Are you using AI to Troubleshoot w/ Refrigeration Mentor

HVAC School - For Techs, By Techs

Bryan Orr

Training, Careers, Airconditioning, Self-improvement, Hvac, Business, Education, Refrigeration, Heating, Ac, Apprenticeship

4.8 • 985 Ratings

🗓️ 6 February 2025

⏱️ 38 minutes

🔗️ Recording | iTunes | RSS

🧾️ Download transcript

Summary

In this episode of the HVAC School Podcast, Trevor Matthews and Bryan dive deep into the transformative potential of artificial intelligence (AI) in the refrigeration and HVAC industries. They explore how AI is not a new concept in their field, discussing how manufacturers like Copeland, Sporlan, and Danfoss have long incorporated AI-driven tools and repositories of information into their applications. The conversation goes beyond simple technological novelty, positioning AI as a powerful learning and troubleshooting assistant for technicians.

The discussion highlights AI's role as a supportive tool rather than a job replacement. Trevor emphasizes that AI cannot physically perform trade-specific tasks like climbing ladders or brazing pipes, but it can provide invaluable guidance, explain complex procedures, and help technicians quickly access specialized knowledge. Particularly beneficial for less experienced technicians working late-night shifts or challenging service calls, AI can serve as an instant reference point, helping to jog memory and provide step-by-step troubleshooting guidance.

Bryan and Trevor both stress the importance of approaching AI with curiosity and critical thinking. They advise against treating AI-generated information as absolute truth, instead recommending users ask follow-up questions, verify information, and use AI as a conversational learning tool. Trevor is actively developing a specialized AI platform for refrigeration training, working to train the system with industry-specific knowledge and real-world experience to create a more accurate and helpful resource for technicians.

Key Topics Covered:

AI's current applications in refrigeration and HVAC industries
How AI can support technician learning and troubleshooting
Strategies for effectively using AI tools
The importance of maintaining technical knowledge while using AI
Trevor's ongoing development of a specialized refrigeration AI training platform
Practical examples of AI use in technical and non-technical scenarios
Addressing concerns about AI potentially "dumbing down" the industry

For those interested in participating in Trevor's AI beta test, email [email protected] with the subject line "Looking to be included in the beta test for the refrigeration training AI." You can also visit the Refrigeration Mentor website at https://refrigerationmentor.com/.

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Transcript

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0:00.0	The free education provided by HVAC School is made possible by our great sponsors.
0:10.0	Refrigeration technologies and their Viper Pan and Drain Treatment.
0:15.0	Viper pan and drain treatment is a spray gel that you can put in your drain pan in the bottom rows of the evaporator coil.
0:21.8	It utilizes enzyme-based cleaning, which works on tough sludge, biofilm, and works wonders on
0:29.4	our climate here in Florida, unique challenges like bacterial zuglia, otherwise known as elephant's
0:35.2	knot.
0:36.0	It's also non-toxic and food safe.
0:38.4	It's been shown to outlasts traditional drain tabs and lubricates the drain assembly to keep those drains clear.
0:44.8	Who doesn't want a lubricated drain assembly?
0:47.1	Am I right?
0:47.9	Find out more about the pan and drain treatment from Viper at refrigetec.com.
0:55.0	Field piece in the Cat 85 combustion analyzer.
0:58.7	Cat 85 measures everything you need to keep your customer safe, O2, CO, CO2, and draft pressure.
1:05.7	It comes with a built-in monometer, so you have one less tool to carry and can knock out static
1:10.5	and gas pressure readings in one fell swoop.
1:13.6	The real interesting thing about the CAD-85 is its sensor technology for better accuracy, longevity, and ease of use.
1:20.6	It automatically separates and returns accumulated water to the flu using the patent-pending hydrocycle pump technology. You know who needs
1:29.4	hydrocycle pump technology? Why all of us? Sensors are field-replaceable, so you don't have to
1:34.1	wait on shipping timelines and can just change it right then and there to maximize uptime,
1:38.4	as well as patent-pending sensor vault technology, prolonging sensor life. Sensors also come with a four-year warranty.
1:46.0	As with a lot of other FieldPece tools, you can connect the Cat-85 with the JobLink System app to get all your readings in one place, and there's a 1,000-foot wireless range.
1:56.1	Find out more at FieldPease.com, and be sure to check out out the cat 85 and the other handy combustion analyzers
	...

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