HVAC School - For Techs, By Techs

Latest Episodes:

Commercial HVAC Predictive Control w/ BrainBox AI Mar 17, 2022

Show notes

Blake Standen and Omar Tabba of BrainBox AI join the HVAC School podcast to talk about commercial HVAC predictive control. This conversation focuses on applying artificial intelligence to existing building systems, including the HVAC, to predict performance under certain weather and occupancy conditions. If you have controls that can predict performance and adapt, then you can maximize energy savings.

A commercial HVAC system may include air handlers, chillers, boilers, RTUs, and all sorts of energy-consuming technologies. These systems also have controls that help direct the infrastructure, and artificial intelligence can help optimize the controls, make performance predictions based on forecast data, and make those controls communicate with foreign controls from other companies (such as via BACnet).

BrainBox AI uses a cloud to collect and hold the data it needs to predict what a building will do and help control the infrastructure. Controls react to errors, and the goal of BrainBox AI is to predict errors before they happen. For example, AI can help solve short cycling under certain weather conditions. However, buildings that use pneumatics rather than digital controls and older systems may not be good candidates for AI solutions.

One of AI's challenges is that it requires multiple layers of training: you're training the controls engineers, facilities staff, AND the AI itself. Another challenge of AI is that people don't fully understand that it's not the type of automation that takes people's jobs; we can minimize those perceptions with education.

Blake, Omar, and Bryan also discuss:

Machine learning vs. artificial intelligence
Accuracy of prediction models
Virtual testing environments
Apathy as a challenge
What happens when controls go offline or are adjusted?
Tethered services
Application programming interface (API)
Controlling comfort and energy consumption vs. greenhouse gas emissions
BrainBox's global partnership with ABB

Learn more at https://www.brainboxai.com/.

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3 Phase Energy Savings w/ Falkonair Mar 16, 2022

Show notes

Chris Micallef, the CEO of Falkonair, joins Nathan Orr at AHR to discuss energy savings for three-phase equipment. They also explore some of Falkonair's controls for compressors, especially on DC inverter equipment.

Falkonair has software that allows users to control all types and brands of three-phase compressors with compatible variable frequency drives (VFDs). The software recommends the compatible VFD based on the amperage readings. Falkonair aims to bring this software to the refrigeration industry and then move on to HVAC contractors and data centers.

The control unit adjusts the compressor speed to respond to changes in refrigerant charge levels (based on discharge temperature). These controls protect the compressor and maintain efficiency, even under less than ideal operating conditions. Energy efficiency can increase by 35% with Falkonair's control units in place. You can expect longer runtimes, a reduction in short cycles, and a reduction in humidity.

If the refrigerant loss is too great, then the control can also shut down the compressor. However, it should take less time for a facility manager to notice that refrigerant loss is happening. The controls use temperature probes, so they don't cut into the refrigeration circuit.

Although VFDs are good for reducing vibrational wear and tear, we have to be aware of potential issues with harmonics. Harmonics can damage the bearings, especially on pumps that don't have oil constantly lubricating the bearings.

Chris and Nathan also discuss:

VFD sizing considerations
How Falkonair's AI works with hot gas bypass
Software commissioning
Oil return sequences on DC inverter systems
Hertz ranges and limitations per compressor type
How Falkonair's control units can exceed 35% efficiency gains

Learn more about Falkonair at https://falkonair.com/.

If you have an iPhone, subscribe to the podcast HERE, and if you have an Android phone, subscribe HERE.

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Internal Apprenticeship w/ Brynn Cooksey Mar 15, 2022

Show notes

Brynn Cooksey joined Eric Kaiser for a podcast about internal apprenticeship, its benefits, and how to make it work. Brynn is the general manager of Air Doctors Heating and Cooling LLC, a well-respected HVAC contracting company in Detroit, MI.

Air Doctors Heating and Cooling LLC has its own in-house apprenticeship program based on Department of Labor guidelines. The apprenticeship program caters to new techs out of trade school and focuses on rigorous training. There is some administrative paperwork, but there are no additional administrative expenses. The only expenses of the apprenticeship program come from training and wages. Most of the administrative work comes from recordkeeping.

