FHB Logo Facebook LinkedIn Email Pinterest Twitter X Instagram Tiktok YouTube Plus Icon Close Icon Navigation Search Icon Navigation Search Icon Arrow Down Icon Video Guide Icon Article Guide Icon Modal Close Icon Guide Search Icon Skip to content
Subscribe
Log In
  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Restoration
  • Videos
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House
  • Podcast
Log In
The Fine Homebuilding Podcast

Podcast Episode 630: Conversation with HVAC experts Eric Weiss and Cristi Pedotto

The FHB Podcast discusses refrigerants, the HVAC industry, and HVAC worker training.

  • X
  • facebook
  • linkedin
  • pinterest
  • email
  • add to favorites Log in or Sign up to save your favorite articles
Podcast Episode 630: Conversation with HVAC experts Eric Weiss and Cristi Pedotto
The FHB Podcast discusses refrigerants, the HVAC industry, and HVAC worker training.
Video Player is loading.
Current Time 0:00
/
Duration 55:07
Loaded: 0.30%
00:00
Stream Type LIVE
Remaining Time -55:07
 
1x
    • Chapters
    • descriptions off, selected
    • captions settings, opens captions settings dialog
    • captions off, selected
    • en (Main), selected

    This is a modal window.

    Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window.

    Text
    Background
    Window
    Font Size
    Text Edge Style
    Font Family

    End of dialog window.

    This is a modal window. This modal can be closed by pressing the Escape key or activating the close button.

    This is a modal window. This modal can be closed by pressing the Escape key or activating the close button.

    Follow the Fine Homebuilding Podcast on your favorite app. Subscribe now and don’t miss an episode:

    Watch on YouTube

    _________________________________________________________________________________

    FHB talks to Eric Weiss and Cristi Pedotto about their work, getting the most from your HVAC system, and making the switch from fossil fuel heating to heat pumps.

    Check in: Eric and Cristi describe their work, refrigeration systems, and how HVAC systems using new refrigerants are developed

    ________________________________________________________________________________

    Question 1 for Eric and Cristi:

    Can you please tell us what makes a good refrigerant? Can you talk about some of the tradeoffs with the different chemicals used? Can you please give an approximate timeline for the most-common refrigerants and when and why they were phased out? What are we switching to now? Why?

    RELATED STORIES

    • GBA.com: Ways to reduce the Environmental Impact of Refrigerants
    • GBA.com: Replacing HFC Refrigerants
    • The BS* + Beer Show: A Look at Refrigerants

    __________________________________________________________________________

    Question 2 for Eric and Cristi:

    Can we talk about the state of the HVAC industry? What do you think about the equipment that’s available now? Is it good? Is it too complex? Is it hard to make money selling HVAC equipment? How can you tell if you’re buying good equipment? What should builders listening to this show tell their clients about selecting equipment?

    RELATED STORIES

    • How to Choose the Right-Sized Heating and Cooling System
    • High-Tech Heating and Cooling Systems
    • All About HVAC
    • Sized-Up Electric Heat Pump

     ________________________________________________________________________

    Question 3 for Eric and Cristi:

    We’ve spent a lot of time on this show talking about bad HVAC systems, like those that are 3x and 4x oversized, have leaky and restrictive ductwork, and have too few returns. I think you’d agree these problems are very common. How do you think we should do better?

    We also regularly talk about how HVAC technicians are poorly trained. Can we improve training?

    RELATED STORIES

    • GBA.com: Basics of HVAC Design
    • Designing an HVAC System for a Passive House
    • Alex Meaney, HVAC Design Trainer and Consultant

    _______________________________________________________________________________

    Question 4 for Eric and Cristi:

    A lot of folks listening might be considering a switch to a heat pump from a gas or oil heating system. Do you both think that’s a worthwhile thing to do? Will folks save money? Are there any things to watch out for when you’re considering a system or contractor to install it?

    RELATED STORIES

    • Planning Heat Pump Retrofits
    • Furnace to Heat Pump Retrofit
    • Heating Historic Homes with Heat Pumps

    __________________________________________________________________________

    Well, unfortunately that is all the time we have for today. Thanks to Christi, Eric, and Nate for joining me and thanks to all of you for listening. I hope you all will send us your follow-up questions for Christi and Eric, and we’ll pass along their answers. Send those, your other building-related questions, and feedback and suggestions to [email protected], and please like, comment, or review us no matter how you’re listening—it helps other folks find our podcast.

