Did You Know?-The ESCO HVAC Podcast

In this engaging and forward-thinking episode, we sit down with Jamie Quanrud, a seasoned HVAC educator and Training Offering Leader at Resideo, to discuss how innovative training programs and industry partnerships are shaping the future of the trade.We explore:The critical need for modernizing HVAC education to address talent shortagesHow Resideo Academy is equipping students with cutting-edge tools and curriculumThe role of digital badging in showcasing skills and building career pathsWhy collaboration between manufacturers, colleges and contractors is key to successHow hands-on learning with state-of-the-art technology prepares students for real-world challengesJamie shares inspiring stories and insights for empowering the next generation of HVAC professionals. Whether you're an educator, contractor or aspiring technician, this episode is packed with valuable takeaways to elevate your impact in the industry.Learn more at academy.resideo.com. #HVAC #HVACPros #ESCO #ESCOInstitute #Resideo

In this inspiring and empowering episode, we sit down with Paige Knowles, also known as "All Trades Paige," to discuss her journey from tech school student to skilled trades advocate, author and industry trailblazer.We dive into:How Paige is breaking stereotypes and proving there’s no gender to a jobThe importance of exposing younger generations to the trades early onHow her books and content are inspiring kids and families to embrace hands-on skillsWhy collaboration, education, and advocacy are key to closing the skills gapThe evolution of her brand from "Plumber Paige" to "All Trades Paige"Paige shares her passion for the trades, her mission to empower the next generation, and her vision for a more inclusive and accessible industry. Whether you’re a parent, educator or aspiring tradesperson, this episode is packed with motivation and actionable takeaways.Learn more at plumberpaige.com. #SkilledTrades #WomenInTrades #HVAC #Plumbing #TradesEducation #ESCO #ESCOInstitute #AllTradesPaige

In this inspiring episode recorded live from the 2025 HVAC Excellence Educators Conference in Las Vegas (on St. Patrick’s Day, no less!), Clifton sits down with Louise Kellar of UEi Test Instruments for a refreshing and heartfelt conversation about finding your voice in the HVACR industry.They reflect on their own unexpected paths into the skilled trades, what it means to be driven by passion, and how identifying your niche—whether it’s airflow, test instruments, communication, or carbon monoxide safety—can turn into a lifelong purpose. From crawl space horror stories to celebrating the role of good communication, this episode is packed with wisdom, humor, and motivation for educators, technicians, and anyone navigating their HVACR journey.This conversation is a reminder that sharing what sparks you can not only elevate your career—but help elevate the entire industry.

The world of refrigerants is changing fast — and staying informed has never been more important. In this episode of Did You Know?, Clifton welcomes back Kate Houghton from Hudson Technologies for a deep dive into what’s really going on with regulations, refrigerant supply, and why reclaiming matters more than ever.From debunking the rumor mill on R-410A and R-22 rollbacks to clarifying what the AIM Act and Subsection H do (and don’t) mean, this conversation cuts through the confusion. Kate and Clifton unpack why every technician plays a critical role in the future of HVAC service gas and how a lack of recovery today could cost you — and your customers — big tomorrow.Plus, hear how states like California and New York are leading the charge on reclaimed refrigerant requirements, and what it means for your installs, service work, and compliance.This episode delivers timely insights, practical takeaways, and a call to action to help you stay ahead in the changing HVACR landscape!

In this episode of Did You Know? The ESCO HVAC Podcast, Clifton sits down with Dean Groff, Sales & Service Manager at Danfoss, to unpack the rapid rise of CO₂ as a leading refrigerant in the commercial refrigeration and HVACR space. From the regulatory push behind low-GWP technologies to the real-world performance of CO₂ in grocery and retail environments, Clifton and Dean explore what contractors, engineers, and educators need to know to stay ahead.They discuss the technical challenges, training gaps, and equipment innovations shaping the transition—along with practical tips for educators and technicians preparing for this next phase. Plus, hear how heat recovery, smart controls, and Danfoss's mobile CO₂ training units are helping bridge the knowledge gap.HVACR educators, technicians, and decision-makers—this episode dives into why CO₂ isn't just coming, it's already reshaping the industry.

