Taking the Temperature on HVACR

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.

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.

On this episode of Taking the Temperature on HVACR, host Jamie Kitchen welcomes heat exchanger expert Mark Davidoff 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.

In this episode of "Taking the Temperature on HVAC," Jamie, John, and Jorg explore the different types of compressors offered by Danfoss, including reciprocating, scroll, screw, and Turbocor compressors. They discuss the operational differences between these compressors, such as the pulsation in reciprocating compressors versus the smooth operation of scroll compressors, and the factors influencing compressor selection, like efficiency, temperature range, and application needs. The hosts emphasize that choosing the right compressor depends on the specific system requirements, from low-temperature refrigeration to high-capacity heat pumps, providing valuable insights for HVAC professionals looking to optimize their systems.

In this episode of Taking the Temperature on HVAC, host Jamie Kitchen is joined by John Broughton and Jorg Saar to explore the critical role of pressure regulators in refrigeration systems. They discuss how condenser, evaporator, and case pressure regulators help maintain system stability across varying loads and ambient conditions, ensuring proper pressure differentials for metering devices and protecting compressors from overload. The conversation covers common misconceptions, design considerations like receiver sizing and hot gas bypass, and compares the use of crankcase pressure regulators versus MOP valves. Emphasizing the importance of system knowledge, the episode highlights how these components work together to ensure reliable, efficient HVAC operation.

Welcome to "Taking the Temperature on HVACR," hosted by Jamie Kitchen. In this insightful episode, Jamie is joined by regular guests, Jorg Saar and John Broughton, as they delve into the intricate relationship between temperature and pressure within refrigeration systems. The discussion covers the fundamentals of the refrigeration cycle, emphasizing how temperature differences drive heat transfer, and the role of components like evaporators and compressors. Explore the fascinating dynamics of vapor compression and learn how thermodynamics governs the operation of HVAC systems. Whether you're an industry professional or simply curious about how your fridge works, this episode offers valuable insights into the science behind keeping things cool.

While the space temperature in a refrigerated space may be used to control the refrigeration system, there is a lot more going on that we must also take control of. The thermostat initiates a pump down cycle to control/limit refrigerant migration to protect the compressor and enable defrost to occur more rapidly. Control over the temperature, humidity, velocity and direction of air leaving the unit cooler must be maintained to ensure that product is not dried out or frozen even when stored in temperatures above freezing. How product is placed within the cooler or freezer must be controlled so that sufficient airflow through the space and around the product occurs for quick and efficient heat removal.

In this episode of Taking the Temperature on HVACR, host Jamie Kitchen welcomes special guest Maiken Hansen to explore the world of hydronic balancing. They discuss how unbalanced heating systems in multi-family buildings can lead to cold tenants, noisy radiators, and high energy bills—and how dynamic balancing solutions can improve comfort, reduce complaints, and cut energy costs by up to 25%. Whether you're a facility manager, building owner, or just curious about smarter heating solutions, this episode dives into the challenges and benefits of efficient hydronic balancing.

Join Jamie and John in this episode of Taking the Temperature on HVAC-R as they tackle noise and vibration in commercial refrigeration and air conditioning systems. Discover the causes, impacts, and practical solutions to enhance acoustic performance and system efficiency. Perfect for cooling installers looking to optimize their installations and meet customer expectations!

In this episode of Taking the Temperature on HVAC-R, Jamie, John, and Jörg take you on a deep dive into the world of pressure controls in HVAC systems. Uncover the key differences between safety and control functions, explore practical tips for optimizing system efficiency, and gain insights into real-world applications in refrigeration and beyond.

Join host Jamie Kitchen and experts Jörg and Stefan as they dive into innovative alternatives to the conventional vapor compression cycle, examining their principles, advantages, disadvantages, and market potential. From thermoelectric and absorption cooling to emerging technologies like magnetic and thermoacoustic systems, discover the advancements that could reshape the HVAC industry.

Join Jamie Kitchen in part two of our Taking the Temperature on HVAC-R series as he explores more highlights from Chillventa 2024. This year's topic on the Danfoss booth at Chillventa was “Shift your perspective on the cold chain,” showcasing how solutions enhance efficiency and sustainability from farm to table. In this Episode Jamie dives into insightful conversations with Danfoss experts Jörg, Mathieu, and Julian. Discover key discussions about cold rooms, commercial heat pumps, chillers, and the rise of digital services in refrigeration.

