HVAC R&D Podcast

AHR Live: Filtration and the Future of Clean HVAC with Kurk Wilks of Mann+Hummel

🎙️ HVAC R&D Podcast — Episode 176
Live from AHR: Filtration, IAQ & The Future of Clean HVAC | Kurk Wilks (MANN+HUMMEL)
Episode 176 of HVAC R&D was recorded live from the AHR show floor with Kurk Wilks, U.S. CEO of MANN+HUMMEL.
MANN+HUMMEL is a global leader in filtration with deep German engineering heritage and a growing presence in the HVAC and indoor air quality space. In this conversation, we zoom out and look at filtration not just as a component, but as a critical piece of the HVAC system.
In this episode, we cover:
Why filtration is often misunderstood in HVAC system performance
How filtration impacts airflow, comfort, and equipment longevity
The growing importance of indoor air quality in residential and commercial spaces
Sustainability and regulatory pressures shaping filtration innovation
The challenge of balancing global engineering with local market needs
Kurk also shares his perspective as a CEO leading in the U.S. market — including how global companies navigate evolving industry expectations and where filtration fits into the future of HVAC.
Because as HVAC systems evolve, one thing is becoming increasingly clear:
Air quality, filtration, and system performance are more connected than ever.
#HVAC #FILTRATION #MANNHUMMEL #TradeCrew #HVACR #AHRExpo
 
🎧 Listen now and subscribe so you never miss a drop.
🙏 Thank you to my partners who make this show possible:
DiversiTech • LiveSwitch • JPL Flex • RLS – Rapid Locking System • Resideo • Mann + Hummel • True Nature Meats Co.
🎵 Music credit: Alex Grohl
Visit our website ⁠www.hvacrnd.com

AHR Live: Refrigerants, Policy and Regulation coming to HVAC with Todd Titus of HARDI

🎙️ HVAC R&D Podcast — Episode 175
Live from AHR: Policy, Refrigerants & Regulation — What’s Coming in HVAC | Todd Titus (HARDI)
Recorded live from the AHR show floor, this episode dives into the policies and regulations shaping the future of the HVACR industry.
I sat down with Todd Titus, Director of State & Public Affairs at HARDI (Heating, Air-conditioning & Refrigeration Distributors International), to talk about the state-level advocacy work happening across the country — and why it matters to contractors, distributors, and manufacturers alike.
In this episode, we cover:
The biggest state advocacy issues facing HVACR in 2026
What ultra-low GWP refrigerant policies could mean for the industry
How PFAS discussions intersect with HVACR equipment and materials
Fossil fuel bans and NOx emission regulations at the state level
Why grassroots advocacy is becoming increasingly important
Todd also shares how HARDI is expanding its public affairs efforts to ensure the voices of distributors, contractors, and industry partners are represented when policy decisions are being made.
Because the reality is this:
Many of the biggest changes affecting HVACR are being shaped long before they reach the jobsite.
Understanding those conversations is key to preparing the industry for what comes next.
 
#HVAC #Refrigerants #A2L #TradeCrew #HVACR #AHRExpo #IndustryLeadership #HARDI
🎧 Listen now and subscribe so you never miss a drop.
🙏 Thank you to my partners who make this show possible:
DiversiTech • LiveSwitch • JPL Flex • RLS – Rapid Locking System • Resideo • Mann + Hummel • True Nature Meats Co.
🎵 Music credit: Alex Grohl
Visit our website ⁠www.hvacrnd.com

AHR Live: Training, Tech Confidence & The Future of Intelligent HVAC with Jamie Quanrud

