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HVAC School - For Techs, By Techs

HVAC School - For Techs, By Techs

By: Bryan Orr
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 HVAC School is the ever growing online source for real training topics for technicians in the Air-conditioning, Heating and Ventilation Fields. In the podcast, we will share recorded training, tech ride alongs, share challenging diagnostic scenarios. All to help make the industry, your company, and your truck a better place to be. Career Success Economics Personal Development Personal Success
Episodes
  • The Contactor Reimagined w/ Copeland

    The Contactor Reimagined w/ Copeland
    Jul 3 2025
    In this episode of the HVAC School podcast, Bryan welcomes back Jim to discuss the groundbreaking SureSwitch contactor technology from Copeland. This isn't just another incremental improvement - it's a complete reimagining of how contactors should work in modern HVAC systems. Jim brings his expertise and even demonstrates the technology with a special cutaway camera setup, giving listeners and viewers an inside look at this innovative solution. The conversation begins with the evolution of contactors in the HVAC industry, explaining how manufacturers moved backward from heavy-duty two-pole contactors to lighter, more cost-effective one-and-a-half pole designs. While this cost reduction made sense for manufacturers, it often left technicians dealing with more frequent failures and replacements. The SureSwitch represents a leap forward, combining the reliability of traditional heavy-duty contactors with modern electronic intelligence and enhanced protection features. One of the most compelling aspects of the SureSwitch is its multi-voltage coil capability, supporting 24V, 110V, and 240V applications with a single unit. This flexibility dramatically reduces inventory requirements for contractors and service companies, allowing one contactor to handle residential HVAC, refrigeration cases, ice machines, and pool heaters. The universal application makes it particularly valuable for smaller businesses that need to stock fewer SKUs while maintaining the ability to handle diverse applications. The technical innovation behind the SureSwitch's longevity is fascinating. Using an optical sensor (described as a "little eye" in the sealed chamber), the contactor monitors for electrical arcing during contact opening and closing. The built-in microprocessor analyzes the 60Hz AC sine wave and times the contact operation to occur at the zero-crossing point, eliminating destructive arcing. This "no-arc zone" operation, combined with latching contacts that prevent chatter during brownout conditions, results in contacts that remain clean and functional even after a million cycles - five times longer than traditional contactors. Key Topics Covered · Contactor Evolution and Industry Innovation o Historical perspective on contactor design changes from heavy-duty to cost-optimized o Why the HVAC industry needed to innovate forward rather than continue cost-cutting · Multi-Voltage Flexibility o Single contactor handles 24V, 110V, and 240V coil applications o Reduces inventory requirements and simplifies contractor operations o Applications include residential HVAC, refrigeration, ice machines, and pool heaters · Arc-Free Contact Technology o Optical sensor monitoring system for detecting electrical arcing o Microprocessor-controlled timing to operate at AC sine wave zero-crossing o Five times longer contact life compared to traditional contactors · Chatter Elimination and Latching Mechanism o Internal power supply eliminates dependency on weak control voltage o Magnetic latching system prevents contact bouncing during brownout conditions o Protection against undersized control wiring and long wire runs · Sealed Contact Chamber Design o 100% sealed contact chamber prevents insect and debris contamination o Eliminates common failure modes from ants, earwigs, and lizards o Reduces need for pest control interventions · Built-in Compressor Protection Features o Brownout protection with automatic voltage monitoring (184V threshold) o Random start delay (0-90 seconds) for multiple unit installations o Short cycle timer protection working independently of thermostat timers · Installation and Compatibility Considerations o Compatible mounting holes with standard contactors o Proper crankcase heater wiring configurations o Training considerations for technicians adapting to new terminal layout · Warranty and Business Applications o 10-year warranty vs. standard 1-year contactor warranties o Good-better-best selling scenarios for contractor businesses o Applications in high-end residential and commercial installations Learn more at the SureSwitch at http://www.hvacrschool.com/SureSwitch. Have a question that you want us to answer on the podcast? Submit your questions at https://www.speakpipe.com/hvacschool. Purchase your tickets or learn more about the 6th Annual HVACR Training Symposium at https://hvacrschool.com/symposium. Subscribe to our podcast on your iPhone or Android. Subscribe to our YouTube channel. Check out our handy calculators here or on the HVAC School Mobile App for Apple and Android
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    44 mins
  • Cold Coil vs. Desiccant Dehumidification

