Advertise on podcast: Did You Know?-The ESCO HVAC Podcast

In this candid follow-up to our impromptu conversation at the 2026 National HVACR Education Conference, we bring together technicians, trainers, reclaimers and refrigerant management experts to tackle one of the most pressing issues facing our industry. With only about 3% of refrigerant making it back to a reclaimer and the next HFC phase-down step approaching in 2029, the panel takes an honest look at where we stand and what happens if we don't change course. We explore: • Why recovery rates need to double or triple to keep service gas available for existing equipment • The differences between recover, recycle and reclaim, and why field-cleaned refrigerant isn't the same as certified reclaimed gas • How small charges add up, from bar coolers to ice machines • Why drop-off fees at the distributor level work against the entire supply chain • The culture shift underway as technicians hold themselves and each other accountable • How record keeping and tracking software support compliance The panel shares straight talk and practical perspective for technicians, contractors, distributors and instructors who want to protect the future of the trade. Whether you work on thousand-pound chillers or 12-ounce self-contained units, this episode is a reminder that the refrigerant in today's equipment is tomorrow's supply. Take the anonymous refrigerant recovery survey and tell us what would move the needle: https://form.jotform.com/261955475258066. #HVACR #Refrigerant #Reclaim #Trades #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 / @DaikinComfort — Delivering comfort, efficiency and innovation through advanced HVAC technology. 🏫 Lincoln Tech — https://www.lincolntech.edu / @LincolnTech — Training the next generation of skilled HVACR professionals through hands-on career education. 🧰 NAVAC — https://navacglobal.com / @NAVAC — Revolutionizing the HVACR service industry with smart, efficient and reliable tools for technicians. ⚙️ Amatrol — 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 / @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! #HVAC #HVACTechnician #HVACTraining #LincolnTech #NAVAC #Amatrol #AGas #HVACCommunity #TradeEducation #HVACInnovation #HVACR #Refrigeration #Technology #FutureOfHVACR #EcoFriendly #ContinuousEducation #StayCurrent

In this eye-opening and timely episode, we chat with Vic Marinich from Danfoss about the scale of data center construction and look at them from a technician's perspective. We dig into the massive cooling demands behind these facilities and the opportunities they're creating for contractors across the HVAC industry. We explore: • The needs of today's data centers, and why a single facility can use 140,000 tons of cooling and hundreds of chillers • How the industry is tackling community concerns around energy use, water consumption and noise • The shift from water-cooled to air-cooled systems as chip and chiller operating temperatures rise • How heat exchangers and coolant distribution units move heat from the chip to the chiller, and the potential for waste heat recovery • The trade-off between first cost and operating cost in heat exchanger design • Why maintenance and uptime create long-term, year-round service opportunities for contractors Vic shares real-world perspective for contractors, technicians and industry leaders looking to understand the technology behind data centers and the role HVAC plays in keeping them running. Whether you're curious about getting into data center work or want to better understand the gravity of this industry shift, this episode is packed with insights. Learn more at danfoss.com. #HVAC #DataCenters #EnergyEfficiency #Danfoss #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 / @DaikinComfort — Delivering comfort, efficiency and innovation through advanced HVAC technology. 🏫 Lincoln Tech — https://www.lincolntech.edu / @LincolnTech — Training the next generation of skilled HVACR professionals through hands-on career education. 🧰 NAVAC — https://navacglobal.com / @NAVAC — Revolutionizing the HVACR service industry with smart, efficient and reliable tools for technicians. ⚙️ Amatrol — 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 / @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! #HVAC #HVACTechnician #HVACTraining #LincolnTech #NAVAC #Amatrol #AGas #HVACCommunity #TradeEducation #HVACInnovation #HVACR #Refrigeration #Technology #FutureOfHVACR #EcoFriendly #ContinuousEducation #StayCurrent

