ON AIR

Hosted by Lennox Learning Solutions

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Episodes

120

Latest episode

Oct 2026

Language

EN-US

About the show

ON AIR is the no. 1 podcast for HVAC professionals or anyone interested in the stories, successes, and future of the heating and cooling industry and the pursuit of perfect air in the home. With over 65 years of combined experience, hosts Dave Chatmon and Doug Smiley of global energy-efficient climate-control solutions leader Lennox International talk with leaders in the HVAC field, expert contractors, and dedicated employees about the art, science, and future of perfect air. By accessing this Podcast, you acknowledge that the entire contents of this Podcast are the property of Lennox International Inc. or one of its affiliates (collectively, “Lennox”) and are protected under U.S. and international copyright and trademark laws. Except as otherwise provided herein, your use of this Podcast and the information contained in the Podcast are for personal or other educational purposes only. No other use, including, without limitation, reproduction, retransmission, or editing, of this Podcast may be made without the prior written consent of Lennox. All information made available on this Podcast is for general informational purposes only, and any reliance on such information is done at your own risk. This Podcast should not be considered professional advice. By accessing this Podcast, you acknowledge that Lennox makes no warranty, guarantee or representation as to the accuracy or sufficiency of the information featured in this Podcast. The views expressed by guests are their own, and their appearance on this Podcast does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. Views and opinions expressed by Lennox employees are those of the employees and do not necessarily reflect the view of Lennox. LENNOX EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS ANY AND ALL LIABILITY OR RESPONSIBILITY FOR ANY DIRECT, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, CONSEQUENTIAL OR OTHER DAMAGES ARISING OUT OF ANY INDIVIDUAL'S USE OR INABILITY TO USE THIS PODCAST OR THE INFORMATION PRESENTED IN THIS PODCAST.

Listen to episodes

60 recent

November 11, 2026Episode 11534 min

Water Heaters Mean Business: Turning Hot Water into a New Revenue Opportunity

In this episode of Lennox ON AIR , Dave and Doug sit down with Lennox water heater experts to explore why water heating represents a natural next step for HVAC dealers looking to grow their businesses. From technicians spotting an aging tank during routine maintenance to contractors keeping common models on their trucks for fast emergency replacements, the conversation reveals opportunities that may already be waiting inside the customer’s home. The group also looks ahead to a changing water heating industry, including heat pump technology, connected equipment, and upcoming efficiency requirements. You’ll hear how preventive maintenance can build trust before the basement floods, why the right inventory can turn an urgent call into a completed installation, and how Lennox is helping dealers prepare to make water heating a bigger part of their business. Calling all HVAC techs! Got a hilarious story, eye-opening tip, or hot opinion to share? Fill out our quick questionnaire for a chance to be featured on Lennox ON CALL ! Lennox ON AIR is a Lennox Learning Solutions Production.

October 28, 2026Episode 11449 min

Warm Homes, Strong Businesses: The Fall Maintenance Habits That Protect Both

In this episode of Lennox ON AIR , Dave and Doug sit down with Lennox field technical consultants Charlie Willkomm and Chad Mathern to discuss what it takes to prepare heating systems—and the technicians who service them—for the colder months ahead. From a blocked chimney that left a family experiencing headaches and fatigue to airflow issues hiding behind comfort complaints, the conversation shows how fall maintenance can uncover safety risks, reveal the full system picture, and protect the people behind every service call. The group also explains why thorough maintenance matters to the business: missed problems lead to callbacks, unclear communication erodes customer confidence, and underinvesting in training can cost more in the long run. You’ll hear how checklists, manuals, combustion analyzers, and a whole-system view help technicians deliver consistent service and turn a maintenance visit into lasting trust—because when safety is on the line, the best technicians don’t just fix the parts; they protect the whole home. Calling all HVAC techs! Got a hilarious story, eye-opening tip, or hot opinion to share? Fill out our quick questionnaire for a chance to be featured on Lennox ON CALL ! Lennox ON AIR is a Lennox Learning Solutions Production.

October 21, 2026Episode 629 min

Lennox ON CALL: The Unwritten Rules of the Trade

Technical know-how is only part of being a great HVAC tech. In this Lennox ON CALL episode, Nick and Anthony unpack the unwritten rules that shape every service call—from making the right first impression and respecting a customer’s home to knowing when to speak up, when to keep it simple, and how to stay calm when things go wrong. Got a hilarious story, eye-opening tip, or hot opinion to share? Fill out our quick questionnaire for a chance to be featured on Lennox ON CALL ! Lennox ON CALL is a Lennox Learning Solutions Production.

October 14, 2026Episode 11338 min

Opportunity Creates Opportunity: Growing Leaders, Loyalty, and the Bottom Line

In this episode of Lennox ON AIR , Dave and Doug sit down with Patrick Somers, president and CEO, and Tanya Priest, chief of staff, of General Air Conditioning and Plumbing to explore how strong leadership, clear values, and intentional culture can turn a growing company into a lasting business. Patrick and Tanya share lessons from The General’s expansion into plumbing and electrical, including the importance of written goals, succession planning, and stepping out of day-to-day operations so the leadership team can grow. The conversation also examines what integrity looks like in practice—from protecting employees and developing loyal talent to making decisions that may cost money now but build trust over time. You’ll hear how genuine community involvement strengthens recruiting and reputation, why leaders should set the map while giving their teams room to succeed, and how sustainable growth starts with investing in people. If opportunity creates opportunity, this episode shows how purpose-driven leadership can create momentum for employees, customers, the community, and the business. Calling all HVAC techs! Got a hilarious story, eye-opening tip, or hot opinion to share? Fill out our quick questionnaire for a chance to be featured on Lennox ON CALL ! Lennox ON AIR is a Lennox Learning Solutions Production.