In this episode of Did You Know? The ESCO HVAC Podcast, Clifton chats with Rob from General Plumbing Supply about one of the most overlooked but essential practices in the HVACR industry: commissioning.Rob shares how skipping proper system commissioning is like bringing a newborn into the world without a health check. From relatable analogies to hands-on best practices, this episode unpacks how proper commissioning protects equipment, improves performance, and simplifies future service calls.They also discuss the evolving toolsets that make commissioning easier than ever, the value of training for both new and seasoned techs, and how a consistent "sequence of operation" mindset can transform the way we diagnose and support HVAC systems.Whether you're a technician, trainer, or business owner, this episode is a reminder that quality starts at startup.

In this episode of Did You Know? The ESCO HVAC Podcast, Clifton chats with HVAC educator and technician Keith Haas about what it really takes to succeed in the trades beyond technical know-how. From building a personal and professional support network, to navigating work-life balance, mental health, and continuous learning, Keith shares insights from both sides of the industry—as a tech and a trainer.They explore how emotional intelligence, mentorship, and purposeful career planning can shape a more sustainable and rewarding path in HVAC. Whether you're just entering the field or looking to grow in your career, this episode is a must-listen for anyone who wants to thrive in the HVAC world.SHORT:

On this episode of Did You Know? The ESCO HVAC Podcast, Clifton sits down with Mike Hirschbock of Havtech to discuss what’s really behind many VRF system failures—and why it often comes down to skipping the basics. From dirty filters and poor brazing practices to misdiagnosed compressor issues, Mike shares real-world examples and teardown insights that reveal how preventable most problems are.They also explore how specialization is changing technician training, the importance of whole-system thinking, and how new tools and AI are reshaping service and diagnostics. Whether you're troubleshooting in the field or training the next generation, this episode offers practical guidance you can use today.

In this episode of Did You Know?, Clifton welcomes Russ King of Kwik Model 3D to break down one of HVAC’s most critical and misunderstood practices—load calculations. Together, they tackle why proper system sizing is non-negotiable, especially with today’s high-performance heat pumps and evolving building standards.From real-world pitfalls in residential construction to the game-changing potential of digital tools and 3D modeling, Russ shares insights from decades in the field, plus why training, visualization, and design-based diagnostics are the keys to the industry's future.If you’ve ever skipped a load calc or sized a system based on a hunch—this episode is your wake-up call.🔧 Topics covered include:The importance of load calcs in inverter heat pump performanceWhy guesswork leads to comfort callbacksOvercoming legacy practices in production housingHow QuickModel makes HVAC design faster, easier, and smarter#HVAC #LoadCalc #TechTraining #HeatPumps #HVACDesign #ESCO #KwikModel3D #HVACPodcast

In this episode of Did You Know? The ESCO HVAC Podcast, Clifton sits down with Rob Larson from General Plumbing Supply for a conversation recorded live at the National HVACR Education Conference.Together, they unpack what really happens on the other end of a tech support call—and why it's often less about troubleshooting and more about reassurance, perspective, and resetting your approach. Rob shares valuable insights from his decades in the field, touching on the importance of mastering sequences of operation, building technician confidence, and looking ahead, a preview of his next podcast with Clifton, where they’ll dive into the “mechanical birth” concept.If you're an HVAC technician, educator, or engineer who's ever felt stuck in the field, this episode will resonate. Packed with practical wisdom, it’s a must-listen for anyone who supports, trains, or simply gets what it means to troubleshoot under pressure.For more information on General Plumbing Supply, visit: https://www.generalplumbingsupply.net/

In this episode of the ESCO HVAC Podcast, host Clifton Beck sits down with Jason Estevez, General Manager at Seitron Americas and one of the Top 25 Most Influential HVAC Educators of 2024. Jason shares his journey from hands-on technician to award-winning trainer, offering a candid look at the real-life sacrifices, wins, and lessons that come with life on the road in HVAC education.You’ll hear:The origin story of Seitron Americas and its evolution to a customer-first manufacturer with training at its core.Why training before selling builds long-term trust — and Jason’s philosophy on training: “Be the tech they call when something goes wrong. Be the trainer they trust — the sales will come later.”Practical tips on improving classroom engagement, building credibility, and using tools as teaching instruments.Whether you’re a tech ready to take the leap into education or a contractor building an in-house training team, this conversation is packed with actionable insights and authentic perspective.Presented by Seitron Americas — creating accessible tools for every technician. Learn more at https://seitron.com/en_us/