In this energetic, on-location episode, we head to the 2026 United Association ITP Week and Apprenticeship Competition in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Clifton sits down with Ryan, last year's international competition winner turned mentor, and a table full of fourth- and fifth-year apprentices from across the U.S. and Canada. We dig into what it really takes to compete at the state, regional and international levels, and why this week is as much about brotherhood as it is about skill. We explore: • What the UA apprenticeship competition looks like from the state level all the way to internationals • Why so many technicians make the leap from residential to union commercial and industrial work • The variety and depth HVAC/R offers, from rooftops to grocery to institutional refrigeration • How mentorship and continual training keep technicians from hitting a career plateau • Why AI-driven data centers are becoming the next big opportunity for skilled UA contractors Ryan and the competitors share candid stories about how they found the trade, what keeps them motivated and the advice they'd give anyone feeling stuck or unsure of their next step. Whether you're an apprentice, a contractor or an educator, this episode offers a firsthand look at the passion and community driving the next generation of the trade. #HVAC #UA #Apprenticeship #ESCO #ESCOInstitute #SkilledTrades -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 🎥 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 / @DaikinComfort — Delivering comfort, efficiency and innovation through advanced HVAC technology. 🧰 Service Logic — 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 / @HudsonTechnologies — Leading the charge in sustainable refrigerant management and recovery solutions. 📚 iConnect Training — https://iconnecttraining.com / @iconnecttraining — Providing world-class hands-on HVACR education and training resources for future technicians. 🔧 The United Association (UA) — 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 #HVACTechnician #HVACTraining #DaikinComfort #ServiceLogic #HudsonTechnologies #iConnectTraining #UnitedAssociation #HVACCommunity #TradeEducation #HVACR #Refrigeration #Technology #FutureOfHVACR #EcoFriendly #ContinuousEducation #StayCurrent

Live from the UA Instructor Training Program, we chat with Joe Fernandez Jr. about the trade that's increasingly overlapping with HVAC: plumbing. We dig into how heat pump water heaters are reshaping expectations for both plumbers and HVAC techs, and why education and service are driving the transition. We explore: • Why heat pump water heaters are already the norm overseas and gaining ground in the U.S. • The consumer pushback around upfront cost, and how technicians can educate customers • How building a plumbing service program from the ground up transformed one UA local from 5% to over 40% service work • Why service work is recession-resistant, and how the 2008 downturn and COVID-19 reshaped training priorities • The growing emphasis on soft skills and customer communication alongside technical training • How the UA is expanding curriculum with branch classes for specialized service skills Joe shares hard-won lessons from over 30 years in the trade, including how his local rebuilt around service work after the 2008 crash and why "getting comfortable with being uncomfortable" has become a guiding philosophy for training the next generation. Whether you're a contractor, instructor or technician navigating the shift toward electrification and service-based work, this episode offers practical insight into where the trades are headed. #HVAC #Plumbing #ESCO #ESCOInstitute #UnitedAssociation -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 🎥 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 / @DaikinComfort — Delivering comfort, efficiency and innovation through advanced HVAC technology. 🧰 Service Logic — 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 / @HudsonTechnologies — Leading the charge in sustainable refrigerant management and recovery solutions. 📚 iConnect Training — https://iconnecttraining.com / @iconnecttraining — Providing world-class hands-on HVACR education and training resources for future technicians. 🔧 The United Association (UA) — 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 #HVACTechnician #HVACTraining #DaikinComfort #ServiceLogic #HudsonTechnologies #iConnectTraining #UnitedAssociation #HVACCommunity #TradeEducation #HVACR #Refrigeration #Technology #FutureOfHVACR #EcoFriendly #ContinuousEducation #StayCurrent

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Rob Vilches, training specialist with the United Association (UA), live from the 2026 UA Instructor Training Program (ITP) in Ann Arbor, Michigan. With roughly 2,200 UA instructors on campus and over 400,000 members across the U.S. and Canada, the UA quietly runs one of the largest training operations in the skilled trades. Rob breaks down: • How the UA trains the trainers, turning field technicians into skilled classroom instructors • How the Future Instructor Program identifies and develops leadership potential in fourth- and fifth-year apprentices • Why so many technicians are already "teaching" without realizing it • The culture shift within the trades toward treating apprentices with respect and long-term vision • The UA's Pipe Pals initiative, tackling mental health and suicide prevention head-on with peer support Rob shares personal insight into how the UA is reshaping its culture from the ground up. He emphasizes that great instructors and a healthier industry start with recognizing the mentors already among us. Whether you're a technician who's never thought of yourself as a teacher or an industry leader looking to build a stronger pipeline of educators, this episode offers a powerful look at what's possible when an organization puts people first. Learn more at ua.org. #HVAC #SkilledTrades #UnitedAssociation #Instructors #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 / @DaikinComfort — Delivering comfort, efficiency and innovation through advanced HVAC technology. 🧰 Service Logic — 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 / @HudsonTechnologies — Leading the charge in sustainable refrigerant management and recovery solutions. 📚 iConnect Training — https://iconnecttraining.com / @iconnecttraining — Providing world-class hands-on HVACR education and training resources for future technicians. 🔧 The United Association (UA) — 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 #HVACTechnician #HVACTraining #DaikinComfort #ServiceLogic #HudsonTechnologies #iConnectTraining #UnitedAssociation #HVACCommunity #TradeEducation #HVACR #Refrigeration #Technology #FutureOfHVACR #EcoFriendly #ContinuousEducation #StayCurrent

