The Refrigeration Mentor Podcast

Learn more about Refrigeration Mentor Customized Technical Training Programs at www.refrigerationmentor.com/courses Join the Refrigeration Mentor Hub here In this conversation, we're discussing how refrigeration techs can make the transition from technician to manager, with Todd Ernest, Executive Chairman of Climate Pros. Todd has some great insights on management skills, including technical excellence versus leadership excellence, emotional intelligence and coaching ability. We also dive into honing communication skils, listening, avoiding favorites, delegating instead of doing, and accountability - the softer skills that are critical for technicians who want to make the career jump into management. In this episode, we cover: (05:56) Tech vs Manager Mindset (08:59) Traits of Successful Leaders (09:53) Communication Skills (17:59) New Manager Mistakes (23:58) Delegation in the Field (26:04) Accountability Shift (29:03) Management Reality Checks (29:53) Crucial Conversations Manager Need to Have (31:34) Communication That Lands (33:03) Offering Praise and Listening (37:22) Coaching and Establishing Control (39:23) Learning on the Road Helpful Links & Resources: Episode 262. Transitioning from Technician to Management Episode 286. Leadership Training for Technicians with Jim Pape of The Arcticom Group BOOK: How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie BOOK: Mindset: The New Psychology of Success by Carol Dweck Follow Todd on LinkedIn

Learn more about Refrigeration Mentor Customized Technical Training Programs at www.refrigerationmentor.com/courses Join the Refrigeration Mentor Hub here In this second part of a two-part episode, we're diving deep into oil management for CO2 refrigeration systems with Alessandro Silva, Senior Application Engineer at Bitzer. Here, Alessandro covers oil reservoir sizing, common failures and what to look for during maintenance checks and root-cause troubleshooting to help refrigeration techs perform more efficient service calls and be feel more confident in the field. You can also follow along this webinar on our Refrigeration Mentor YouTube Channel here. In this episode, we discuss: (00:58) Flash Gas Bypass Basics (01:47) Oil Reservoir Sizing (03:22) Differential Pressure Range (05:25) Load Changes and Oil Flow (06:28) Parallel Compression Setup (10:44) Ejectors and Subcooling Options (17:41) Low Temp Stage Recovery (23:05) Compressor Data Benchmarks (24:15) Compressor Software Diagnostics (25:45) Low Superheat Fixes (27:05) Stepper Vs Pulse Valves (30:50) Oil Separator Maintenance (33:26) Strainers And Trend Graphs (35:30) Pipe Sizing For Oil Return (37:57) CO2 Refrigeration Market Shift Helpful Links & Resources: Episode 390. CO2 Oil Management (Part 1): Lubrication Basics, Oil Selection, Testing, and Troubleshooting with Alessandro Silva of Bitzer Bitzer Fender Follow Alessandro on LinkedIn

Learn more about Refrigeration Mentor Customized Technical Training Programs at www.refrigerationmentor.com/courses Join the Refrigeration Mentor Hub here In this first part of a two-part episode, we're diving deep into oil management for CO2 refrigeration systems with Alessandro Silva, Senior Application Engineer at Bitzer. Alessandro covers cover what technicians, designers, and engineers need to know about oil management, including lubrication systems, oil functions, oil protection, as well as proper tools and gauges, oil level management, controls and a ton of troubleshooting tips for service techs to better understand oil management for CO2 systems. You can also follow along this webinar on our Refrigeration Mentor YouTube Channel here. In this episode, we discuss: (07:49) Lubrication Systems (10:10) Oil Functions and Safety Controls (12:43) Measuring Oil Differential Pressure (13:21) Tools and Safety for CO2 Service (18:07) Oil Grades and Application Ranges (20:22) Oil Circulation Basics (21:46) Choosing CO2 Compressor Oils (22:36) Oil Change Intervals (25:04) Oil Testing Limits (27:12) Acidity And CO2 Degassing (32:20) Basic Oil Management Layout (36:48) Low Pressure Reservoir Setup (38:41) CO2 Cascade And Pumped Systems (40:39) Cascade Heat Exchanger Placement Helpful Links & Resources: Episode 247. Oil Management with Patrick Gregory Episode 11. Bitzer CO2 Compressors with Phil Boudreau Bitzer PV

