Did You Know?-The ESCO HVAC Podcast

by ESCO Institute

Season 3

Tools for Tomorrow, Here Today: Inside Malco's Playbook for the Next Generation of HVAC Techs

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

S3 · E60

Jul 17, 2026

16:39

Only Mostly Dead: The Truth About R-410A's Slow Fade-Out

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

S3 · E59

Jul 10, 2026

24:24

Water From Thin Air: How HVAC Technology Could Help Solve Water Scarcity

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

S3 · E58

Jun 19, 2026

26:58

Future-Proofing the Trades: Bridging Plumbing and HVAC, and the Power of Local Unions

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

S3 · E57

Jun 12, 2026

15:42

The Three R’s of Refrigerant Stewardship: Recovery, Recycle & Reclaim with A-Gas

In this thought-provoking episode recorded live at the 2026 National HVAC Education Conference, we sit down with Anthony Nash from A-Gas to tackle one of the HVAC industry’s most important — and often misunderstood — topics: refrigerant recovery, recycling and reclaim. Together, we unpack the critical differences between the “Three R’s” and why proper refrigerant stewardship is essential for the future of the industry. We explore: • The real differences between recover, recycle and reclaim — and why they matter • How poor refrigerant management is driving regulatory changes and refrigerant transitions • Why refrigerant recovery is both an environmental responsibility and a legal obligation • The growing need for reclaimed refrigerant as HFC phasedowns continue • The cultural challenges young technicians face when industry habits conflict with proper training • How contractors, educators and technicians can work together to improve stewardship and accountability • What future refrigerant transitions could look like if the industry fails to adapt Anthony shares practical insight into the refrigerant lifecycle, the importance of education and accountability, and the role every technician plays in protecting the future of HVAC and refrigeration. This episode is a powerful conversation about responsibility, ethics and creating lasting change across the trades. Learn more at https://www.agas.com/. #HVAC #RefrigerantRecovery #RefrigerantReclaim #EPA608 #HVACR #ESCO #ESCOInstitute #AGas #Sustainability ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 🎥 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

S3 · E53

May 15, 2026

23:22

Smarter Safety in HVAC: Protecting Technicians with Real-Time CO Detection

In this episode recorded live at the 2026 National HVAC Education Conference, we sit down with Louise Kellar from UEi Test Instruments to explore innovations designed to keep technicians safer on the job. From personal gas detection to next-generation tools, this conversation highlights how technology is evolving to meet the real-world challenges HVAC professionals face every day. We dive into: • The risks technicians face when working in confined or unknown environments • How UEi’s new “set it and forget it” personal detector helps identify dangerous CO levels quickly • Why standard home CO alarms may not provide enough protection for field technicians • The importance of fast detection and real-time alerts in preventing exposure • New tool innovations, including advanced clamp meters and app-connected diagnostics • How manufacturers are improving accuracy, usability and data integration for technicians Louise shares practical insights into how these tools are designed, why they matter and how they can help technicians stay safe while working smarter. This episode is a must-listen for contractors, educators and anyone looking to better understand the intersection of safety and technology in HVAC. Learn more about UEi: https://www.ueitest.com/ecommerce/default.aspx. #HVAC #Safety #HVACTools #TechnicianSafety #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! #HVACR #HVACTechnician #HVACTraining #LincolnTech #NAVAC #Amatrol #AGas #HVACCommunity #TradeEducation #HVACInnovation

S3 · E52

May 8, 2026

10:56

The Refrigerant Reality Check: Why Recovery Matters More Than Ever

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 staggering volume of refrigerant lost annually — and where it’s really going • Why less than 3% of refrigerant is being recovered and what that means for the industry • How poor recovery practices are accelerating regulations and phase-downs • The role of enforcement, accountability and contractor responsibility • How better documentation and tools can transform the refrigerant lifecycle • What an HFC shortage could look like as early as 2029 — and how to prevent it • Why education and early training are critical to changing industry habits Adam shares candid insights, real-world examples and a strong call to action for contractors, educators and technicians alike. This episode challenges the status quo and highlights how doing the “right thing” isn’t just about compliance — it’s about ensuring the future of the HVAC industry. Whether you're in the field, in the classroom or leading a business, this is a must-listen discussion on responsibility, sustainability and staying ahead of what’s coming next. Learn more about FMHero and their tools for technicians and schools: https://www.fmhero.com/. #HVAC #RefrigerantRecovery #EnergyEfficiency #HVACTraining #ESCOInstitute #FMHero ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 🎥 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 #HVACR #HVACTechnician #HVACTraining #DaikinComfort #ServiceLogic #HudsonTechnologies #iConnectTraining #UnitedAssociation #HVACCommunity #TradeEducation #Refrigeration #Technology #FutureOfHVACR #EcoFriendly #ContinuousEducation #StayCurrent

S3 · E51

May 1, 2026

25:30

1 of 21

Did You Know?-The ESCO HVAC Podcast

Tools for Tomorrow, Here Today: Inside Malco's Playbook for the Next Generation of HVAC Techs

Only Mostly Dead: The Truth About R-410A's Slow Fade-Out

Water From Thin Air: How HVAC Technology Could Help Solve Water Scarcity

Future-Proofing the Trades: Bridging Plumbing and HVAC, and the Power of Local Unions

Building Careers, Brotherhood and the Future Workforce

From Tutus to Tool Belts: Inspiring the Next Generation of Women in the Trades

The Skilled Trades Awakening: Greg Crumpton on HVAC, AI & the Future Workforce

The Three R’s of Refrigerant Stewardship: Recovery, Recycle & Reclaim with A-Gas

Smarter Safety in HVAC: Protecting Technicians with Real-Time CO Detection

The Refrigerant Reality Check: Why Recovery Matters More Than Ever