HVAC Know It All Podcast

Hosted by Gary McCreadie - Licensed Refrigeration/HVAC Technician

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Episodes

544

Latest episode

Aug 2026

Language

EN-US

About the show

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.

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60 recent

August 27, 202618 min

How to Diagnose Oil Return Problems Before They Damage a Compressor

Episode Overview In this episode of the HVAC Know It All Podcast, Host Gary McCreadie Director of Player Development and Head Coach at Shelburne Soccer Club and President of McCreadie HVAC & Refrigeration Services and HVAC Know It All Inc , examines compressor oil return, including why lubrication matters, how low load and reduced airflow affect oil movement, and how oil separators can protect compressors. Listeners will learn how to investigate oil-failure alarms, improve return velocity, and avoid replacing controls before finding the underlying system issue. Drawing on a past five-story rooftop-unit service case and observations from LG VRF training, the host explains how improper building automation programming contributed to repeated compressor failures. That field perspective connects oil separators, inverter oil-return modes, suction piping, traps, double suction risers, and compressor unloading to practical troubleshooting decisions. Key Takeaways Why inadequate lubrication can cause compressor seizure, metal debris, and component damage. How an oil separator can return oil from the discharge line to the suction line without circulating as much oil through the system. How reduced airflow and low suction pressure can prevent oil from returning to a compressor. Why an oil-failure control trip requires troubleshooting oil pressure and return rather than immediately replacing the control. How suction-line traps and double suction risers help maintain oil-return velocity in vertical piping. The importance of periodically loading inverter or unloaded compressor capacity to bring pooled oil back to the compressor. Key Timestamps: [00:00] - Sponsor: Factory Direct Filters [02:32] - Why oil is important for compressor lubrication [04:15] - How VRF oil-return mode raises compressor speed to return oil at low load. [07:27] - Why an Oil Separator Was Recommended for the System [10:58] - How Oil Failure Controls Work and Why You Shouldn't Just Reset Them [12:52] - Oil Traps and Double Suction Risers [17:21] - Troubleshooting Oil Return Issues and Using the Oil Sight Glass This Episode is Kindly Sponsored by: Cintas: https://www.cintas.com/hvacknowitall 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 Host on: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gary-mccreadie-38217a77/ Website: https://www.hvacknowitall.com LinkedIn - HVAC Know It All Inc.: https://www.linkedin.com/company/hvac-know-it-all-inc McCreadie HVAC & Refrigeration Services: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mccreadie-hvac-refrigeration-services/ Shelburne Soccer Club: https://shelburnesoccerclub.sportngin.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

August 26, 202621 min

Why HVAC Technicians Struggle to Build Successful Businesses with Daniel Quinonez

In this episode of the HVAC Know It All Business Edition Podcast, co-hosts Gary McCreadie and Furman Haynes from WorkHero speak with Daniel Quinonez , Chief Operating Officer of Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors -National Association . They discuss contractor communities, member education, apprenticeship programs, and the operational challenges facing small HVAC businesses. Dan explains how contractors can access peer support, business resources, and training opportunities through membership. He also shares his perspective on hiring green apprentices versus experienced technicians and the fragmented approach to trade training across the United States. Expect To Learn: How contractor communities can provide peer support and business resources. Why business operations can be challenging for technicians who become owners. Ways AI can support administrative work without replacing technicians. The tradeoffs between hiring experienced technicians and training apprentices. How contractor-sponsored apprenticeship programs combine coursework and hands-on experience. Why training requirements and licensing vary across U.S. states. The case for a more coordinated national strategy for trade education. Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction 01:27 - PHCC's history, membership, and education programs 05:05 - Benefits of joining a contractor chapter 06:44 - Common needs of small contractors 09:25 - Operational and time-management challenges 11:53 - Hiring apprentices versus experienced technicians 13:24 - Online apprenticeship training and contractor sponsorship 17:30 - Training capacity at large and small companies 18:32 - The lack of a national training strategy 20:04 - China's unified trade-training standards Follow our Guest Daniel Quinonez: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-quinonez-690ba68/ Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/phccnational/ Company Website: https://www.phccweb.org/ 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__/