In this candid episode, we sit down with Jess Slade, a fourth-year pipefitting apprentice at UA Local 502 in Louisville, KY. She’s a participant in the UA's Future Instructors program, part of an effort to train the next generation of trade educators from within the apprenticeship pipeline. We discuss: • How the Future Instructors program identifies apprentices with leadership potential and develops them into educators while they're still completing their training • Why the industry's instructor shortage is just as urgent as its labor shortage, and how programs like this are addressing it • The power of dual mentorship, where younger apprentices help veteran instructors adapt to new technology while learning trade skills in return • How generational differences in learning styles, communication and emotional intelligence are reshaping classroom instruction • Why understanding "the why" behind technical training builds more capable, more invested tradespeople Jess offers a refreshingly honest perspective on what it's like to be young in the trades today, the value of mentorship in both directions and why she believes her generation is poised to make a lasting impact on the industry. Whether you're an instructor navigating new technology or a young tradesperson considering a path into teaching, this episode offers real insight into where trades education is headed. #Trades #Apprenticeship #ESCO #ESCOInstitute #UnionTrades #TradeEducation -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 🎥 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 / @DaikinComfort — Delivering comfort, efficiency and innovation through advanced HVAC technology. 🧰 Service Logic — 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 / @HudsonTechnologies — Leading the charge in sustainable refrigerant management and recovery solutions. 📚 iConnect Training — https://iconnecttraining.com / @iconnecttraining — Providing world-class hands-on HVACR education and training resources for future technicians. 🔧 The United Association (UA) — 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 #HVACTechnician #HVACTraining #DaikinComfort #ServiceLogic #HudsonTechnologies #iConnectTraining #UnitedAssociation #HVACCommunity #TradeEducation #HVACR #Refrigeration #Technology #FutureOfHVACR #EcoFriendly #ContinuousEducation #StayCurrent

In this episode, recorded live at the SkillsUSA National Leadership & Skills Conference, we sit down with Aaron Wright, HVAC instructor at Delcastle Technical High School, to talk about what it takes to build a thriving vocational program. We explore: • How Delcastle's exploratory model lets freshmen sample HVAC alongside other career pathways before committing • The "GAD score" system schools use to place students into high-demand programs like HVAC • Turning classroom skills into real jobs through resume prep and interview practice • Why employer partnerships and structured co-op schedules are key to getting students real-world experience • The hands-on projects — brazing, electrical, sheet metal — that hook students in just a few days • How coming up through the trades himself has shaped Aaron's approach to mentoring the next generation of techs Aaron shares practical advice for instructors, school administrators and industry partners looking to build or strengthen their own CTE and apprenticeship pipelines. If you’re looking to connect with student talent, this episode offers a candid look at what's working on the ground. #HVAC #CTE #SkillsUSA #ESCO #ESCOInstitute #HVACTechnician -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 🎥 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 / @DaikinComfort — Delivering comfort, efficiency and innovation through advanced HVAC technology. 🏫 Lincoln Tech — https://www.lincolntech.edu / @LincolnTech — Training the next generation of skilled HVACR professionals through hands-on career education. 🧰 NAVAC — https://navacglobal.com / @NAVAC — Revolutionizing the HVACR service industry with smart, efficient and reliable tools for technicians. ⚙️ Amatrol — 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 / @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! #HVACTechnician #HVACTraining #LincolnTech #NAVAC #Amatrol #AGas #HVACCommunity #TradeEducation #HVACInnovation #HVACR #Refrigeration #Technology #FutureOfHVACR #EcoFriendly #ContinuousEducation #StayCurrent

