HVAC Know It All Podcast

In this episode of the HVAC Know It All Podcast, host Gary McCreadie continues the mental health series with guest John Whitehead, Owner of Honest HomePerformance and Radon Solutions, and Co‑Owner of Honest Heating and Cooling Inc. John talks about his career in the trades and how a drive to learn and improve led to feelings of imposter syndrome and eventually an unhealthy obsession with education. He explains how this behavior affected his work, relationships, and overall well-being, including a lack of sleep and balance at home. John also opens up about being diagnosed with bipolar disorder and seeking help through a psychiatric program. Together, they discuss the importance of balance, recognizing warning signs, and being open about mental health in the trades. This episode continues the mental health series by focusing on challenges that can develop from within the trade itself. John joins Gary to share how his strong drive to learn led to imposter syndrome and an unhealthy focus on education. He explains how spending too much time studying began to affect his work, communication, and home life, leading to lack of sleep and strain in his relationships. John also talks about being diagnosed with bipolar disorder and the steps he took to get help, including time in a psychiatric program. The conversation highlights the importance of balance, self-awareness, and speaking up about mental health in the trades. Expect to Learn: How imposter syndrome can affect skilled technicians in the trades. How too much focus on learning can lead to stress and burnout. Why is a balance between work, learning, and personal life important? How lack of sleep and routine can impact mental and physical health. How seeking help and support can lead to better mental well-being. Episode Highlights: [00:00] - Intro to John Whitehead in Part 1 [02:52] - John's background: Imposter syndrome hits [05:44] - Gary defines imposter syndrome (AI definition) [08:20] - The addiction: Too much studying, no sleep, or food [11:41] - Deeper diagnosis: Bipolar with mania [15:52] - Getting help: 10 days in a psychiatric hospital This Episode is Kindly Sponsored by: Cintas: https://www.cintas.com/hvacknowitall Cool Air Products: https://www.coolairproducts.net/ Factory Direct Filters: https://www.factorydirectfilters.com/ SupplyHouse: https://www.supplyhouse.com/tm Use promo code HKIA5 to get 5% off your first order at SupplyHouse! Follow the Guest John Whitehead on: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-whitehead-17a341370/ Honest Heating and Cooling Inc - Website: https://www.honestheatingac.com/ Honest HomePerformance and Radon Solutions - Website: https://www.honesthomeperformance.com/ Follow the Host: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gary-mccreadie-38217a77/ Website: https://www.hvacknowitall.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/HVAC-Know-It-All-2/61569643061429/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hvacknowitall1/

In this episode of the HVAC Know It All Podcast, host Gary McCreadie continues the mental health series with guest Adam Gordon, Director of Service and Maintenance, Mechanical Division at Orella Group Inc. In Part 1, Adam shares his life story and speaks openly about the trauma he has faced, including witnessing a close friend die in a tragic accident, losing family members, and making the difficult decision to remove life support from his father. He explains how years of grief, family struggles, and seeking attention shaped many of his actions in the past, both online and in his personal life. Adam also talks about how therapy helped him better understand himself and begin working through his trauma. Together, they discuss the importance of purpose in the trades, learning from difficult experiences, and creating space for honest conversations about mental health. This episode continues the mental health series by focusing on the struggles many people in the trades quietly carry. Adam joins Gary to share the difficult experiences that shaped his life, including witnessing his best friend die in a tragic accident, losing his stepfather to suicide, and later losing his sister and father. He explains how years of grief and family challenges affected his behaviour, relationships, and search for attention both online and in real life. Adam also talks about how therapy helped him better understand his trauma and begin working on personal growth. The conversation highlights the importance of opening up, learning from hard experiences, and creating space for honest discussions about mental health in the trades. Expect to Learn: How witnessing a close friend die at a young age affected Adam's life. How losing his stepfather, sister, and later his father shaped his grief. Why do many tradespeople feel pressure to stay quiet and keep working? How therapy helped Adam understand his behaviour and past trauma. How helping customers through service work can create purpose and meaning. Episode