August 24, 202619 min

HVAC Mental Health - Transformational Leadership

Episode Overview In this episode of the HVAC Know It All Podcast, Host Gary McCreadie Director of Player Development and Head Coach at Shelburne Soccer Club and President of McCreadie HVAC & Refrigeration Services and HVAC Know It All Inc , talks about volunteer leadership, workplace burnout, and gratitude. Using experiences from coaching and leading a youth soccer club, He explains how HVAC business owners, service managers, and technicians can use encouragement, communication, and patient development to help people perform at their best. He draws on the pressure of managing complaints and limited positive feedback while serving as president of the Shelburne Soccer Club and coaching soccer. That experience informs a leadership perspective centered on recognizing effort, building confidence in small steps, and supporting people in every direction of an organization. Key Takeaways How consistent encouragement can help a struggling employee or player rebuild confidence and improve performance. Why gratitude matters in volunteer roles, field work, and leadership positions where positive feedback can be limited. The value of assigning manageable tasks and increasing responsibility as someone builds confidence. How transformational leadership differs from ridicule, angry emails, and focusing only on mistakes. Why leaders also need honest positive feedback when they are carrying responsibility without support above them. The connection between toxic work environments, burnout, and employees deciding to leave. Key Timestamps [00:00] – Episode Introduction [05:18] – The Mental Strain of Thankless Volunteer Work [07:11] – Lack of Gratitude and What Employees Need From Leaders [08:47] – Coaching a struggling player through confidence-building encouragement [11:07] – Why Leadership and Support Need to Go Both Ways [14:17] – Why employees should share positive feedback with good leaders [16:37] – Sharing Gratitude and Building People Up Through Positive Reinforcement This Episode is Kindly Sponsored by: Cintas: https://www.cintas.com/hvacknowitall 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 Host & His Companies: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gary-mccreadie-38217a77/ Website: https://www.hvacknowitall.com LinkedIn - HVAC Know It All Inc.: https://www.linkedin.com/company/hvac-know-it-all-inc McCreadie HVAC & Refrigeration Services: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mccreadie-hvac-refrigeration-services/ Shelburne Soccer Club: https://shelburnesoccerclub.sportngin.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 Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hvac-know-it-all-podcast/id1359253455

August 19, 202621 min

HVAC Business Growth for Contractors Being Crushed by Rebates & Complexity with Samir Pendse

In this episode of the HVAC Know It All Business Edition Podcast, co-hosts Gary McCreadie and Furman Haynes from WorkHero sit down with Samir Pendse , Co-founder & CEO at Coral exploring the future of HVAC financing, heat pump adoption, rebate programs, and innovative business models like HVAC-as-a-Service. They discuss why affordability remains the biggest barrier to energy-efficient equipment, how contractors can simplify financing for homeowners, and why marketing should focus on comfort and savings rather than politics. The conversation also covers the challenges small contractors face, the evolution of financing options, and what the future of home comfort solutions looks like. Coral is a company helping HVAC contractors simplify rebates, incentives, and financing for homeowners. Coral enables contractors to offer affordable energy-efficient systems without navigating complex incentive programs, making high-efficiency HVAC upgrades more accessible across the United States. Expect To Learn: Why affordability is the biggest challenge for heat pump adoption. How financing can increase sales of high-efficiency HVAC systems. Why comfort and energy savings should be the primary marketing message for heat pumps. The unique challenges small HVAC contractors face with rebate programs. How contractor coordination impacts energy-efficiency projects. The rise of HVAC-as-a-Service and subscription-based home comfort. Coral's vision for simplifying financing, incentives, and rebates for contractors. Timestamps : 00:00 - Introduction 00:53 - Are Heat Pumps Becoming the New Standard? 02:01 - The Politics of Heat Pump Marketing 04:25 - Keeping Politics Out of HVAC Sales 05:54 - Why Economics Will Drive Heat Pump Growth 07:21 - Can Small Contractors Keep Up With Incentive Programs? 09:25 - Coordinating HVAC, Electrical & Weatherization Projects 10:56 - The Future of HVAC Financing 13:37 - HVAC as a Service: Subscription-Based Heating & Cooling 14:56 - Why HVAC Subscriptions Are Growing 16:25 - Partnerships Between Manufacturers, Distributors & Financing 17:41 - Why HVAC as a Service Makes Sense for Homeowners 20:12 - Coral's Expansion Plans & Final Advice for Contractors 21:06 - Closing Remarks Follow our Guest Samir Pendse: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samirpendse/ Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/startcoral/ Company Website: https://www.startcoral.com/ 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__/