What can an HVAC competition teach us about preparing students for the realities of the field? In this episode, Clifton sits down with Jim Fultz of Copeland and White-Rodgers to recap their experience at the 2026 SkillsUSA National Leadership & Skills Conference—and share what instructors and industry professionals can learn from watching the next generation of technicians in action. We explore: • How SkillsUSA connects students, educators and industry professionals • What the competition reveals about the current state of HVAC education • Why students must understand both equipment operation and the troubleshooting process • How technicians can approach unfamiliar equipment with greater confidence • The importance of teaching proper flaring, torquing and pressure-testing procedures • How competing under pressure prepares students for real-world service calls • Why technicians should communicate diagnoses as “what I’ve found so far” • How instructors and manufacturers can get involved as participants, observers or judges Jim and Clifton also discuss the remarkable 17-year-old student who won this year’s HVAC competition, the growing number of high school participants and the value of collaboration among instructors—even when their students are competing against one another. For HVAC technicians, instructors and industry partners, this episode offers a candid look at the skills students are mastering, the areas where additional training may be needed and how the industry can help prepare tomorrow’s workforce for success. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 🎥 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/ @DaikinComfort Delivering comfort, efficiency, and innovation through advanced HVAC technology. 🧰 Service Logic – 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/ @HudsonTechnologies Leading the charge in sustainable refrigerant management and recovery solutions. 📚 iConnect Training – https://iconnecttraining.com/ @iconnecttraining Providing world-class hands-on HVACR education and training resources for future technicians. 🔧 The United Association (UA) – 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

What does it take to build a tool that survives real life on the job site — not just a CAD drawing? In this episode, Clifton catches up with returning guest Greg Guse, Director of New Products at Malco, for a behind-the-scenes look at how Malco decides what tools get made next, and why. We explore: • Malco's expansion from sheet metal into duct board tools, vacuum pumps and refrigerant equipment • How the Safe Seal hose eliminates frostbite risk and Schrader valve leaks • Why closed systems like R-290 and R-600 may need new recovery solutions • The reverse-engineering story behind Malco's left-hand thread fitting • New releases: the Tinner's hammer, a sheet metal cutting attachment and longer-blade snips • Why Malco field-tests every tool with a global technician pool Greg and Clifton also swap stories about lost fitting adapters, mysterious tank dimensions and much more. For technicians, distributors and instructors, this episode offers a candid look at how tool innovators keep pace with a constantly evolving industry. Learn more about Malco's tools and solutions at MalcoTools.com. #HVAC #Refrigerants #A2L #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/ @DaikinComfort Delivering comfort, efficiency and innovation through advanced HVAC technology. 🏫 Lincoln Tech – https://www.lincolntech.edu/ @LincolnTech Training the next generation of skilled HVACR professionals through hands-on career education. 🧰 NAVAC – https://navacglobal.com/ @NAVAC Revolutionizing the HVACR service industry with smart, efficient and reliable tools for technicians. ⚙️ Amatrol – 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/ @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! #HVACTechnician #HVACTraining #LincolnTech #NAVAC #Amatrol #AGas #HVACCommunity #TradeEducation #HVACInnovation #HVACR #Refrigeration #Technology #FutureOfHVACR #EcoFriendly #ContinuousEducation #StayCurrent

Is R-410A really gone — or just mostly dead? In this candid episode, we sit down with Greg Guse, Director of New Products at Malco, to unpack the confusing, ever-shifting reality of the R-410A phase-down and what it means for contractors, distributors and homeowners right now. We explore: • Why EPA's shifting guidance has left contractors and consumers unsure which system to buy • Why the R-410A shortage may hit faster than the R-22 phase-out did • The push toward A2Ls and natural refrigerants — and why even A2Ls are just a transitional stop • What's next for residential HVAC: heat pump chillers, air-to-water systems and CO2 technology • How new tool designs are addressing A2L flammability and cross-contamination risks • AI's growing role in tool design and technician training Clifton and Greg trade stories from the field — from vintage Coke machines to CO2 laser bleed-off valves — while making the case that R-410A isn't dead yet … but it's time for contractors and educators to get ahead of what's coming next. Whether you're a technician, distributor or instructor, this episode is a practical gut-check on where refrigerants are headed. Learn more about Malco's tools and solutions at MalcoTools.com. #HVAC #Refrigerants #R410A #A2L #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/ @DaikinComfort Delivering comfort, efficiency, and innovation through advanced HVAC technology. 🧰 Service Logic – 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/ @HudsonTechnologies Leading the charge in sustainable refrigerant management and recovery solutions. 📚 iConnect Training – https://iconnecttraining.com/ @iconnecttraining Providing world-class hands-on HVACR education and training resources for future technicians. 🔧 The United Association (UA) – 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

