In this episode, we digging into the importance of ongoing training and education in the refrigeration industry, particularly as the season transitions to fall. From basic supermarket training programs to advanced concepts, there’s so much value in understanding the engineering aspects of refrigeration systems for any technicians aiming to enhance their troubleshooting skills, confidence, and career growth. This episode also includes success stories from technicians who have advanced rapidly by investing in training and taking advantage of available resources. 

In this episode, we cover:

-Training programs and success stories

-Importance of P&IDs 

-Troubleshooting techniques

-Investing in continuous learning

-Resourcefulness and problem solving

-Having checklists

-Service call dilemmas

-Efficiency in troubleshooting

-Investing in yourself

-Learning from others

-Importance of asking questions

-Future of refrigeration

Helpful Links & Resources:

Supermarket Refrigeration Tech-Talk

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

Episode 288. The Payoff of Investing Time & Money in Training with Jesse Stewart

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

In this episode, I’m sharing 7 essential service and maintenance tips for transcritical CO2 refrigeration systems. These tips will help refrigeration technicians build confidence and capability in handling CO2 systems. They include building a baseline snapshot, ensuring gas cooler health, optimizing high-pressure valves, stabilizing flash tanks, maintaining proper superheat, managing oil return, and emphasizing safety. I also cover practical field checks and signs to look for when on service calls that will help your troubleshoot and make repairs more efficiently. 

In this episode, we discuss:

-Building a baseline

-Gas cooler health check

-High pressure valve optimization

-Flash tank stability

-Defrost and compressor checks

-Oil management essentials

-Field techniques and observations

-Ssafety protocols and leak response

-CO2 system maintenance tips

Helpful Links & Resources:

Episode 227. Getting to Know Transcritical CO2 Supermarket Refrigeration Systems with Kevin Mullis

Episode 73: Tips And Tricks When Working On CO2 Transcritical Systems

VIDEO: Pushing Dorin CO2 Compressors to the Limit | A Deep Dive into Qualification Testing

Join the Refrigeration Mentor Hub here

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

In this episode, we take an in-depth look at compressor electrical failures. We’ll break down common issues such as burnt motor windings, short to ground, oil contamination, single phasing, and more. We’ll also cover the importance of thorough diagnostics, regular checklists, and understanding the root causes to prevent repeat failures. This episode is packed with practical tips and techniques for troubleshooting and improving your skills in refrigeration maintenance and repair.

In this episode, we discuss:

-Compressor electrical failures

-Burnt motor windings

-Short to ground issues

-Oil contamination

-Single phasing and phase imbalance

-Locked rotor and mechanical seizure

-Contactor failures and overload protectors

-Diagnosing compressor issues

-Performing an ohm test

-Understanding rated load amps

-Using manufacturer software for diagnostics

-Quick checks for compressor health

-Electrical troubleshooting tips

-Common electrical failures

-Importance of checklists

Helpful Links & Resources:

Episode 323. Electrical Troubleshooting 101

Episode 115: Understanding Compressors: What You Need To Know

Episode 12. You Need To Know About Refrigeration Compressor Electrical Issues

Join the Refrigeration Mentor Hub here

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

In this conversation, we’re going over oil troubleshooting in refrigeration systems. This episode covers common issues like dirty systems, plugged filters, and improper system designs that can lead to oil failures. We’ll also talk about pressure differentials, proper installation practices, efficiency tests and mechanical issues like short cycling and blow-by. Understanding how to identify oil issues on service calls will help refrigeration technicians troubleshoot more efficiently and better serve your customers.

In this episode, we cover:

-Understanding oil issues in refrigeration systems

-Dirty systems 

-Maintenance tips

-Pressure differentials

-Troubleshooting oil failures

-Compressor efficiency tests

-System design and installation issues

-CO2 systems and overheating problems

Helpful Links & Resources:

Episode 53. Understanding Oil Issues and Building your Technical Database

Episode 56. Two Stage Transcritical Dorin Compressors

Episode 247. Oil Management with Patrick Gregory

Join the Refrigeration Mentor Hub here

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

In this episode, we go deep into detail about understanding the ins and outs of compressors. We cover everything from components, to common mistakes refrigeration technicians make when it comes to compressors, to practical tips for troubleshooting and finding the root cause of compressor issues. Understanding compressors is critical to helping technicians with efficiency and time management on service calls.

In this episode, we discuss: 

-Compressor components

-Advanced compressor troubleshooting

-Avoiding parts changing mentality

-Finding the root cause of compressor issues

-Understanding compressor proof failures

-Taking notes on jobs

-Efficient compressor replacement strategies

-Checking compressor specifications before installation

-Learning from manufacturer manuals

Helpful Links & Resources:

Episode 115: Understanding Compressors: What You Need To Know

Episode 188. Compressor Secrets (I Wish I Knew When I Started My Refrigeration Career)

Episode 133. Your Compressor Success Guide

Download Your Free Compressor Guide Here

Join the Refrigeration Mentor Hub here

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

This conversation is about how to level up your customer service skills. These softer skills are rarely taught out in the field or in school, but they are critical to a successful and enjoyable career in refrigeration. This episode includes practical tips on active listening, communication, and building relationships with customers - tools which will improve both your professional and personal life, guaranteed. I’ll also share details on a new customer service training program by Refrigeration Mentor. 