August 12, 202619 min

HVAC Sales Struggles for Contractors to Close Deals using Upfront Rebates with Samir Pendse

In this episode of the HVAC Know It All Business Edition Podcast, co-hosts Gary McCreadie and Furman Haynes from WorkHero sit down with Samir Pendse , Co-founder & CEO at Coral . He shares how Coral simplifies that process by guaranteeing rebates upfront, connecting homeowners with the best financing options, and helping contractors close more deals without adding administrative burden. The conversation also explores financing for repairs, contractor operations, working capital challenges, and how evolving government rebate programs are shaping the future of the HVAC industry. Coral is a platform that helps HVAC contractors simplify rebate management and financing for energy-efficient home upgrades. By combining guaranteed upfront rebates with low-cost financing options, Coral enables contractors to improve close rates, streamline operations, and make high-efficiency systems more affordable for homeowners. Expect To Learn: How upfront rebates improve homeowner affordability and contractor sales. Why financing has become essential for modern HVAC replacements. The operational challenges contractors face when managing rebate programs. How rebate complexity impacts sales, marketing, and back-office workflows. The importance of working capital when contractors float rebate payments. Why repair financing represents a major untapped opportunity. What upcoming government rebate programs mean for HVAC contractors. Timestamps: 00:00 – Introduction 01:12 – The Affordability Challenge Behind Heat Pumps and Energy Upgrades 01:54 – Can Financing Help Homeowners Cover Costly HVAC Repairs? 03:37 – Why Repair Financing Matters Just as Much as System Replacement 06:34 – How Contractors Can Use Rebates as a Competitive Advantage 08:11 – Creating More Confidence at the Kitchen Table with Guaranteed Rebates 09:34 – Understanding How HVAC Rebate Programs Work 12:03 – Should Contractors Lead Every Sales Conversation with Financing? 13:59 – Building Contractor Operations Around Rebate Programs 16:21 – The Working Capital Challenge of Waiting for Rebate Payments 17:09 – What the Latest Federal Rebate Guidance Means for HVAC Contractors Follow our Guest Samir Pendse: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samirpendse/ Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/startcoral/ Company Website: https://www.startcoral.com/ 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__/

August 6, 202619 min

HVAC System Breakdowns for Managers to Avoid Catastrophic Shutdowns - Clayton & Robert Part 2