What if the air around your home could become a reliable source of clean water? In this eye-opening episode, we sit down with Brian Chang, CEO and founder of Aquaria — the company building atmospheric water generators that turn humidity into clean, drinkable water. We explore: • How Aquaria’s systems produce water from air using principles HVAC pros already understand • Why water scarcity is becoming a growing concern in communities across the country • How mechanical contractors could play a key role in installing and supporting this emerging technology • What makes air-to-water systems different from standard dehumidification • Why homeowners are using air water for drinking, cooking and even showering • How this innovation could help in urgent situations like the current water crisis in Corpus Christi Brian and Clifton break down how a standalone outdoor unit can produce up to 250 gallons of water a day, connect to a home's existing plumbing, and deliver filtered, high-quality water on demand. Whether you’re a contractor, engineer or simply an interested student, this conversation offers an eye-popping look at where the trade is heading. Learn more about Aquaria by reaching out to Brian directly on LinkedIn. #HVAC #Innovation #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/ @DaikinComfort Delivering comfort, efficiency, and innovation through advanced HVAC technology. 🏫 Lincoln Tech – https://www.lincolntech.edu/ @LincolnTech Training the next generation of skilled HVACR professionals through hands-on career education. 🧰 NAVAC – https://navacglobal.com/ @NAVAC Revolutionizing the HVACR service industry with smart, efficient, and reliable tools for technicians. ⚙️ Amatrol – 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/ @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! #HVACTechnician #HVACTraining #LincolnTech #NAVAC #Amatrol #AGas #HVACCommunity #TradeEducation #HVACInnovation #HVACR #Refrigeration #Technology #FutureOfHVACR #EcoFriendly #ContinuousEducation #StayCurrent

Big changes are coming to the plumbing and HVAC trades — and the people who train for them now will lead tomorrow. In this energetic episode, we chat with Marty Kuerzi and David McConnell from UA Local 502 about how two industries are converging and what that means for the next generation of skilled workers. We explore: • How plumbing and HVAC trades are blending as new technologies hit the market • The coming shift to heat pump water heaters and air-to-water monobloc systems • Why apprenticeships, certifications and cross-trade training matter more than ever • The role of unions and UA Local 502 in preparing workers for industry change • Why contractors who invest in education will thrive while others fall behind Marty, David and Clifton share an honest, ground-level look at the skills, mindset and teamwork it takes to adapt. They talk about embracing change instead of fearing it, leaning on younger talent with new tech skills, and refusing to "pull up the ladder" on the next generation. If you're a contractor, apprentice, educator or industry leader, this conversation offers practical insight for you on where the trades are heading. Learn more about UA Local 502 and the work they're doing to train the next wave of skilled professionals at lu502.com. #HVAC #Plumbing #SkilledTrades #ESCO #ESCOInstitute #UALocal502 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 🎥 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/ @DaikinComfort Delivering comfort, efficiency, and innovation through advanced HVAC technology. 🧰 Service Logic – 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/ @HudsonTechnologies Leading the charge in sustainable refrigerant management and recovery solutions. 📚 iConnect Training – https://iconnecttraining.com/ @iconnecttraining Providing world-class hands-on HVACR education and training resources for future technicians. 🔧 The United Association (UA) – 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

In this special on-location episode, recorded at the Kentucky Derby Festival Bed Races in Louisville, Kentucky, we sit down with Mike Burke, Training Coordinator for UA Local 502, and apprentice Alex to explore the power of union apprenticeship programs, workforce development and the lasting impact of mentorship in the skilled trades. We explore: • How UA Local 502 is attracting and training the next generation of skilled trades professionals • The benefits of earning while learning through a debt-free apprenticeship model • The role mentorship, brotherhood and community play in apprentice success • Why benefits, retirement security and long-term career opportunities matter for today’s workforce • How training programs are evolving to meet growing industry demand and contractor needs • The importance of outreach, education and workforce development in strengthening the trades Mike and Alex share firsthand perspectives on what makes the UA apprenticeship experience unique — from technical training and career advancement to the relationships and support systems that extend far beyond the jobsite. Whether you're a student exploring career options, an industry professional, or an employer focused on workforce development, this conversation highlights why the skilled trades continue to offer life-changing opportunities. #UA #UnitedAssociation #Apprenticeship #SkilledTrades #WorkforceDevelopment #HVACR #Pipefitting #Plumbing #ESCOInstitute #UALocal502 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 🎥 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/ @DaikinComfort Delivering comfort, efficiency, and innovation through advanced HVAC technology. 🧰 Service Logic – 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/ @HudsonTechnologies Leading the charge in sustainable refrigerant management and recovery solutions. 📚 iConnect Training – https://iconnecttraining.com/ @iconnecttraining Providing world-class hands-on HVACR education and training resources for future technicians. 🔧 The United Association (UA) – 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