🎙️ HVAC R&D Podcast — Episode 174
Live from AHR: Training, Tech Confidence & The Future of Intelligent HVAC with Resideo's Jamie Quanrud
Recorded live from the AHR show floor, this episode dives into one of the most important conversations happening in HVAC today — training as the real adoption engine for intelligent systems.
I sat down with Jamie Quanrud, Learning Solutions Manager at Resideo (Honeywell Home), to talk about how technician confidence and evolving training is shaping the future of connected HVAC and IAQ.
In this episode, we cover:
Why training drives adoption of intelligent HVAC systems
The technician confidence gap — and how it limits innovation
How modern training has evolved over the past 15 years
Workforce development and preparing “intelligence-ready” techs
Where connected IAQ and smart systems are headed next
I also shared my own experience attending Honeywell Home training back in 2012 in Minneapolis — and we discussed how much it has changed since then.
During this show two things became very clear:
Technology doesn’t slow down and Confidence has to catch up.
If you're a contractor, distributor, tech, or leader trying to navigate connected systems, IAQ, and the next generation of HVAC intelligence — this conversation is for you.
Follow, subscribe, and share with someone in the trades who needs to hear it.
#TradeCrew #HVAC #HVACR #AHRExpo #Resideo #ElitePro #ConnectedHVAC #Training #HoneywellHome
🎧 Listen now and subscribe so you never miss a drop.
🙏 Thank you to my partners who make this show possible:
DiversiTech • LiveSwitch • JPL Flex • RLS – Rapid Locking System • Resideo • Mann + Hummel • True Nature Meats Co.
🎵 Music credit: Alex Grohl
Visit our website ⁠www.hvacrnd.com⁠

AHR Live: Why RLS Press Technology Is Changing the Game with Jessica Slaughter

🎙️ HVAC R&D Podcast — Episode 173
Live from AHR: RLS, A2L, and Why Press Technology Is Changing the Game with Jessica Slaughter
This episode kicks off HVAC R&D's live show recordings from the AHR Expo as the first of four in the coming series of episodes.
Recorded on the show floor from Podcast Pavilion 1 on Monday February 2nd, 2026. this conversation with Jessica Slaughter, Marketing Manager at Rapid Locking System (RLS), dives into one of the most relevant shifts happening in our industry right now — the evolution of press technology and its role in the A2L transition.
In this episode, we cover:
Why press fittings are no longer just “alternative” solutions
How RLS supports installs from ¼″ to 2-1/8″
Real-world applications in tight spaces and mission-critical environments
Why training and continued education matter more than ever
How events like AHR still play a critical role in workforce development
This episode isn’t about replacing brazing — it’s about expanding the toolbox and increasing technician confidence as refrigerants, regulations, and jobsite realities evolve.
Live from the floor. Real conversation. Real application.
If you’re navigating A2L, large commercial installs, or looking to stay ahead of where the trade is headed — this one’s for you.
Follow, subscribe, and share with someone in the trades who needs to hear it.
#TradeCrew #HVACR #AHRExpo #RLS #PRESSGANG #PRESS
🎧 Listen now and subscribe so you never miss a drop.
🙏 Thank you to my partners who make this show possible:
DiversiTech • LiveSwitch • JPL Flex • RLS – Rapid Locking System • Resideo • Mann + Hummel • True Nature Meats Co.
🎵 Music credit: Alex Grohl

