification movement. We dive deep into the critical role of incentives and education in transforming homes, businesses and communities. We explore: The urgency of acting on federal incentives before they expire How Rewiring America’s tools and resources simplify electr...

In this thought-provoking episode, we sit down with Scott Pierson from Encompass Supply Chain Solutions to tackle two of the HVAC industry’s biggest challenges: the skilled labor shortage and fragmented supply chains. Together, we explore innovative solutions to streamline operations and empower contractors to deliver faster, more efficient service. We discuss: • The impact of labor shortages on t...

Join us as we dive into the evolving landscape of A2L refrigerant transitions and the innovative solutions impacting HVAC and refrigeration professionals. Accompanied by experts Keith Gifford and Bill Merritt from Johnson Controls, we explore how their System 550 modular control system is revolutionizing leak detection, mitigation and system management. We discuss: The role of intelligent controls...

In this engaging and forward-thinking episode, we sit down with Jamie Quanrud, a seasoned HVAC educator and Training Offering Leader at Resideo, to discuss how innovative training programs and industry partnerships are shaping the future of the trade. We explore: The critical need for modernizing HVAC education to address talent shortages How Resideo Academy is equipping students with cutting-edge...

In this inspiring and empowering episode, we sit down with Paige Knowles, also known as "All Trades Paige," to discuss her journey from tech school student to skilled trades advocate, author and industry trailblazer. We dive into: How Paige is breaking stereotypes and proving there’s no gender to a job The importance of exposing younger generations to the trades early on How her books and content...

In this inspiring episode recorded live from the 2025 HVAC Excellence Educators Conference in Las Vegas (on St. Patrick’s Day, no less!), Clifton sits down with Louise Kellar of UEi Test Instruments for a refreshing and heartfelt conversation about finding your voice in the HVACR industry. They reflect on their own unexpected paths into the skilled trades, what it means to be driven by passion, an...

The world of refrigerants is changing fast — and staying informed has never been more important. In this episode of Did You Know? , Clifton welcomes back Kate Houghton from Hudson Technologies for a deep dive into what’s really going on with regulations, refrigerant supply, and why reclaiming matters more than ever. From debunking the rumor mill on R-410A and R-22 rollbacks to clarifying what the...

In this episode of Did You Know? The ESCO HVAC Podcast, Clifton sits down with Dean Groff, Sales & Service Manager at Danfoss, to unpack the rapid rise of CO₂ as a leading refrigerant in the commercial refrigeration and HVACR space. From the regulatory push behind low-GWP technologies to the real-world performance of CO₂ in grocery and retail environments, Clifton and Dean explore what contrac...

In this episode of Did You Know? The ESCO HVAC Podcast , Clifton chats with Rob from General Plumbing Supply about one of the most overlooked but essential practices in the HVACR industry: commissioning. Rob shares how skipping proper system commissioning is like bringing a newborn into the world without a health check. From relatable analogies to hands-on best practices, this episode unpacks how...

In this episode of Did You Know? The ESCO HVAC Podcast , Clifton chats with HVAC educator and technician Keith Haas about what it really takes to succeed in the trades beyond technical know-how. From building a personal and professional support network, to navigating work-life balance, mental health, and continuous learning, Keith shares insights from both sides of the industry—as a tech and a tra...

On this episode of Did You Know? The ESCO HVAC Podcast , Clifton sits down with Mike Hirschbock of Havtech to discuss what’s really behind many VRF system failures—and why it often comes down to skipping the basics. From dirty filters and poor brazing practices to misdiagnosed compressor issues, Mike shares real-world examples and teardown insights that reveal how preventable most problems are. Th...

In this episode of Did You Know? , Clifton welcomes Russ King of Kwik Model 3D to break down one of HVAC’s most critical and misunderstood practices—load calculations. Together, they tackle why proper system sizing is non-negotiable, especially with today’s high-performance heat pumps and evolving building standards. From real-world pitfalls in residential construction to the game-changing potenti...