Taking the Temperature on HVACR

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. 

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.

Join Jamie Kitchen as he explores the latest trends from Chillventa, the top exhibition for refrigeration technology. 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. Jamie speaks with Danfoss expert Anatoly on the highlights of food processing and cold storage, and Gabriele de Bona on supermarket innovations. Special guest Trevor Matthews, the Refrigeration Mentor, also shares insights from his visit to the Danfoss booth."Stay tuned for the next part of Jamie Kitchen's Chillventa journey!  Jamie continues his deep dive into the latest trends with Danfoss experts Jörg, Matthieu, and Julien. They discuss innovations in cold rooms, commercial heat pumps, chillers, and digital services in refrigeration technology. Coming soon!"

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.