Jamie Kitchen and his guests explore the essential role of the cold chain in preserving and transporting food from farm to table. They discuss the refrigeration technology behind it, its global impact on reducing food waste, and challenges in different regions. Using examples like milk, fruits, and vegetables, they explain the importance of precise temperature and humidity control for maintaining food quality. The episode also highlights the importance of technicians in keeping the cold chain running, ensuring fresh food distribution worldwide.

Join host Jamie Kitchen and guests John Broughton and Jörg Saar as they dive into the world of heat pumps. Explore the basics, technological advancements, different types, and practical applications of heat pumps in the US and EU. Learn about installation best practices and the latest market trends in this informative and engaging discussion.

Join Jamie Kitchen, John Broughton and Jörg Saar as they explore practical steps to achieve energy savings in commercial refrigeration through decarbonization. This episode covers the benefits of using Thermostatic Expansion Valves (TXVs) over capillary tubes, the advantages of Electronic Expansion Valves (EEVs), optimal superheat adjustment, and essential maintenance tips for improving system efficiency. Learn how proper system design, installation, and upkeep can significantly reduce energy consumption and enhance the longevity of refrigeration equipment.

In this episode, our new host Jamie Kitchen is joined by Gary McCreadie from HVAC Know It All, to look at how to avoid the dreaded call backs that occur under warranty. Call backs waste time and money and can take a serious toll on your reputation. So, how can you avoid them? The good news is the answers to that question are relatively easy to implement, don’t require a lot of time and aren’t exactly rocket science. The secret is in the planning. Tune in for a great discussion that will cover the what, why and how of avoiding call backs, and where we’ll share some hard lessons we’ve learned along the way.

The crew is here to share their personal and professional opinions about residential heating, air quality, the future of HVAC, and what it meant to them from a young age. 👋 Not to be missed, we’re also saying farewell. After 46 years at Danfoss, the team takes a moment to wish Jens a happy retirement and talk about an all-new podcast coming from Danfoss. Join us for this final episode of Chilling with Jens. Mentioned in this episode: Download Ref Tools app for Free! The essential, all-in-one mobile app for air conditioning and refrigeration technicians. You can subscribe and listen to Chilling with Jens and other local Danfoss Climate Solutions podcast via the Ref Tools app. Download Ref Tools App

We’re recording this episode from Nordborg, Denmark, where Jens stopped by Danfoss' Application Development Center. He is there to explore the latest advanced technologies, like dual refrigeration systems, solar panels, and integration between electrical grid and district heating systems. What will you learn? This episode is all about energy recovery, efficiency, smarter cooling and heating, and staying ahead of the curve. Tune in now. Mentioned in this episode: Download Ref Tools app for Free! The essential, all-in-one mobile app for air conditioning and refrigeration technicians. You can subscribe and listen to Chilling with Jens and other local Danfoss Climate Solutions podcast via the Ref Tools app. Download Ref Tools App

Energy efficiency is a game that must be won at every step of the journey, from choosing the right equipment to customers’ daily use. Together with experts John and Jörg, Jens is finding where energy efficiency is gained and lost at every step, from equipment choice to refrigerant selection, condenser and evaporator considerations, user operation, and more. If you want customers to get the most from their systems, this episode is a must-listen. Mentioned in this episode: Download Ref Tools app for Free! The essential, all-in-one mobile app for air conditioning and refrigeration technicians. You can subscribe and listen to Chilling with Jens and other local Danfoss Climate Solutions podcast via the Ref Tools app. Download Ref Tools App

Next in our two-part commissioning series, is there a job for you to do when modern electronic controllers like Danfoss’ Optima Plus range come with advanced settings? Yes. Find out why manual input is crucial for electric controllers, and how to get it right based on your specific application. We’ll also take you through the system checks you should be doing during commissioning, from verifying operational temperatures and cycling, to checking oil levels in compressors. Press play, join the conversation, and be sure to follow us for the latest Chilling with Jens episodes. Mentioned in this episode: Download Ref Tools app for Free! The essential, all-in-one mobile app for air conditioning and refrigeration technicians. You can subscribe and listen to Chilling with Jens and other local Danfoss Climate Solutions podcast via the Ref Tools app. Download Ref Tools App