Ridin’ Solo: AHR 2026 Off the Cuff with the Ramblin’ Rhyno

🎙️ HVAC R&D Podcast — Episode 172
Ridin’ Solo: AHR 2026 Off the Cuff with the Ramblin’ Rhyno
This episode kicks off AHR week with something a little different — and exactly on purpose.
With AHR right around the corner and a last-minute guest cancellation opening up space, this solo episode was the perfect opportunity to lean into a format we’ve been developing behind the scenes: real questions, real reactions, and honest conversation.
In this Ridin’ Solo episode of the HVAC R&D Podcast, I jump into a LiveSwitch React–style Q&A focused on my experiences with AHR, how the event has shaped my career, and what I’m most excited about heading into this year’s show.
No script.No prep.Just conversation — the way it’s always been meant to be.
In this episode, we cover:
How AHR has evolved for me over the years — personally and professionally
What matters most at the show beyond booths and products
How relationships, timing, and presence shape long-term success in the trades
A full rundown of my AHR week schedule, including Podcast Pavilion recordings, booth appearances, and live events
Why workforce development and exposing the next generation to the trades matters now more than ever
This episode serves as both a pre-AHR mindset check and the official continuation of the Ridin’ Solo format — built to keep HVAC R&D moving no matter what the calendar throws at us.
If you’re heading to AHR, I look forward to seeing you.If you’re not, tune in, follow along, and be part of the conversation.
🎧 Listen now and subscribe so you never miss a drop.
🙏 Thank you to my partners who make this show possible:
DiversiTech • LiveSwitch • JPL Flex • RLS – Rapid Locking System • Residioy • Mann + Hummel • True Nature Meat Company
🎵 Music credit: Alex Grohl

Be You and Be Bold: Building a Brand That Connects with RC Victorino

🎙 HVAC R&D Episode 171: “Be You, Be Bold: Building a Brand That Connects with RC Victorino”
In this episode of the HVAC R&D Podcast, Rhydon Atzenhoffer sits down with RC Victorino, Director of Brand, Content, and Communications at BuildOps—and a storyteller with a mission to elevate the tradespeople who keep the world running.
We dive deep into what it really means to build your brand without losing your identity. Whether you're a technician, business owner, distributor, manufacturer or a content creator trying to find your voice in the trades—RC shares why being your "original self," is the key to lasting trust and connection in our industry.
What starts as a chat between writers and content creators quickly turns into a powerful conversation about authenticity, humility, and the value of showing up real—online, on the job, and in leadership..
🧠 In this episode, we discuss:
Why your voice matters in a world of templated content
How to build a personal brand rooted in honesty, not hype
The difference between "promoting" and "connecting" as a tradesperson
Why most people overthink content—and underdeliver connection
How to stop marketing and start storytelling
What B2B tech can learn from contractors—and vice versa
Why branding isn't just for companies—it's for people
🛠 Whether you're just starting to share your story or you're a seasoned vet with a brand voice already dialed in—this episode is a reminder to ditch the script and double down on being you.
 
Enjoy the episode? 👉 Listen now and hit Subscribe so you never miss a drop!
 
Sign-Up for your FREE LiveSwitch Demo here ===>>> https://join.liveswitch.com/z8n55e7li6px
 
Thank you to DiversiTech, Dubby, LiveSwitch, JPL Flex, RLS - Rapid Locking System and True Nature Meat Company for making this show possible.
 
🎙️ Want to be on the show? Share your HVAC story:https://form.jotform.com/hvacrnd/hvacrnd-podcast-questionnaire
 
🔗 Stay Connected:
Instagram: @hvac.rnd | @hvaczoomies
TikTok: @hvac.rnd
Facebook: facebook.com/HVACRandD | facebook.com/hvaczoomies
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/hvacrnd | linkedin.com/company/hvac-zoomies-podcast
Website: www.hvacrnd.com
#HVAC #TradeCrew #SALES #STORIES #AI #ContentCreation #Authenticity #Originality
All music credit to Alex Grohl

Ridin’ Solo: Off the Cuff with the Ramblin’ Rhyno

🎙️ HVAC R&D Podcast — Ridin' Solo: Off the Cuff with the Ramblin' Rhyno
This episode is a little different — and a long time coming.
Back in November, I recorded a test episode for a new solo format we’ve been quietly building behind the scenes. The idea was simple: create something flexible, honest, and ready to deploy when schedules change — without sacrificing the quality or conversation this show is known for.
This week, after a last-minute guest cancellation, the timing finally made sense to release it.
In this solo episode of the HVAC R&D Podcast, I introduce a new Q&A-driven format where I answer real questions pulled at random — no prep, no script, just real reactions and real conversation. It’s designed to feel like a counter-top conversation, not a monologue.
You’ll hear:
Trade, business, and personal questions pulled live and at random in the first ever LiveSwitch React Segment
Unfiltered takes on the HVAC industry, content creation, and mindset
The original focused DiversiTech Drill Down where we go deeper on one topic that stood out
A glimpse into how HVAC R&D continues to evolve while staying rooted in community
This episode was recorded in November as a format test — and now it officially becomes the solo show debut.
If this resonates, let me know. Drop questions for future episodes and help shape where this goes next.
Enjoy the episode? 👉 Listen now and hit Subscribe so you never miss a drop!
 