Learn more about Refrigeration Mentor Customized Technical Training Programs at www.refrigerationmentor.com/courses Join the Refrigeration Mentor Hub here In this conversation, we're covering the basics of TXV's (thermostatic expansion valves) and superheat with longtime tech, teacher and Refrigeration Mentor Community Ambassador, Andrew Freeburg. We breakdown the purpose of superheat, how to measure it, and variations between different applications and manufacturer specs. We also discuss different supermarket conditions, proper TXV adjustments and service tips every refrigeration technician needs to know to thoroughly understand these important system components. In this episode, we cover: (02:08) Superheat Basics Explained (04:04) Measuring Superheat (05:25) Target Superheat Ranges (14:19) When To Adjust TXVs (17:32) TXV Types And Selection (19:00) How A TXV Works (25:44) Bulb Placement (28:32) Equalizer Line Placement (29:30) Equalizer Tube Oil Seal Story (31:10) Bulb Mounting and Insulation (37:18) Low Temp Startup and Pull Down (40:35) Cold Capillary Tube Failures (45:04) Refrigerant Glide and Dew Point Helpful Links & Resources: Episode 16. TXV/TEV - A discussion about Thermostatic Expansion Valves Episode 279. CO2 Experts: Superheat - Controls & Common Issues with Chris Griffiths and John Rothery Episode 324. Using AI To Learn and Troubleshoot Refrigeration Systems Episode 350. Supermarket Refrigeration Tips and Tricks with Robert Ochs

Learn more about Refrigeration Mentor Customized Technical Training Programs at www.refrigerationmentor.com/courses Join the Refrigeration Mentor Hub here In this conversiotion, we're walking step-by-step through a compressor change-out from a recent service call with guest and Refrigeration Mentor Community Ambassador, Andrew Freeburg. Andrew covers covering initial safety steps, plus detailed steps for isolating lines, locking out power, shutting off crankcase heaters, recovering refrigerant, and transferring fittings and oil floats. Andrew also shares installation practices and how he traced back the cause of the issue and used that to efficiently solve the problem. This episode is loaded with tips of what to look for, what to do, and things to avoid on these types of service calls. In this episode, we discuss: (02:04) Using AI To Catch Mistakes (03:46) Refrigeration Compressor Failure (04:55) Safe Isolation And Recovery (06:10) Lockout And Removal Steps (11:09) New Compressor Checks (14:14) Gaskets And Reassembly (17:42) Oil Choices And Vacuum (19:03) Torque Specs And Wiring (24:24) Startup And Oil Change (25:57) Copper Plating Evidence (27:20) Valve Plates (31:19) Root Cause Floodback (33:00) Mechanical Controls Limits (34:05) Oil Change Setup (35:52) Nitrogen Push Method (39:23) Draining Compressors (42:30) Oil Pressure Checks (49:18) Moisture Removal Filters Helpful Links & Resources: Follow Andrew on LinkedIn Episode 329. The Ins & Outs of Compressors Episode 295. A Compressor Story: The Key to Faster Troubleshooting Episode 133. Your Compressor Success Guide

Learn more about Refrigeration Mentor Customized Technical Training Programs at www.refrigerationmentor.com/courses Join the Refrigeration Mentor Hub here In this episode, I'm sharing five things every refrigeration needs to develop to become a more proficient refrigeration professional and advance in your career. Many supermarket refrigeration technicians get stuck second-guessing, spending too long on calls, and relying on constant phone support from lead techs and managers, leading to callbacks and stress. These aren't just technical skills - they include asking better questions, knowing when and what to call about, building field learning habits, learning fundamentals and developing a mindset of constant review, reflection, and teaching. In this episode, we cover: (02:10) Pausing Before Reacting (03:26) Reading Data Like a Pro (04:11) Asking Better Questions (07:21) Building Field Habits (09:12) Knowing Setpoints and Baselines (15:08) Refrigeration Fundamentals and Sequence (17:47) Teaching and Reflecting On Your Work Helpful Links & Resources: Episode 349. How People Develop A "Refrigeration Mindset" pisode 288. The Payoff of Investing Time & Money in Training with Jesse Stewart Episode 274. The Biggest Key To Career Success in Refrigeration

