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 longtime technician and Refrigeration Mentor Community Ambassador, Andrew Freeburg, about utilizing a consistent troubleshooting framework to get to the cause of issues faster and more accurately - no matter what system you're working on. We cover a variety of refrigeration topics - from extreme heat, to aging equipment, refrigerant changes, poor maintenance and managing long on-call hours. Andrew also shares how he prioritizes on-call calls, the importance of customer communication and teamwork during call surges. This episode is packed with a ton of great tips and advice for refrigeration techs to handle calls and address issues more efficiently and confidently.

In this episode, we discuss:

(00:23) Heat Wave Workloads

(04:09) High Head Troubleshooting

(07:04) Managing On-Calls

(07:46) Prioritizing Emergencies

(10:03) Troubleshooting Framework And Communication

(16:19) Reading The Wiring Diagram

(18:17) Digital Compressor Controls

(24:10) False Oil Trips

(28:53) Flash Codes And Resets

(35:41) Airflow Basic Checks

(38:41) Self Care In The Field

(40:57) Verifications

Helpful Links & Resources:

Episode 203. Supermarket Refrigeration Service Tech Tips with Andrew Freeburg

Episode 401. Troubleshoot Systems and Compressors Quicker (Get My Free Guide)

Episode 413. My 4-Pillar Framework to Learn CO2 Refrigeration Faster

Learn more about Refrigeration Mentor Customized Technical Training Programs at www.refrigerationmentor.com/courses

Join the Refrigeration Mentor Hub here: www.refrigerationmentor.com/hub

In this episode, we explore the differences between mechanical thermostatic expansion valves (TXVs) and electronic expansion valves (EEVs). I'll explain when each option makes sense in commercial refrigeration, the advantages of electronic valves and the learning curve that comes with electronic controllers. Whether you're experienced with mechanical systems or just starting to work with electronics, this episode offers practical advice for building your skills, improving system performance, and staying relevant as refrigeration technology advances.

In this episode, we cover:

(00:48) Mechanical vs Electronic Debate

(02:21) Where EEVs Shine

(04:53) Controllers and Case Wiring

(05:43) Mindset for Learning Electronics

(06:40) Utilizing Manuals First

(08:03) TXV Setup vs EEV Setup

(09:17) Seasonal Efficiency and CO2

(11:08) Diagnosing Root Causes Before Swapping Parts

(13:46) How to Start with Electronics

Helpful Links & Resources:

Episode 353. Understanding TX Valves (Tips and Troubleshooting)

Episode 336. Fast Track to Learning Electronic Valves & Controllers

Episode 389. TXV & Superheat 101 with Andrew Freeburg

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 real world stories of workplace injuries in the refrigeration industry and safety lessons we teach at Refrigeration Mentor. These include liquid refrigerant burns, ladder and roof access risks, brazing hazards, chemical exposure and inadequate PPE, even fatigue-related driving dangers. We'll discuss safety measures like job hazard assessments, using proper protective equipment and ventilation, strapping ladders correctly, and the right to refuse unsafe work. I'll also give a preview of what's to come inside Refrigeration Mentor Academy and what we offer to help refrigeration technicians build confidence and improve troubleshooting.

In this episode, we cover:

01:34 Refrigerant Burns

03:08 Ladder and Roof Access Risks

06:08 Brazing Fumes and Store Safety

08:29 Fatigue and Driving Dangers

10:08 Heavy Lifting and Roof Rigging

Helpful Links & Resources:

Episode 378. Field Stories: Compressor Failure, Case Freeze-Up Troubleshooting, and Electrical Safety

Episode 355. An Inside Look at How We Design Our Training (The Refrigeration Mentor Playbook)

Episode 250. Service Call Stories and Troubleshooting Tips with Andrew Freeburg

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 CO2 high pressure valves (HPV) work. We'll cover basic operation and design, as well as tips on proper settings, sensor placement and protection, fine-tuning for climate, and using trend graphs to diagnose issues. We'll also discuss the role of an HPV in receiver/flash tank protection versus gas cooler control across transcritical, transition, subcritical, and holdback modes.

In this episode, we discuss:

00:48 High Pressure Valve Basics

05:07 Gas Cooler Sensor Setup

06:58 Receiver Pressure Protection

12:26 Gas Cooler Control Modes

16:48 Winter Flooding Holdback

19:39 Trend Graph Diagnostics

Helpful Links & Resources:

Episode 318. Designing High Pressure Valves for Summer Heat and Winter Challenges with Chris Griffiths

Episode 144. Troubleshooting CO2 High Pressure Valves Using Trend Graphs with the CAREL Boss System

Episode 58. CO2 High Pressure Valves, Flash Gas Bypass and Ejectors controlled by a pRack300T

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 about why owning your mistakes is one of the most important qualities of a great refrigeration technician. Drawing on my own experiences in the field, I'll cover why trying to cover up mistakes creates bigger problems, damage relationships and impede your development. From burning out a vacuum pump to correcting misinformation about voltage, I'll share real-world examples of how honesty, accountability and asking for help can accelerate learning and build trust with service managers, coworkers, and customers.

