Did You Know?-The ESCO HVAC Podcast

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 stag...

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 tradit...

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 st...

We’re getting back up to speed after a great time at the National HVACR Education Conference last week — so while we catch up, we’re revisiting one of our favorite conversations from August 2025.

In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Paige Knowles, better known as “All Trades Paige,” to talk about her journey from tech school student to skilled trades advocate, author, and industry trailblazer.

We explore:

• How Paige is breakin...

In this engaging and relatable episode, we sit down with Brooke Lang and Eric Hiatt — two UA apprentices and co-hosts of Two Bolts Short of a Flange — to explore what it’s really like to build a life and career in the skilled trades.

From finding their way into the industry to building a future together, Brooke and Eric share a unique perspective on apprenticeships, financial freedom and the realities of working in the field.

We expl...

What if the career you never considered is the one that changes your life?

In this episode, we sit down with Jessica Banister — HVAC Jess — to talk about her journey from a decade in finance to becoming a Red Seal certified refrigeration mechanic and social media advocate for the skilled trades.

Jess shares how a few ride-alongs with her dad’s HVAC business sparked a passion she never expected — and how fixing something broken gave h...

Electrification is accelerating across the country — from heat pumps and high-efficiency HVAC to EV fleets and solar microgrids. But one critical question remains: Is our infrastructure ready?

In this forward-thinking episode, we sit down with Jordan Lerner, Vice President of the West Region at Schneider Electric, to unpack the realities behind electrification, grid capacity and what true energy resiliency looks like in practice.

We ...

In this engaging episode recorded live at the 2026 AHR Expo, J.J. Plotz and James Burke delve into the rapidly evolving world of HVAC and building automation. Together, we explore how the intersection of digital technology and mechanical systems is reshaping the industry and creating exciting opportunities for the next generation of skilled professionals.

We discuss:

• The transformative role of advanced controls and automation in HV...

In this thought-provoking episode filmed live at AHR Expo, Rob Tanner and Clifton Beck explore the transformative landscape the HVAC industry, with a special focus on the growing demands of data centers. This conversation dives into the challenges and opportunities of these unprecedented industry shifts. We discuss:

• The critical role of HVAC in managing the heat generated by data centers

• The differences between wet cooling and dr...

Dive deep into the realm of air curtains with Curtis Rosol from Mars Air Systems as we explore their transformative role in energy efficiency and environmental control. From grocery stores to industrial applications, air curtains are more than just a stream of air—they’re a game-changer for building performance and safety. We discuss:

• The science behind air curtains and their role in separating environments

• How air curtains impro...

Join us for a future-focused discussion with Easwar Sankar, Senior Product Marketing Manager at Allied Air Enterprises, as we dive into the rapid evolution of heat pump technology. From market trends to groundbreaking innovations, we explore its growing influence on the HVAC industry and how key players are adapting to this transformative shift. We discuss:

• The rise of heat pumps and their growing dominance over traditional gas fu...

In this compelling episode, we chat with William Lawhorn, an economist from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, to explore the evolving landscape of the HVAC industry. From workforce trends to growth projections, this episode is packed with data-driven insights and relevant takeaways for educators, employers and industry professionals.

We discuss:

• The rapid growth of the HVAC industry and the demand for 40,000 new technicians an...

In this forward-thinking episode, we sit down with Daniel Walsh, CEO of VeroSkills, to explore how technology is transforming the blue collar workforce into what he calls the "new collar." From AI-driven recruitment to upskilling opportunities, Daniel shares how innovation is empowering workers and solving the skilled labor shortage.

We discuss:

• The fusion of technology and hands-on skills in modern trades

• How AI is revolutioni...

In this engaging episode, we chat with Nick from Danfoss about the latest innovations in HVAC and refrigeration. Discover how vapor and liquid injection technologies are revolutionizing compressor performance and enabling heat pumps to thrive in extreme cold climates.

We cover:

• The role of vapor injection in efficiency and capacity gains

• How cold climate heat pumps are transforming heating solutions in extreme environments

• Ho...

In this episode, David Quam and Jamie Quanrud from Resideo discuss how Pro-IQ™ Services, the platform behind every Honeywell Home ElitePRO™ Smart Thermostat, is transforming both the jobsite and the classroom. Discover how Pro-IQ helps: ✅ Reduce labor and streamline installs ✅ Drive customer loyalty and generate leads ✅ Support training for the modern HVAC workforce Plus, hear how Resideo is preparing pros and educators for the nex...

In this episode, we sit down with Jeff Howard from Carrier to explore their new technical training center at the Indianapolis gas furnace factory. Known as My Learning Center, this state-of-the-art facility is designed to train technicians at every stage of their career — from beginners to seasoned pros.

Jeff walks us through the different learning tracks available, including:

• Foundational Training for building strong core skills
• ...

Join us as we chat with Audey Cash, CEO of GPS Air, about the evolving landscape of HVAC standards, energy efficiency and indoor air quality. Together, we break down the challenges and opportunities facing manufacturers, engineers and contractors as they work through shifting regulations and codes.

We dive into:

• The impact of ASHRAE standards like 62.1 and 90.1 on building design and efficiency • How decoupled systems and air cle...

From crawling in attics as young technicians to influencing the future of the HVACR industry, the path to leadership is anything but straight. In this episode, we sit down with Jeff Bledsoe to unpack the real story behind the journey.

Jeff shares how small decisions, unexpected detours, and powerful mentors helped shape his career — and how those same moments can shape yours too. This is a conversation about growth, grit, and the su...

Join us as we sit down with Joey Henderson, better known as Joe Joe the HVAC Man, to explore the art and science of invasive diagnostics in the HVAC industry. With decades of experience and a passion for training, Joe Joe shares his expertise on how technicians can elevate their skills and improve system performance.

We dive into:

• The importance of understanding saturation temperatures over pressures in diagnostics

• How proper a...