In this episode of the HVAC Know It All Podcast, host Gary McCreadie continues his conversation with Clayton Cassady , President, and Robert Laframboise , Vice President, Class A Operator at RC Mechanical Canada , about industrial ammonia refrigeration systems and the role of plant operators. They explain how ammonia plants work, common system pressures, direct and indirect refrigeration, operator training, control room duties, system redundancy, emergency response, and how proper operation helps keep products safe while supporting reliable plant performance. Gary, Clayton, and Robert discuss how industrial ammonia refrigeration plants operate and what it takes to keep them running safely. They explain direct and indirect refrigeration systems, common operating pressures, operator training, control room responsibilities, system redundancy, emergency response, and how proper plant operation helps protect refrigerated products and maintain reliable performance. Expect to Learn: How direct and indirect ammonia refrigeration systems are used in industrial facilities. What operators monitor in the control room to keep refrigeration systems running safely. How operator training prepares workers for plant operation, safety, and certification exams. Why redundancy and spare parts are important for protecting refrigerated products. How operators respond to power failures and other plant emergencies to keep systems operating. Episode Highlights: [00:00] - Sponsor: Factory Direct Filters ad [00:42] - Intro to Clayton & Robert in Part 2 [01:58] - Direct vs indirect refrigeration systems [03:09] - Ammonia pressures: discharge 150-180 PSI, suction 30–35 PSI [03:48] - Secondary refrigerants used in hockey rinks & production [06:45] - Hockey rink economics: costs, declining ice time, dry-pad growth [08:02] - Operator training: 10-week program covering theory, safety & exams [13:00] - Redundancy: multiple compressors & spare parts [16:29] - Emergency shutdowns, power failures & system restarts [18:59] - How to contact RC Mechanical & upcoming textbook This Episode is Kindly Sponsored by: Cintas: https://www.cintas.com/hvacknowitall 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 Guests Clayton Cassady and Robert Laframboise on: LinkedIn Profile - Clayton: https://www.linkedin.com/in/clayton-cassady-04a484205/ LinkedIn Profile - Robert: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-laframboise-805100204/ LinkedIn - RC Mechanical Canada: https://www.linkedin.com/company/rc-mechanical-canada/ Website - RC Mechanical Canada: https://www.rcmechanical.ca/ Follow the Host on: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gary-mccreadie-38217a77/ LinkedIn - HVAC Know It All Inc.: https://www.linkedin.com/company/hvac-know-it-all-inc Website: https://www.hvacknowitall.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/HVAC-Know-It-All-2/615679643061429/ 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

August 5, 202621 min

HVAC Pricing, AI Automation & Financial Strategy with Valeria Velázquez

In this episode of the HVAC Know It All Business Edition Podcast, co-hosts Gary McCreadie and Furman Haynes from WorkHero sit down with Valeria Velázquez , Director of Customer Strategy at WorkHero and Co-Founder of Climate Champions to explore the balance between financial discipline and entrepreneurial vision. They discuss why accountants should provide clarity not dictate strategy, how contractors can use financial data to make better decisions, common operational mistakes they see across the industry, pricing in competitive markets, and how AI is reshaping the future of HVAC operations. Having worked with more than 45 HVAC contractors, she specializes in helping businesses improve their financial visibility, operational efficiency, pricing strategies, and office workflows. Her unique perspective combines real-world contracting experience with modern automation and AI-driven operations. Expect To Learn: Why financial reporting should support business vision, not replace it. The difference between accountants, advisors, and business decision-makers. The common operational patterns successful HVAC contractors share. Why clean data and accurate reporting are essential for growth. How to price profitably without simply matching competitors. Why small contractors often undervalue their services. How AI and automation will transform HVAC office operations by 2030. Timestamps : 00:00 – Introduction 00:42 – Finance vs. business vision 02:17 – The role of financial professionals 03:55 – Should accountants influence strategy? 05:25 – Budget limits and business growth 07:06 – Common patterns in successful HVAC businesses 08:20 – Why clean data matters 09:15 – Common HVAC pricing mistakes 10:08 – Pricing in a competitive market 11:00 – Pricing for long-term profitability 13:06 – Should small HVAC companies charge less? 14:36 – The future of AI in HVAC 17:39 – How WorkHero helps contractors 19:10 – Working in HVAC operations and AI 20:47 – Final thoughts & closing remarks Follow our Guest Valeria Velázquez & her Companies: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/valeria-velazquez-6a00402b7/ Climate Champions: https://www.linkedin.com/company/callthechampions/ WorkHero: https://www.linkedin.com/company/workherohvac/ Climate Champions: https://www.callthechampions.com/ WorkHero: https://www.workhero.pro/ WorkHero: https://www.instagram.com/workhero__/ 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__/