Highlights: [00:00] - Intro to Adam Gordon in Part 1 [03:02] - Meet Adam: Early Life Trauma & Loss [05:44] - Coping Mechanisms: Dark Humor & Moving On [09:16] - Adam's Past: From Revenge Porn to Therapy [12:02] - Social Media Struggles: Trolls vs. Gratitude [15:44] - Gary's Approach: Blocking Out Negativity [18:23] - Maturity: Not Feeding the Online Drama This Episode is Kindly Sponsored by: Cintas: https://www.cintas.com/hvacknowitall Cool Air Products: https://www.coolairproducts.net/ Factory Direct Filters: https://www.factorydirectfilters.com/ SupplyHouse: https://www.supplyhouse.com/tm Use promo code HKIA5 to get 5% off your first order at SupplyHouse! Follow the Guest Adam Gordon on: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adam-gordon-494a54bb/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gordonbotplumbing/ Orella Group Inc: https://www.linkedin.com/company/orella-group-inc/ Follow the Host: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gary-mccreadie-38217a77/ Website: https://www.hvacknowitall.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/HVAC-Know-It-All-2/61569643061429/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hvacknowitall1/

In this episode of the HVAC Know It All Podcast, host Gary McCreadie talks with Christopher Rystedt, Technical Sales and Trainer at Airzone Control, about air distribution and zoning with VRF and inverter systems. In Part 2, they discuss common applications such as hotels and residential homes, and how zoning can work with multiple brands and system types. Christopher explains how modern zoning avoids bypass dampers by adjusting fan speed and system capacity based on demand. They also cover ventilation modes, zone weighting, and how airflow is balanced across different spaces. The conversation wraps up with setup tips, training options, and how zoning can help manage refrigerant limits and reduce system size and cost. Gary and Christopher discuss how modern HVAC zoning systems work with VRF and inverter equipment in both commercial and residential applications. They explain how systems can control multiple zones or units from one platform, even across different brands. Christopher describes how proper duct design and variable fan speed help avoid the need for bypass dampers while maintaining correct airflow. They also cover ventilation settings, including local and system-wide fan operation, and how zone weighting helps balance airflow based on duct size. They finish by talking about system setup, training resources, and how zoning can help reduce refrigerant use and overall system costs. Expect to Learn: How HVAC zoning systems can control multiple rooms using VRF and inverter equipment. How one platform can manage different brands and types of HVAC units together. Why proper duct design and variable fan speed help eliminate the need for bypass dampers. How ventilation modes work at both the zone level and system level to move air. How zone weighting and system setup help balance airflow and improve overall performance. Episode Highlights: [00:00] - Sponsor: Factory Direct Filters ad [01:08] - Intro to Chris Rystedt in Part 02 [02:10] - Main applications: Hotels, villas, and residential [04:34] - Airzone history: Spain (1997), North America (2021) [06:57] - Inverter systems vs. traditional bypass dampers [09:21] - Ventilation modes: Local and global settings [13:29] - Christopher's role: Technical sales and trainer [18:33] - Training resources and A2L refrigerant benefits This Episode is Kindly Sponsored by: Cintas: https://www.cintas.com/ Cool Air Products: https://www.coolairproducts.net/ Factory Direct Filters: https://www.factorydirectfilters.com/ SupplyHouse: https://www.supplyhouse.com/tm Use promo code HKIA5 to get 5% off your first order at Supplyhouse! Follow the Guest Christopher Rystedt: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christopher-rystedt-62258597/ Airzone Control - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/airzonecontrol/ Airzone Control - Website: https://www.airzonecontrol.com/as/en/ Follow the Host: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gary-mccreadie-38217a77/ Website: https://www.hvacknowitall.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/HVAC-Know-It-All-2/61569643061429/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hvacknowitall1/ Follow the Podcast: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HVACKnowItAll Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6LCBJGw0EHG03rdWHxUMce Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hvac-know-it-all-podcast/id1359253455

