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In this episode, I’m joined by regular guest Andrew Freeburg for a casual coffee talk focusing on professional development for refrigeration technicians. Andrew shares his experience and the importance of investing in oneself through learning opportunities and attending training events. We also dive into the crucial role of good communication in troubleshooting and sharing knowledge within your team, making everyone's job easier and more effective.

In this episode, we discuss:

-Time management tips

-Effective communication strategies

-Maintaining professionalism on the job

-Technical troubleshooting: ethernet issues

-Basics of controls

-Training new technicians

-Attention to detail

-Using multimeters and understanding sequences

-Learning flex combiners and AI troubleshooting

-Developing skills on different controllers

-Switching controllersInputs, outputs, and relays

-The value of hands-on training and networking

Helpful Links & Resources:

Episode 337. Troubleshooting a Refrigeration Rack Down with Andrew Freeburg

Episode 139. 7 Tips For Building Good Training And Development Habits

Episode 24. The Importance of Training & Development in the Refrigeration Industry w/ John MacInnis

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

This episode kicks off another series of “Morning Coffees” featuring conversations with refrigeration technicians sharing stories and lessons learned from the field. These chats are aimed at helping fellow refrigeration technicians grow in their careers based on the real-world troubleshooting experiences of others. This episode features Andrew Freeburg talking about his experience handling a complex refrigeration system rack down, as well as practical tips on processes and handling customer communication.

In this episode, we discuss:

-Diagnosing a rack issue

-Finding and fixing a leak

-Customer communication and documentation

-Mentorship and team leadership

-Communication skills in the trades

-Handling customer conversations

-Importance of labeling and maintenance

-Time management and efficiency on service calls

-Testing and analysis procedures

-Sales skills for refrigeration technicians

Helpful Links & Resources:

Episode 334. 10-Point Rack Preventative Maintenance Checklist

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

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

In this episode, we’re diving into electronic case controllers and valves. I share practical tips on accessing and interpreting manuals, setting up controllers, and troubleshooting common issues. We also cover control points, sensor calibration, and fine-tuning P&IDs. Investing time in learning these systems will enhance your skills and help you become a more proficient technician.

In this episode, we discuss:

-Electronic valves and controllers

-Understanding case controllers

-Specific controllers from Danfoss, Copeland, Microthermal and more

-Finding and using manuals

-Setting up controllers

-Fine-tuning and troubleshooting

-Investing in learning and development

Helpful Links & Resources:

Episode 257. CO2 Experts Live: Case Controllers with Kevin Mullis

Episode 132. Copelands E3 Controller & CC200 Secrets: Unveiling the Top 5 CO2 Tips with Brent Cheshire

Episode 282. Danfoss CO2 Controllers with Dave Yoder

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

In this episode of the Refrigeration Mentor Podcast, I’m sharing 5 tips that will help you get you to the the next level of your refrigeration career. These extend beyond the technical skills and into personal development, including building leadership and communication skills, understanding project management basics, expanding industry knowledge and networking. These actionable tips will help technicians transition into new and higher roles and tremendously expand your potential for income and career advancement.

In this episode, we cover:

-Personal development in the trades

-Setting career goals

-Building leadership and communication skills

-Understanding project management basics

-Expanding industry knowledge and networking

-Importance of industry conferences

-Networking strategies for technicians

-Taking on small projects to build skills

-Investing in continuing education

-Developing financial and business acumen

-Practicing problem solving and decision making

Helpful Links & Resources:

Episode 274. The Biggest Key To Career Success in Refrigeration

Episode 301. Lessons From a Long Career in Refrigeration with John Shartzer

Episode 224. The Key To Finding New Career Opportunities as a Technician

North American Sustainable Refrigeration Council (NASRC) Events

Food Industry Association (FMI) Events

RETA National Conference

Refrigeration Service Engineers Society (RSES) Events

International Institute of All-Natural Refrigeration (IIAR)

https://www.ahrexpo.com/

Chillventa

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In this episode, I’m sharing a 10-point preventative maintenance checklist for supermarket refrigeration systems. Having a comprehensive maintenance checklist is so important and will greatly speed up your efficiency on service calls. This list covers everything from visual inspections, to checking compressor health, verifying electrical components, and ensuring proper refrigerant circuits. Having this standard go-to checklist will help technicians elevate their troubleshooting ability, improve the longevity and efficiency of the refrigeration systems you’re working on, and enhance your professional reputation.