August 3, 202619 min

The Industry Running on Ammonia is Facing a Massive Skills Crisis with Clayton & Robert Part 1

In this episode of the HVAC Know It All Podcast, host Gary McCreadie is joined by Clayton Cassady , President, & Robert Laframboise , Vice President, Class A Operator at RC Mechanical Canada to discuss industrial ammonia refrigeration systems and how they operate. Clayton explains why ammonia is widely used in large facilities, the safety procedures required when working with it, and how ammonia leak detection systems help protect operators. Robert shares how RC Mechanical trains and supplies refrigeration operators for ammonia plants, covering Class A and Class B certifications, online and in person training, and industry staffing challenges. The conversation also explores plant operation, screw and reciprocating compressors, and the role of refrigeration operators in keeping industrial facilities running safely and efficiently. In this conversation, Clayton explains what industrial ammonia refrigeration systems are and why ammonia is used in large facilities such as cold storage warehouses, food production plants, and hockey rinks. He discusses ammonia safety, leak detection, ventilation, and the procedures required when working with the system. Robert and Gary explore topics such as refrigeration operator training, Class A and Class B certifications, industry staffing challenges, and the role of operators in ammonia plants. They also discuss plant operation, screw and reciprocating compressors, and why proper training and safety practices are important for reliable operation. Expect to Learn: What industrial ammonia refrigeration systems are and why ammonia is used in large facilities. The safety procedures, leak detection systems, and PPE required when working with ammonia. How refrigeration operators are trained, certified, and placed in ammonia plants. The difference between screw and reciprocating compressors used in ammonia systems. Why proper training, safe operating practices, and skilled operators are important for reliable plant operation. Episode Highlights: [00:00] - Sponsor Ad: Factory Direct Filters [00:42] - Intro to Guests Clayton and Robert in Part 1 [02:48] - Ammonia Refrigeration Basics [04:07] - Why Ammonia Over Synthetics? [05:27] - RC Mechanical's Operator Supply Business [08:54] - Safety Protocols & Ammonia Sensors [12:48] - RC Mechanical's Training Program Details [15:29] - Operator Classifications & Training [17:24] - Compressor Types & Screw Compressor Operation This Episode is Kindly Sponsored by: Cintas: https://www.cintas.com/hvacknowitall 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 Guests Clayton Cassady and Robert Laframboise on: LinkedIn Profile - Clayton: https://www.linkedin.com/in/clayton-cassady-04a484205/ LinkedIn Profile - Robert: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-laframboise-805100204/ LinkedIn - RC Mechanical Canada: https://www.linkedin.com/company/rc-mechanical-canada/ Website - RC Mechanical Canada: https://www.rcmechanical.ca/ Follow the Host on: LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gary-mccreadie-38217a77/ LinkedIn - HVAC Know It All: https://www.linkedin.com/company/hvac-know-it-all-inc 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

July 30, 202620 min

HVAC Heat Recovery Systems for Buildings That Replace Boilers and Reduce Costs with David Kim Part 2

