Did You Know?-The ESCO HVAC Podcast

The Three R’s of Refrigerant Stewardship: Recovery, Recycle & Reclaim with A-Gas

In this thought-provoking episode recorded live at the 2026 National HVAC Education Conference, we sit down with Anthony Nash from A-Gas to tackle one of the HVAC industry’s most important — and often misunderstood — topics: refrigerant recovery, recycling and reclaim. Together, we unpack the critical differences between the “Three R’s” and why proper refrigerant stewardship is essential for the future of the industry. We explore: • The real differences between recover, recycle and reclaim — and why they matter • How poor refrigerant management is driving regulatory changes and refrigerant transitions • Why refrigerant recovery is both an environmental responsibility and a legal obligation • The growing need for reclaimed refrigerant as HFC phasedowns continue • The cultural challenges young technicians face when industry habits conflict with proper training • How contractors, educators and technicians can work together to improve stewardship and accountability • What future refrigerant transitions could look like if the industry fails to adapt Anthony shares practical insight into the refrigerant lifecycle, the importance of education and accountability, and the role every technician plays in protecting the future of HVAC and refrigeration. This episode is a powerful conversation about responsibility, ethics and creating lasting change across the trades. Learn more at https://www.agas.com/ [https://www.agas.com/]. #HVAC #RefrigerantRecovery #RefrigerantReclaim #EPA608 #HVACR #ESCO #ESCOInstitute #AGas #Sustainability ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 🎥 This Week’s Video is Brought to You By Our Amazing Sponsors! A huge THANK YOU to this week’s sponsors for supporting education and excellence in the HVACR industry! 👇 💨 Daikin Comfort – https://daikincomfort.com/ [https://daikincomfort.com/] @DaikinComfort Delivering comfort, efficiency, and innovation through advanced HVAC technology. 🧰 Service Logic – https://www.servicelogic.com/ [https://www.servicelogic.com/] @ServiceLogic-CommercialHVAC The nation’s largest privately held HVAC service company — keeping facilities efficient and reliable. 🌎 Hudson Technologies – https://www.hudsontech.com/ [https://www.hudsontech.com/] @HudsonTechnologies Leading the charge in sustainable refrigerant management and recovery solutions. 📚 iConnect Training – https://iconnecttraining.com/ [https://iconnecttraining.com/] @iconnecttraining Providing world-class hands-on HVACR education and training resources for future technicians. 🔧 The United Association (UA) – https://ua.org/ [https://ua.org/] @UAPipeTrades Building America’s skilled workforce through premier training for plumbers, fitters, welders, and HVACR professionals. 👏 We’re grateful for their continued support in helping advance the HVACR industry through training, innovation, and opportunity! #HVACR #HVACTechnician #HVACTraining #DaikinComfort #ServiceLogic #HudsonTechnologies #iConnectTraining #UnitedAssociation #HVACCommunity #TradeEducation #Refrigeration #Technology #FutureOfHVACR #EcoFriendly #ContinuousEducation #StayCurrent