    Cold Coil vs. Desiccant Dehumidification
    Jun 26 2025
    In this comprehensive episode of the HVAC podcast, Bryan hosts an in-depth discussion about dehumidification technologies with two industry experts: David Schurk, National Sales Manager for Innovative Air Technologies, and Nikki Krueger from Santa Fe Products. The conversation explores the fundamental differences between compression refrigeration dehumidification and solid desiccant systems, providing valuable insights for HVAC professionals dealing with moisture control challenges. David Schurk brings 44 years of industry experience and serves as an ASHRAE Life Member and Distinguished Lecturer, teaching humidity control professional development courses. His expertise focuses on solid desiccant dehumidification systems for industrial and heavy commercial applications. Nikki represents Santa Fe Products, pioneers of whole-house ventilating dehumidification technology since the mid-1990s, and discusses the growing residential and light commercial market demands driven by tighter building construction and stricter energy efficiency requirements. The discussion delves into the critical importance of understanding dewpoint versus relative humidity measurements, a fundamental concept that often confuses technicians in the field. The experts explain how the dew point remains consistent throughout a space while relative humidity can vary dramatically based on temperature differences between rooms, floors, and ceilings. This understanding is crucial for proper system design, troubleshooting, and customer education, especially as homeowners become increasingly aware of indoor air quality concerns. The conversation also addresses the intersection of building science and dehumidification technology, emphasizing that proper moisture control requires both well-designed building envelopes and appropriate mechanical systems. From residential applications dealing with tighter construction and mechanical ventilation requirements to industrial processes like lithium battery manufacturing requiring extremely low humidity levels, the experts highlight how different technologies serve specific market segments while sometimes overlapping in commercial applications. Key Topics Covered Fundamentals of moisture control Compression refrigeration dehumidificationSolid desiccant technology Market applications and demand driversBuilding envelope importance Measurement and troubleshooting Water activity levels and mold preventionTechnology boundaries Energy considerationsInstallation challenges Learn more about Santa Fe's products at https://www.santa-fe-products.com/, and learn more about David's work at https://www.dehumidifiers.com/. Both David Schurk and Nikki Krueger are active on LinkedIn, too. Have a question that you want us to answer on the podcast? Submit your questions at https://www.speakpipe.com/hvacschool. Purchase your tickets or learn more about the 6th Annual HVACR Training Symposium at https://hvacrschool.com/symposium. Subscribe to our podcast on your iPhone or Android. Subscribe to our YouTube channel. Check out our handy calculators here or on the HVAC School Mobile App for Apple and Android
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    1 hr
All stars
Most relevant  
valuable information for techs by techs right on. Perfect title for Podcast. Looking forward to applying for the scholarship. I'm interested in the apprenticeship and learning the trade.

Relevant Topics

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I've listened to a few other hvac podcasts lately and they are painful. This one is actually really really good.

Really good!

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Bryan Orr is a great instructor. He is very knowledgeable. He has experts from various parts of the industry as guests. He goes above and beyond to give back to the HVACR industry. he has helped me to become a better technician. so grateful for the content he provides.

amazing HVACR podcast

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The podcasters are easy to listen to, not hard on the ears. The HVAC & related material are always informative & applicable. I appreciate these audios.

Informative & Enjoyable

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I’m new to the trade and love the way you explain it.
Thank you so much.

Thank you.

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Great educational speakers and great industry information. Would highly recommend to anyone in HVAC industry. Also has great plugs for great industry tech.

Great educational speakers and great industry information.

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