Refrigerant Rewind: What 2025 Taught Us & Where 2026 Is Headed

Refrigerant Rewind: What 2025 Taught Us & Where 2026 Is Headed

2025 was a pivotal year for refrigerants. In this live episode recorded at AHR Expo 2026, host Elizabeth Ortlieb sits down with Jennifer Butsch (Copeland), Chris Forth (Bosch Home Comfort Group), and Eddie McFarlane (ACCA / Sila Services) to discuss the biggest developments of the past year—regulatory shifts, the A2L transition, and how the industry adapted. The panel also looks ahead to what manufacturers, contractors, and technicians should expect in 2026.

Blazing a Trail in the HVAC Industry with Social Media

In this episode of Refrigerant365, host Elizabeth Ortlieb sits down with Ashley Lynds, Director of Education and Brand Management at Refrigeration Technologies. They discuss her career in HVAC sales and marketing; the growing role of social media in the industry; and her work educating technicians on chemical safety. They also discuss workforce development, the need for more talent in the trades, and key industry events to watch in 2026.

Refrigerant Management Tips with Les Rhynard from FMHero

In this episode of the Refrigerant 365 Podcast, host Elizabeth is joined by Les Reinhardt of FM Hero to unpack the real-world challenges of refrigerant compliance, documentation, and profitability. Drawing from decades of hands-on experience in refrigerant recovery and management, Les explains why fragmented data puts contractors and equipment owners at risk—and how starting with technicians in the field creates a single source of truth. The conversation explores leak rates, upcoming EPA requirements, the AIM Act transition, and how better refrigerant tracking can increase margins while simplifying compliance. A must-listen for anyone navigating modern refrigerant management.

Edward McFarlane on Promoting the HVAC Industry and Skilled Trades

Edward McFarlane is the Chief Learning & Development Officer at Sila Services and Chairman of the Air Conditioning Contractors of America, with 25+ years of experience growing people and shaping the HVACR industry. He joined the Refrigerant365 Podcast to discuss the latest on promoting the HVAC industry and skilled trades

Wynand Groenewald on the Future of CO2 Refrigeration | Refrigerant365 w/ Elizabeth Ortlieb

Wynand Groenewald is the Founder of Future Green Now. His career has been dedicated to CO2 as a refrigerant since 2007. Wynand joins Elizabeth to talk about his mission to promote, train, design, and implement solutions for natural refrigeration systems; how natural refrigerants have made the industry interesting again; and why training is one of the biggest constraints for those in the world of natural refrigerants.