Flammability? Mitigation zones? Pressure controls? In this grounded and practical episode, we chat with Justin Bailey, Technical Trainer at Heatcraft, about how the HVACR industry is navigating the transition to A2L refrigerants…without the panic.We discuss:Why the move to A2Ls isn’t as radical as it sounds—and what hasn’t changedHow proper pipe sizing and detection systems are key to safe, smart installsWhat mitigation really looks like in a walk-in coolerHow Heatcraft is supporting techs with dual-rated equipment and modular trainingThe value of staying curious, getting ahead of change, and educating the customerJustin shares real-world experience from the field, lessons from past transitions, and a calm, clear perspective that technicians at any stage will appreciate. If you're facing refrigerant changes with hesitation, this episode will help you breathe a little easier.For more on Heatcraft’s training and products, visit: https://www.heatcraftrpd.com

In this episode of the ESCO “Did You Know?” Podcast, we are joined by Larry Waters, founder of Electrify My Home, to explore how contractors can future-proof their businesses in the rapidly changing HVAC landscape. With over four decades in the trade, Larry shares how he transitioned from conventional HVAC installations to pioneering high-performance heat pump solutions, and built a thriving, education-first business along the way.We discuss:How to evolve your HVAC business for electrificationThe critical role of building science and load calculationsUsing DISC profiling to tailor your sales approachVirtual assessments, filtering leads, and building customer trustWhy being a solutions provider beats racing to the lowest priceHow Larry grew from 3 to 19 employees with a 45% referral rateWhether you're a contractor, educator, or just HVAC-curious, this episode offers powerful insights into what it takes to thrive in the electrification era.📚 Explore Larry’s training programs at EMHLearn.com and learn more about his electrification work at ElectrifyMyHome.com.

In this thought-provoking and practical episode, we sit down with Chris Morin — HVAC educator, Marine Corps veteran, and author of Leadership in HVAC — to explore how timeless leadership principles can elevate teams, improve communication and strengthen HVAC businesses from the inside out.We dive into:How Marine Corps values like integrity, justice and tact apply directly to the tradeWhy consistency in leadership builds trust — and how to avoid morale-killing exceptionsHow personal growth, role play and even smartphone practice can sharpen soft skillsThe critical role of "bearing" and creative problem solving in high-stakes situationsChris brings real-world stories, practical wisdom, and actionable advice from the job site to the leadership table, making this episode a must-listen for contractors, techs, and business owners alike.Tune in and take your leadership skills to the next level.Learn more at hvacproblog.com.

In this candid and empowering episode, we sit down with Christyn Mueller, Associate Director of Global Learning & Development at Johnson Controls, to explore how authenticity can transform the way we teach within the HVAC industry.We dive into:How being yourself builds trust, confidence, and stronger engagement with students The role of vulnerability, mentorship, and emotional intelligence in technical trainingWhy revisiting positive feedback can be more than just validation, it can fuel growthHow authenticity helps shape the next generation of HVAC professionalsChristyn brings thoughtful perspective and lived experience to this conversation, making it a must-listen for anyone passionate about advancing education in the skilled trades.Tune in and join the conversation!Learn more about Johnson Controls at johnsoncontrols.com.

In this episode, we sit down with Kevin Stickney to dive into the rapidly evolving world of sustainable heating and cooling in Europe. Kevin shares his insights on the growing adoption of geothermal heat pumps across the continent — what's driving it, the challenges, and what the U.S. market can learn from their success. We also explore the rise of R-290 (propane) monoblock heat pumps for residential applications, breaking down why this low-GWP refrigerant is gaining traction and what it means for the future of home energy efficiency. Whether you're an HVACR professional, policymaker, or simply curious about where heating technology is headed, this conversation is packed with practical knowledge and forward-thinking ideas you won’t want to miss.