In this episode, we discuss:

(01:30) Stop Covering Mistakes

(02:55) VFD Voltage Mix Up

(05:03) Vac Pump No Oil

(07:27) Tendency of Overnight Shift Mistakes

(07:54) Liquid Floodback Dangers

(10:09) Learning From Mistakes

(12:09) Building Trust With Customers

Helpful Links & Resources:

Episode 190. Turning Mistakes Into Lessons and Accelerating Your Refrigeration Career with Andrew Freeburg

Episode 361. How to Bring More Value to Customers

Episode 387. 5 Things You Need to Develop to Be A Better Refrigeration Technician

Learn more about Refrigeration Mentor Customized Technical Training Programs at www.refrigerationmentor.com/courses

Join the Refrigeration Mentor Hub here: www.refrigerationmentor.com/hub

In this episode, we'll discuss how to systematically walk through a refrigeration rack, trace piping, understand compressor and oil management systems, and ask the right questions about components, controls, and sequences of operation. We'll also dive into how refrigeration technicians can accelerate their learning by attending industry trade shows, like Chillventa, to connect directly with manufacturer technical experts, and learn how complex refrigeration systems actually operate. This episode offers a practical approach to developing deeper technical knowledge, reducing troubleshooting time, and becoming a more confident refrigeration technician.

In this episode, we discuss:

(00:48) Chillventa Expo Recap

(04:12) Tips for Learning Refrigeration Faster

(07:28) Piping

(11:08) Oil Separator Basics

(12:36) Oil Management Sequence

(19:14) High Pressure To Flash Tank

(21:57) Flash Gas And Parallel Compression

(27:23) Questions To Ask OEMs

(32:25) Attending Industry Events

Helpful Links & Resources:

Website: Chillventa

Episode 413. My 4-Pillar Framework to Learn CO2 Refrigeration Faster

Episode 357. How To Network & Meet the Right People

Episode 72. Why You Need To Head To Events Like The HVACR Training Symposium

Learn more about Refrigeration Mentor Customized Technical Training Programs at www.refrigerationmentor.com/courses

Join the Refrigeration Mentor Hub here

In this episode, we break down how glide refrigerants behave and how technicians should use bubble point and dew point when setting up and troubleshooting refrigeration components. I'll explain refrigerant glide, how blended refrigerants behave differently from pure refrigerants, and how to use a pressure temperature (PT) chart to understand what is actually happening inside the system. We also walk through TX valve setup, superheat, subcooling, head pressure controls, EPRs, and common problems that can occur when the wrong temperature reference is used. The episode also highlights why understanding the properties of blended refrigerants is critical for protecting compressors and ensuring long-term system reliability.

In this episode, we discuss:

(00:47) Understanding Refrigerant Glide

(02:00) Bubble Point vs. Dew Point

(04:00) TX Valves

(05:00) Using A PT Chart To Check Glide Refrigerants

(06:00) Setting Up A TX Valve With Bubble Point And Dew Point

(08:24) When To Use Dew Point On The Low Side

(09:00) Bubble Point For Head Pressure Controls

(10:00) Using Bubble Point For Subcooling

(11:00) Setting Up EPRs With Blended Refrigerants

(13:00) Understanding Compressor Superheat

(14:00) Protecting Compressors From Saturated Vapor

(15:00) Blended Refrigerant Properties

Helpful Links & Resources:

Episode 353. Understanding TX Valves (Tips and Troubleshooting)

Episode 389. TXV & Superheat 101 with Andrew Freeburg

Learn more about Refrigeration Mentor Customized Technical Training Programs at www.refrigerationmentor.com/courses

Join the Refrigeration Mentor Hub here

This is the second of a 2-part episode in our "CO2 Unfiltered" series where we're joined by Massimo Pellizzari, Senior Commissioning Engineer at Daikin, for an in-depth look at Daikin's two-stage CO2 condensing units (link to Part 1 below). Here, we cover wiring, as well as troubleshooting via the onboard display and buttons, alarm code structure, and conditions like wet operation, high-pressure switch trips, and how the controller can detect overcharge or refrigerant shortage. This 2-part episode is packed with practical insights to help technicians work more faster and more confidently with CO2 condensing units.

(00:36) Power Supply Wiring Basics

(05:44) High Pressure Switch Cutout

(07:07) Reading Alarm Codes

(08:38) Wet Operation and Superheat

(14:21) Expansion Valves for High Pressure

(17:50) Piping Diagram and Valve Locations

(19:49) Subcooling Charts and Charge Errors

(23:40) Recovering or Adding Charge Safely

(26:17) Service Access Basics

(27:56) Backup Modes

(31:44) Setpoints and DIP Switches

(33:52) Piping Logic and P&ID

(37:22) Isolating and Purging CO2

(39:45) Oil Loss and Recharging

(40:55) Valve and Sensor Diagnostics

(47:33) Install Tips and Cleanliness

Helpful Links & Resources:

Massimo in LinkedIn

Daikin

PART 1: Episode 418. Daikin 2-Stage CO2 Condensing Unit Servicing and Troubleshooting with Massimo Pellizzari (Part 1)

Episode 14. What About Condensers in Refrigeration Applications?

Episode 394. Condensing Unit Checkpoints