Sign-Up for your FREE LiveSwitch Demo here ===>>> https://join.liveswitch.com/z8n55e7li6px
 
Thank you to DiversiTech, Dubby, LiveSwitch, JPL Flex, RLS - Rapid Locking System and True Nature Meat Company for making this show possible.
 
🎙️ Want to be on the show? Share your HVAC story:https://form.jotform.com/hvacrnd/hvacrnd-podcast-questionnaire
 
🔗 Stay Connected:
Instagram: @hvac.rnd | @hvaczoomies
TikTok: @hvac.rnd
Facebook: facebook.com/HVACRandD | facebook.com/hvaczoomies
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/hvacrnd | linkedin.com/company/hvac-zoomies-podcast
Website: www.hvacrnd.com
#HVAC #TradeCrew #WHOLESALE #DISTRIBUTION #SALES #STORIES #AI #QUESTIONS #ANSWERS
All music credit to Alex Grohl
 

Challenging the Standard: Gregg Butler and the 14-Minute Diagnostic Shift

In this episode of HVAC R&D, Ramblin Rhyno' (Rhydon Atzenhoffer) sits down with Greggory Butler, the creator of TA‑14 — a bold, structured approach to residential HVAC diagnostics built not just to teach the steps, but to reset the mindset.
A former Army infantryman turned one-man $2M/year service tech, Gregg doesn’t shy away from asking tough questions about how we think, troubleshoot, and train in this trade. And in this conversation, we follow suit — with a deep dive into the why behind his method and the real-life impact it's having on techs across the country.
But this episode goes beyond diagnostics. It’s about challenging the norms that keep the HVAC industry stagnant — and having honest conversations that push us all forward. If you followed Gregg and Rhydon's the recent dialogue on LinkedIn about the role of podcasting, education, and trust in the trades, this episode is what sparked much of their continuation of that conversation — not with outrage, but with open minds.
Whether you're a seasoned tech, an industry educator, or just someone who wants to get better at your craft, Gregg brings a clear and powerful voice, a focused mission, and a refreshing lack of fluff.
💬 “If you don't know where to start… how can you know where to finish?”
 
Enjoy the episode? 👉 Listen now and hit Subscribe so you never miss a drop!
 
Sign-Up for your FREE LiveSwitch Demo here ===>>> https://join.liveswitch.com/z8n55e7li6px
 
Thank you to DiversiTech, Dubby, LiveSwitch, JPL Flex, RLS - Rapid Locking System and True Nature Meat Company for making this show possible.
 
🎙️ Want to be on the show? Share your HVAC story:https://form.jotform.com/hvacrnd/hvacrnd-podcast-questionnaire
 
🔗 Stay Connected:
Instagram: @hvac.rnd | @hvaczoomies
TikTok: @hvac.rnd
Facebook: facebook.com/HVACRandD | facebook.com/hvaczoomies
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/hvacrnd | linkedin.com/company/hvac-zoomies-podcast
Website: www.hvacrnd.com
 
🔥 Follow Gregg online:IG: @lovehulkyTikTok: @transparentair14FB: Hulky LoveLinkedIn: Greggory Butler
#HVAC #TradeCrew #WHOLESALE #DISTRIBUTION #HVACR #Diagnostics #TA14 #Disruptor #RambleOn #CollaborationOverCompetition #TransparentAir14
Music Credits to Alex Grohl