    Happy Building!

    Sign up to get the Fine Homebuilding Podcast newsletter and special offers delivered to your inbox.

    Signing you up...

    This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
    See all newsletters
    See all newsletters
    ×

    Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

    Signing you up...

    This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
    See all newsletters
    See all newsletters

    New Feature

    Fine Homebuilding Forums

    Ask questions, offer advice, and share your work

    • X
    • facebook
    • linkedin
    • pinterest
    • email
    • add to favorites Log in or Sign up to save your favorite articles

    Log in or create an account to post a comment.

    Sign up Log in

    Become a member and get full access to FineHomebuilding.com

    More The Fine Homebuilding Podcast

    View All
    • Podcast Episode 693: Old-House Hazards, Building Larsen Trusses, AI in Construction
    • FHB Podcast Segment: Finding Hazardous Materials in a Fixer-Upper
    • Podcast Episode 692: Introduction to Trade Work, Embodied Carbon, and Envelope Improvements
    • Podcast Episode 691: Replacing Vinyl Siding, Sloping Concrete, and Flat vs. Pitched Roofs
    View All

    Up Next

    Video Shorts

    Featured Story

    FHB Podcast Segment: Finding Hazardous Materials in a Fixer-Upper

    Look closely at these common locations for hazardous materials in older homes.

    Featured Video

    How to Install Cable Rail Around Wood-Post Corners

    Use these tips to keep cables tight and straight for a professional-looking deck-railing job.

    Related Stories

    • Podcast Episode 693: Old-House Hazards, Building Larsen Trusses, AI in Construction
    • Podcast Episode 692: Introduction to Trade Work, Embodied Carbon, and Envelope Improvements
    • Old Boots Learn New Tricks
    • Podcast Episode 691: Replacing Vinyl Siding, Sloping Concrete, and Flat vs. Pitched Roofs

    Discussion Forum

    Recent Posts and Replies

    • |
    • |
    • |
    • |
    • |
    • |
    View More Create Post

    Highlights

    Fine Homebuilding All Access
    Fine Homebuilding Podcast
    Tool Tech
    Plus, get an extra 20% off with code GIFT20

    "I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.

    Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

    Signing you up...

    This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
    See all newsletters
    See all newsletters

    Video

    View All Videos
    • A Drip-Free, Through-Window Heat Pump
    • FHB Podcast Segment: Are Single-Room ERVs the Answer?
    • FHB Podcast Segment: Efficient HVAC for a New Build
    • FHB Podcast Segment: Do You Need HVAC Ducts in Every Room?
    View All

    HVAC

    View All HVAC Articles
    • Right-Sized Gas Furnace
    • Ducted vs. Ductless Heat Pumps
    • HVAC for a Slab-on-Grade House
    View All HVAC Articles

    Fine Homebuilding Magazine

    • Issue 332 - July 2025
      • Custom Built-ins With Job-Site Tools
      • Fight House Fires Through Design
      • Making the Move to Multifamily
    • Issue 331 - June 2025
      • A More Resilient Roof
      • Tool Test: You Need a Drywall Sander
      • Ducted vs. Ductless Heat Pumps
    • Issue 330 - April/May 2025
      • Deck Details for Durability
      • FAQs on HPWHs
      • 10 Tips for a Long-Lasting Paint Job
    • Issue 329 - Feb/Mar 2025
      • Smart Foundation for a Small Addition
      • A Kominka Comes West
      • Making Small Kitchens Work
    • Issue 328 - Dec/Jan 2025
      • How a Pro Replaces Columns
      • Passive House 3.0
      • Tool Test: Compact Line Lasers

    Fine Home Building

    Newsletter Sign-up

    • Fine Homebuilding

      Home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox.

    • Green Building Advisor

      Building science and energy efficiency advice, plus special offers, in your inbox.

    • Old House Journal

      Repair, renovation, and restoration tips, plus special offers, in your inbox.

    Signing you up...