Bumps in pay come with milestones, and RSES certification is available at the highest level of Brynn's program. Once techs receive their RSES CM, they become official journeymen and continue to learn more about the trade through incentivized training.

The technicians at Air Doctors seem to like the training program. The program is very structured when it comes to training, hours, and pay, so the techs like predictability. Reduced callback rates are positive effects of the apprenticeship program; Brynn's current callback rate is less than 1% (was 3% before the program was put into place).

The apprenticeship program is easy to set up with the government, and it makes companies eligible for national and local grants. Approved apprenticeship programs can also take advantage of other benefits, including labor scouting to grow the workforce.

Everything about the apprenticeship program recognition process was free. Many businesses can take advantage of these programs to grow their workforce and train promising technicians who can transform the business.

Email Brynn for more information at brynn.cooksey@airdoctorshvacservice.com

If you have an iPhone, subscribe to the podcast HERE, and if you have an Android phone, subscribe HERE.

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New Educational Options w/ Faraday Mar 13, 2022

Show notes

Alex and Nicole of Faraday join Kaleb Saleeby and Ty Branaman to talk about new educational formats and options in the HVAC industry. Alex is the founder of Faraday, and Nicole is the head of operations. Ty is a notable HVAC educator who supports Faraday and its mission.

Faraday is a free educational program that prepares apprenticeships for fieldwork, allows them to get EPA 608 certification, and helps place them in jobs with paid training. Although the program is free, there is a rigorous selection process to make sure only the most serious candidates join the program. The human aspect is very important to training, and Ty is one of the people who brings that to education programs.

HVAC training is multifaceted, and the appliances are just the beginning. Training focuses on science and math as well as craftsmanship, which isn't what a lot of people think about when they think of HVAC. Faraday focuses on bringing the abstract and artistic concepts of the trade to training. However, Faraday also acknowledges just how important skills are to a person's career and life in general.

Faraday also has live sessions with guest speakers, and these are available to current students and alumni. Lifelong learning and investment are important to Faraday, and the programs create a support system for students even after completion.

Alex, Nicole, Ty, and Kaleb also discuss:

Faraday's admissions process
Ty's contributions to education and the industry
Bringing the Masterclass format and delivery to HVAC
The ambitions, interests, and fears of young people
Costs of training
Using Discord for communication and training
Teaching life skills
Faraday's vetting, coaching, and weed-out processes
Producing coachable, well-rounded individuals

If you have an iPhone, subscribe to the podcast HERE, and if you have an Android phone, subscribe HERE.

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HVAC Social Media, AHR & AMRAD Capacitors w/ HVAC_ASH Mar 10, 2022

Show notes

Ashley (aka hvac_ash) joins the podcast to talk about how HVAC fits into social media, AHR 2022, and AmRad capacitors. Ashley works with Global the Source on the sales and distribution side of the business.

Becoming an HVAC influencer is smart, especially when there is a dedicated audience in the industry. When you gain traction online, that can branch into marketing, which helps get the word out even more. It's also a great way to make connections organically once you have traction and learn from others' industry-related content.

Ashley also has firsthand experience with the HVAC trade's obstacles for women. She believes that making groups like Women in HVACR more marketable and focusing on recruiting young women will help break those barriers down. There needs to be more effort to the recruiting process than just posting ads and job postings on social media.

Global the Source is a distributor of AmRad products, including the well-known American-made capacitors and Turbo line of start capacitors (Turbolytic) and hard start kits (TES5). The quality of the AmRad capacitors' foil and the oil has been tested widely, even on the HVAC School YouTube channel; the conclusion is that AmRad capacitors are made of high-quality materials and last longer than many others.

Ashley and Bryan also discuss:

What it means to be a master distributor
Being an HVAC influencer on Instagram
Visiting AHR as an influencer and sales professional
Strategic recruiting for underrepresented demographics
AmRad's Turbo product family
New AmRad products for failed run capacitors and stuck relays

Follow Ashley on Instagram (hvac_ash) and DM her with questions or email her at ashleyl@globalthesource.com. Learn more about Global the Source and some of the AmRad products at https://globalthesource.com/.