In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Kati Theurer, Director of HVAC Programs at Jefferson College, educator, industry leader and founder of the From Tutus to Tool Belts initiative. Fresh off being recognized as the first female Certified Master HVAC Educator and a Top 25 HVAC Instructor, Kati shares her passion for expanding opportunities and awareness for young women in the skilled trades. We explore: • How From Tutus to Tool Belts introduces fifth- through eighth-grade girls to hands-on trade experiences • The importance of exposing students to career pathways before they’ve already made up their minds • Building successful partnerships with contractors, distributors, schools and community organizations • Why early engagement is critical to addressing the skilled trades workforce shortage • Kati’s personal journey from dancer to HVAC educator and industry advocate • The challenges and rewards of creating a grassroots program that is changing lives and perspectives Kati shares practical insights for educators, contractors and industry leaders looking to create meaningful outreach programs in their own communities. Whether you're passionate about workforce development, education or expanding opportunities in the trades, this conversation highlights the impact one person can make when they challenge the status quo and open doors for the next generation. Learn more about the From Tutus to Tool Belts initiative: https://www.jeffco.edu/about-jefferson-college/reference-information/tutus-to-tool-belts/. #HVAC #SkilledTrades #WomenInTrades #WorkforceDevelopment #HVACEducation #ESCOInstitute #TutusToToolBelts #CareerEducation ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 🎥 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/ @DaikinComfort Delivering comfort, efficiency, and innovation through advanced HVAC technology. 🧰 Service Logic – 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/ @HudsonTechnologies Leading the charge in sustainable refrigerant management and recovery solutions. 📚 iConnect Training – https://iconnecttraining.com/ @iconnecttraining Providing world-class hands-on HVACR education and training resources for future technicians. 🔧 The United Association (UA) – 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

In this inspiring and forward-thinking episode recorded live at the 2026 National HVAC Education Conference, we sit down with Greg Crumpton of Service Logic to explore the growing momentum behind skilled trades careers and why HVAC is finally getting the attention it deserves. From AI and data centers to mentorship and workforce development, Greg shares powerful insights on how the trades are evolving — and why the next generation is beginning to see them in a whole new light. We explore: • Why the skilled labor shortage has become one of the biggest conversations in the country • How AI, data centers and advanced technology are reshaping HVAC careers • The importance of exposing young people to the opportunities within the trades • Why hands-on, kinesthetic learning is critical for workforce development • The role social media and personal branding play in attracting the next generation • How mentorship and one-on-one conversations can change someone’s career path • Why the trades are becoming more respected, innovative and financially rewarding than ever before • The balance between advancing technology and maintaining human connection Greg also shares stories from his outreach efforts with students, parents and young professionals, offering practical advice for educators, contractors and industry leaders looking to inspire future technicians and tradespeople. Whether you're an HVAC professional, educator, student or someone curious about the future of skilled trades, this episode is packed with insight, encouragement and real-world perspective. Learn more at https://www.gregcrumpton.com. #HVAC #SkilledTrades #WorkforceDevelopment #ServiceLogic #HVACCareers #ESCO #ESCOInstitute #Mentorship #DataCenters ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 🎥 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/ @DaikinComfort Delivering comfort, efficiency, and innovation through advanced HVAC technology. 🏫 Lincoln Tech – https://www.lincolntech.edu/ @LincolnTech Training the next generation of skilled HVACR professionals through hands-on career education. 🧰 NAVAC – https://navacglobal.com/ @NAVAC Revolutionizing the HVACR service industry with smart, efficient, and reliable tools for technicians. ⚙️ Amatrol – 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/ @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