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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

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 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 

Join the Refrigeration Mentor Hub here

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

In this episode, we cover the basics electrical troubleshooting for refrigeration systems. We explain how to read electrical wiring diagrams, how to use meters to diagnose issues and give a step-by-step process to assess power and ensure system functionality. We also cover new technologies, natural refrigerants and tips for finding and using manuals to improve troubleshooting skills. 

In this episode, we discuss:

-Basic refrigeration lectrical troubleshooting

-Electrical diagrams

-Tips for safe electrical troubleshooting

-Step-by-step electrical troubleshooting guide

-Advanced troubleshooting techniques

-Continuous learning resources

Helpful links & resources:

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

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

Episode 296. Electrical Troubleshooting in Refrigeration

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’re showcasing women in HVACR, in celebration of World Refrigeration Day (June 26), with guests Michelle Houle, Chair of Women in HVACR Canada, and Shawna Peddle, a 5th year apprentice, to discuss their journeys, experiences and the unique strengths women bring to the HVAC and refrigeration industries. We also talk about the evolution of gender diversity in the industry, advice for aspiring female technicians, and how to attract more women to the trades. 

In this episode, we discuss:

-World Refrigeration Day

-Celebrating the HVACR industry

-Women in HVACR

-Networking and mentorship

-Inspiring women in the trades

-Challenges and changes in gender diversity

-Encouraging the next generation or female tradespeople

-Unique strengths women bring to HVACR

-Advice for aspiring female refrigeration technicians

Helpful links & resources:

Episode 320. Celebrating World Refrigeration Day

Women in HVACR Canada

World Refrigeration Day

Michelle Houle on LinkedIn

Shawna Peddle on LinkedIn

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 diving deep into compressor troubleshooting with Horace Park and Andy Schoenberger from CMP Corporation. We cover key topics like remanufacturing vs rebuilding compressors, understanding superheat, and common causes of compressor failure. We also share tons of advice for refrigeration technicians on preventive maintenance, electrical troubleshooting, and the importance of proper startup procedures. 

In this episode, we discuss:

-Compressor remanufacturing vs. rebuilding

-About cmp corporation

-Common technical support issues in compressors

-Importance of superheat in compressor performance

-Evacuation and moisture management in compressor systems

-Diagnosing compressor failures: liquid slugging and vibration issues

-Electrical troubleshooting

-Importance of proper connections

-Mechanical vs electrical failures

-Part-winding start systems

-Scroll compressors and phase issues

-Compressor overheating causes

-Creating a compressor startup checklist

-Oil analysis and maintenance

-Resources and training opportunities

Helpful links & resources:

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

Episode 255. Compressor Troubleshooting: Demand Cooling and Refrigerant Injection

Episode 133. Your Compressor Success Guide

https://www.cmpcorp.com/ 

Join the Refrigeration Mentor Hub here

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

In this special episode of the Refrigeration Mentor podcast, we celebrate World Refrigeration Day (June 26) with industry experts John Schwarzer, Noah Walker, Aidan Lucey, and Andrew Freeburg. The conversation dives deep into their personal career journeys, passion, skills, and practical advice for new technicians from these longtime refrigeration professionals. We also cover challenges and opportunities in the field, the transition to environmentally friendly technologies, and the critical role refrigeration professionals play in everyday life.

In this episode, we discuss:

-Celebrating the refrigeration industry and its impact

-Getting started in refrigeration

-Challenges and rewards in the refrigeration field

-Why refrigeration is a great career choice

-Investing in personal development

-Tips for new technicians

-Common mistakes and how to avoid them

-Importance of communication and teamwork

-The future of refrigeration

Helpful Links & Resources:

Episode 301. Lessons From a Long Career in Refrigeration with John Shartzer

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

Episode 237. Tips for New Technicians Getting Into Supermarket Refrigeration with Aidan Lucey

https://worldrefrigerationday.org/ 

John Shartzer on LinkedIn

John on Instagram

Andrew Freeburg on LinkedIn

Aidan Lucey on LinkedIn

Join the Refrigeration Mentor Hub here

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

This episode is the third in our CO2 Design Fundamentals series and is about how to avoid costly mistakes. We’re joined by Chris Griffiths, UK Technical Manager for Omega Solutions, who covers critical areas such as proper pipe sizing, correct material selection, and effective oil management techniques. We also go through proper installation practices, minimizing pressure drops, and ensuring compliance with local codes, all to help technicians avoid common pitfalls and design more efficient and cost-effective CO2 refrigeration systems.

In this episode, we discuss:

-Common costly mistakes in CO2 design

-Importance of proper pipe sizing

-Oil management in CO2 systems

-Material selection for CO2 systems

-Effective pipe routing and layout

Helpful Links & Resources:

(Part 1) Episode 317. CO2 Piping Design (Tips to Protect Compressors and Prevent Failures) with Chris Griffiths

(Part 2) Episode 318. Designing High Pressure Valves for Summer Heat and Winter Challenges with Chris Griffiths

Episode 194. Designing CO2 Supermarket Refrigeration Systems: Sizing Pipework with James Bailey of Omega Solutions (Part 4 of 5)

Learn more about Omega Solutions  

Connect with Omega Solutions on LinkedIn

Connect with Chris on LinkedIn

Email Chris: [email protected]