HVAC Know It All Podcast

In this episode of the HVAC Know It All Podcast, host Gary McCreadie talks with Daniel Carrillo, Technical Sales and Training Expert at Airzone Control, about ducted zoning systems for VRF and inverter HVAC equipment. They discuss how Airzone controls airflow using thermostats, sensors, and modulating dampers to improve comfort and efficiency in different zones of a home or building. Daniel explains how the system avoids high static pressure by adjusting fan speed and damper positions based on demand. The conversation also covers the advantages of ducted zoning over wall-mounted systems, common problems with older zoning methods, and how proper duct design helps improve HVAC performance and airflow control.
Gary and Daniel Carrillo discuss how Airzone zoning systems work with VRF and inverter HVAC equipment to improve comfort and airflow control in homes and buildings. Daniel explains how thermostats, sensors, and modulating dampers help manage each zone without creating high static pressure in the duct system. The conversation covers how fan speed changes based on demand and why dampers stay open when there is no heating or cooling call. They also talk about the differences between ducted zoning and wall-mounted systems, common problems with older zoning methods, and how proper duct design helps improve HVAC efficiency, airflow balance, and system performance.
Expect to Learn:
How Airzone zoning systems control airflow in different rooms using thermostats and sensors.

How modulating dampers and inverter fan motors help prevent high static pressure issues.

How ducted zoning systems can improve comfort and efficiency compared to wall-mounted units.

Why older zoning systems used bypass dampers and the problems they created for HVAC equipment.

How proper duct design and airflow control help improve HVAC performance and system balance.

 
Episode Highlights:
[00:00] - Sponsor: Factory Direct Filters ad
[00:42] - Intro to Daniel Carrillo in Part 02 
[02:21] - How zoning works: thermostats vs. sensors explained
[03:58] - Controlling zones via Blue Face thermostat or cloud app
[05:56] - What happens when one zone is set too cold
[07:28] - No demand = dampers open; fan stops unless constant mode on
[10:18] - Ducted zoning vs. wall mounts: regional differences
[13:03] - Old zoning problems (bypass, barometric relief) solved by ECM motors
[16:49] - How to get free system design (blueprint, zone layout, heat load needed)
 
This Episode is Kindly Sponsored by:
Cintas: https://www.cintas.com/hvacknowitall
Cool Air Products: https://www.coolairproducts.net/
Factory Direct Filters: https://www.factorydirectfilters.com/
SupplyHouse: https://www.supplyhouse.com/tm
Use promo code HKIA5 to get 5% off your first order at Supplyhouse!


 
Follow the Guest Daniel Carrillo on: 
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-carrillo-922262305/  
Airzone Control - LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/company/airzonecontrol/  
Airzone Control - Website: https://www.airzonecontrol.com/as/en/ 
 
Follow the Host on:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gary-mccreadie-38217a77/ 
Website: https://www.hvacknowitall.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/HVAC-Know-It-All-2/61569643061429/  
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hvacknowitall1/ 
Follow the Podcast on: 
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HVACKnowItAll  
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6LCBJGw0EHG03rdWHxUMce 
Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hvac-know-it-all-podcast/id1359253455

In this episode of the HVAC Know It All Podcast, host Gary McCreadie is joined by Daniel Carrillo, Technical Sales and Training Expert at Airzone Control, to talk about A2L refrigerants, VRF zoning, and how new mitigation standards are changing HVAC system design. They discuss the challenges of using A2L equipment in residential and commercial spaces, how zoning systems can help improve airflow and safety, and why proper training is important for contractors. The conversation also covers common installation issues, communication errors, wiring practices, and how ducted zoning systems can improve comfort, efficiency, and room-by-room temperature control.
In this conversation, Daniel and Gary discuss how A2L refrigerants are changing HVAC system design and why new mitigation standards are important for safety and airflow control. Daniel explains how zoning systems can help manage refrigerant dilution, improve comfort, and support better efficiency in VRF and ducted applications. Daniel and Gary also cover common installation issues, communication errors, wiring practices, and the importance of proper training when working with advanced zoning equipment and A2L systems.
Expect to Learn:
How A2L refrigerants are changing HVAC equipment and installation standards.

How mitigation standards help improve safety and refrigerant dilution in occupied spaces.