In this episode of the HVAC Know It All Podcast, host Gary McCreadie continues his conversation with David Kim , Engineering Manager at LG Electronics , about advanced VRF technology and new heating and cooling solutions. David explains how LG's Hydro Kit works for hydronic heating and domestic hot water, along with water communication kits for larger systems. The discussion also covers chiller applications, data center cooling, cold climate residential heat pumps, dual fuel systems, smart thermostat controls, and AI features that improve system performance and energy efficiency. Gary and David discuss LG's latest VRF solutions and how they can improve heating, cooling, and hot water applications. David explains how the Hydro Kit and water communication kit support hydronic systems, along with their use in boiler replacement projects. The conversation also covers chiller solutions for larger applications, residential cold climate heat pumps, dual fuel systems, smart thermostat controls, and AI features that help improve efficiency and overall system performance. Expect to Learn: How LG's Hydro Kit supports hydronic heating and domestic hot water applications. How water communication kits expand VRF capacity for small and large projects. Why chillers are a better choice for large data center cooling applications. How LG cold climate heat pumps and dual fuel systems improve residential heating. How LG's smart controls, ThinkQ app, and AI features help improve system performance and efficiency. Episode Highlights: [00:00] - Sponsor: Factory Direct Filters ad [00:42] - Intro to David Kim in Part 02 [02:06] - Hydro kit explained: air-to-water, mid-temp vs high-temp (up to 176°F) [03:45] - Replacing boilers & water communication kit (1 to 32 ton capacity) [06:49] - LG chiller lineup for data centres & large applications [11:07] - Residential cold climate heat pumps: Deluxe unit works at -35°C [15:03] - Dual fuel systems: 24V control vs LG thermostat with EIM for true variable speed [18:11] - AI snow removal feature using AccuWeather data This Episode is Kindly Sponsored by: Cintas: https://www.cintas.com/hvacknowitall 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 David Kim on: LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-kim-156b9878/ LinkedIn - LG Electronics: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lg-electronics Follow the Host on: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gary-mccreadie-38217a77/ LinkedIn - HVAC Know It All Inc.: https://www.linkedin.com/company/hvac-know-it-all-inc Website: https://www.hvacknowitall.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/HVAC-Know-It-All-2/615679643061429/ 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

July 29, 202620 min

How to Scale an HVAC Business from $500K to $5M | Office Management, Marketing & Operations with Valeria Velázquez

In this episode of the HVAC Know It All Business Edition Podcast, co-hosts Gary McCreadie and Furman Haynes from WorkHero sit down with Valeria Velázquez , Director of Customer Strategy at WorkHero and Co-Founder of Climate Champions to discuss what it really takes to grow and scale a successful HVAC business. Drawing from her experience helping transform an HVAC company from under $1 million to $5 million in revenue, Valeria shares practical lessons on business operations, leadership, marketing, customer retention, and building high-performing office teams. She also reflects on growing up in an HVAC family, the importance of community involvement, and why mastering the fundamentals is the key to sustainable growth. Valeria Velázquez is an HVAC business operations leader with extensive experience scaling residential HVAC companies through operational excellence, leadership, and process improvement. After helping grow an HVAC business from a small operation into a multi-million-dollar business, she has become a trusted voice on office management, customer experience, marketing systems, and helping contractors build businesses that can grow without sacrificing service quality. Expect To Learn: - Why being a great technician doesn't automatically make you a great business owner. - How community involvement can become one of your strongest marketing strategies. - The systems every HVAC company needs before investing in paid marketing. - Why recurring maintenance agreements are essential for long-term growth. - How a strong office manager can transform an HVAC business. - The biggest lessons from scaling an HVAC company from $500K to $5M. - Practical advice for dispatchers, CSRs, and office staff looking to grow into leadership roles. Timestamps: 00:00 – Introduction 01:24 – Why Small Business Owners Strengthen Their Communities 04:35 – Growing Up in an HVAC Family 07:42 – Scaling an HVAC Business from $500K to $5 Million 09:54 – Building Recurring Revenue with Service Agreements 14:27 – Why Great Office Managers Drive Business Growth. 15:36 – Where Growth Really Comes From 17:12 – The Marketing Strategies Every HVAC Contractor Needs 18:50 – Building a High-Performing Office Team 19:22 – Advice for Dispatchers and CSRs Who Want to Lead Follow our Guest Valeria Velázquez: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/valeria-velazquez-6a00402b7/ Company LinkedIn: Climate Champions: https://www.linkedin.com/company/callthechampions/ WorkHero: https://www.linkedin.com/company/workherohvac/ Company Website: Climate Champions: https://www.callthechampions.com/ WorkHero: https://www.workhero.pro/ Company Instagram: WorkHero: https://www.instagram.com/workhero__/ 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__/