    This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
    See all newsletters

    Follow

    • Fine Homebuilding

      Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

      Start Free Trial Now
      • Facebook
      • Instagram
      • X
      • LinkedIn
    • GBA Prime

      Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

      Start Free Trial Now
      • Facebook
      • YouTube
    • Old House Journal

      Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

      Subscribe Now
      • Facebook
      • Instagram
      • X
    • Fine Homebuilding

      Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

      Start Free Trial Now
      • Facebook
      • Instagram
      • X
      • LinkedIn
    • GBA Prime

      Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

      Start Free Trial Now
      • Facebook
      • YouTube
    • Old House Journal

      Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

      Subscribe Now
      • Facebook
      • Instagram
      • X

    Membership & Magazine

    • Online Archive
    • Start Free Trial
    • Magazine Subscription
    • Magazine Renewal
    • Gift a Subscription
    • Customer Support
    • Privacy Preferences
    • About
    • Contact
    • Advertise
    • Careers
    • Terms of Use
    • Site Map
    • Do not sell or share my information
    • Privacy Policy
    • Accessibility
    • California Privacy Rights

    © 2025 Active Interest Media. All rights reserved.

    Fine Homebuilding receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

    • Home Group
    • Antique Trader
    • Arts & Crafts Homes
    • Bank Note Reporter
    • Cabin Life
    • Cuisine at Home
    • Fine Gardening
    • Fine Woodworking
    • Green Building Advisor
    • Garden Gate
    • Horticulture
    • Keep Craft Alive
    • Log Home Living
    • Military Trader/Vehicles
    • Numismatic News
    • Numismaster
    • Old Cars Weekly
    • Old House Journal
    • Period Homes
    • Popular Woodworking
    • Script
    • ShopNotes
    • Sports Collectors Digest
    • Threads
    • Timber Home Living
    • Traditional Building
    • Woodsmith
    • World Coin News
    • Writer's Digest
    Active Interest Media logo
    X
    X
    This is a dialog window which overlays the main content of the page. The modal window is a 'site map' of the most critical areas of the site. Pressing the Escape (ESC) button will close the modal and bring you back to where you were on the page.

    Main Menu

    • How-To
    • Design
    • Tools & Materials
    • Video
    • Blogs
    • Forum
    • Project Guides
    • Reader Projects
    • Magazine
    • Members
    • FHB House

    Podcasts

    • FHB Podcast
    • ProTalk

    Webinars

    • Upcoming and On-Demand

    Podcasts

    • FHB Podcast
    • ProTalk

    Webinars

    • Upcoming and On-Demand

    Popular Topics

    • Kitchens
    • Business
    • Bedrooms
    • Roofs
    • Architecture and Design
    • Green Building
    • Decks
    • Framing
    • Safety
    • Remodeling
    • Bathrooms
    • Windows
    • Tilework
    • Ceilings
    • HVAC

    Magazine

    • Current Issue
    • Past Issues
    • Magazine Index
    • Subscribe
    • Online Archive
    • Author Guidelines

    All Access

    • Member Home
    • Start Free Trial
    • Gift Membership

    Online Learning

    • Courses
    • Project Guides
    • Reader Projects
    • Podcast

    More

    • FHB Ambassadors
    • FHB House
    • Customer Support

    Account

    • Log In
    • Join

    Newsletter

    Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

    Signing you up...

    This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
    See all newsletters
    See all newsletters

    Follow

    • X
    • YouTube
    • instagram
    • facebook
    • pinterest
    • Tiktok

    Join All Access

    Become a member and get instant access to thousands of videos, how-tos, tool reviews, and design features.

    Start Your Free Trial

    Subscribe

    FHB Magazine

    Start your subscription today and save up to 70%

    Subscribe

    Enjoy unlimited access to Fine Homebuilding. Join Now

    Already a member? Log in

    We hope you’ve enjoyed your free articles. To keep reading, become a member today.

    Get complete site access to expert advice, how-to videos, Code Check, and more, plus the print magazine.

    Start your FREE trial

    Already a member? Log in

    Privacy Policy Update

    We use cookies, pixels, script and other tracking technologies to analyze and improve our service, to improve and personalize content, and for advertising to you. We also share information about your use of our site with third-party social media, advertising and analytics partners. You can view our Privacy Policy here and our Terms of Use here.

    Cookies

    Analytics

    These cookies help us track site metrics to improve our sites and provide a better user experience.

    Advertising/Social Media

    These cookies are used to serve advertisements aligned with your interests.

    Essential

    These cookies are required to provide basic functions like page navigation and access to secure areas of the website.

    Delete My Data

    Delete all cookies and associated data