In this episode, we cover:

-Staying healthy during summer heat waves

-Importance of mental health in the trades

-Customer service tips

-Active listening 

-Enhancing communication skills

-Reflecting on conversations

-Building strong customer relationships

Helpful Links & Resources:

Reach out about Refrigeration Mentor Customer Service Training:  [email protected]

Episode 153: 5 Essential Tips for Great Customer Service

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

In this episode, we’re going over electrical troubleshooting - one of the more common challenges refrigeration technicians face in the field. We cover understanding controls and electrical systems, creating and using wiring diagrams and having a systematic process for electrical troubleshooting. We’ll also talk about safety precautions and the value of investing in quality tools - altogether will help refrigeration technicians diagnose and repair systems more efficiently.

In this episode, we discuss:

-Electrical troubleshooting basics

-Wiring diagrams

-Sequence of electrical checks

-Advanced electrical troubleshooting techniques

-Safety precautions

-Practical tips for field technicians

-Benefits of high quality equipment 

Helpful Links & Resources:

Episode 323. Electrical Troubleshooting 101

Episode 12. You Need To Know About Refrigeration Compressor Electrical Issues

Episode 259. CO2 Experts Live: Electrical Troubleshooting with Rusty Walker

Join the Refrigeration Mentor Hub here

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

In this episode, we uncover the ins and outs of TX valves, including installation, sizing, settings, and troubleshooting. Joining us is Jamie Kitchen from Danfoss, who shares his vast knowledge on TX valves and the importance of proper setup to avoid common pitfalls. We dive into the principles of superheat, subcooling, and the differences between internal and external equalized TXVs. You’ll also learn how to size valves correctly, the significance of maintaining airflow, and the best practices for adjusting superheat. 

In this conversation, we discuss:

-Understanding TX valves and A2L refrigerants

-Proper TX valve setup

-A2L misconceptions

-Refrigerant blends and global warming potential

-Superheat and subcooling

-TX valve operation principles

-Increasing superheat for stability

-Advanced troubleshooting techniques

-Understanding airflow

-Identifying low charge issues

-Proper sizing and capacity of valves

-Adjusting superheat correctly

Helpful Links & Resources:

Episode 16. TXV/TEV - A discussion about Thermostatic Expansion Valves

Episode 202. Better Evacuations, A2L Myths and the Modern Mindset Around Refrigeration with Jesse Stewart of NAVAC

Episode 293. Transitioning to A2L Refrigerants with Danilo Gualbino

https://www.danfoss.com/en/

Join the Refrigeration Mentor Hub here

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

In this conversation, we sit down with Dylan Mackenzie of Kerr Controls to talk about his intriguing refrigeration journey - from mechanical interests in high school to a varied academic path, before getting into HVAC and refrigeration. Dylan shares his perspective on modern changes in refrigeration technology, such as CO2, hydrocarbons and A2Ls, and also his experience with design and collaborating with contractors. A great example of the value in hearing other’s journeys, particularly for new refrigeration technicians and those contemplating the career.

In this episode, we discuss:

-Getting into the refrigeration industry

-Dylan's journey into refrigeration

-Changes in the refrigeration industry

-Working with contractors and technicians

-Importance of design in refrigeration

-Kerr Controls and team dynamics

Helpful links & resources:

Episode 225. The Industry’s Daily News Source: The Story of The Cooling Post with Neil Everitt

Episode 302. Journey Into Refrigeration with Connor Strickland

Episode 185: Refrigeration is a Journey: Ashley Fuller's Refrigeration Roadmap

Kerr Controls

Join the Refrigeration Mentor Hub here

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

In this episode, we dive into the emergence of AI in refrigeration training and troubleshooting. We cover how AI can streamline learning and problem-solving in the field, leveraging AI for quick access to information, proper usage of prompts, and ensuring sourced information reliability. We’ll also share practical examples and specific AI tools like ChatGPT, Perplexity, and others. 

In this episode, we discuss:

-Importance of AI in refrigeration

-Common concerns about AI

-Using ai to enhance technical skills

-Quick access to information with AI

-AI prompts 

-Examples of AI in action

-Sourcing reliable information with AI

-Troubleshooting with AI

-Exploring different AI platforms

-Using AI for email and troubleshooting

-Creating training materials with AI

-Future of AI in HVACR

-Practical AI applications in refrigeration

Helpful Links & Resources:

https://chatgpt.com/

https://www.perplexity.ai/ 

Free Electrical Troubleshooting Webinar