The HVAC Jerks

Whatever your opinion is regarding the events around the current Coronavirus, the fact is that life as we know it has changed, at least for now.  Weather or not it goes back to "normal" is anyone's guess, but The Boys are optimistic.  Listen in as they try to make sense of it all.

The Boys get a surprise phone call from Angry Mike; who?  Yeah, that's what they said!

Dealing with the public can be difficult sometimes, as we all know.  This week The Boys recount some of the challenging customer situations they've been in, and offer ideas as to why they happen, and what to do about them.  How do you handle the hot potatoe?

Jerky Bits?  Yeah, that's what they're calling these little mini episodes.  Just enough to get you to Monday.  By the way, where does the gas go, again?

With almost every single news item today focused on the current Coronavirus threat, The Boys set out to learn what the HVAC industry can do to help.  Ron Saunders, co-founder of FreshAireUV, is this week's guest to discuss what ultraviolet lights can and can't do, and what you need to know when your customers ask. 

All bullstein aside, The Boys speak with a man that is changing the world!  Ben Schuler from Infinitum Electric has invented a truly better mousetrap in the form of an electric motor, and it's all that Rich can talk about.  Now, if only we could buy some of their company stock ….

Should everyone have a humidifier in their home, and if so, why aren't we offering them to all of our customers?  The Boys talk with Brandon Glancy, trainer with Research Products (they make AprilAire humidifiers) to get the skinny on indoor humidification.  Good guy Brandon tells us if and why we need one, and how to do it right.  Look at that, we learned something new again!

In this bonus episode The HVAC Jerks were honored to interview the beloved John White of Taco Comfort.  He's easy to find in a crowd, and he loves to be part of one; truly a man of the people.  Listen in as they find out what makes him tick.  Congrats, John, on the first 100 years!

Boy, did this one have some passion to it!  The Jerks get a little wound up as they discuss the challenges that contractors and inspectors have when dealing with each other.  We all have stories on this topic and have probably ruffled some feathers, too.  Just be sure to keep one hand on the steering wheel while you're shaking the other fist in the air and screaming!

Another great interview from the AHR Expo, this time with Danielle Putnam, former President, and Colleen Keyworth, board member of Women in HVACR.  If you haven't joined this organization yet because you thought it was a man-hating girls club, listen in and find out the truth; these women are awesome! (womeninhvacr.org)    

Against all odds, The HVAC Jerks managed to wiggle their way into the 2020 AHR Expo in Orlando and put on a show.  In this episode the boys try to paint a picture of the event for all of those who didn't attend, and why they should go to Chicago next year.

Dan and Erin are back with The Jerks for another great interview in Orlando at the AHR Expo.  There's no need for a description here, it's Dan!

The HVAC Jerks discuss today's challenges of properly sizing heating and air conditioning equipment.  With emerging building code changes, various rebate issues, and rapidly evolving technologies, sizing equipment is not as clear cut as it once was.  How do you handle it?

The HVAC Jerks worked hard this year to maneuver their way into recording live from the AHR Expo in Orlando, Florida; and, believe it or not, they did it!  Now, who got paid off, bribed, and/or drunk may be another story all together. (Hey, did Anonymous Joe..., nah!)  Not only did they get there, but their first interview was with Steve Yurek, the President and our friend Francis Dietz of AHRI!!!...

We all know that there is a concerning shortage of HVAC techs out there, right?  So, as The HVAC Jerks continue highlight the obvious, this week they speak to a couple of industry mavens who regularly discuss what is needed to avert the crisis.  Even if you don't run a service company, the solution(s) still affect you as a tech, and could improve your life! 

You've heard throughout your entire life how important it is to set goals; well, now The HVAC Jerks are going to tell you, too.  Whether career or personal, long term or short, you need to know what the plan is.  Get one!!!

The HVAC Jerks spend some quality time with Francis Dietz of AHRI, which turns out to be even more fun than they expected.  Francis has got a really interesting background which gives the boys plenty to talk about. And, by the way, you see AHRI stickers every single day; do you remember where?

There are certain times of the year that are just slow in the service world, and work is a little scarce.  To make things worse, we then tend to take jobs that we normally wouldn't, and often live to regret it.  This week The HVAC Jerks discuss the work that we shouldn't take, and why.  You know you've done it too; just think of this as group therapy for service companies!

The Boys interview the very passionate Ken Midgett, NAPHCC's Trainer of the Year, and talk about his hard-ass, old-school approach.  He and The Jerks agree that hard work, respect for others, and an understanding that a "you need to prove yourself  first"  attitude is a winning combination for success in both business and life.  Join them for a good "smack in the back of the head" reminder.

Are you too busy to make money?  It sounds like a ridiculous question, but it happens to service companies all the time.  The HVAC Jerks examine how and why this happens, what you can do about it, and why Anonymous Joe is such an antagonist to Rich's monologues.  Some of these questions even get answered!  Join the Jerky bastards and add some fun to your work day.

This week, The Boys some how manage to convince the legendary Dan Holohan to speak to them about steam heat.  Author of more than 25 books, hundreds of articles, and with thousands of techs taught throughout the years, Dan brings his great story-telling skills to our table to get our feet wet with steam.  This episode of The HVAC Jerks is a classic you won't want to miss!

In this episode The HVAC Jerks read some of the crazy stories from the field submitted by their listeners for the Midwest Tools contest.  (There are some really bizarre tales out there!)  They add a few of their own, and finish up by announcing the three winners of the high quality Midwest tool packages.

This is the final part (3) of combustion basics.  In this last section The Boys cover the particulars of oil fired units, and what makes them so different than gas units.  For all of you heat pump and gas techs out there where oil is NOT common, this will give you a leg up on your peers.  LEARN SOMETHING NEW!!! We love ya...

In part 2 of Combustion Basics the boys discuss gas related issues and get a little technical again. Be sure to send them an email at theboys@thehvacjerks.com and tell them what you liked, or didn't (if that's possible!)

It's heating season again, and most of the world (in the northern hemisphere) is burning something; LP, Natural gas, Fuel oil, cow chips, something.  So, The HVAC Jerks thought that this would be a good time to review how the whole combustion thing happens, and how to make that stuff burn properly.  You can always learn something, even if it's only Anonymous Joe's alias for this week!