In this episode of the HVAC Know It All Podcast, host Gary McCreadie welcomes Jim Bergmann, President of measureQuick and Director of New Product Development at Redfish Instruments Inc, to discuss system cleanup after moisture contamination and compressor burnouts. Jim explains why moisture in POE oil cannot be fully removed with evacuation and highlights the importance of using filter dryers and proper procedures. The conversation covers real-world scenarios such as water entering a system and the steps needed to reduce damage and extend equipment life. Gary and Jim also talk about evacuation best practices, decay testing, and how poor installation habits can lead to long-term system failure. In this conversation, Jim explains how moisture affects refrigeration systems and why it cannot be fully removed from POE oil using evacuation alone. He discusses how technicians should rely on filter dryers, oil changes, and proper cleanup methods to reduce contamination. Jim and Gary talk about real situations like water entering a system and compressor burnouts, and how these issues damage equipment and shorten its life. They also explain the importance of good installation practices, proper evacuation, and decay testing to prevent future failures and ensure the system stays clean and dry. Expect to Learn: Why can moisture in POE oil not be removed using evacuation alone? How filter dryers help remove moisture and acids from HVAC systems. Steps technicians can take when water enters a refrigeration system. How compressor burnouts contaminate systems and affect performance. Why proper evacuation, decay testing, and installation practices prevent system failures. Episode Highlights: [00:00] - Intro to Jim Bergmann [01:53] - Jim Returns & POE Oil Moisture Discussion [03:24] - YouTube Demo: POE Oil Stays Cloudy After Evacuation [05:40] - Scenario 1: Water in System from Cracked Coil [08:55] - Mini Split Story: When a System Pulls in Moisture [12:45] - Scenario 2: Compressor Burnout Cleanup [16:25] - Flushes & Solvents: Are They Worth Using? [17:54] - The Real Root Cause: Poor Evacuation Practices [19:03] - Micron Gauge Placement: Does It Matter? [23:34] - Final Tip: The Blue Vac Gauge & Best Practices This Episode is Kindly Sponsored by: Cintas: https://www.cintas.com/ Cool Air Products: https://www.coolairproducts.net/ SupplyHouse: https://www.supplyhouse.com/tm Use promo code HKIA5 to get 5% off your first order at Supplyhouse! Follow the Guest Jim Bergmann on: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jim-bergmann-2968178/ measureQuick: https://www.linkedin.com/company/measurequick-application/ Redfish Instruments Inc: https://www.linkedin.com/company/redfish-instruments/ Download the measureQuick App here: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.measurequick.hvac Follow the Host, Gary McCreadie: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gary-mccreadie-38217a77/ Website: https://www.hvacknowitall.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/HVAC-Know-It-All-2/61569643061429/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hvacknowitall1/

In this episode of the HVAC Know It All Podcast, host Gary McCreadie talks with John Anderson, Senior Regional HVAC Technical Trainer at Sila Services and former Service Manager and Technician at Burns & McBride Home Comfort, about practical HVAC maintenance and system checks. In Part 2, they discuss how technicians can use observation, temperature measurements, and airflow checks to evaluate a system before connecting gauges. John explains simple ways to estimate evaporator performance using return air temperature and suction line temperature. Gary and John also cover electrical inspections, including checking contactors and testing coils for shorts. The conversation ends with a discussion about preventative maintenance ideas, such as scheduled capacitor replacement and the importance of keeping coils clean. Gary and John discuss practical HVAC maintenance checks and how technicians can assess system performance before connecting gauges. They explain how observing airflow, temperature differences, condensate flow, and suction line conditions can help confirm that a system is operating properly. John shares a simple method to estimate evaporator performance using return air temperature and suction line temperature. The conversation also covers electrical inspections such as checking contactors, testing coils for shorts, and spotting common issues. They finish by talking about preventative maintenance, including cleaning condenser coils and considering scheduled capacitor replacement to reduce breakdowns. Expect to Learn: How technicians can evaluate system performance using temperature and airflow checks. A simple way to estimate evaporator coil performance using return air temperature. Why visual inspection and system cleanliness are key parts of HVAC maintenance. How to check contactors and coils to find electrical issues before they cause failures. Why cleaning condenser coils and planning capacitor replacement can help prevent breakdowns. Episode Highlights: [00:00] - CMPX Show Announcement [00:34] - Intro to John Anderson in Part 02 [02:15] - How load calc fixes static pressure [03:02] - Non-invasive checks vs. always using gauges [07:59] - Electrical inspections: Contactors & coils [12:08] - Real story: Bad contactor coil diagnosis [14:09] - Preventive capacitor replacement to avoid callbacks [18:28] - Importance of cleaning outdoor condenser coils [20:21] - Wrap-up Join us at the CMPX Show from March 25 to 27 in Toronto. Use code KNOWITALL to get your free pass. Don't miss it. 