What do you do when your HVAC team has zero training structure in place? How do you go from winging it… to winning with a solid training path? In this episode, we’re joined by the one and only Paul Rhodes from the Maintenance Mindset podcast — and he’s bringing the blueprint for building HVAC training and apprenticeship programs from the ground up! 💡 Whether you're starting with a clean slate or looking to level up your current training approach, Paul shares real-world strategies to help: ✅ Build a training path when there isn’t one ✅ Create an apprenticeship curriculum that actually sticks ✅ Balance testing and hands-on learning for every experience level ✅ Get buy-in from techs, leads, and leadership This episode is a must-watch (or listen!) for instructors, managers, and anyone passionate about growing their team the right way. So grab your notepad — or your tool belt — and get ready to rethink your approach to HVAC training.

In this exclusive conversation, Mr. Hutchinson shares the story behind his rise through the ranks, the pivotal moments that shaped his career, and his passion for advancing our industry through education. You’ll also hear how Daikin Comfort Technologies is partnering with ESCO to bring cutting-edge training and awareness to the next generation of HVACR professionals — and why that matters now more than ever. Whether you’re a technician, instructor, or industry leader, this episode is packed with insight, inspiration, and a clear vision for the future of HVACR.

Get ready to turn up the heat and the laughs at the 2025 National HVACR Education Conference! 🔥😂Join Clifton Beck and That HVAC MAC – Macario Calderon as they break down how to bring fun and fire into the HVACR classroom. 🎉 From turning wrenches to turning heads, these two are showing how edutainment – yep, education + entertainment – can spark curiosity and light up young minds. 💡💥Sure, you might not be ready to jump into a leprechaun or mariachi costume (we see you 👀), but embracing your unique style and sprinkling in some humor can be the key to unlocking student engagement. After all, not everyone fits the same mold... and that’s what makes this industry so cool (pun intended). 😎❄️Don’t miss this session – because in the world of HVACR education, laughter just might be your secret superpower. 🛠️💬🎭#HVACR #Edutainment #ClassroomFun #HVACLife #NationalHVACRConference #ThatHVACMAC #CliftonBeck #HVACInstructors #TeachWithHeart #LaughAndLearn #HVACHumor

👉 Get access to the FREE High-Performance Heat Pump Trial course here: https://bit.ly/highperformance-heatpumptrialIn this episode of Did You Know? The ESCO HVAC Podcast, host Clifton Beck sits down with Brigham Dickinson, President and Founder at Power Selling Pros, to indulge into the intersection of artificial intelligence, customer experience, and company culture in the HVAC industry.Brigham brings real-world awareness from years of coaching call center reps and technicians, explaining how AI tools are reshaping service delivery, improving call handling, and enhancing technician efficiency. But he’s clear that AI should assist, not replace the human touch. Key Takeaways:Customer Experience is Emotional – Loyalty is driven by empathy, not logic.AI as a Tool, Not a Replacement – AI supports tasks but can't replace human connection.CSRs Are Evolving – Their role now includes inside sales with value-based conversations.Train for Culture – Consistent coaching builds a culture of service excellence.Technicians Shouldn’t “Sell” – They create a comfortable environment that leads to customer buy-in.Company Culture Wins – Embracing training and AI tools boosts business performance.Noteworthy Quotes:"The machine won’t ask about my arthritis." – Brigham Dickinson"AI should enhance the customer experience, not diminish it." – Clifton Beck"People don't like to be sold to but they love to buy when they feel safe, comfortable, and heard." – Brigham Dickinson"If your AI can’t handle a ballpark price question, it needs to hand the call over fast." – Brigham Dickinson"A good job for a technician isn’t just fixing the issue, it’s earning the customer's trust and creating value." – Brigham DickinsonFOLLOW OUR GUEST BRIGHAM DICKINSON ON:LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/brigham-dickinson/Website: https://powersellingpros.com/FOLLOW OUR HOST CLIFTON BECK ON:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/🎙️clifton-beck-📽️-csme-45aa727aInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/cliftonraybeck/FOLLOW DID YOU KNOW - THE ESCO HVAC PODCAST ON:ESCO HVAC Website: https://www.escogroup.org/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/escogroup/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/escoinstitute/