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Learn more about Refrigeration Mentor Customized Technical Training Programs at www.refrigerationmentor.com/courses

This episode is another in our "Morning Coffee" series inside our Refrigeration Mentor Community featuring longtime refrigeration professionals Andrew Freeburg and Erik Holland. Here, we reflect on achievements from 2025 and set goals for 2026, highlighting the importance of planning and proactive goal setting. We also cover some technical topics like case wiring, defrost heaters, and electrical diagrams. Interested in joining the next Morning Coffee live? Join our FREE Refrigeration Mentor Community today.

In this episode, we cover:

-Reflecting on 2025 achievements

-Setting goals for 2026

-High pressure valve issues

-Fine-tuning system performance

-Fan speeds

-Troubleshooting electrical issues in refrigeration systems

-Wiring diagrams

-Diagnosing electrical problems

-Global electrical standards

Helpful Links & Resources:

Episode 210. Mastering Goal Setting to Skyrocket Your Professional Growth

Episode 358. Trend Graphs and CO2 System Troubleshooting with Andrew Freeburg and Erik Holland

Episode 350. Supermarket Refrigeration Tips and Tricks with Robert Ochs

Join the Refrigeration Mentor Hub here

Learn more about Refrigeration Mentor Customized Technical Training Programs at www.refrigerationmentor.com/courses

In this special episode, we feature an original song we created using AI titled "Built in the Field"' illustrating the experiences and challenges faced by refrigeration field technicians, while celebrating our hard work and dedication. Listen, add to your playlist and let us know your thoughts!

Links & Resources:

Lyric Video on Facebook

Cory Cruz "The Refrigeratin Man"

Join the Refrigeration Mentor Hub here

Learn more about Refrigeration Mentor Customized Technical Training Programs at www.refrigerationmentor.com/courses

In this special episode, we feature an original song we created using AI titled "Built In The Field"' paaying tribute to the experiences and challenges faced by refrigeration field technicians and celebrating our hard work and dedication. Listen, add to your playlist and let us know your thoughts!

Links & Resources:

Lyric Video on Facebook

Cory Cruz "The Refrigeratin Man"

Join the Refrigeration Mentor Hub here

Learn more about Refrigeration Mentor Customized Technical Training Programs at www.refrigerationmentor.com/courses

In this episode, I'm sharing ways you can bring more value to your customers, and in turn, the breakthroughs that come back in the form of new skills, job opportunities, pay raises etc. It starts with investing in professional growth and leveraging a community of fellow refrigeration professionals for support, learning and networking. I also share a couple inspiring stories of technicians who have rapidly advanced their skills through dedication and taking action on training programs.

In this episode, we discuss:

-Importance of growth and motivation

-Professional development in the trades

-Overcoming challenges

-Success stories

-Soft skills that make a big difference

-Communication skills development

-Building relationships in the refrigeration industry

-How to get more work in refrigeration

-Leadership skills

Helpful Links & Resources:

Episode 216. How to Become a Better Technician By Creating More Value

Episode 139. 7 Tips For Building Good Training And Development Habits

Join the Refrigeration Mentor Hub here

Learn more about Refrigeration Mentor Customized Technical Training Programs at www.refrigerationmentor.com/courses

This episode is about the importance of curiosity when your out on service calls to help in troubleshooting. Curiousity is a trait that will open doors to dig deeper, leverage resources, inspect things more thoroughly and get to know the complex systems we work on so much more. Here, we cover troubleshooting techniques, specifically focusing on dealing with proof failures and SLA alarms. The more you learn, the more refrigeration technicians will fast-track your careers and become confident, skilled professionals.

In this episode, we cover:

-Importance of curiosity in refrigeration

-Refrigeration training programs

-Proof failure troubleshooting example

-Advice for on-call technicians

-Investing in yourself and continuous learning

Helpful Links & Resources:

Episode 250. Service Call Stories and Troubleshooting Tips with Andrew Freeburg

Episode 333. Training and Troubleshooting Tips to Level Up Your Career

Episode 295. A Compressor Story: The Key to Faster Troubleshooting

Join the Refrigeration Mentor Hub here

Learn more about Refrigeration Mentor Customized Technical Training Programs at www.refrigerationmentor.com/courses

This episode is is on oil management for CO2 refrigeration systems, another of our "Morning Coffee" sessions with longtime refrigeration professionals Andrew Freeburg and Erik Holland. We cover the intricacies of oil separators, the role of velocity in oil management systems, the significance of net oil pressure, the impact of variable frequency drives (VFDs), and common troubleshooting techniques. Interested in joining the next Morning Coffee live? Join our FREE Refrigeration Mentor Community today.

