Episodes

  • 66. Water Hammer Can Kill You and How to Prevent This From Happening.
    Apr 2 2026

    Eric Johnson explores the critical topic of water hammer in boiler and plumbing systems. He discusses the causes, dangers, and prevention techniques for water hammer, emphasizing safety and proper system startup procedures.

    Show more Show less
    38 mins
  • 65. What Your Boiler Stack Temp Tells You
    Mar 31 2026

    Eric explores the critical aspects of boiler stack temperature, including causes of inefficiency like soot, scale, and excess air. He discusses how monitoring and optimizing stack temperature can improve boiler performance, reduce energy costs, and prevent damage.

    Show more Show less
    41 mins
  • 64. Boiler Doesn't Start, No Alarm: Now What?
    Mar 19 2026

    Eric discusses common reasons why boilers fail to start when there are no alarms, troubleshooting techniques, and the importance of understanding boiler controls and wiring. Perfect for HVAC professionals and boiler operators looking to deepen their knowledge.

    Show more Show less
    39 mins
  • 63. Technical Training isn't Enough with Ryan Burton
    Mar 17 2026

    Eric Johnson and Ryan Burton dig into why flashy, high-budget corporate training usually falls flat compared to raw videos of a technician actually doing the work. Ryan explains that teaching the trades effectively requires a "Socratic" approach, focusing on the "why" behind a system rather than just spoon-feeding answers for a specific repair. The two get honest about the friction of running a business, specifically how to build a caring company culture while still making sure technicians show up on time and stay profitable. The conversation wraps up with a look at personal discipline, suggesting that the effort you put into your fitness and your reputation is exactly what carries over into being a master of your craft.

    Ryan Burton is the Senior HVAC Consultant at Valhalla Refrigeration Ltd in British Columbia, Canada. His wife Jennifer Burton is the founder and CEO of the company. The company performs HVAC work for residential and commercial clients.

    Show more Show less
    2 hrs and 13 mins
  • 62. How to Fix Intermittent Pilot Flame Failures
    Mar 10 2026

    A comprehensive troubleshooting guide for intermittent pilot flame failures in boilers, emphasizing a methodical approach, detailed inspection, and referencing manuals to diagnose and fix issues effectively.

    Show more Show less
    1 hr and 25 mins
  • 61. Do You Really Need Siphon Loops?
    Mar 6 2026

    Eric explores the intricacies of siphon loops, control manifolds, and pressure controls in boiler systems. He clarifies common misconceptions, discusses code requirements, and shares practical insights for stationary engineers and service technicians.

    Show more Show less
    53 mins
  • 60. Understanding the Gap in Education and Development
    Mar 3 2026

    Understand some of the factors that contribute to employers being frustrated with younger generations entering the workforce. Technical training isn't the main concern if the personal skills have never been developed.

    Show more Show less
    1 hr and 21 mins
  • 59. Are Trade Shows Worth It? (AHR Expo 2026 Recap)
    Feb 17 2026

    Eric Johnson reflects on his experiences at the AHR Expo, discussing the purpose and value of the event, the innovations in HVAC technology, and the importance of building relationships within the industry. He emphasizes the need for companies to evaluate their participation in trade shows and the effectiveness of their marketing strategies. Eric also shares insights on the future of HVAC, including challenges and opportunities for growth.

    Show more Show less
    35 mins