In this episode of the HVAC Know It All Podcast, host Gary McCreadie welcomes Michael Richardson, better known as MC from New Zealand. Michael, who is Flexibility Services Manager at Transpower New Zealand, the national grid operator. In Part 2, they discuss smart HVAC tech, demand response, and how commercial innovations are moving into residential systems. Michael shares insights on technician training, energy-saving tools, and why adapting to new tech is key for the trade.

Michael Richardson talks about the rise of smart HVAC tech in homes, explaining how tools like demand response and connected devices can boost energy capability. He also shares why technicians need to improve new tech to stay ahead in the changing HVAC landscape.

Throughout this episode, Michael talks about how new HVAC technology is changing the trade and helping improve energy use. He says learning and adapting to these changes is key for technicians to grow and build trust with customers.

Expect to Learn:

• How smart HVAC devices are making homes more energy efficient.

• Why demand response helps reduce power use during peak times.

• How IoT and apps are giving technicians better tools for diagnostics.

• Why it's important for techs to keep learning and adapting to new systems.

• How shifting commercial tech into homes is changing the HVAC trade.

 

Episode Highlights: 

[00:35] – Introduction to the Second Part with Michael Richardson

[02:05] – Smart HVAC devices and Wi-Fi setup at home

[03:56] – What demand response is and how it works

[05:27] – Customer-Friendly Energy Saving with Smart Climate Apps

[10:00] – Heat pump innovation by Octopus Energy and others

[11:17] – Combining EV charging with heat pumps

[13:05] – New inverter heat pump with self-charging mode

[16:52] – Using apps and tools for HVAC diagnostics

[19:29] – Advice for techs to adapt and grow with new tech

[23:07] – How Smart Tools Improve Communication Between Techs and Journeymen

 

This Episode is Kindly Sponsored by:

Master: https://www.master.ca/

Cintas: https://www.cintas.com/

Supply House: https://www.supplyhouse.com/

Cool Air Products: https://www.coolairproducts.net/

Follow the Guest Michael Richardson on:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-richardson-b3058338/

Transpower New Zealand: https://www.linkedin.com/company/transpower/

Follow the Host:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gary-mccreadie-38217a77/

Website: https://www.hvacknowitall.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/HVAC-Know-It-All-2/61569643061429/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hvacknowitall1/