Taking the Temperature on HVACR

In this episode of Taking the Temperature of HVAC, Jamie Kitchen sits down with John and Jorg to unpack the real-world differences between TXVs (thermal expansion valves) and EEVs (electronic/electric expansion valves) in commercial refrigeration and air conditioning. They break down how each valve controls superheat, the balance of forces inside a TXV, and why concepts like pump down, minimum sta...

Oversizing HVAC and refrigeration equipment might seem like the “safe” choice—but it can quietly destroy efficiency, product quality, and component life. In this episode of Taking the Temperature of HVACR, Jamie Kitchen, John Broughton, and Jörg Saar discuss how to properly size compressors, evaporators, condensers, valves, and piping; what really happens when systems are too big or too small; and...

In this episode of Taking the Temperature of HVACR, Jamie Kitchen is joined by John Broughton and Jorg Saar to break down the essentials of cold rooms, walk-in boxes, and refrigeration design, covering everything from the difference between holding and blast freezing, to airflow, evaporator placement, refrigerant choices, safety considerations, defrost strategies, and practical installation challe...

In this episode of Taking the Temperature of HVAC, Jamie Kitchen sits down with John Broughton and Jorg Saar to explore the fascinating history of refrigerants—from harvested ice, water, ammonia, and CO2 to CFCs, HCFCs, HFCs, and today’s low-GWP alternatives. The conversation traces how refrigeration evolved from ice houses and early evaporative cooling to mechanical systems in homes, factories, s...

In this episode of Taking the Temperature of HVACR, host Jamie Kitchen joins Jorg and John to discuss how supermarkets can reclaim “waste heat” from their refrigeration systems to tackle humidity issues (foggy glass doors, dripping condensate, slippery floors) while improving comfort and efficiency. They explain how compressor heat can be reused for reheat during dehumidification, domestic hot wat...

Host Jamie Kitchen and guest Jorg Saar compare CO₂ with A2L/HFO-HFC blends and A3 options like propane (R290), explaining why CO₂ isn’t new, what transcritical operation means, and why CO₂ can excel at heat recovery (especially in supermarkets). They also cover the tradeoffs—high pressures and added complexity for CO₂ versus flammability considerations for A2Ls/hydrocarbons—concluding there’s no o...

In this episode of Taking the Temperature on HVAC/R, host Jamie Kitchen talks with Jason Kollman (Danfoss Turbocor®) about what makes oil-free, magnetic-bearing centrifugal compressors unique—from Turbocor’s origins to how the “computer-like” compressor design delivers high efficiency, stable performance over time, and low maintenance. They cover real-world application and commissioning considerat...

In this episode, our host, Jamie Kitchen sits down with Jorg and John to unpack the real difference between pressure controls and pressure safety devices in HVACR.  From fan cycling and pump-down controls to high-pressure cut-outs and manual resets, they share real-world stories from the field—what fails, why it fails, and how proper controls and safety can prevent expensi...

Host Jamie Kitchen welcomes product expert Christina Kjar to discuss how individual room controls are transforming the way we heat our homes and buildings. They dive into the differences between mechanical and electronic thermostatic radiator valves, the growing role of underfloor heating, and the real-world benefits of balanced, efficient systems. Discover why personalized comfort isn’t just a lu...

Host Jamie Kitchen is joined by regulars Jorg and John to unpack how HVACR changes when the system moves. From vibration, oil management, and compressor mounting to multi-temp trailers, EPRs, and face-seal serviceability, they tour trucks, buses, trains, and reefer containers (yes, how ships power them). You’ll hear diesel vs. battery drives, why hoses mean more filter-drier swaps, and practical d...

On this episode of Taking the Temperature on HVACR , host Jamie Kitchen welcomes heat exchanger expert Mark Davydov for a deep dive into one of the industry’s most essential technologies. From the surprising role of plate heat exchangers in data centers and district heating to their everyday impact in breweries and beyond, Mark shares fascinating stories, lessons learned, and practical insights. W...

In this episode of "Taking the Temperature on HVAC," Jamie, John, and Jorg explore the different types of compressors offered by Danfoss, including reciprocating, scroll, screw, and Turbocor compressors. They discuss the operational differences between these compressors, such as the pulsation in reciprocating compressors versus the smooth operation of scroll compressors, and the factors influencin...