If you have an iPhone, subscribe to the podcast HERE, and if you have an Android phone, subscribe HERE.

Check out our handy calculators HERE.

Net Zero HVAC w/ Bill Spohn, Eric Kaiser and Kaleb Saleeby Mar 10, 2022

Show notes

Bill Spohn joins Eric Kaiser and Kaleb Saleeby at AHR 2022 to talk about his experiences designing and living in a home with NetZero HVAC.

NetZero HVAC refers to system design with tight coordination with the house to make it as efficient as possible. Some of these systems are so tight and efficient that they approach passive house standards (0.6 ACH50). Bill lives in a modular home that also generates more energy than it consumes, and it doesn't rely on natural gas.

The greatest expenses of Bill's NetZero home came from all the custom factors, as it didn't make sense to price many of the features on a square-foot basis. The heating and cooling system is also unique, as it is completely separate from the ventilation system, which is a Build Equinox CERV. On the IAQ side, the CERV monitors outdoor temperature and humidity, indoor CO2, and indoor VOCs. Bill also has a HAVEN central air monitor inside the CERV system as a backup.

Bill's HVAC system is an air-source heat pump that provides two tons of heating and cooling and has low-temperature capabilities. The two-ton unit works for a 4400-square-foot home.

Bill, Eric, and Kaleb also discuss:

Energy independence
Controlling radiant heat gains and window construction
Construction and material fabrication
Monitoring energy usage
Energy recovery ventilation (ERVs)
Thermal bridging at work in Bill's walls
Knowledgeable customers
Jim Bergmann's help with troubleshooting
Radon issues
Bill's podcast
Solar inverters
Measuring tool accuracy

You can learn more by listening to Bill's podcast, Building HVAC Science. You can subscribe to the podcast on any podcast app of your choice or get an overview at https://buildinghvacscience.libsyn.com/.

You can also check out Bill's blog at https://spohnhome.com/.

If you have an iPhone, subscribe to the podcast HERE, and if you have an Android phone, subscribe HERE.

Check out our handy calculators HERE.

Data Logging w/ Collin Olson and Eric Kaiser Mar 09, 2022

Show notes

Collin Olson, the staff physicist of The Energy Conservatory (TEC), joins Eric Kaiser at AHR 2022 to talk a bit about data logging.

Data logging refers to the act of using sensors to record data over time and then analyzing that data. TEC dipped its toes into data logging with the APT and then TECLOG. Data logging allows us to take and store multiple readings as well as extrapolate data into graphs, making it easier to analyze performance. The TECLOG4 software is the most up-to-date version.

TECLOG is a simple software to use with basic training. The understanding of building science continues over a lifetime, but the actual software can be learned in approximately 30 minutes. TECLOG is free with TEC's hardware, such as the DG-1000. To get started, all you need is a precision manometer and a computer.

However, it's worth nothing that the DG-1000 stores a lot of data, meaning that you can launch data logging sessions on the gauge without your computer.

Some of the most important measurements are related to drafts and backdrafting. There are 250 Pascals in an inch of water column, and the DG-1000 can pick up very small changes in the Pascals and can indicate when depressurization happens and when it poses a risk. Improperly installed vents can also produce alarming drafting conditions due to air density; data logging can pick up that sort of information.

Collin and Eric also discuss:

The history of TEC's APT
Wind and its effect on building pressures
Event markers and hotkeys
The link between depressurization, flue gases, and weather conditions
Managing multiple blower doors at a time

Check out TEC's software, including TECLOG4, at https://energyconservatory.com/downloads/.

If you have an iPhone, subscribe to the podcast HERE, and if you have an Android phone, subscribe HERE.

Check out our handy calculators HERE.

Unique K-12 HVAC Incentives, Commercial Regulation Changes and More w/ Mark Tozzi from Carrier Mar 08, 2022

Show notes

Mark Tozzi from Carrier comes on the HVAC School podcast to talk about unique HVAC incentives in K-12 schools.

When schools closed down during COVID-19 lockdowns, a new series of incentives came out for schools. Many of these incentives include access to technology, and improvements to HVACR equipment are covered under those programs.

