Make Trades Great Again

By Eric Aune, Andy MickelsonBusiness Entrepreneurship Education How To Careers

Make Trades Great Again episodes

June 23We Installed a Radiant Cooling System...You Can Too!
Andy and Eric discuss their recent project installing a Viessmann air-to-water heat pump system, exploring its performance, efficiency, and potential applications in radiant cooling and heating. They share insights on system design, energy savings, and practical considerations for HVAC professionals.
Takeaways
The Viessmann system can operate quietly and efficiently in residential settings.
Proper piping size and layout are critical for system performance.
Monitoring power consumption helps optimize system operation.
Wide delta T in radiant cooling shrinks as the system reaches steady state.
Condensation risk can be managed by controlling dew point and set points.

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Eric Aune @mechanicalhub
Andy Mickelson @mick_plumb

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30 min
June 16 The Boys Are Back Together in Montana
Eric is flying out to work with Andy on the Mickelson P&H shop!
This episode features a deep dive into radiant heating design, heat pump integration, and insulation strategies for shop construction. Hosts Eric and Andy share practical insights, calculations, and real-world examples to optimize energy efficiency and system performance.

Key Topics
Radiant slab design and insulation
Low water temperature operation and energy savings
Heat pump integration and buffer tanks
BTU load calculations and insulation impact
Climate considerations for radiant cooling and heating

Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Anticipation of Collaboration
02:43 Exploring Air to Water Heat Pumps
05:32 Designing Efficient Heating Systems
08:35 Innovations in Radiant Heating and Cooling
11:03 Understanding Dew Point and Humidity Effects
13:59 Transitioning to Electric Heating Solutions
20:30 Electricity Costs and Utility Management
23:10 Heating System Design and Efficiency
26:30 Understanding Water Temperature and Energy Consumption
29:50 Heat Pump Technology and Energy Transfer
34:29 Piping and Insulation Considerations
39:19 Feedback and Future Topics

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Eric Aune @mechanicalhub
Andy Mickelson @mick_plumb

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44 min
June 09 Eric Hates Combi-Boilers
Should we stop installing combi-boilers?
Eric and Andy discuss the pros and cons of combi-boilers, the longevity of different heating systems, and practical advice for choosing the right water heating solutions for North American homes.

Chapters
00:00 The Combi-Boiler Debate
05:20 Longevity and Efficiency of Heating Systems
10:44 Indirect Water Heaters vs. Combi-Boilers
15:49 The Importance of Proper Sizing
20:53 The Future of Combi-Boilers

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Eric Aune @mechanicalhub
Andy Mickelson @mick_plumb

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30 min
June 02 Who is Mark Wille
Hey MTGA fans, we're excited for you to meet a good friend of ours, olease give it a listen!
Mark Wille shares his journey from childhood in construction to becoming a leader in building science and education. Discover his insights on trades, education, leadership, and his innovative children's book series that aims to inspire the next generation of builders.
Key Topics
Journey from childhood in construction to industry leader
The importance of trades and vocational education
Innovative approaches to inspiring youth in construction
Building science and energy efficiency advancements
Leadership, mentorship, and community impact

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Send us your feedback or topic ideas over on our social channels!
Eric Aune @mechanicalhub
Andy Mickelson @mick_plumb

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1 hr 8 min
May 26 Trouble with Trying New Equipment
We explore the challenges and lessons learned from installing new heat pump systems, including a detailed account of a failed project. We discuss equipment selection, troubleshooting, and the realities of integrating innovative technology into residential heating and hot water systems.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to New Technologies in HVAC
02:44 Challenges with New Equipment Installations
05:21 Case Study: Air to Water Heat Pump Installation
08:00 Understanding System Limitations and Performance
10:44 The Importance of Proper Equipment Selection
13:35 Learning from Past Experiences
16:16 Customer Expectations and Communication
18:58 Technical Challenges and Support Issues
20:16 Navigating Equipment Challenges
23:11 Customer Communication and Solutions
26:14 Innovative Heating Solutions
29:49 Quality of Equipment and Manufacturing
33:19 Understanding Heat Pump Performance

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Eric Aune @mechanicalhub
Andy Mickelson @mick_plumb

Newsletter sign up: https://bit.ly/MH_email

42 min
May 19 American Tradesperson Series w/ creator John Mesenbrink
Join us as we explore the impactful work of John Mesenbrink and his innovative series on rebuilding communities after wildfires, workforce development in the trades, and the future of construction technology.
Discover how these stories highlight resilience, industry challenges, and opportunities for growth.
Key Topics:
Wildfire rebuilding process and community impact
Workforce development in the trades and education programs
Innovations in construction materials and methods
Infrastructure challenges and solutions post-disaster
Future trends in construction technology and sustainability

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Eric Aune @mechanicalhub
Andy Mickelson @mick_plumb

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37 min
May 12Giant Water Heaters Everywhere!
In this episode, Eric shares a detailed case study of a residential hot water system issue, exploring piping mistakes, system design flaws, and practical solutions for improving hot water performance in large homes.
Key topics:
Piping mistakes in residential water systems
Proper sizing and piping of indirect water heaters
Troubleshooting hot water shortages in large homes
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Weather Talk
02:42 The Hot Water Dilemma
05:30 Understanding the Boiler and Water Heater Setup
08:29 Piping Issues and Their Implications
11:18 The Design Flaw in Hot Water Systems
14:11 The Importance of Proper Sizing and Control
17:16 Conclusion and Recommendations
18:23 Water Quality and Infrastructure Issues
21:03 Tank Specifications and Concerns
24:00 Hot Water Demand and System Design
28:31 Sizing and Efficiency of Water Heating Systems
32:24 Final Thoughts and Customer Considerations

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Eric Aune @mechanicalhub
Andy Mickelson @mick_plumb

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37 min
May 05Keep it Simple Stupid
In this episode, hosts Eric and Andy share insights on using AI for writing scope descriptions, the importance of simplicity in estimates, and practical tips for effective communication in trades. They also recount personal stories from a recent vacation and discuss the impact of technology on their work.

Key Topics:
Using AI to write scope descriptions
Balancing detail and simplicity in estimates
Communicating scope of work effectively
Personal stories from vacation and work
Impact of technology on trade professions

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Send us your feedback or topic ideas over on our social channels!
Eric Aune @mechanicalhub
Andy Mickelson @mick_plumb

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38 min
April 22 Going after the work you want - Listener Write-in
Thanks to Connor for writing in with his question: How do you attract the kind of clients and work you want to do?
Do you say no to work or is it best to take anything and everything that comes along?
Text the guys your ideas & feedback!
Send us your feedback or topic ideas over on our social channels!
Eric Aune @mechanicalhub
Andy Mickelson @mick_plumb

Newsletter sign up: https://bit.ly/MH_email

30 min
April 22 Doing the work you want to do - Listener Write-in
Send us Fan Mail
Thanks to Connor for writing in with his question: How do you attract the kind of clients and work you want to do?
Do you say no to work or is it best to take anything and everything that comes along?
Send us your feedback or topic ideas over on our social channels!
Eric Aune @mechanicalhub
Andy Mickelson @mick_plumb

Newsletter sign up: https://bit.ly/MH_email

3 min

About Make Trades Great Again

From the publisher's feed

Whether you're a seasoned professional, a newcomer, or simply interested in the trades, the "Make Trades Great Again" podcast offers something for everyone. Our goal is to promote the value of…