Podcast Episode 630: Conversation with HVAC experts Eric Weiss and Cristi Pedotto
The FHB Podcast discusses refrigerants, the HVAC industry, and HVAC worker training.
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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!