Learn more about Refrigeration Mentor Customized Technical Training Programs at www.refrigerationmentor.com/courses Join the Refrigeration Mentor Hub here In this episode, we're breaking down key CO2 piping and installation practices. We cover essentials like correct trapping, suction line slope, proper hanger spacing and planning for expansion on long runs. We also discuss pipe material selection, brazing technique and purging, pressure testing requirements, and installation details across commercial and industrial applications. In this episode, we cover: (00:43) Why Piping in Refrigeration Matters (02:12) Purging and Brazing Lessons (03:49) CO2 vs HFC Piping Differences (06:39) Traps Slopes and Supports (10:58) Velocity Layout and Expansion (12:45) Piping Material Codes and Alloys (16:55) Pressure Testing and Compliance (18:48) Oil Return Over Pressure Drop (25:17) Piping Insulation Specs and Questions Helpful Links & Resources: Episode 74. Why Understanding Refrigeration Piping Design Is Critical Episode 20. Refrigeration Piping...Who Knew Episode 317. CO2 Piping Design (Tips to Protect Compressors and Prevent Failures) with Chris Griffiths

Learn more about Refrigeration Mentor Customized Technical Training Programs at www.refrigerationmentor.com/courses Join the Refrigeration Mentor Hub here In this conversation, we're talking supermarket case controllers with longtime refrigeration technician and Refrigeration Mentor Community Ambassador Andrew Freeburg. We cover why they're becoming more common (especially with CO2), and how they compare across brands like Danfoss, Copeland, CAREL, RDM and others. We also break down what case controllers do - running the case by controlling lights, fans, defrost, and electronic expansion valves - along with basic checks and troubleshooting tips to help refrigeration techs be more efficient and confident on service calls. In this episode, we discuss: (02:49) What Refrigeration Case Controllers Do (04:09) Remote Access (05:16) Key Case Controller Sensors and Relays (07:25) Electronic Valve Types (08:29 Sensor Verification (10:00) Programming and Manuals (14:17) Fine Tuning Case Controllers Helpful Links & Resources: Episode 257. CO2 Experts Live: Case Controllers with Kevin Mullis Episode 261. Supermarket Case Controller Troubleshooting Tips Episode 282. Danfoss CO2 Controllers with Dave Yoder

Learn more about Refrigeration Mentor Customized Technical Training Programs at www.refrigerationmentor.com/courses Join the Refrigeration Mentor Hub here In this conversation, we're joined by Refrigeration Mentor Community Ambassador Andrew Freeberg to discuss why we entered the refrigeration trade. On top of the strong pay potential, we uncover what we truly enjoy about the industry, including the daily variety, challenges, problem solving, helping customers and common misconceptions about on-call and working conditions. We also break down why many supermarket refrigeration technicians feel stuck second-guessing on jobs, which drives callbacks, stress, and constant support calls. This is an inspiring conversation for anyone considering getting into supermarket refrigeration or new techs looking to explore the sky high potential of the refrigeration industry. In this episode, we discuss: (03:14) Realities of On-Calls as a Tradesperson (04:43) Payoff and Lifestyle of a Refrigeration Technician (05:15) Why the Work Stays Fun (06:29) Top Advantages of the Refrigeration Trade (07:19) Advice for New Students (08:16) Refrigeration Wages and Career Math (10:33) Overtime (12:12) Travel Anywhere With Skills (15:47) Skills That Will Change Your Life (19:24) Recruiting the Next Generation of Tradespeople (21:34) Second Career Ageism (25:03) Why Refrigeration Matters (29:30) Trade School vs College (30:56) Different Career Avenues in Refrigeration Helpful Links & Resources: Episode 333. Training and Troubleshooting Tips to Level Up Your Career Episode 274. The Biggest Key To Career Success in Refrigeration Episode 256. Career Tips for New Technicians