Smarter Safety in HVAC: Protecting Technicians with Real-Time CO Detection

In this episode recorded live at the 2026 National HVAC Education Conference, we sit down with Louise Kellar from UEi Test Instruments to explore innovations designed to keep technicians safer on the job. From personal gas detection to next-generation tools, this conversation highlights how technology is evolving to meet the real-world challenges HVAC professionals face every day. We dive into: • The risks technicians face when working in confined or unknown environments • How UEi’s new “set it and forget it” personal detector helps identify dangerous CO levels quickly • Why standard home CO alarms may not provide enough protection for field technicians • The importance of fast detection and real-time alerts in preventing exposure • New tool innovations, including advanced clamp meters and app-connected diagnostics • How manufacturers are improving accuracy, usability and data integration for technicians Louise shares practical insights into how these tools are designed, why they matter and how they can help technicians stay safe while working smarter. This episode is a must-listen for contractors, educators and anyone looking to better understand the intersection of safety and technology in HVAC. Learn more about UEi: https://www.ueitest.com/ecommerce/default.aspx [https://www.ueitest.com/ecommerce/default.aspx]. #HVAC #Safety #HVACTools #TechnicianSafety #ESCO #ESCOInstitute ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 🎥 This Week’s Video is Brought to You By Our Amazing Sponsors! A huge THANK YOU to this week’s sponsors for supporting education and excellence in the HVACR industry! 👇 💨 Daikin Comfort – https://daikincomfort.com/ [https://daikincomfort.com/] @DaikinComfort Delivering comfort, efficiency, and innovation through advanced HVAC technology. 🏫 Lincoln Tech – https://www.lincolntech.edu/ [https://www.lincolntech.edu/] @LincolnTech Training the next generation of skilled HVACR professionals through hands-on career education. 🧰 NAVAC – https://navacglobal.com/ [https://navacglobal.com/] @NAVAC Revolutionizing the HVACR service industry with smart, efficient, and reliable tools for technicians. ⚙️ Amatrol – https://amatrol.com/ [https://amatrol.com/] @Amatrol Providing world-class technical training systems that empower students and instructors in the skilled trades. 🌎 A-Gas – https://www.agas.com/ [https://www.agas.com/] @a-gas8684 Leading the way in sustainable refrigerant lifecycle management and environmental responsibility. 👏 Thank you to all our sponsors for supporting education, innovation, and growth in the HVACR industry! #HVACR #HVACTechnician #HVACTraining #LincolnTech #NAVAC #Amatrol #AGas #HVACCommunity #TradeEducation #HVACInnovation

The Refrigerant Reality Check: Why Recovery Matters More Than Ever

In this eye-opening episode recorded live at the 2026 National HVAC Education Conference, we sit down with Adam Dykstra of FMHero to unpack one of the biggest challenges facing the HVAC industry today: refrigerant management. From shocking data on recovery rates to the very real threat of future shortages, this conversation dives into the gap between what’s required — and what’s actually happening in the field. We explore: • The staggering volume of refrigerant lost annually — and where it’s really going • Why less than 3% of refrigerant is being recovered and what that means for the industry • How poor recovery practices are accelerating regulations and phase-downs • The role of enforcement, accountability and contractor responsibility • How better documentation and tools can transform the refrigerant lifecycle • What an HFC shortage could look like as early as 2029 — and how to prevent it • Why education and early training are critical to changing industry habits Adam shares candid insights, real-world examples and a strong call to action for contractors, educators and technicians alike. This episode challenges the status quo and highlights how doing the “right thing” isn’t just about compliance — it’s about ensuring the future of the HVAC industry. Whether you're in the field, in the classroom or leading a business, this is a must-listen discussion on responsibility, sustainability and staying ahead of what’s coming next. Learn more about FMHero and their tools for technicians and schools: https://www.fmhero.com/ [https://www.fmhero.com/]. #HVAC #RefrigerantRecovery #EnergyEfficiency #HVACTraining #ESCOInstitute #FMHero ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 🎥 This Week’s Video is Brought to You By Our Amazing Sponsors! A huge THANK YOU to this week’s sponsors for supporting education and excellence in the HVACR industry! 👇 💨 Daikin Comfort – https://daikincomfort.com/ [https://daikincomfort.com/] @DaikinComfort Delivering comfort, efficiency, and innovation through advanced HVAC technology. 🧰 Service Logic – https://www.servicelogic.com/ [https://www.servicelogic.com/] @ServiceLogic-CommercialHVAC The nation’s largest privately held HVAC service company — keeping facilities efficient and reliable. 🌎 Hudson Technologies – https://www.hudsontech.com/ [https://www.hudsontech.com/] @HudsonTechnologies Leading the charge in sustainable refrigerant management and recovery solutions. 📚 iConnect Training – https://iconnecttraining.com/ [https://iconnecttraining.com/] @iconnecttraining Providing world-class hands-on HVACR education and training resources for future technicians. 🔧 The United Association (UA) – https://ua.org/ [https://ua.org/] @UAPipeTrades Building America’s skilled workforce through premier training for plumbers, fitters, welders, and HVACR professionals. 👏 We’re grateful for their continued support in helping advance the HVACR industry through training, innovation, and opportunity! #HVAC #HVACR #HVACTechnician #HVACTraining #DaikinComfort #ServiceLogic #HudsonTechnologies #iConnectTraining #UnitedAssociation #HVACCommunity #TradeEducation #Refrigeration #Technology #FutureOfHVACR #EcoFriendly #ContinuousEducation #StayCurrent