September 30, 2026Episode 11240 min

Explore the Trades: Bringing Career Pathways Back to the Classroom

In this episode of Lennox ON AIR , Dave and Doug sit down with Kate Cinnamo, executive director of Explore the Trades , to discuss how the industry can help students see a future in plumbing, HVAC, and electrical careers. From elementary school posters to classroom resources that connect geometry, physics, and hands-on learning to real jobs, the conversation reframes the trades as a smart, rewarding post-secondary path—not a backup plan. The group also digs into the business consequence behind the mission: the technician shortage is growing, experienced workers are retiring, and dealers can’t afford to wait until they “need someone in the van yesterday.” You’ll hear practical ways dealers can plant the seed early through school partnerships, shop tours, donated equipment, guest speaking, and Explore the Trades’ contractor toolkit . If it takes a team to solve the skilled labor gap, this episode is a clear reminder that there’s no wrong way to start. Calling all HVAC techs! Got a hilarious story, eye-opening tip, or hot opinion to share? Fill out our quick questionnaire for a chance to be featured on Lennox ON CALL ! Lennox ON AIR is a Lennox Learning Solutions Production.

September 16, 2026Episode 11156 min

Invisible Until It Matters: Building the Reputation Customers Search For

In this episode of Lennox ON AIR , Dave and Doug sit down with Preferred Vendors Levitate and PrecisionLocal to explore how reputation management is changing the way dealers build trust, retain customers, and stay visible online. With homeowners researching businesses across reviews, websites, social media, and AI-driven search, the group discusses why outdated listings, inconsistent follow-up, and a passive review strategy can create costly gaps for many businesses. The conversation dives into the real-world impact of customer loyalty gaps, how consistent outreach can help dealers stay top of mind, and why maximizing existing customer relationships may be just as important as generating new leads. You’ll hear practical insights on asking for reviews, strengthening local presence, preparing for generative search, and creating a more human customer experience that turns reputation into a growth opportunity. The following is a paid advertisement from PrecisionLocal : Think it might be time for a fresh perspective? Get a second opinion on your marketing from PrecisionLocal and discover your next opportunity for growth. Calling all HVAC techs! Got a hilarious story, eye-opening tip, or hot opinion to share? Fill out our quick questionnaire for a chance to be featured on Lennox ON CALL ! Lennox ON AIR is a Lennox Learning Solutions Production.

September 9, 2026Episode 529 min

Lennox ON CALL: Ceiling Crashout

Some service calls go sideways fast. In this Lennox ON CALL episode, Nick and Anthony share the story of a new technician who takes one wrong step in an attic and ends up dangling through a customer’s ceiling—with the fire department on the way. They break down the awkwardness, customer drama, humor, and tool improvisation behind a call he’ll never live down. Got a hilarious story, eye-opening tip, or hot opinion to share? Fill out our quick questionnaire for a chance to be featured on Lennox ON CALL ! Lennox ON CALL is a Lennox Learning Solutions Production.

September 2, 2026Episode 11047 min

The Reputation Avalanche: How Small Choices Build Lasting Trust

In this episode of Lennox ON AIR , Dave and Doug sit down with dealer Ben Merrifield ( Meade's Heating and Air ) and DM Tabitha Robertson to explore how reputation management is reshaping the way dealers win and keep customers. As buyer's remorse rises and repeat business declines industry-wide, the group discusses why trust must be earned every single time and how dealers can turn reputation into a true business asset rather than something left to chance. The following is a paid advertisement from PrecisionLocal : Think it might be time for a fresh perspective? Get a second opinion on your marketing from PrecisionLocal and discover your next opportunity for growth. Calling all HVAC techs! Got a hilarious story, eye-opening tip, or hot opinion to share? Fill out our quick questionnaire for a chance to be featured on Lennox ON CALL ! Lennox ON AIR is a Lennox Learning Solutions Production.

August 19, 2026Episode 10945 min

From Curiosity to Close: How to Win the Mini-Split Opportunity

In this episode of Lennox ON AIR , Dave and Doug sit down with Tripp Jordan of Sales Builder Pro , Jeff Bowab of RYNO Strategic Solutions , and Lennox Category Sales Sr. Manager Scott Dohn to explore how dealers can turn growing interest in zoning and mini-splits into profitable business growth. As homeowners search for whole-home comfort solutions, the group explains why selling the equipment alone is not enough—and why education, marketing, and a confident sales process must work together. The conversation covers how dealers can market the problems homeowners are trying to solve, create educational content that builds trust, and use financing to make comfort solutions more accessible. You'll also hear how tools, training, and vendor partnerships can help teams quote ductless systems with confidence, reduce hesitation at the kitchen table, and prepare for the category's continued growth. If you're ready to move beyond one-size-fits-all selling and capture more of the ductless opportunity, this episode offers practical strategies to help you take action. Calling all HVAC techs! Got a hilarious story, eye-opening tip, or hot opinion to share? Fill out our quick questionnaire for a chance to be featured on Lennox ON CALL ! Lennox ON AIR is a Lennox Learning Solutions Production.

August 12, 2026Episode 430 min

Lennox ON CALL: Tools of the Trade

Every tech has a tool they swear by. In this Lennox ON CALL episode, Nick and Anthony talk through field-tested favorites, everyday toolbag staples, and the small tools that can make a big difference on the job. Along the way, they look at how the right tools can save time, reduce guesswork, and help techs handle whatever the field throws at them. Got a hilarious story, eye-opening tip, or hot opinion to share? Fill out our quick questionnaire for a chance to be featured on Lennox ON CALL ! Lennox ON CALL is a Lennox Learning Solutions Production.