Learn more about Refrigeration Mentor Customized Technical Training Programs at www.refrigerationmentor.com/courses Join the Refrigeration Mentor Hub here In this episode, we're joined by Refrigeration Mentor Community Ambassador Andrew Freeburg to discuss how technicians can approach CO2 refrigeration with more confidence, reduce callbacks, and cut troubleshooting time with the right training and mentors. Andrew shares his journey in the trade, including push into CO2, emphasizing persistence, ongoing training, and being vocal with management about career goals. We also cover practical startup and commissioning fundamentals, including using P&IDs, wiring diagrams, I/O schedules, and checklists to identify components. In this episode, we discuss: (01:51) Andrew's CO2 Journey (03:5)1 Learning CO2 Refrigeration Faster (05:13) Refrigeration Startup Checklists (05:44) Sensor Install Best Practices (07:29) Advice for New Techs on CO2 (12:53) Commissioning and VFD Tuning (15:32) Why Ongoing Commissioning Matters (18:13) CO2 Monitoring and Troubleshooting Helpful Links & Resources: Episode 243. Step-By-Step Walkthrough of a CO2 Service Call with Patrick Gregory Episode 227. Getting to Know Transcritical CO2 Supermarket Refrigeration Systems with Kevin Mullis Episode 180: Developing your CO2 Knowledge into Experience

Learn more about Refrigeration Mentor Customized Technical Training Programs at www.refrigerationmentor.com/courses Join the Refrigeration Mentor Hub here In this episode, we're discussing why capable technicians often freeze when they walk into a supermarket rack room and how that hesitation drives long troubleshooting times, constant support calls, and callbacks. We'll talk about what causes overwhelm from complex rack systems, controls, and newer technologies like CO2, and the important fundamentals that are too often missed. Apprenticeships cover only a fraction of what techs need and that one-off training days aren't enough - the key is consistent, repeatable development paths and training to help technicians build rack specialist skills, reduce callbacks, and improve profitability. In this episode, we cover: (00:48) Why Techs Get Stumped on Service Calls (01:48) Complexity Overload (02:38) Apprenticeship Gaps for Tradespeople (06:39) Refrigeration Glide (07:17) Hot Gas Defrost (13:32) Tips for Hiring New Refrigeration Techs (16:22) CO2 Trend Graphs (20:23) How to Build and Train Refrigeration Rack Specialists Helpful Links & Resources: Episode 299. Basic Refrigeration 101 Episode 251. Supermarket Refrigeration Service and Troubleshooting Tips Episode 215. Understanding Refrigeration System Controls with Larry Herman of Redline Control Design

Learn more about Refrigeration Mentor Customized Technical Training Programs at www.refrigerationmentor.com/courses Join the Refrigeration Mentor Hub here In this conversation, we're talking with Aria Lucey, whose husband Aiden is a longtime technician and Refrigeration Mentor Community Ambassador, discussing how the demanding refrigeration lifestyle impacts relationships and family. She shares early long-distance relationship stories and long-hour challenges, the need for intentional connection, and the importance of clear, honest communication, rather than assumptions. Aria also shares strategies for handling disagreements, making repairs after conflict, and managing kids while incorporating the demanding, often unpredictable work schedule of a refrigeration technician. In this episode, we cover: (02:49) Long Distance Relationships (05:37) Communication Strategies for Relationships (08:18 Fights with Your Spouse (10:17) Sharing Domestic Respinsibilities (12:33) On-Call Lifestyle for Tradespeople (14:35) Advice For New Relationships (19:58) Balancing Sick Days (25:03) Parental Leave And Family Planning (26:29) Taking Turns Supporting Careers (29:29) Dividing Household Responsibilities (34:51) Explaining On-Call To Kids (37:01) Advice For New Technicians Helpful Links & Resources: Episode 226. How Busy Technicians Can Better Manage Work and Family Life Episode 208. The Personal and Professional Sides of Refrigeration (That You Won't Learn in School) Episode 316. Strategies for Surviving and Thriving On-Call with Aidan Lucey

