HVAC Know It All Podcast cover art

HVAC Know It All Podcast

HVAC Know It All Podcast

By: Gary McCreadie - Licensed Refrigeration/HVAC Technician
Listen for free

About this listen

 The HVAC Know It All Podcast, hosted by HVAC and Refrigeration tech Gary McCreadie, is an industry leading show that focuses on education within the HVAC and Refrigeration Trade - Such as HVAC Maintenance Tips.2025 Career Success Economics
Episodes
  • HVAC Techs Are Destroying Compressors with Moisture and Charging Mistakes - Matthew Waxer Part 2

    HVAC Techs Are Destroying Compressors with Moisture and Charging Mistakes - Matthew Waxer Part 2
    Apr 16 2026
    In this episode of the HVAC Know It All Podcast, host Gary McCreadie talks with Matthew Waxer, HVAC/R Mechanic at Kilmer HVACR Services Inc, about proper system setup and the impact of moisture and refrigerant charge on system performance. In Part 2, they discuss evacuation practices, moisture control, and how acid can form inside a system and damage components. Matthew explains the risks of undercharging and overcharging, including overheating, high-pressure issues, and liquid returning to the compressor. They also cover concepts like superheat, subcooling, and compressor envelopes, along with common failure causes such as flood back and flooded starts. The conversation wraps up with practical insights on avoiding costly breakdowns through proper installation and maintenance. Gary and Matthew discuss how moisture and refrigerant charge affect system performance and compressor life. They explain how poor evacuation leaves moisture in the system, which can lead to acid formation and damage over time. Matthew describes the risks of undercharging and overcharging, including overheating, high-pressure issues, and liquid returning to the compressor. They also cover key checks like superheat, subcooling, and staying within the compressor operating range. They finish by explaining common failure causes like flood back and flooded starts, and how proper setup and maintenance can prevent costly system damage. Expect to Learn: How moisture left in a system can lead to acid and damage over time. How proper evacuation helps reduce moisture and protect system components. Why is the correct refrigerant charge important for compressor cooling and performance? How superheat and subcooling are used to check system operation. How issues like floods and flooded starts can cause major compressor failure. Episode Highlights: [00:00] - Sponsor: Factory Direct Filters ad [00:42] - Intro to Matthew Waxer in Part 02 [02:04] - Matthew: Moisture removal and decay test explained [04:27] - Gary & Matthew: Acid formation from moisture damages compressors [07:10] - Undercharged systems: Elevated superheat cooks compressors [10:31] - Overcharge and poor airflow cause high pressure and slugging [15:22] - Zero superheat = liquid flood back to compressor [17:40] - Flooded start: Liquid refrigerant in sump destroys compressor [21:18] - Liquid migration from risers and cold ambient starts 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 Matthew Waxer on: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-waxer-b4a62360/ Kilmer HVACR Service Inc - Website: https://kilmerservice.com/ Follow the Host on: 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 on: 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
    Show More Show Less
    22 mins
  • How HVAC Owners Can Fix Broken Ops and Build Smarter Teams with AI - Andrew Blair

    How HVAC Owners Can Fix Broken Ops and Build Smarter Teams with AI - Andrew Blair
    Apr 15 2026
    In this episode of the HVAC Know It All Business Edition Podcast, co-hosts Gary McCreadie and Furman Haynes from WorkHero sit down with Andrew Blair, Director of Product and Market Development at Helix Earth and Advisor / Angel Investor at various startups, the conversation dives into the journey of scaling an HVAC and commercial refrigeration business from early scrappy operations to a multi-million dollar company. Andrew Blair is an experienced HVAC and commercial refrigeration professional who transitioned from hands-on fieldwork into business leadership. He played a key role in growing Kensington into a ~$6M operation, optimizing systems, and building team culture. Andrew is now the Director of Product and Market Development at Helix Earth Technologies, where he focuses on innovative HVAC solutions, bringing both field and business expertise into product development. Expect to Learn How to transition from technician to business leader (and the mistakes to expect) The real challenges of implementing service software like Jobber and ServiceTitan Why company culture and individualized management matter at scale Practical ways AI is already improving HVAC operations and technician performance What the future of AI and innovation looks like in the trades industry Episode Breakdown with Timestamps [00:00:00] - Introduction [00:01:36] - Early Business Challenges [00:03:11] - Scaling Operations & Growing Pains [00:05:18] - Leadership & Managing People [00:09:35] - Getting the Most Out of Software Tools [00:14:52] - The Future of AI in the Trades [00:16:00] - New Chapter: Helix Earth Technologies [00:18:04] - Closing Thoughts & Takeaways This Episode is Kindly Sponsored by: PartsTown: https://www.partstown.com/hvac-parts Follow our Guest Andrew Blair: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-blair-/ Company Website: https://www.helixearth.com/ Company LinkedIn: - Helix Earth: https://www.linkedin.com/company/helixearth/ 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/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hvacknowitall1/ Follow Furman Haynes: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/furmanhaynes/ WorkHero: https://www.linkedin.com/company/workherohvac/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/workhero__/
    Show More Show Less
    19 mins
  • What Causes HVAC Compressor Failure? Installation Oil Problems and Sizing Errors - Matthew Waxer Part 1

    What Causes HVAC Compressor Failure? Installation Oil Problems and Sizing Errors - Matthew Waxer Part 1
    Apr 14 2026
    In this episode of the HVAC Know It All Podcast, host Gary McCreadie is joined by Matthew Waxer, HVAC/R Mechanic at Kilmer HVACR Services Inc, to discuss how to prevent compressor failure through proper installation, service, and maintenance practices. Matthew explains how many compressor failures are caused by system issues like poor brazing, incorrect sizing, and a lack of proper oil return. The conversation covers key factors such as nitrogen purging, moisture control, and the impact of short cycling or overheating on compressor life. Gary and Matthew also explore what can be learned from compressor tear-downs and how small mistakes over time can lead to major failures. In this conversation, Matthew explains how proper installation and maintenance practices help prevent compressor failure in HVAC systems. He describes how issues like poor nitrogen purging, moisture contamination, and incorrect system sizing can damage compressors over time. Matthew and Gary discuss how oil return, airflow, and system load affect compressor performance and lifespan. They also cover what technicians can learn from compressor tear-downs, including signs of overheating and lack of lubrication, and explain how careful setup and servicing can improve reliability and system efficiency. Expect to Learn: How proper installation practices help prevent compressor failure in HVAC systems. Why nitrogen purging and moisture control are critical to system reliability. How incorrect sizing can lead to short cycling or overheating issues. What causes poor oil return, and how does it affect compressor lubrication and lifespan? How teardowns reveal common failure points and help improve service practices. Episode Highlights: [00:00] - Sponsor Ad: Factory Direct Filters [00:42] - Intro to Matthew Waxer in Part 1 [02:04] - Main topic: Avoiding compressor failure [04:06] - "Compressors don't fail, they're murdered." [05:36] - Start with proper installation [07:06] - Proper system sizing: avoid short cycling [09:18] - Read manuals & check oil return requirements [10:38] - Oil return issues from clogged components [16:41] - POE oil moisture risks & proper vacuuming [21:55] - POE oil additives & system open time myth 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 Matthew Waxer on: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-waxer-b4a62360/ Kilmer HVACR Service Inc - Website: https://kilmerservice.com/ Follow the Host on: 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 on: 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
    Show More Show Less
    25 mins
No reviews yet