In this episode of Taking the Temperature on HVAC, host Jamie Kitchen is joined by John Broughton and Jorg Saar to explore the critical role of pressure regulators in refrigeration systems. They discuss how condenser, evaporator, and case pressure regulators help maintain system stability across varying loads and ambient conditions, ensuring proper pressure differentials for metering devices and p...

Welcome to "Taking the Temperature on HVACR," hosted by Jamie Kitchen. In this insightful episode, Jamie is joined by regular guests, Jorg Saar and John Broughton, as they delve into the intricate relationship between temperature and pressure within refrigeration systems. The discussion covers the fundamentals of the refrigeration cycle, emphasizing how temperature differences drive heat transfer,...

While the space temperature in a refrigerated space may be used to control the refrigeration system, there is a lot more going on that we must also take control of.  The thermostat initiates a pump down cycle to control/limit refrigerant migration to protect the compressor and enable defrost to occur more rapidly.  Control over the temperature, humidity, velocity and direction of air lea...

In this episode of Taking the Temperature on HVACR, host Jamie Kitchen welcomes special guest Maiken Hansen to explore the world of hydronic balancing. They discuss how unbalanced heating systems in multi-family buildings can lead to cold tenants, noisy radiators, and high energy bills—and how dynamic balancing solutions can improve comfort, reduce complaints, and cut energy costs by up to 25%. Wh...

Join Jamie and John in this episode of Taking the Temperature on HVAC-R as they tackle noise and vibration in commercial refrigeration and air conditioning systems. Discover the causes, impacts, and practical solutions to enhance acoustic performance and system efficiency. Perfect for cooling installers looking to optimize their installations and meet customer expectations!

In this episode of Taking the Temperature on HVAC-R, Jamie, John, and Jörg take you on a deep dive into the world of pressure controls in HVAC systems. Uncover the key differences between safety and control functions, explore practical tips for optimizing system efficiency, and gain insights into real-world applications in refrigeration and beyond. 

Join host Jamie Kitchen and experts Jörg and Stefan as they dive into innovative alternatives to the conventional vapor compression cycle, examining their principles, advantages, disadvantages, and market potential. From thermoelectric and absorption cooling to emerging technologies like magnetic and thermoacoustic systems, discover the advancements that could reshape the HVAC industry.

Join Jamie Kitchen in part two of our Taking the Temperature on HVAC-R series as he explores more highlights from Chillventa 2024. This year's topic on the Danfoss booth at Chillventa was “ Shift your perspective on the cold chain ,” showcasing how solutions enhance efficiency and sustainability from farm to table. In this Episode Jamie dives into insightful conversations with Danfoss experts Jörg...

Join Jamie Kitchen as he explores the latest trends from Chillventa, the top exhibition for refrigeration technology. This year's topic on the Danfoss booth at Chillventa was “ Shift your perspective on the cold chain ,” showcasing how solutions enhance efficiency and sustainability from farm to table. Jamie speaks with Danfoss expert Anatoly on the highlights of food processing and cold storage,...

Jamie Kitchen and his guests explore the essential role of the cold chain in preserving and transporting food from farm to table. They discuss the refrigeration technology behind it, its global impact on reducing food waste, and challenges in different regions. Using examples like milk, fruits, and vegetables, they explain the importance of precise temperature and humidity control for maintaining...

Join host Jamie Kitchen and guests John Broughton and Jörg Saar as they dive into the world of heat pumps. Explore the basics, technological advancements, different types, and practical applications of heat pumps in the US and EU. Learn about installation best practices and the latest market trends in this informative and engaging discussion.

Join Jamie Kitchen, John Broughton and Jörg Saar as they explore practical steps to achieve energy savings in commercial refrigeration through decarbonization. This episode covers the benefits of using Thermostatic Expansion Valves (TXVs) over capillary tubes, the advantages of Electronic Expansion Valves (EEVs), optimal superheat adjustment, and essential maintenance tips for improving system eff...

In this episode, our new host Jamie Kitchen is joined by Gary McCreadie from HVAC Know It All, to look at how to avoid the dreaded call backs that occur under warranty. Call backs waste time and money and can take a serious toll on your reputation. So, how can you avoid them? The good news is the answers to that question are relatively easy to implement, don’t require a lot of time and aren’t exac...