Learn more about Refrigeration Mentor Customized Technical Training Programs at www.refrigerationmentor.com/courses Join the Refrigeration Mentor Hub here In this conversation, I'm sharing the most important things technicians need to know to become experts at supermarket refrigeration. These include mastering the fundamentals like understanding the piping and instrumentation diagram (P&ID), wiring diagrams, IO schedules, and refrigeration schedules. I also discuss the process I use to help refrigeration technicians level up faster and become confident problem solvers, which in turn dramatically reduces troubleshooting time, cuts down on callbacks, and helps refrigeration techs approach service calls with a completely different mindset. In this episode, we discuss: (3:10) Diagnosing CO2 gas cooler pressure issues using trend graphs (7:05) How technicians are learning to think differently (11:20) Four key documents every refrigeration tech must understand (16:15) Why data, trend graphs, and valve percentages reveal the real problem (21:30) The problem with traditional training (26:00) Continuous microlearning (31:45) Strong troubleshooting fundamentals (36:30) Building a global community of refrigeration technicians (41:20) How to take on bigger CO2 and supermarket challenges Helpful Links & Resources: Episode 251. Supermarket Refrigeration Service and Troubleshooting Tips Episode 299. Basic Refrigeration 101 Episode 332. 7 Transcritical CO2 Refrigeration Service & Maintenance Tips

Learn more about Refrigeration Mentor Customized Technical Training Programs at www.refrigerationmentor.com/courses Join the Refrigeration Mentor Hub here In this episode, we're breaking down how to prevent supermarket callbacks - and why the issue is rarely the rack itself. Callbacks crush margins, burn out technicians, frustrate service managers, and erode customer confidence. It comes down to diagnosing the root cause of issues, which almost always comes back to your process as a refrigeration technician: weak fundamentals, poor understanding of rack sequence of operation, misdiagnosis, and a lack of structured troubleshooting. We also discuss how structured development programs dramatically reduce callbacks, improve technician confidence, and increase gross margins for your company. In this episode, we cover: (02:45) The cost of refrigeration service callbacks (05:30) Cause of most refrigeration service callbacks (07:45) Weak fundamentals and missing rack sequence of operation steps (10:10) The most common misdiagnoses in supermarket refrigeration (13:20) Why control strategies matter (16:40) The danger of being a "parts changer" (19:30) How expert techs think differently (23:30) How training reduces callbacks and grows better businesses Helpful Links & Resources Episode 350. Supermarket Refrigeration Tips and Tricks with Robert Ochs Episode 306. Mastering Supermarket Service Calls with Andrew Freeburg Episode 251. Supermarket Refrigeration Service and Troubleshooting Tips

Learn more about Refrigeration Mentor Customized Technical Training Programs at www.refrigerationmentor.com/courses Join the Refrigeration Mentor Hub here In this episode, we're joined by Refrigeration Mentor Community Ambassadors Andrew Freeburg and Erik Holland ot share some call stories from the field, including a severely overheated semi-hermetic compressor teardown. We also walk through safely isolating, recovering, and cleaning or replacing TXV screens/strainers and also common refrigerated case freeze-up causes and defrost strategy. Interested in joining the next Refrigeration Mentor Community Meetup? Click here. In this episode, we cover: (01:56) Copper Plating Moisture Clues (04:32) Oil Color And System Cleanup (08:05) Pumpdown And Screen Cleaning (10:56) Case Freeze Up Root Causes (14:07) Suction Liquid Line Routing Fix (16:12) Airflow Blockage Issues (16:43) Coil Gaps and Bypass (19:00) Defrost Strategy Breakdown (21:05) Humidity and Data Trends (23:19) What Not to Adjust First (24:34) Wild Leg Voltage Explained (27:20) Safety Metering Lessons Helpful Links & Resources: Episode 365. Compressor Inspections and Troubleshooting Stories from the Field Episode 329. The Ins & Outs of Compressors Episode 295. A Compressor Story: The Key to Faster Troubleshooting

