HVAC Know It All Podcast

In this episode of the HVAC Know It All Podcast, host Gary McCreadie speaks with Jason Esteves , General Manager Americas at Seitron Americas Inc . Jason discusses the critical importance of personal carbon monoxide (CO) detection, sharing stories about real-world situations where CO monitors helped prevent dangerous exposures. He explains how personal CO detectors, designed to stay on continuousl...

In this episode of the HVAC Know It All Podcast, host Gary McCreadie talks with Jeff Ponce , Senior Product Manager at RectorSeal , about Clear Drain PVC and the science behind better condensate management. Jeff explains how traditional PVC drain lines develop clogs caused by bacteria and biofilm buildup and how Clear Drain PVC solves this with a hydrophobic surface that prevents growth. They disc...

In this episode of the HVAC Know It All Business Edition Podcast, co-hosts Gary McCreadie and Furman Haynes discuss the foundational steps of starting your own HVAC business with Robin Henry , Owner of Pinnacle Building Performance and Ian Schotanus, The HR Guy and Co-owner of The Big Picture Consulting . From forming an LLC to hiring your first employee and handling subcontractors, the conversati...

In part 2 of this episode of the HVAC Know It All Podcast, host Gary McCreadie talks with Richard Turner , owner of Modern PURAIR . They discuss the realities of duct cleaning in both residential and commercial spaces. Richard explains the challenges of cleaning systems after fires, poor construction practices, and general dust buildup over time. They discuss how better design and proper filtratio...

In this episode of the HVAC Know It All Podcast, host Gary McCreadie speaks with Richard Turner , owner of Modern PURAIR and a professional duct cleaner with experience in commercial HVAC systems and restoration work. Richard explains the importance of proper duct cleaning and how poor methods can actually make indoor air quality worse. He walks through the correct process, tools, and safety steps...

In part 2 of this episode of the HVAC Know It All Podcast, host Gary McCreadie is joined by Kyle Smith , an HVAC technician and account manager at MK Mechanical, LLC . They discuss the importance of mentorship in the trades and how creating a supportive learning environment can help new technicians thrive. Kyle shares his experience of teaching the next generation through patience and hands-on gui...

In this episode of the HVAC Know It All Business Edition Podcast, co-hosts Gary McCreadie and Furman Haynes discuss a foundational question for aspiring HVAC entrepreneurs: Why start your own business? This episode sets the tone for an ongoing series designed specifically for small business owners and those on the cusp of taking the leap into HVAC entrepreneurship. Whether you're still moonlightin...

In this episode of the HVAC Know It All Podcast, host Gary McCreadie talks with Kyle Smith , HVAC technician and account manager at MK Mechanical, LLC . Kyle shares insights about his new book "Grit, Grind, and Glory in the Trades", written to guide young people considering a future in the trades. He and Gary discuss the growing use of smart tools and predictive maintenance in HVAC, and whether th...

In part 2 of this episode of the HVAC Know It All Podcast, host Gary McCreadie continues his conversation with Jason Esteves, General Manager Americas at Seitron Americas Inc . They explore advanced concepts in combustion analysis, focusing on detecting cracked heat exchangers using oxygen changes and carbon monoxide levels. Jason explains why even a half percent shift in oxygen can signal serious...

In part 2 of this episode of the HVAC Know It All Podcast, host Gary McCreadie is joined again by Joshua Canfield , owner of Blue Box HVACR , about the value of transformational coaching in the skilled trades. They discuss how empathy, patience, and clear communication can help new technicians grow and succeed. Joshua explains why older techs often struggle to connect with younger ones and how set...

In this episode of the HVAC Know It All Podcast, host Gary McCreadie speaks with Joshua Canfield , owner of Blue Box HVACR . Together, they explore how training for new HVAC technicians has changed over the years. Josh shares his own journey from being thrown into the trade with no experience to running jobs alone within weeks. They talk about the need for a balanced training approach that combine...

In part 2 of this episode of the HVAC Know It All Podcast, host Gary McCreadie is joined again by Jim Fultz , National Technical Training Manager at Copeland and a former Emerson trainer, to explore dual fuel systems and the importance of proper equipment placement. They talk about the difference between thermal and economic balance points, and why running a heat pump and furnace at the same time...

In this episode of the HVAC Know It All Podcast, host Gary McCreadie talks with Jim Fultz , National Technical Training Manager at Copeland and a former Emerson trainer. Jim explains the concepts of thermal and economic balance points in heat pump systems, breaking down how each affects system performance and efficiency. He walks through how to calculate these balance points using real examples, s...

In this episode of the HVAC Know It All Podcast, host Gary McCreadie talks with Furman Haynes , Co-Founder of WorkHero . They discuss the challenges and rewards of starting and running a small HVAC business. Furman explains how new business owners often struggle with administrative tasks, financial management, and marketing. They talk about the importance of learning business practices while balan...

In part 2 of this episode of the HVAC Know It All Podcast, host Gary McCreadie continues his discussion with Jessica Slaughter , Marketing Manager at RLS Rapid Locking System , about the growing use of press fittings in the HVAC industry. They talk about common pushbacks like tool cost and trust in the technology, and how RLS is working to address these concerns. Jessica explains how press fitting...

In this episode of the HVAC Know It All Podcast, host Gary McCreadie sits down with Jessica Slaughter , Marketing Manager at RLS Rapid Locking System . Jessica discusses the benefits of using press fittings in HVAC and refrigeration, explaining how they provide a safer, faster, and more efficient alternative to brazing. She shares insights into common mistakes technicians make when using press fit...

In this episode of the HVAC Know It All Podcast, host Gary McCreadie talks with Kaytee Grey, VP of Fulfillment Operations at SupplyHouse , previously Head of Demand Planning. They talk about the shift from brick-and-mortar stores to online parts buying in the trades. Kaytee explains how e-commerce makes it easier and faster to find and order the right parts, helping techs get what they need with l...

In part 2 of this episode of the HVAC Know It All Podcast, host Gary McCreadie continues his conversation with Nate Adams , Co-Founder at Phantasm and Founder at Nate the House Whisperer , about electrifying homes and the benefits of heat pumps, solar, and other electric technologies. They discuss how these systems improve comfort, lower costs, and offer better reliability compared to traditional...

In this episode of the HVAC Know It All Podcast, host Gary McCreadie chats with Nate Adams , Co-Founder at Phantasm and Founder at Nate the House Whisperer . Nate explains how heat pumps provide unmatched comfort by adjusting to the home's needs and running efficiently. He talks about the importance of system sizing, load matching, and radiant temperature for better comfort and energy savings. Nat...

In this episode of the HVAC Know It All Podcast, host Gary McCreadie continues his chat with Andrew Barton , CEO of AirMatch , Arenberg , Imogen Technologies LLC , and CFM Equipment Distributors . They discuss the Laser Calc tool and how it helps techs and contractors do fast and easy load calculations, both room-by-room and block load. Andrew explains how these tools save time, improve system siz...

In this episode of the HVAC Know It All Podcast, host Gary McCreadie talks with Andrew Barton , CEO of AirMatch , Arenberg , Imogen Technologies LLC , and CFM Equipment Distributors . Andrew explains how AirMatch helps HVAC contractors build and price systems on-site using tools like Laser Calc for quick and detailed load calculations. He shares how the software helps customize equipment setups, m...

In this episode of the HVAC Know It All Podcast, host Gary McCreadie continues his discussion with John Ellis , a Product Ambassador at Dust Free, LP , an Instructor at Amana/Goodman/Dakin, and a Field Service Trainer at The New Flat Rate, Inc , on air quality, system design, and the role of UV lights in HVAC systems. In Part 02 of their talk, Gary and John explore the importance of air mixing, st...

In this episode of the HVAC Know It All Podcast, host Gary McCreadie chats with John Ellis , a Product Ambassador at Dust Free, LP , an Instructor at Amana/Goodman/Dakin, and a Field Service Trainer at The New Flat Rate, Inc . He also owns Dynamic Air Consulting. He talks about indoor air quality and its key factors. John explains how thermal comfort, humidity control, ventilation, filtration, bui...

In this episode of the HVAC Know It All Podcast, host Gary McCreadie wraps up his chat with Tyler Nelson from Sauermann Group . In Part 02 of their discussion on refrigerant leaks, sealants, and best practices in HVAC diagnostics. Diving deeper into controversial yet evolving topics, Gary and Tyler examine both the theory and field-tested realities of leak detection and system maintenance, sheddin...

In this episode of the HVAC Know It All Podcast, host Gary McCreadie talks with Tyler Nelson from Sauermann Group about the importance of early maintenance for heating systems. Tyler explains how doing checks before the cold weather hits can help prevent issues like cracked heat exchangers, saving time and stress later. They discuss how tackling maintenance during the shoulder season lets you hand...