Le Tour de Cooling: The Finish Line

In this episode of Taking the Temperature of HVAC, Jamie Kitchen sits down with John Broughton and Jorg Saar to explore the fascinating history of refrigerants—from harvested ice, water, ammonia, and CO2 to CFCs, HCFCs, HFCs, and today’s low-GWP alternatives. The conversation traces how refrigeration evolved from ice houses and early evaporative cooling to mechanical systems in homes, factories, ships, and supermarkets. Along the way, the team shares stories from the field, reflects on the rise and fall of refrigerants like R-12, R-22, R-11, and R-502, and discusses why the industry is once again adapting to a new generation of refrigerants, including propane, CO2, R-32, and A2Ls. It’s a practical, entertaining look at how the past continues to shape the future of HVAC—and why understanding refrigerant history matters more than ever.

In this episode of Taking the Temperature of HVACR, host Jamie Kitchen joins Jorg and John to discuss how supermarkets can reclaim “waste heat” from their refrigeration systems to tackle humidity issues (foggy glass doors, dripping condensate, slippery floors) while improving comfort and efficiency. They explain how compressor heat can be reused for reheat during dehumidification, domestic hot water, and even full space heating—sometimes eliminating the need for gas boilers—then share a real-world example of a European supermarket that heats itself year-round and can export surplus heat to a district heating network.

Host Jamie Kitchen and guest Jorg Saar compare CO₂ with A2L/HFO-HFC blends and A3 options like propane (R290), explaining why CO₂ isn’t new, what transcritical operation means, and why CO₂ can excel at heat recovery (especially in supermarkets). They also cover the tradeoffs—high pressures and added complexity for CO₂ versus flammability considerations for A2Ls/hydrocarbons—concluding there’s no one-size-fits-all refrigerant; the best choice depends on the application.

In this episode of Taking the Temperature on HVAC/R, host Jamie Kitchen talks with Jason Kollman (Danfoss Turbocor®) about what makes oil-free, magnetic-bearing centrifugal compressors unique—from Turbocor’s origins to how the “computer-like” compressor design delivers high efficiency, stable performance over time, and low maintenance. They cover real-world application and commissioning considerations, training and service support, new remote monitoring via Turbocor® Cloud, and where the technology is heading—especially for data center cooling, wider ambient operation, lower-GWP refrigerants, and emerging opportunities like heat recovery and heat pumps.

In this episode, our host, Jamie Kitchen sits down with Jorg and John to unpack the real difference between pressure controls and pressure safety devices in HVACR. From fan cycling and pump-down controls to high-pressure cut-outs and manual resets, they share real-world stories from the field—what fails, why it fails, and how proper controls and safety can prevent expensive damage and dangerous situations. Perfect for technicians and engineers who want a clearer, practical understanding of how pressure switches really protect a system. 

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 Davydov 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.