Schools can benefit from geography-tailored solutions, including air-cooled chillers in the Southeast and products meant to improve IAQ, including filtration upgrades and dehumidification strategies.

To provide valuable solutions to schools, HVACR professionals and manufacturers need to get involved in local conversations, such as on school boards or at the district level. The incentive is quite broad, and it provides schools AND HVACR professionals with many opportunities. The funds need to be spent by 2023, so we can focus on doing business with schools this year.

However, as we seize these opportunities to help our communities, we also need to make sure that we have the labor, training, and ambassadorship to make these initiatives successful. As an industry, we need to focus on recruitment and training to stimulate interest in the industry. Not to mention, as equipment advances, technicians need to be able to catch up with newer technology.

The COVID-19 pandemic has put our industry into the spotlight, and people are paying more attention to their air quality and our work than ever before. Through community opportunities, recruitment, and education, we can hope to improve our industry.

Mark and Bryan also discuss:

OptiClean air scrubbers
Buy boards
How the HVAC industry might appeal to younger generations
When are HVAC contractors seen as valuable to the general public?

Learn more at carrier.com.

If you have an iPhone, subscribe to the podcast HERE, and if you have an Android phone, subscribe HERE.

Check out our handy calculators HERE.

Changing HVAC Regulations w/ Chris Forth of Johnson Controls Mar 06, 2022

Show notes

Chris Forth, the VP of regulatory codes and environmental affairs at Johnson Controls, joins Bryan for a live podcast at AHR 2022. This time, they discuss changing HVAC regulations and what that will mean for contractors, technicians, and installers.

Johnson Controls focuses on institutional chillers, controls with digital platforms, air handlers, filtration, and alarm systems. Lately, Chris has gotten the industry ready to convert existing products and systems to high-efficiency equipment for low-GWP, A2L refrigerants.

The transition to A2L refrigerants will be different from the transition from R-22 to R-410A. We needed to change the oil type (mineral oil to POE) and make equipment for different pressures when we went from R-22 to R-410A. However, the pressure and oil needs of A2L refrigerants are very similar to R-410A; the main obstacle is dealing with mild flammability.

Every six years, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) sets minimum efficiency standards, and they determined that it's time for an upgrade. In other words, 14-SEER straight-cool A/C systems will no longer cut it in some places. In the Southeast, equipment that doesn't meet the new standards must be INSTALLED before 2023. (In other cases, the date of manufacturing is what matters.)

Now, contractors need to be sure that they can install 14-SEER units before 2023 if they order them. Otherwise, contractors may be better off ordering 15-SEER units now to ensure that they can install the equipment.

Chris and Bryan also discuss:

North vs. south efficiency ratings
AHRI match
How manufacturers will be affected by these regulations
American Innovation and Manufacturing Act (AIM Act)
The self-extinguishing properties of A2L refrigerants

Learn more about Johnson Controls at https://www.johnsoncontrols.com/.

If you have an iPhone, subscribe to the podcast HERE, and if you have an Android phone, subscribe HERE.

Check out our handy calculators HERE.

Control Over IAQ w/ Kevin Hart from Haven Mar 03, 2022

Show notes

Kevin Hart, the CEO of HAVEN, joins Kaleb Saleeby live from AHR 2022 to discuss how we can control IAQ with central air monitors and controllers. HAVEN, formerly TZOA, is an IAQ company that focuses on protecting building occupants' health by controlling air quality.

HAVEN's approach to managing IAQ starts with collecting data about the air. Without that data, we can't come up with solutions tailored to individual buildings. We need sensors to gather that data, which would traditionally mean that we'd need a decentralized system with sensors everywhere. However, HAVEN takes a centralized approach to measuring and controlling indoor air quality.

HAVEN's central air monitoring system is not an ordinary box product. Monitors constantly provide data that help HVAC professionals find points of improvement in a home and form a solid professional relationship with homeowners. The goal is to use data as a bridge to connect the homeowner and contractor as well as build trust.

One of HAVEN's new projects is to expand into remote HVAC diagnostics. The search for deviations in heating, cooling, and comfort will allow HAVEN to get more involved in the HVAC industry and communicate diagnostic help and solutions more effectively.

Kevin and Kaleb also discuss: