HVAC Know It All Podcast

In this episode of the HVAC Know It All Podcast, host Gary McCreadie is joined by Julian Finbow, RSE, Service Tech Support at Swegon North America, and Principal at Finbow Inc., to discuss refrigeration defrost methods and why they are essential for system performance. Julian explains how frost forms on evaporator coils, the difference between normal frost and ice buildup, and why proper defrost timing is important. The conversation covers common defrost methods such as hot gas, electric, off cycle, and off time defrost, along with how humidity, door openings, and evaporator placement affect frost buildup. Gary and Julian also explore hot gas defrost, its benefits, its challenges, and why proper system design and operation are critical for reliable refrigeration performance.

In this conversation, Julian explains why defrost is needed in refrigeration systems and how frost forms on evaporator coils when they operate below freezing temperatures. He discusses the difference between normal frost, hoar frost, and ice buildup, and why proper defrost timing is important for good system performance. Julian and Gary explore topics such as off cycle, off time, electric, cool gas, and hot gas defrost, along with how humidity, door openings, and evaporator placement affect frost buildup. They also discuss how hot gas defrost works, its benefits and challenges, and why proper system design and defrost settings help keep refrigeration systems running efficiently.

Expect to Learn:

• Why defrost is needed in refrigeration systems and how frost forms on evaporator coils.

• The difference between hoar frost, normal frost, and ice buildup, and why it matters.

• How off cycle, off time, electric, cool gas, and hot gas defrost methods work.

• How humidity, door openings, and evaporator placement affect frost buildup and defrost needs.

• The benefits and challenges of hot gas defrost, and why proper defrost timing improves system performance.

Episode Highlights:

[00:00] - Sponsor Ad: Factory Direct Filters

[00:42] - Intro to Julian Finbow, RSE in Part 1

[02:37] - Recap of Ammonia Plant Tour & Social Media Success

[04:12] - Julian's Background & Expertise

[05:48] - Defining Defrost in Refrigeration vs. Heat Pumps

[08:02] - Normal Frost vs. Problematic Ice on Coils

[10:55] - Standard Defrost Cycles: 4 Times a Day

[16:10] - Defrost on Walk-in Coolers & Mitigation Strategies

[18:26] - 5 Main Types of Defrost Explained

[21:33] - How Hot Gas Defrost Works (Pros & Cons)

This Episode is Kindly Sponsored by:

Cintas: https://www.cintas.com/hvacknowitall

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

Factory Direct Filters: https://www.factorydirectfilters.com/

SupplyHouse: https://www.supplyhouse.com/tm Use promo code HKIA5 to get 5% off your first order at Supplyhouse!

Follow the Guest Julian Finbow, RSE on:

LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julian-finbow-rse-1048038b/

LinkedIn - Swegon North America: https://www.linkedin.com/company/swegon-north-america/

LinkedIn - Finbow Inc.: https://www.linkedin.com/company/finbow-inc/

Website - Swegon North America: http://www.swegonnorthamerica.com/ Follow the Host on:

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/

Follow the Podcast on:

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HVACKnowItAll

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6LCBJGw0EHG03rdWHxUMce

Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hvac-know-it-all-podcast/id1359253455

In this episode of the HVAC Know It All Podcast, host Gary McCreadie talks with Jamie Kitchen, an HVAC expert, Training and Account Manager at Danfoss about how metering devices control refrigerant flow in cooling and refrigeration systems. Jamie explains how simple restrictions like cap tubes and orifices work, then breaks down how an automatic expansion valve (AXV) holds a steady evaporator temperature and pressure for ice shavers and frozen drink machines. The conversation explores how thermostatic expansion valves (TXV) adapt to changing loads, how the sensing bulb and superheat spring balance each other, and internal versus external equalized valves. Gary and Jamie also discuss why a refrigerant distributor needs an external equalized valve, a service call on a stuck TXV at a restaurant rooftop unit, and how mentorship helps new technicians learn what textbooks miss.

Gary and Jamie discuss how different metering devices control refrigerant flow in cooling and refrigeration systems. Jamie explains how simple restrictions like cap tubes and orifices create a pressure drop, and how an automatic expansion valve holds a steady evaporator temperature and pressure for ice shavers and frozen drink machines. The conversation covers thermostatic expansion valves, how the sensing bulb and superheat spring work together, how superheat is adjusted, and the difference between internal and external equalized valves. They also talk about why a refrigerant distributor needs an external equalized valve, a real service call on a stuck TXV, and how sharing field knowledge and mentorship helps newer technicians.

Expect to Learn:

• How AI can help HVAC and home service businesses automate repetitive daily tasks.

• Why maintenance agreement scheduling can become a major challenge as a business grows.

• How AI tools can improve customer communication across phone, text, email, and social media.

• Why it is important to evaluate AI solutions based on ROI, integration, and long-term value.

• How business owners can use AI to save time, improve customer experience, and focus on growth.

Episode Highlights:

[00:00] - Sponsor: Factory Direct Filters ad

[00:42] - Intro to Jamie Kitchen in Part 02

[02:18] - What is an AXV & where it's used

[05:58] - How a TXV works & adjusting superheat

[07:52] - Internal vs. external equalised TXVs

[11:55] - Real service call: stuck contactor & overheated scroll compressor

[15:27] - Diagnosing a stuck TXV & getting it running

[19:07] - Filter-drier location & recommendation to replace

[21:52] - Mentorship, non-textbook fixes & closing

This Episode is Kindly Sponsored by:

Cintas: https://www.cintas.com/hvacknowitall

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

Factory Direct Filters: https://www.factorydirectfilters.com/

SupplyHouse: https://www.supplyhouse.com/tm Use promo code HKIA5 to get 5% off your first order at Supplyhouse!

Follow the Guest Jamie Kitchen on:

LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamie-kitchen/

LinkedIn - Danfoss: https://www.linkedin.com/company/danfoss/

Follow the Host on:

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

LinkedIn - HVAC Know It All Inc.: https://www.linkedin.com/company/hvac-know-it-all-inc

Website: https://www.hvacknowitall.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/HVAC-Know-It-All-2/615679643061429/

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

Follow the Podcast on:

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HVACKnowItAll

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6LCBJGw0EHG03rdWHxUMce

Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hvac-know-it-all-podcast/id1359253455

In this episode of the HVAC Know It All Podcast, host Gary McCreadie is joined by Jamie Kitchen, an HVAC expert, Training and Account Manager at Danfoss, to discuss refrigeration metering devices and how they control refrigerant flow. Jamie explains what a simple restriction is, how an orifice or piston works, and how flow is set by the size of the hole and the pressure difference across it. The conversation covers capillary tubes and why they self regulate through friction and flash gas, why cap tubes clog when a system runs hot, and why suction lines are sized larger than liquid lines. Gary and Jamie also explore how outdoor weather and humidity change the load, why pistons struggle with latent cooling, and how overcharging on a hot day can flood the compressor and destroy a scroll.

In this conversation, Jamie explains what a simple restriction is and how fixed metering devices control refrigerant flow in cooling and refrigeration systems. He discusses how an orifice or piston works, how the size of the hole and the pressure difference set the flow, and how capillary tubes self regulate through friction and flash gas. Jamie and Gary explore topics such as why cap tubes clog when a system runs hot, why suction lines are larger than liquid lines, and how oil must keep moving back to the compressor. They also discuss how outdoor weather and humidity change the load, why pistons cannot adapt to latent cooling needs, and how overcharging on a hot day can flood the compressor and wreck a scroll.

Expect to Learn:

• What a simple restriction is and how an orifice or piston controls refrigerant flow.

• How the size of the hole and the pressure difference across it set the amount of flow.

• How capillary tubes self regulate through friction and flash gas, and why they can clog when a system runs hot.

• Why suction lines are sized larger than liquid lines and how oil keeps moving back to the compressor.

• How outdoor weather and humidity change the load, and how overcharging on a hot day can flood the compressor and wreck a scroll.

Episode Highlights:

[00:00] - Sponsor Ad: Factory Direct Filters

[00:42] - Intro to Jamie Kitchen in Part 1

[02:04] - Simple Restriction (Orifice & Pressure Differential)

[02:52] - Cap Tube vs. Orifice & How Cap Tubes Self-Regulate

[06:35] - Clogged Cap Tubes: Causes (Heat & Oil Breakdown)

[09:11] - Are Cap Tubes Still Viable? (Stable Loads Like Coolers)

[12:20] - How Orifice Systems Work & Charging Challenges

[17:58] - Scroll Compressor Bearing Failure & Failure Sound

This Episode is Kindly Sponsored by:

Cintas: https://www.cintas.com/hvacknowitall

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

Factory Direct Filters: https://www.factorydirectfilters.com/

SupplyHouse: https://www.supplyhouse.com/tm Use promo code HKIA5 to get 5% off your first order at Supplyhouse!

Follow the Guest Jamie Kitchen on:

LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamie-kitchen/

LinkedIn - Danfoss: https://www.linkedin.com/company/danfoss/

Follow the Host on:

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/

Follow the Podcast on:

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HVACKnowItAll

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6LCBJGw0EHG03rdWHxUMce

Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hvac-know-it-all-podcast/id1359253455

In this episode of the HVAC Know It All Business Edition Podcast, co-hosts Gary McCreadie and Furman Haynes from WorkHero sit down with Brynn Cooksey Sr, CEM, CMS, the Founder of Air Doctors Heating & Cooling and HVAC U (Building Scientists). They explore how building science can transform an HVAC business. Drawing from his background in the utility industry, Brynn explains why many contractors focus too much on equipment and not enough on understanding the home as a complete system. The conversation covers energy audits, customer trust, home performance testing, pricing strategies, and the business advantages of moving beyond simple equipment replacements. Brynn also shares practical advice for contractors looking to differentiate themselves through diagnostics, education, and problem-solving.

Brynn is a nationally recognized educator in the HVAC industry. Before entering the HVAC business, Brynn worked in the power and utilities sector, where he gained a deep understanding of energy generation, distribution, and efficiency. Today, he is known for helping contractors adopt building science principles, home performance testing, and customer-focused solutions that improve comfort, indoor air quality, and energy efficiency.

Expect To Learn:

- The business case for offering energy audits and home performance services

- How building science can increase revenue while reducing marketing costs

- The step-by-step process behind a professional home energy audit

- Why testing and diagnostics lead to better customer outcomes than equipment-focused sales

- How contractors can gradually adopt building science without overwhelming their business

- The difference between competing on speed versus competing on quality and expertise

Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction 00:56 - The Thermostat Scheduling Debate 03:22 - Lessons from the Utility Industry 04:43 - Solving Energy, Comfort, and Indoor Air Quality Problems 05:47 - The Business Case for Building Science 08:28 - Where Contractors Should Start with Home Performance 11:14 - Why Homeowners Need More Than Equipment Quotes 13:01 - Inside a Professional Energy Audit 14:03 - Identifying Hidden Problems Before Testing Begins 18:18 - Building a Business Around Quality Instead of Speed

Follow our Guest Brynn Cooksey Sr, CEM, CMS:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/theairdoctor/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theairdoctor313/

Company LinkedIn:

Air Doctors Heating & Cooling: https://www.linkedin.com/company/airdoctorshvacservice/

HVAC U (Building Scientists): https://www.linkedin.com/company/hvac-ubuildingscientists/

Company Website:

Air Doctors Heating & Cooling: https://www.airdoctorshvacservice.com/

HVAC U (Building Scientists): https://www.hvactrain.com/

Company Instagram:

Air Doctors Heating & Cooling: https://www.instagram.com/airdoctorshvac

HVAC U (Building Scientists): https://www.instagram.com/hvac_university

Follow Gary McCreadie:

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/

Follow Furman Haynes:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/furmanhaynes/

WorkHero: https://www.linkedin.com/company/workherohvac/

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

In this episode of the HVAC Know It All Podcast, host Gary McCreadie talks with James Christian, Senior Director of Product at Podium, about how artificial intelligence is helping HVAC and home service businesses improve efficiency and customer communication. James explains how AI tools can handle repetitive tasks such as scheduling maintenance agreements, managing customer inquiries, and following up on leads, allowing business owners to focus on growth and operations. The conversation explores AI-powered customer service, communication management, social media engagement, and the importance of choosing technology that delivers real value. Gary and James also discuss AI adoption, common misconceptions, software integration, and how businesses can use AI to save time, improve customer experience, and increase revenue.

Gary and James discuss how artificial intelligence is helping HVAC and home service businesses improve efficiency, customer communication, and daily operations. James explains how AI can handle repetitive tasks such as scheduling maintenance agreements, responding to customer inquiries, following up on leads, and managing communications across multiple channels. The conversation covers AI customer service tools, membership program management, social media engagement, and the importance of choosing solutions that provide real business value. They also talk about AI adoption, software integration, vendor vetting, and how AI can help business owners save time, improve customer experience, and focus more on growing their business.

Expect to Learn:

• How AI can help HVAC and home service businesses automate repetitive daily tasks.

• Why maintenance agreement scheduling can become a major challenge as a business grows.

• How AI tools can improve customer communication across phone, text, email, and social media.

• Why it is important to evaluate AI solutions based on ROI, integration, and long-term value.

• How business owners can use AI to save time, improve customer experience, and focus on growth.

Episode Highlights:

[00:00] - Sponsor: Factory Direct Filters ad

[00:42] - Intro to James Christian in Part 02

[02:12] - How AI helps an overwhelmed business owner

[03:17] - Membership agreements: lifeblood but time-consuming

[05:00] - Podium's core services: reviews, communication, field management

[08:00] - How does Podium help with social media?

[10:05] - How to spot real AI tools vs. scams

[12:28] - Scams ($150 ghosted example) and due diligence

[15:04] - Meta shift: from software provider to technology partner

This Episode is Kindly Sponsored by:

Cintas: https://www.cintas.com/hvacknowitall

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

Factory Direct Filters: https://www.factorydirectfilters.com/

SupplyHouse: https://www.supplyhouse.com/tm Use promo code HKIA5 to get 5% off your first order at Supplyhouse!

Follow the Guest James Christian on:

LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-christian-977a28a/

LinkedIn - Podium: https://www.linkedin.com/company/podium/

Follow the Host on:

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

LinkedIn - HVAC Know It All Inc.: https://www.linkedin.com/company/hvac-know-it-all-inc

Website: https://www.hvacknowitall.com

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

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

Follow the Podcast on:

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HVACKnowItAll

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6LCBJGw0EHG03rdWHxUMce

Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hvac-know-it-all-podcast/id1359253455

In this episode of the HVAC Know It All Podcast, host Gary McCreadie is joined by James Christian, Senior Director of Product at Podium, to discuss how artificial intelligence is helping HVAC and home service businesses operate more efficiently. James explains what large language models are, how AI employees can assist with customer communication, scheduling, dispatching, and lead management, and why AI should be viewed as a tool that supports people rather than replaces them. The conversation covers AI-powered CSRs, technician scheduling, route optimization, business automation, and the growing role of AI in daily operations. Gary and James also explore how AI can reduce workload, improve customer response times, and help business owners focus on growing their companies.

In this conversation, James explains what large language models are and how artificial intelligence is being used to support HVAC and home service businesses. He discusses how AI employees can handle customer communication, scheduling, dispatching, and lead management, while helping office staff work more efficiently. James and Gary explore topics such as technician skill matching, route optimization, business automation, and the importance of using AI as a tool to support people rather than replace them. They also discuss how AI can improve response times, reduce workload, and help business owners focus on growth by automating routine tasks and improving daily operations.

Expect to Learn:

• What large language models are and how AI is being used in HVAC and home service businesses.

• How AI employees can assist with customer communication, scheduling, dispatching, and lead management.

• Why AI works best as a tool that supports office staff and business owners rather than replacing them.

• How technician skill matching, GPS data, and scheduling systems can help improve job assignment and efficiency.

• How AI can reduce workload, improve response times, and help business owners focus on growing their business.

Episode Highlights:

[00:00] - Sponsor Ad: Factory Direct Filters

[00:42] - Intro to James Christian in Part 1

[02:20] - Intro to AI in HVAC for techs & owners

[03:54] - What is an LLM? (Large Language Model)

[05:57] - AI as a virtual employee

[08:54] - Podium's evolution: reviews → AI employees

[11:35] - How AI matches techs to calls by skill level

[14:02] - AI + GPS for real-time arrival estimates

[16:11] - Gary's reaction: Terminator/Skynet joke

This Episode is Kindly Sponsored by:

Cintas: https://www.cintas.com/hvacknowitall

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

Factory Direct Filters: https://www.factorydirectfilters.com/

SupplyHouse: https://www.supplyhouse.com/tm Use promo code HKIA5 to get 5% off your first order at Supplyhouse!

Follow the Guest James Christian on:

LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-christian-977a28a/

LinkedIn - Podium: https://www.linkedin.com/company/podium/ Follow the Host on:

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/

Follow the Podcast on:

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HVACKnowItAll

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6LCBJGw0EHG03rdWHxUMce

Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hvac-know-it-all-podcast/id1359253455

In this episode of the HVAC Know It All Podcast, host Gary McCreadie talks with Keith Gipson, Founder and CEO of Facil.AI, about how artificial intelligence is changing building automation and HVAC energy management. Keith explains how his AI platform continuously analyzes building data and makes adjustments to improve efficiency in central plants and rooftop unit portfolios. The conversation explores why some traditional energy-saving strategies may not deliver the expected results and how AI can uncover better operating conditions by making thousands of optimization decisions every day. Gary and Keith also discuss autonomous control, human oversight, implementation in existing buildings, and the role AI can play in helping facility owners reduce energy consumption while maintaining comfort and system performance.

Gary and Keith discuss how AI is being used to improve HVAC and building performance through continuous optimization and automated decision-making. Keith explains how Facility AI connects to existing building automation systems, analyzes operating data, and makes adjustments every five minutes to reduce energy use. The conversation covers central plant optimization, rooftop unit performance, and why some common energy-saving strategies may actually increase costs. They also talk about autonomous AI control, human oversight, and how the technology can help facility owners save energy while improving system efficiency and comfort across large building portfolios.

Expect to Learn:

• How AI can continuously optimize central plants and building systems to reduce energy consumption.

• Why some traditional HVAC energy-saving strategies may not deliver the expected results.

• How autonomous AI systems make operating decisions while still allowing human intervention when needed.

• How Facility AI connects to existing building automation systems with minimal implementation effort.

• How building owners can improve efficiency and lower operating costs across large portfolios of facilities.

Episode Highlights:

[00:00] - Sponsor: Factory Direct Filters ad

[00:42] - Intro to Keith Gipson in Part 02

[02:20] - AI agents cost 11 cents per hour, work alongside human controls

[04:01] - Running HVAC at night saved 9% energy (drug store portfolio test)

[05:47] - 30,000 daily optimizations; Cal State saved 47–48% on average

[08:13] - Conventional wisdom (coldest condenser water) is wrong; total plant KW matters

[12:34] - Software-only install, remote setup, works with 30+ control systems

[13:57] - White-box AI logs decisions every 5 minutes, fully traceable

[17:03] - Pricing: ~$1.50–$2/month per ton of chiller capacity

[19:40] - Keith's non-salesy, deep technical approach

This Episode is Kindly Sponsored by:

Cintas: https://www.cintas.com/hvacknowitall

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

Factory Direct Filters: https://www.factorydirectfilters.com/

SupplyHouse: https://www.supplyhouse.com/tm Use promo code HKIA5 to get 5% off your first order at Supplyhouse!

Follow the Guest Keith Gipson on:

LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/keith-gipson/

LinkedIn - Facil.AI: https://www.linkedin.com/company/facil-ai/

Follow the Host on:

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

LinkedIn - HVAC Know It All Inc.: https://www.linkedin.com/company/hvac-know-it-all-inc

Website: https://www.hvacknowitall.com

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

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

Follow the Podcast on:

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HVACKnowItAll

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6LCBJGw0EHG03rdWHxUMce

Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hvac-know-it-all-podcast/id1359253455

In this episode of the HVAC Know It All Business Edition Podcast, co-hosts Gary McCreadie and Furman Haynes from WorkHero sit down with TJ O'Connor, President at Farmington Consulting Group to discuss key findings from the 2025 Contractor of the Future Report. Based on insights from over 1,000 HVAC contractors across the United States, the conversation explores what separates the industry's most profitable and forward-thinking businesses from the rest. Topics include sales strategies, marketing investments, pricing models, job costing, field service management software, and the growing role of AI in HVAC contracting.

TJ O'Connor specializes in HVAC industry research, contractor growth strategies, profitability improvement, and business operations. TJ works closely with contractors, distributors, and manufacturers to identify best practices and emerging trends shaping the future of the HVAC industry.

Expect To Learn:

- Why the most successful HVAC contractors focus as much on business operations as technical expertise.

- How offering four or more proposal options can significantly improve close rates and profitability.

- The marketing strategies top-performing contractors use to accelerate growth.

- Why many contractors are leaving profit on the table through improper pricing.

- The difference between divisor pricing and flat-rate pricing models.

- How to use job costing to improve profitability and business decision-making.

- Where AI is creating the biggest opportunities for HVAC contractors today.

Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction 00:47 - Why Most HVAC Contractors Leave Profit on the Table 02:39 - Understanding Divisor Pricing vs. Multiplier Pricing 06:07 - The Case for Flat Rate Pricing in HVAC Service 07:46 - When Flat Rate Pricing Works and When It Doesn't 09:22 - Building Accountability Through Pricing Systems 10:45 - Job Costing: Tracking True Profitability on Every Job 12:07 - Why Accurate Job Costing Data Is So Difficult to Manage 12:49 - How Contractors Are Underutilizing Their FSM Software 15:20 - AI Adoption in HVAC: Current Trends and Challenges 17:12 - Practical AI Use Cases Contractors Should Consider First 20:20 - Closing Thoughts

Follow our Guest TJ O'Connor:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tjoconnorfcg/

• Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/farmington-consulting-group/

• Company Website: https://farmingtonconsulting.net/

Follow Gary McCreadie:

• 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/

Follow Furman Haynes:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/furmanhaynes/

• WorkHero: https://www.linkedin.com/company/workherohvac/

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/workhero__/

In this episode of the HVAC Know It All Podcast, host Gary McCreadie is joined by Keith Gipson, Founder and CEO of Facil.AI and a longtime expert in controls and building automation, to discuss how artificial intelligence is changing the HVAC industry and the world around us. Keith explains what AI is, how machine learning works through pattern recognition, and why human oversight and engineering still play an important role in critical systems. The conversation covers AI in building controls, cybersecurity, automation, energy optimization, and the future of skilled trades. Gary and Keith also explore how new technologies are often met with resistance, why AI can improve efficiency and safety, and how Facil AI is helping buildings operate more effectively through autonomous optimization.

In this conversation, Keith explains what artificial intelligence is and how it is being applied in building automation, controls, and energy management. He discusses how AI uses pattern recognition, why human oversight and engineering remain important, and how machine intelligence can improve efficiency in critical systems. Keith and Gary explore topics such as cybersecurity, automation, self-driving technology, and the future impact of AI on skilled trades. They also discuss Keith's experience developing AI solutions, the role of AI in optimizing building performance, and how Facil AI is helping facilities reduce energy waste through autonomous operation.

Expect to Learn:

- What artificial intelligence is and how it uses pattern recognition to make decisions.

- How AI is being applied in building automation, controls, and energy management.

- Why human oversight, engineering, and cybersecurity remain important when using AI.

- How automation and machine intelligence may change the future of skilled trades and facility operations.

- How Facil AI helps optimize building performance and reduce energy waste through autonomous control.

Episode Highlights: [00:00] - Sponsor Ad: Factory Direct Filters [00:42] - Intro to Keith Gipson in Part 1 [02:27] - AI defined: machine intelligence vs. human control [05:43] - Keith's background: IT since 1982, Honeywell tech [10:16] - Self-driving cars are 10x safer than human drivers [12:25] - Will AI take HVAC jobs? No "human optimizer" ever existed [17:10] - Introduction to FAE AI and plant optimization [19:55] - Origin of FAE AI: 20,000 buildings, 30 techs can't scale [21:59] - Each AI bot costs 11 cents/hour to run

This Episode is Kindly Sponsored by: Cintas: https://www.cintas.com/hvacknowitall Cool Air Products: https://www.coolairproducts.net/ Factory Direct Filters: https://www.factorydirectfilters.com/ SupplyHouse: https://www.supplyhouse.com/tm Use promo code HKIA5 to get 5% off your first order at Supplyhouse!

Follow the Guest Keith Gipson on: LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/keith-gipson/ LinkedIn - Facil.AI: https://www.linkedin.com/company/facil-ai/

Follow the Host on: 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/

Follow the Podcast on: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HVACKnowItAll Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6LCBJGw0EHG03rdWHxUMce Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hvac-know-it-all-podcast/id1359

In this episode of the HVAC Know It All Podcast, host Gary McCreadie continues his conversations with Jim Fultz, National Technical Training Manager at Copeland, and Joshua Souders, Manager Product Management at Copeland, about airflow, static pressure, and modern diagnostic tools. In Part 2, they talk about how AI and smart technology are changing the HVAC industry. They explain how tools like Scout AI give technicians fast access to accurate product data, helping them find parts, check specs, and work more efficiently on site. The discussion also covers how connected equipment and predictive monitoring are starting to detect issues early and support better service decisions. Gary, Jim, and Joshua share their thoughts on whether AI could replace technicians and agree that it will only support their work, not take their place. They also talk about how homeowners may try simple fixes, but most will still rely on skilled professionals for safe and reliable service.

Gary, Jim, and Joshua discuss how AI tools and connected systems are improving efficiency for HVAC technicians. They explain how Scout AI gives quick access to compressor data, parts, and local availability, helping techs save time on the job. The conversation also covers how smart equipment and sensors can detect issues early and send alerts for possible failures. They talk about how AI may support faster diagnostics but still relies on a technician's skill to confirm problems. They finish by explaining that while some homeowners may try simple fixes, most will still depend on trained professionals for safe and reliable service.

Expect to Learn:

• How AI tools like Scout AI help technicians quickly find compressor data and correct parts.

• How using mobile apps can improve speed and efficiency while working on-site.

• How connected equipment can detect issues early and send alerts about system problems.

• Why AI is a support tool that helps guide troubleshooting, not replace technician skills.

• Most homeowners still rely on professionals, even as information and tools become easier to access.

Episode Highlights:

[00:00] - Sponsor: Factory Direct Filters ad

[00:42] - Intro to Jim Fultz and Joshua Souders in Part 02

[02:27] - Scout AI: Uses Copeland's internal documents, not the web

[04:57] - Gary's story: Finding a crankcase heater part number via app

[09:07] - Will equipment predict failures and auto-alert technicians?

[12:44] - Will homeowners use AI to DIY and skip technicians?

[15:56] - "AI is a tool, not a solution" - can't replace human senses

[19:10] - Oil change analogy (most hire pros)

This Episode is Kindly Sponsored by:

Cintas: https://www.cintas.com/hvacknowitall

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

Factory Direct Filters: https://www.factorydirectfilters.com/

SupplyHouse: https://www.supplyhouse.com/tm Use promo code HKIA5 to get 5% off your first order at Supplyhouse!

Follow the Guests Jim Fultz and Joshua Souders on:

LinkedIn - Jim Fultz: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jimdfultz/

LinkedIn - Joshua Souders: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshua-souders-902b448b/

LinkedIn - Copeland: https://www.linkedin.com/company/copeland/

Follow the Host on:

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

LinkedIn - HVAC Know It All Inc.: https://www.linkedin.com/company/hvac-know-it-all-inc

Website: https://www.hvacknowitall.com

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

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

Follow the Podcast on:

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HVACKnowItAll

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6LCBJGw0EHG03rdWHxUMce

Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hvac-know-it-all-podcast/id1359253455