Learn more about Refrigeration Mentor Customized Technical Training Programs at www.refrigerationmentor.com/courses Join the Refrigeration Mentor Hub here This conversation was from our latest Refrigeration Mentor Community Meetup, talking about refrigeration controls and electrical systems with Andrew Freeburg and Erik Holland. We cover control fundamentals such as transformers, multiplex board setup, communication basics, polarity, baud rate, cable practices, and fail-safe settings for loads. We also discuss how to build confidence through competence - studying, repetition, applying skills on real systems, asking questions, using community support, setting goals, and learning by teaching. Interested in joining the next Refrigeration Mentor Community Meetup? Click here. In this episode, we discuss: (00:30) Confidence and Competence (06:02) Learning How to Learn (09:58) Setting Goals and Support Groups (15:42) Dunning Kruger Effect (21:58) Electrical Basics and Safety (22:21) Center Tap Transformers (24:30) Multiplex Boards and Dip Switches (25:59) Binary Addressing Switches (26:37) Power and Comms Terminals (27:11) Comms Voltage and LEDs (29:40) Wiring Noise and Shielding (30:47) Fail Safe Dip Switches (33:46) Analog Inputs and Outputs (34:54) Software vs Hardware Logic (39:06) Panel Safety Basics (43:30) Meter Testing and Ratings (47:47) Electrical Safety Mindset Helpful Links & Resources: Episode 371. A 6-Step Process for Faster Electrical Troubleshooting Episode 215. Understanding Refrigeration System Controls with Larry Herman of Redline Control Design

Learn more about Refrigeration Mentor Customized Technical Training Programs at www.refrigerationmentor.com/courses Join the Refrigeration Mentor Hub here In this episode, we're talking with Rob Ochs of Recold to unpack his long and successful refrigeration career - from rack refrigeration, to global sales and adiabatic coolers. He shrares practical tips for technicians and engineers working with modern systems, including CO2. Rob also covers career lessons, communication advice and troubleshooting tips for technicians to help reduce callbacks and make smarter equipment decisions. This episode was recorded live at the 2026 AHR Expo. (0:40) Rob Ochs' Career Path (2:09) Navigating Career Transitions in Refrigeration (5:49) Why Refrigeration Techs Should Learn Design (10:29) Condenser and Gas Cooler Sizing 101 (14:34) Nameplates, Rack Summaries, and Finding Mismatches (20:17) Critical Charge vs DX (22:52) Finding Mentors (24:06) Condenser Fan Strategies (29:11) Latent Gas Defrost Explained (33:36) Adiabatic vs Air Gas Coolers (39:44) Pad Efficiency and Seasonal Pad Removal Helpful Links & Resources: Follow Robert on LinkedIn Recold AHR Expo Episode 350. Supermarket Refrigeration Tips and Tricks with Robert Ochs Episode 271. The Inspiring Refrigeration Journey of Robert Ochs