In this episode, we cover:

-Importance of preventative maintenance

-Visual inspection essentials

-Compressor health check

-Electrical components and safety

-Refrigerant circuit checks

-Condenser and evaporator maintenance

-Identifying frosting issues in refrigeration systems

-Using trend graphs for maintenance insights

-Importance of oil management

-Defrost schedule and alarm verification

-Documenting and baseline settings

Helpful Links & Resources:

Episode 332. 7 Transcritical CO2 Refrigeration Service & Maintenance Tips

Episode 213. Supermarket Refrigeration Preventative Maintenance with Andrew Freeburg

Episode 70. Building Your Refrigeration Maintenance and Service Checklist

In this episode, we digging into the importance of ongoing training and education in the refrigeration industry, particularly as the season transitions to fall. From basic supermarket training programs to advanced concepts, there’s so much value in understanding the engineering aspects of refrigeration systems for any technicians aiming to enhance their troubleshooting skills, confidence, and career growth. This episode also includes success stories from technicians who have advanced rapidly by investing in training and taking advantage of available resources.

In this episode, we cover:

-Training programs and success stories

-Importance of P&IDs

-Troubleshooting techniques

-Investing in continuous learning

-Resourcefulness and problem solving

-Having checklists

-Service call dilemmas

-Efficiency in troubleshooting

-Investing in yourself

-Learning from others

-Importance of asking questions

-Future of refrigeration

Helpful Links & Resources:

Supermarket Refrigeration Tech-Talk

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

Episode 288. The Payoff of Investing Time & Money in Training with Jesse Stewart

Episode 139. 7 Tips For Building Good Training And Development Habits

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

In this episode, I’m sharing 7 essential service and maintenance tips for transcritical CO2 refrigeration systems. These tips will help refrigeration technicians build confidence and capability in handling CO2 systems. They include building a baseline snapshot, ensuring gas cooler health, optimizing high-pressure valves, stabilizing flash tanks, maintaining proper superheat, managing oil return, and emphasizing safety. I also cover practical field checks and signs to look for when on service calls that will help your troubleshoot and make repairs more efficiently.

In this episode, we discuss:

-Building a baseline

-Gas cooler health check

-High pressure valve optimization

-Flash tank stability

-Defrost and compressor checks

-Oil management essentials

-Field techniques and observations

-Ssafety protocols and leak response

-CO2 system maintenance tips

Helpful Links & Resources:

Episode 227. Getting to Know Transcritical CO2 Supermarket Refrigeration Systems with Kevin Mullis

Episode 73: Tips And Tricks When Working On CO2 Transcritical Systems

VIDEO: Pushing Dorin CO2 Compressors to the Limit | A Deep Dive into Qualification Testing

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

In this episode, we take an in-depth look at compressor electrical failures. We’ll break down common issues such as burnt motor windings, short to ground, oil contamination, single phasing, and more. We’ll also cover the importance of thorough diagnostics, regular checklists, and understanding the root causes to prevent repeat failures. This episode is packed with practical tips and techniques for troubleshooting and improving your skills in refrigeration maintenance and repair.

In this episode, we discuss:

-Compressor electrical failures

-Burnt motor windings

-Short to ground issues

-Oil contamination

-Single phasing and phase imbalance

-Locked rotor and mechanical seizure

-Contactor failures and overload protectors

-Diagnosing compressor issues

-Performing an ohm test

-Understanding rated load amps

-Using manufacturer software for diagnostics

-Quick checks for compressor health

-Electrical troubleshooting tips

-Common electrical failures

-Importance of checklists

Helpful Links & Resources:

Episode 323. Electrical Troubleshooting 101

Episode 115: Understanding Compressors: What You Need To Know

Episode 12. You Need To Know About Refrigeration Compressor Electrical Issues