About this episode

This episode features a conversation with Jessica Slaughter about the impact of press technology in the HVAC industry and its relevance to the A2L transition.

🎙️ HVAC R&D Podcast — Episode 173 Live from AHR: RLS, A2L, and Why Press Technology Is Changing the Game with Jessica Slaughter This episode kicks off HVAC R&D's live show recordings from the AHR Expo as the first of four in the coming series of episodes. Recorded on the show floor from Podcast Pavilion 1 on Monday February 2nd, 2026. this conversation with Jessica Slaughter, Marketing Manager at Rapid Locking System (RLS), dives into one of the most relevant shifts happening in our industry right now — the evolution of press technology and its role in the A2L transition. In this episode, we cover: Why press fittings are no longer just “alternative” solutions How RLS supports installs from ¼″ to 2-1/8″ Real-world applications in tight spaces and mission-critical environments Why training and continued education matter more than ever How events like AHR still play a critical role in workforce development This episode isn’t about replacing brazing — it’s about expanding the toolbox and increasing technician confidence as refrigerants, regulations, and jobsite realities evolve. Live from the floor. Real conversation. Real application. If you’re navigating A2L, large…

People in this episode

Guest: Jessica Slaughter

Topics covered

• press technology
• A2L transition
• HVAC industry
• workforce development
• training and education

Keywords

• press fittings
• HVAC
• A2L
• training
• workforce development
• RLS
• brazing
• refrigerants

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Rapid Locking System

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