Show Stopper: Innovative HVAC legend Ron Saunders talks Drain IV and latest ventures

A very Merry Christmas and soon to be Happy New Year to all of you in the #TradeCrew and thank you for listening. This week on the HVAC R&D Podcast your host Rhydon Atzenhoffer, aka the Ramblin' Rhyno, had the pleasure to interview one of the creative titans of the HVAC industry, Ron Saunders.
Decades of experience in the IAQ world saw Ron help to lead Fresh Aire UV to new heights during the Covid era IAQ boom during which he and his partners sold their company to Diversitech.
Since then Ron has been working at finding and creating his next innovative products with DrainIV and the soon to be launched ProIAQ as well as partnering to open newly formed manufacturers rep agency AHR Sales in Florida.
So sit back and strap in for what was a great conversation about the industry and many things to come.
 
Enjoy the episode? 👉 Listen now and hit Subscribe so you never miss a drop!
 
Sign-Up for your FREE LiveSwitch Demo here ===>>> https://join.liveswitch.com/z8n55e7li6px
 
Thank you to DiversiTech, Dubby, LiveSwitch, JPL Flex, RLS - Rapid Locking System and True Nature Meat Company for making this show possible.
 
🎙️ Want to be on the show? Share your HVAC story:https://form.jotform.com/hvacrnd/hvacrnd-podcast-questionnaire
 
🔗 Stay Connected:
Instagram: @hvac.rnd | @hvaczoomies
TikTok: @hvac.rnd
Facebook: facebook.com/HVACRandD | facebook.com/hvaczoomies
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/hvacrnd | linkedin.com/company/hvac-zoomies-podcast
Website: www.hvacrnd.com
#HVAC #TradeCrew #WHOLESALE #DISTRIBUTION #DRAINIV #PROIAQ #PODCAST #TRADES #AHRSALES #AHREXPO
All music credit to Alex Grohl

From Field to Distribution: Commercial Kitchen Chronicles interviews HVAC R and D Podcast host Rhydon Atzenhoffer

What's up #TradeCrew! This week we are dropping the audio only version of your HVAC R&D Podcast host, Rhydon Atzenhoffer, and his guest appearance on the Commercial Kitchen Chronicles Podcast with Pat Finley and Jason Latimer.
If you don’t already know, Pat was just named to the 2026 ESCO Institute Top 25 Most Influential Educators and Trainers and is helping launch the CFESA Top Tech Throwdown for commercial kitchen techs in 2026.
Jason is the Director of Facilities for Fresh Kitchen based on of Tampa Florida and continues to do impressive work behind the scenes of the Food Service Industry.
The three of them got into the in's and out's of what makes Rhydon and HVAC R&D tick as well as some crossover knowledge between their two sides of the mechanical trades industry.
 
Enjoy the episode? 👉 Listen now and hit Subscribe so you never miss a drop!
 
Sign-Up for your FREE LiveSwitch Demo here ===>>> https://join.liveswitch.com/z8n55e7li6px
 
Thank you to DiversiTech, Dubby, LiveSwitch, JPL Flex, RLS - Rapid Locking System and True Nature Meat Company for making this show possible.
 
🎙️ Want to be on the show? Share your HVAC story:https://form.jotform.com/hvacrnd/hvacrnd-podcast-questionnaire
 
🔗 Stay Connected:
Instagram: @hvac.rnd | @hvaczoomies
TikTok: @hvac.rnd
Facebook: facebook.com/HVACRandD | facebook.com/hvaczoomies
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/hvacrnd | linkedin.com/company/hvac-zoomies-podcast
Website: www.hvacrnd.com
#HVAC #TradeCrew #WHOLESALE #DISTRIBUTION #FOODSERVICE #COMMERCIALKITCHENCHRONICLES #PODCAST #TRADES