👉https://www.cmpxshow.com/register This Episode is Kindly Sponsored by: Cintas: https://www.cintas.com/ Cool Air Products: https://www.coolairproducts.net/ SupplyHouse: https://www.supplyhouse.com/tm Use promo code HKIA5 to get 5% off your first order at Supplyhouse! Follow the Guest John Anderson on: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-anderson-188093251/ Sila Services - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/silaservices/ Sila Services - Website: http://www.silaservices.com Burns & McBride Home Comfort: https://www.linkedin.com/company/burns-&-mcbride-home-comfort/ Follow the Host: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gary-mccreadie-38217a77/ Website: https://www.hvacknowitall.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/HVAC-Know-It-All-2/61569643061429/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hvacknowitall1/

In this episode of the HVAC Know It All Podcast, host Gary McCreadie is joined by John Anderson, Senior Regional HVAC Technical Trainer at Sila Services, Formerly Service Manager and Technician at Burns & McBride Home Comfort, to discuss spring HVAC maintenance and the key checks technicians should perform before the cooling season begins. John shares practical methods for inspecting systems using visual checks and technician senses such as sight, sound, smell, and touch to identify problems early. The conversation covers preventive maintenance practices, the importance of clean equipment, and how technicians should verify system operation before taking detailed measurements. Gary and John also talk about airflow diagnostics, the role of static pressure testing, and why proper system checks help technicians find real problems instead of guessing. In this conversation, John explains how technicians should approach spring maintenance by first checking that the system is clean and operating correctly. He discusses using visual inspection and technician senses such as sight, sound, smell, and touch to quickly spot possible problems. John and Gary talk about how many issues can be noticed before any tools are used, including unusual noises, vibrations, or signs of damage. They also explain why confirming the system is running properly is important before taking measurements. The discussion also covers airflow diagnostics and static pressure testing, and why checking these values regularly helps technicians identify system restrictions and airflow problems early. Expect to Learn: How technicians can use sight, sound, smell, and touch to identify system issues during maintenance. Confirming the system is running properly is important before taking measurements. How checking for dirt in filters, coils, and condensate lines improves system performance. What static pressure readings reveal about airflow problems in HVAC systems. Regular airflow checks during maintenance help technicians find restrictions and system issues early. Episode Highlights: [00:00] - CMPX Show Announcement [00:34] - Intro to John Anderson in Part 1 [02:03] - John Returns & Last Episode Recap [03:17] - Starting Spring Maintenance Right [04:53] - Story: The Cost of Ignoring Bad Bearings [06:45] - Using Your 4 Senses Before Tools [13:57] - Why Static Pressure Matters Every Time [16:35] - How to Correctly Check Static Pressure [19:45] - Understanding Your Static Pressure Readings Join us at the CMPX Show from March 25 to 27 in Toronto. Use code KNOWITALL to get your free pass. Don't miss it. 👉https://www.cmpxshow.com/register This Episode is Kindly Sponsored by: Cintas: https://www.cintas.com/ Cool Air Products: https://www.coolairproducts.net/ SupplyHouse: https://www.supplyhouse.com/tm Use promo code HKIA5 to get 5% off your first order at Supplyhouse! Follow the Guest John Anderson: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-anderson-188093251/ Sila Services - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/silaservices/ Sila Services - Website: http://www.silaservices.com Burns & McBride Home Comfort: https://www.linkedin.com/company/burns-&-mcbride-home-comfort/ Follow the Host: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gary-mccreadie-38217a77/ Website: https://www.hvacknowitall.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/HVAC-Know-It-All-2/61569643061429/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hvacknowitall1/

