Taking the Temperature on HVACR

Hosted by Danfoss Climate Solutions

Technology Business Education

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Episodes

103

Latest episode

May 2026

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About the show

Tune in to the best podcast in the cooling industry. Join host Jamie Kitchen who will cover a wide range of HVAC-R topics, from hands-on tips to general industry trends. You’ll learn how to save time on startup & commissioning, reduce call backs and get the best performance from a system. Want to find out if your airflow is correct or how to determinet quickly? You’ve come to the right place.

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60 recent

May 22, 202648 min

The hidden costs of oversized HVAC equipment

Oversizing HVAC and refrigeration equipment might seem like the “safe” choice—but it can quietly destroy efficiency, product quality, and component life. In this episode of Taking the Temperature of HVACR, Jamie Kitchen, John Broughton, and Jörg Saar discuss how to properly size compressors, evaporators, condensers, valves, and piping; what really happens when systems are too big or too small; and why balance points, humidity control, and ambient conditions matter more than most people think. Packed with real-world examples—from flower rooms and walk‑in coolers to grain drying and variable‑speed systems—this conversation shows why “don’t oversize your equipment” is more than just a rule of thumb.

April 22, 202638 min

Walk-in refrigeration systems explained

In this episode of Taking the Temperature of HVACR, Jamie Kitchen is joined by John Broughton and Jorg Saar to break down the essentials of cold rooms, walk-in boxes, and refrigeration design, covering everything from the difference between holding and blast freezing, to airflow, evaporator placement, refrigerant choices, safety considerations, defrost strategies, and practical installation challenges. Packed with real-world examples and expert insights, this episode offers a clear and engaging look at what it really takes to design and operate efficient walk-in refrigeration systems.

March 25, 202651 min

From ice harvesting to Low-GWP refrigerants

In this episode of Taking the Temperature of HVAC, Jamie Kitchen sits down with John Broughton and Jorg Saar to explore the fascinating history of refrigerants—from harvested ice, water, ammonia, and CO2 to CFCs, HCFCs, HFCs, and today’s low-GWP alternatives. The conversation traces how refrigeration evolved from ice houses and early evaporative cooling to mechanical systems in homes, factories, ships, and supermarkets. Along the way, the team shares stories from the field, reflects on the rise and fall of refrigerants like R-12, R-22, R-11, and R-502, and discusses why the industry is once again adapting to a new generation of refrigerants, including propane, CO2, R-32, and A2Ls. It’s a practical, entertaining look at how the past continues to shape the future of HVAC—and why understanding refrigerant history matters more than ever.

February 25, 202638 min

Turning refrigeration heat into comfort

In this episode of Taking the Temperature of HVACR, host Jamie Kitchen joins Jorg and John to discuss how supermarkets can reclaim “waste heat” from their refrigeration systems to tackle humidity issues (foggy glass doors, dripping condensate, slippery floors) while improving comfort and efficiency. They explain how compressor heat can be reused for reheat during dehumidification, domestic hot water, and even full space heating—sometimes eliminating the need for gas boilers—then share a real-world example of a European supermarket that heats itself year-round and can export surplus heat to a district heating network.

January 27, 202641 min

CO₂ vs A2L refrigerants: Choosing the right refrigerant

Host Jamie Kitchen and guest Jorg Saar compare CO₂ with A2L/HFO-HFC blends and A3 options like propane (R290), explaining why CO₂ isn’t new, what transcritical operation means, and why CO₂ can excel at heat recovery (especially in supermarkets). They also cover the tradeoffs—high pressures and added complexity for CO₂ versus flammability considerations for A2Ls/hydrocarbons—concluding there’s no one-size-fits-all refrigerant; the best choice depends on the application.

December 23, 202537 min

Turbcor®: The technology behind oil free cooling

In this episode of Taking the Temperature on HVAC/R, host Jamie Kitchen talks with Jason Kollman (Danfoss Turbocor®) about what makes oil-free, magnetic-bearing centrifugal compressors unique—from Turbocor’s origins to how the “computer-like” compressor design delivers high efficiency, stable performance over time, and low maintenance. They cover real-world application and commissioning considerations, training and service support, new remote monitoring via Turbocor® Cloud, and where the technology is heading—especially for data center cooling, wider ambient operation, lower-GWP refrigerants, and emerging opportunities like heat recovery and heat pumps.

November 25, 202535 min

Controls vs safety - Key differences in function and expectations

In this episode, our host, Jamie Kitchen sits down with Jorg and John to unpack the real difference between pressure controls and pressure safety devices in HVACR. From fan cycling and pump-down controls to high-pressure cut-outs and manual resets, they share real-world stories from the field—what fails, why it fails, and how proper controls and safety can prevent expensive damage and dangerous situations. Perfect for technicians and engineers who want a clearer, practical understanding of how pressure switches really protect a system. 

October 27, 202529 min

How individual room controls are changing comfort and efficiency

Host Jamie Kitchen welcomes product expert Christina Kjar to discuss how individual room controls are transforming the way we heat our homes and buildings. They dive into the differences between mechanical and electronic thermostatic radiator valves, the growing role of underfloor heating, and the real-world benefits of balanced, efficient systems. Discover why personalized comfort isn’t just a luxury — it’s the key to smarter, more sustainable heating. 

September 24, 202544 min

Stationary vs. mobile refrigeration: Design challenges

Host Jamie Kitchen is joined by regulars Jorg and John to unpack how HVACR changes when the system moves. From vibration, oil management, and compressor mounting to multi-temp trailers, EPRs, and face-seal serviceability, they tour trucks, buses, trains, and reefer containers (yes, how ships power them). You’ll hear diesel vs. battery drives, why hoses mean more filter-drier swaps, and practical do’s & don’ts for manifolded racks—a lively, nerdy ride through the cold chain. 

August 25, 202546 min

Heat Exchangers in action: From Data Centers to HVACR

On this episode of Taking the Temperature on HVACR, host Jamie Kitchen welcomes heat exchanger expert Mark Davydov for a deep dive into one of the industry’s most essential technologies. From the surprising role of plate heat exchangers in data centers and district heating to their everyday impact in breweries and beyond, Mark shares fascinating stories, lessons learned, and practical insights. Whether you’re an HVACR pro or just curious about the hidden tech that keeps our world running, this conversation delivers both expertise and entertainment. 

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