In this episode of the ESCO HVAC Podcast, Clifton teams up with Joe Joe the HVAC Man to bust some long-standing myths, starting with why pressures aren't the point, and saturation temperature is what really matters.

They break down:

• Smart, non-invasive diagnostics
• The truth behind “normal” system pressures
• How to train smarter, not harder
• What support staff should actually know about HVAC
• And why gauges might be your last resort

With stories, laughs, and real-world know-how, Joe shares tools that he refined over decades. Whether you're new to the trade or a seasoned tech, this one’s full of gold.

#HVAC #ESCOInstitute #JoeJoetheHVACMan #ESCOPodcast

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.

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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 performance
• Why guesswork leads to comfort callbacks
• Overcoming legacy practices in production housing
• How 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/