The Rise of Communicating HVAC Systems: Smarter Comfort, Smarter Service

In this episode, we sit down with Ketan Namjoshi from Bosch Home Comfort to explore how communicating thermostats and fully connected HVAC systems are transforming the residential landscape. As variable-speed equipment, inverter technology and smart home integration continue to evolve, so too must the way systems are controlled, installed and serviced. We dive into: • What communicating thermostats are—and how they differ from traditional controls • How real-time data and system feedback improve comfort, efficiency and precision • The role of communicating systems in zoning, modulation and whole-home performance • How remote diagnostics and mobile access are reshaping service models and customer experience • The impact of emerging regulations and verification procedures on system design and installation • Why connected HVAC systems are key to energy management, demand response and future grid integration Ketan shares valuable insights into how these technologies reduce installation errors, streamline troubleshooting and strengthen contractor-customer relationships. Whether you're a technician, contractor or industry professional, this episode highlights why communicating systems are quickly becoming the new standard — and how to stay ahead of the curve. Learn more at bosch-homecomfort.com [http://bosch-homecomfort.com]. #HVAC #SmartHomes #CommunicatingSystems #EnergyEfficiency #ESCO #ESCOInstitute ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 🎥 This Week’s Video is Brought to You By Our Amazing Sponsors! A huge THANK YOU to this week’s sponsors for supporting education and excellence in the HVACR industry! 👇 💨 Daikin Comfort – https://daikincomfort.com/ [https://daikincomfort.com/] @DaikinComfort Delivering comfort, efficiency, and innovation through advanced HVAC technology. 🏫 Lincoln Tech – https://www.lincolntech.edu/ [https://www.lincolntech.edu/] @LincolnTech Training the next generation of skilled HVACR professionals through hands-on career education. 🧰 NAVAC – https://navacglobal.com/ [https://navacglobal.com/] @NAVAC Revolutionizing the HVACR service industry with smart, efficient, and reliable tools for technicians. ⚙️ Amatrol – https://amatrol.com/ [https://amatrol.com/] @Amatrol Providing world-class technical training systems that empower students and instructors in the skilled trades. 🌎 A-Gas – https://www.agas.com/ [https://www.agas.com/] @a-gas8684 Leading the way in sustainable refrigerant lifecycle management and environmental responsibility. 👏 Thank you to all our sponsors for supporting education, innovation, and growth in the HVACR industry! #HVACR #HVACTechnician #HVACTraining #LincolnTech #NAVAC #Amatrol #AGas #HVACCommunity #TradeEducation #HVACInnovation #Refrigeration #Technology #FutureOfHVACR #EcoFriendly #ContinuousEducation #StayCurrent

To Recover...Or Not to Recover? Industry experts chime in at the National HVACR Education Conference

Top industry professionals agree on one thing—refrigerant conservation matters. Tune in to this powerful conversation recorded at the 2026 National HVACR Education Conference, where leading experts in refrigerant recovery, recycle, and reclaim come together to break down the law of refrigerant conservation. Learn why proper handling, compliance, and best practices are critical for the future of the HVACR industry. Whether you're a student, technician, or educator, this discussion delivers real-world insights you can apply immediately.