In this episode, we cover:

-Challenges in oil management

-Components of oil management systems

-Practical tips and troubleshooting

-Oil management in compressors

-Oil sensor issues

-VFDs and compressor rotation

-Gauges and proper wiring

-Scroll compressor lockups

-Pressure differentials in oil separators

-Maintenance and efficiency in CO2 systems

-Advancements in CO2 technology

Helpful Links & Resources:

Episode 105: Oil Management w/ Philip Walker Arneg Systems

Episode 253. CO2 Experts: Designing an Oil Management System with Nabil Cook

Episode 358. Trend Graphs and CO2 System Troubleshooting with Andrew Freeburg and Erik Holland

Join the Refrigeration Mentor Hub here

Learn more about Refrigeration Mentor Customized Technical Training Programs at www.refrigerationmentor.com/courses

This episode is another of our "Morning Coffee" sessions with longtime refrigeration professionals Andrew Freeburg and Erik Holland, diving deep into trend graphs and CO2 refrigeration system troubleshooting. We cover understanding and reading trend graphs, practical tips for locating and analyzing system inefficiencies, and the procedures for fine-tuning refrigeration systems. We also discuss gas coolers, the impact of ambient temperature on system performance, and effective strategies for maintaining system stability in cold climates. Interested in joining the next Morning Coffee live? Join our FREE Refrigeration Mentor Community today.

In this episode, we cover:

-Understanding trend graphs

-Comparing graphs on E2 systems

-Trend graph analysis

-Graphing techniques on E2 systems

-Analyzing CO2 system graphs

-System fine-tuning

-Creating work and building credibility

-Advanced graph analysis and troubleshooting

-High pressure valve and bypass valve correlation

-Gas cooler and system stability

-System oscillations and expansion valves

-Gas cooler maintenance

-High pressure valve control

-Fan control strategies

-Troubleshooting fan and gas cooler issues

-Winter challenges in CO2 systems

-Heat reclaim and system efficiency

Helpful Links and Resources:

Episode 287. CO2 Experts: Using Trend Graphs to Troubleshoot CO2 Systems with Andrew Freeburg

Episode 144. Troubleshooting CO2 High Pressure Valves Using Trend Graphs with the CAREL Boss System

Episode 350. Supermarket Refrigeration Tips and Tricks with Robert Ochs

Join the Refrigeration Mentor Hub here

Learn more about Refrigeration Mentor Customized Technical Training Programs at www.refrigerationmentor.com/courses

In this episode,we're talking about how to build your professional network in the refrigeration industry - connecting with the people, community and mentors you need to know to learn and move up faster. It's not something typically taught in the trades, so this quick episode also covers overcoming resistance, what to do in a negative work environment, and how to develop the mindset necessary for growth and improvement as a refrigeration technician.

In this episode, we cover:

-Building community and networking in the trades

-Learning from experience

-Focusing on proper techniques and practices

-Developing the mindset for continuous improvement

-Finding the right mentors

-How longevity does not always equal proficiency

Helpful Links & Resources:

Episode 147: Unlocking Success: 5 Steps to Develop a Growth Mindset

Episode 342. Refrigeration Troubleshooting Stories with Andrew Freeburg

Episode 167: Why Mentors Play a Key Role in Your Refrigeration Journey with Bill Zoren Key Mechanical

Join the Refrigeration Mentor Hub here

Learn more about Refrigeration Mentor Customized Technical Training Programs at www.refrigerationmentor.com/courses

In this episode, we explain PID (Proportional-Integral-Derivative) controllers used in refrigeration systems. This will give refrigeration technicians a pragmatic understanding of PID tuning, plus a procedural checklist before making any adjustments, and lots of tips on how to optimize refrigeration system performance through proper PID tuning.

In this episode, we cover:

-PID controllers and their importance in refrigeration

-Explanation of Proportional-Integral-Derivative components

-Manufacturer settings

-Tips for fine-tuning electronic expansion valves (EEVs)

-Sensor placement

-Stable suction pressure

-PID adjustment checklist

-Steps for tuning PID settings

-Common issues caused by improper PID tuning

-Performance indicators for well-tuned systems

Helpful Links & Resources:

Episode 344. Basics of CO2 Controls - Service Calls & Troubleshooting Rack Controllers with Kevin Mullis (Part 4 of 4)

Episode 279. CO2 Experts: Superheat - Controls & Common Issues with Chris Griffiths and John Rothery

Episode 299. Basic Refrigeration 101

Join the Refrigeration Mentor Hub here

Learn more about Refrigeration Mentor Customized Technical Training Programs at www.refrigerationmentor.com/courses

In this episode, we're giving you an inside look at the Refrigeration Mentor Playbook - the methodology we use to train and elevate technicians, contractors and the refrigeration industry. The goal is to inspire fellow refrigeration professionals to reap the immense value of continuous learning, and for managers to leverage teaching and mentorship to build stronger teams. Everyday, we see students of our programs achieving business growth and greater customer satisfaction in refrigeration, because they've developed new skills and better work dynamics. That's why we do this at Refrigeration Mentor.

In this episode, we cover:

-Importance of training and mentorship

-Developing effective training programs

-Core training programs at Refrigeration Mentor

-Building customized training programs

-Understanding equipment and engineering

-Impact of effective training

-Role of safety in training

Helpful Links & Resources:

Episode 65. Motivation, Mindset and Mentorship

Episode 139. 7 Tips For Building Good Training And Development Habits

Episode 167. Why Mentors Play a Key Role in Your Refrigeration Journey with Bill Zoren Key Mechanical