Learn more about Refrigeration Mentor Customized Technical Training Programs at www.refrigerationmentor.com/courses Join the Refrigeration Mentor Hub here In this episode, we're talking about commercial refrigeration trends and technician realities in the UK/Europe versus North America with UK-based Refrigeration Consultant, Brian Churchyard. We cover the transition to CO2 transcritical, as well as skilled-trades shortages, wage and workload pressures, and the need for continual upskilling across service, maintenance, design, installation, and commissioning sectors of refrigeration. Brian also shares some hands-on fundamentals and things for new technicians to be excited about. This episode was recorded live at the 2026 AHR Expo. In this episode, we discuss: (0:51) Brian's Journey: From Service Engineer to Supermarket Head of Engineering (3:30) Refrigeration Trends in Europe (6:01) A2L Safety, Flammability Context & Design Risk Mitigation (10:48) Upskilling for the Low-Carbon Transition (11:24) The Skilled Trades Shortage (14:55) Pay, Workload & Market Pressures (17:03) Attracting New Refrigeration Professionals (18:54) Building Strong Refrigeration Techs Faster (20:06) Customer Relationships and Clear Communication (22:54) Refrigeration Controls (23:33) Omega Solutions Now Data (31:08) Refrigeration Industry Outlook (34:27) Advice for New Refrigeration Technicians Helpful Links & Resources: Omega Solutions Now Data Episode 374. Growing the Refrigeration Industry Globally with World Refrigeration Day Founder, Steve Gill Episode 285. CO2 Experts: Transitioning to CO2 as a Service Technician Q & A with Andrew Freeburg Episode 340. Basics of CO2 Controls with Kevin Mullis (Part 1 of 4)

Learn more about Refrigeration Mentor Customized Technical Training Programs at www.refrigerationmentor.com/courses Join the Refrigeration Mentor Hub here In this episode, we're joined by UK-based Refrigeration Consultant Steve Gill to talk about the refrigeration industry's impact around the world - enabling travel, preserving food, vaccines, medicines, supporting data centers and more. Steve started World Refrigeration Day (June 26) in 2019 and makes a special announcement about the 2026 theme on this episode - listen to find out! We also discuss practical outreach ideas to help promote and grow the refrigeration industry around the world. This episode was recorded live at the 2026 AHR Expo. In this episode, we discuss: (1:31) Steve's Refrigeration Journey: From Tools to Global Consulting (3:05) Promoting Refrigeration to Students (5:51) Origin of World Refrigeration Day (14:09) Outreach Ideas for the Refrigeration Industry (16:49) Announcing the 2026 World Refrigeration Day Theme (17:42) What "Cool Intelligence" Really Means in Refrigeration (21:26) Support & Sponsorshipfor World Refrigeration Day (23:19) AI in Refrigeration (26:17) Training & Mentorshipin Refrigeration Helpful Links & Resources: https://worldrefrigerationday.org/ https://www.ahrexpo.com/ Episode 320. Celebrating World Refrigeration Day Episode 324. Using AI To Learn and Troubleshoot Refrigeration Systems

Join the Refrigeration Mentor Hub here Learn more about Refrigeration Mentor Customized Technical Training Programs at www.refrigerationmentor.com/courses In this episode, we're talking about installation prep for CO2 refrigeration. I'm joined by longtime refrigeration technician and Refrigeration Mentor Community Ambassador Andrew Freeburg to discuss CO2 system installation, design, evacuation, and pressure testing, diving into best practices and common challenges. This episode provides valuable tips for refrigeration technicians looking to expand their knowledge and expertise in handling CO2 systems. This episode was recorded live during one of our regular Refrigeration Mentor Community Meetups. Join the next meetup here. In this episode, we cover: (1:37) Dealing with Pain and Injuries on the Job (8:06) Training Apprentices Effectively (16:33) Insights from the HR Show (17:50) CO2 System Design and Installation (34:24) Understanding Pressure Ratings and Conversions (35:40) Installation Prep for CO2 Systems (36:24) Proper Support and Slope for Piping (38:15) Brazing and Nitrogen Purging (38:48) Setting Cases and Proper Installation Practices (40:06) Following Manufacturer Specifications (41:57) Expansion Loops and Traps (51:42) Pressure Testing Procedures (57:29) Triple Evacuation and Deep Vacuum Helpful Links & Resources: Episode 160: Things to Know When Installing and Servicing CO2 Refrigeration Systems Episode 285. CO2 Experts: Transitioning to CO2 as a Service Technician Q & A with Andrew Freeburg Episode 81. Challenges Faced When Installing CO2 Systems