In this episode of the HVAC Know It All Business Edition Podcast, co-hosts Gary McCreadie and Furman Haynes from WorkHero talk with Jason Julian, Small Business Owner at Julian Heat & Air, President at J.G.Wholesale LLC and VP of Operations at Affordable Air McCallum LLC. Jason shares his incredible journey from a difficult personal period of recovery and incarceration to becoming a successful HVAC business owner. Through determination and a passion for the HVAC industry, Jason transformed his life and career. This episode dives deep into his story of overcoming challenges, growing his business, and providing valuable advice for aspiring HVAC entrepreneurs. Expect to Learn - Jason's journey from recovery and incarceration to discovering his passion for HVAC - How thinking like a business owner, even before becoming one, led to success - The importance of taking ownership of your work and learning everything you can about the industry - The challenges Jason faced in starting his own business with limited resources - How the COVID-19 pandemic unexpectedly boosted business demand and growth - Advice on how to navigate competition in a saturated market Episode Breakdown with Timestamps 00:00:00 - Introduction 00:01:21 - Jason's Journey into HVAC 00:07:14 - Thinking Like an Owner Before You Are One 00:13:16 - Challenges of Starting a Business 00:16:17 - First Year in Business and Surprising Growth 00:21:34 - Final Thoughts and Advice for Aspiring Business Owners This Episode is Kindly Sponsored by: PartsTown: https://www.partstown.com/hvac-parts Follow Jason Julian: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-julian-03530b160/ Julian Heat & Air Website: https://julianheatandair.com/ Julian Heat & Air Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/julianheatandair/ Affordable Air McCallum LLC Website: https://www.hotorcoldair.com/hvac/heber-springs-ar/ Follow Gary McCreadie: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gary-mccreadie-38217a77/ Website: https://www.hvacknowitall.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/HVAC-Know-It-All-2/61569643061429/ Follow Furman Haynes: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/furmanhaynes/ WorkHero: https://www.linkedin.com/company/workherohvac/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/workhero__/

In this episode of the HVAC Know It All Podcast, host Gary McCreadie sits down with Ilija Martinovich to launch a year-long mental health series focused on the trades. Ilija shares his personal journey through the past six years, including working through COVID as an essential worker, being diagnosed with bladder cancer, going through a divorce, and raising his children during a very stressful time. He speaks openly about the dark thoughts he faced, the pressure of staying strong as a father, and the stigma around mental health in blue-collar work. Ilija explains how speaking with a therapist, leaning on trusted people, walking daily, and building simple routines helped him regain control. Together, they highlight the power of honest conversations, healthy outlets, and finding purpose as key steps toward managing stress and protecting mental health. This episode continues the focus on mental health in the trades and the challenges many workers keep to themselves. Ilija joins Gary to share his experience over the past six years, including working through COVID as an essential worker, being diagnosed with bladder cancer, going through a divorce, and supporting his children during a difficult time. He speaks honestly about the dark places his mind went to and the pressure of trying to stay strong as a father. Ilija talks about how therapy, opening up to trusted people, improving his eating habits, and committing to daily walks helped him manage stress. The conversation reinforces the value of speaking up, building healthy outlets, and reminding tradespeople that support is available and they do not have to struggle alone. Expect to Learn: How working through COVID as an essential worker added stress at home and on the job. How a bladder cancer diagnosis and divorce affected Ilija's mental health. Why do many men in the trades stay silent, and the risks of keeping it inside? How therapy, trusted conversations, and crisis resources can provide real relief. How daily walks, better habits, and focusing on family help manage stress long-term. Episode Highlights: [00:00] - Intro to Ilija Martinovich in Part 1 [01:30] - Why Mental Health Matters [02:42] - Stigma of Mental Health in Trades [04:24] - Old-School Coping: Alcohol & Drugs [08:09] - Ilija's Story: Cancer, COVID & Divorce [12:17] - Importance of Talking to Someone [16:15] - Gary's Experience with Panic Attacks [18:37] - Turning to Food as a Coping Mechanism [21:04] - Finding Purpose to Protect Your Mental Health This Episode is Kindly Sponsored by: Cintas: https://www.cintas.com/hvacknowitall Cool Air Products: https://www.coolairproducts.net/ SupplyHouse: https://www.supplyhouse.com/tm Use promo code HKIA5 to get 5% off your first order at SupplyHouse! Follow the Guest Ilija Martinovich on: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_hvac_foodie/ Follow the Host: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gary-mccreadie-38217a77/ Website: https://www.hvacknowitall.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/HVAC-Know-It-All-2/61569643061429/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hvacknowitall1/