How zoning systems can improve comfort, airflow control, and energy efficiency.

How communication errors and wiring issues can affect VRF and zoning equipment.

How proper training and support can help contractors work with advanced HVAC systems.

 
Episode Highlights: 
[00:00] - Sponsor Ad: Factory Direct Filters
[00:42] - Intro to Daniel Carrillo in Part 1
[03:00] - A2L is slightly flammable, brings new regulations and mitigation standards
[06:26] - How A2L affects VRF zoning - ductwork helps comply vs. wall mounts
[09:32] - Top tech support tips: same supplier, training, don't fear calling
[11:24] - Most common field issue: communication errors from loose connections
[15:03] - Advantages of ducted zoning: fine-tuned air, no oversizing, better humidity control
[19:08] - Four-room example - each room has its own climate, unused rooms get no air
This Episode is Kindly Sponsored by:
Cintas: https://www.cintas.com/hvacknowitall
Cool Air Products: https://www.coolairproducts.net/
Factory Direct Filters: https://www.factorydirectfilters.com/
SupplyHouse: https://www.supplyhouse.com/tm
Use promo code HKIA5 to get 5% off your first order at Supplyhouse!
Follow the Guest Daniel Carrillo on:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-carrillo-922262305/
Airzone Control - LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/company/airzonecontrol/
Airzone Control - Website: https://www.airzonecontrol.com/as/en/ 
 
Follow the Host on:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gary-mccreadie-38217a77/
LinkedIn - HVAC Know It All Inc.: https://www.linkedin.com/company/hvac-know-it-all-inc
Website: https://www.hvacknowitall.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/HVAC-Know-It-All-2/61569643061429/ 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hvacknowitall1/ 
Follow the Podcast on:

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HVACKnowItAll
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6LCBJGw0EHG03rdWHxUMce
Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hvac-know-it-all-podcast/id1359253455

In this episode of the HVAC Know It All Business Edition Podcast, co-hosts Gary McCreadie and Furman Haynes from WorkHero sit down with financing expert Jonathan Fodera, President at Integrated Business Financing and Integrated Factors LLC. Jonathan explains the difference between building business credit and taking on debt, how to evaluate financing opportunities using ROI and cash flow, and why borrowing for growth is fundamentally different from borrowing to survive. The conversation explores practical HVAC examples like financing additional service vans, structuring equipment loans properly, and using financing strategically to accelerate growth. Jonathan also shares advanced insights for commercial HVAC contractors, including invoice factoring and project financing, two tools designed to solve cash flow delays caused by slow-paying commercial clients.
Jonathan Fodera is a business financing specialist focused on helping contractors and trades businesses access smarter funding solutions. He specializes in business credit building, equipment financing, invoice factoring, and project financing for service-based companies, particularly in the HVAC and construction industries.
Expect to Learn:
- The difference between building business credit and borrowing money
- How to determine if financing is a smart business move
- Why ROI and cash flow are the two key financing tests
- Common mistakes HVAC companies make with debt
- When financing additional vans and equipment makes sense
- The pros and cons of leasing versus equipment loans
- How to structure financing for better tax advantages
- How financing can improve growth without damaging cash flow
Timestamps:
[00:00] – Introduction
[01:05] – Financing for HVAC and trades businesses
[02:47] – When borrowing money becomes dangerous
[05:56] – Equipment loans vs leasing explained
[08:29] – How to know when it's time to add another truck
[09:09] – The risk of long scheduling delays and lost customers
[11:28] – Why HVAC owners should finance under the business, not personally
[15:17] – What invoice factoring is and how it works
[15:45] – How factoring helps contractors grow faster
[16:15] – Understanding project financing for large commercial jobs
[17:30] – Solving accounts receivable and cash flow challenges
[18:40] – Why invoice factoring works

 
This Episode is Kindly Sponsored by:
- PartsTown: https://www.partstown.com/hvac-parts
- Podium: https://podium.com/knowitall  
 
Follow our Guest Jonathan Fodera:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-fodera-391a98a1/ 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/john.fodera.3/ 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jonathan.fodera/ 
 
Company Website: 
Integrated Business Financing: https://www.integratedbusinessfinancing.com/ 
Integrated Factors LLC: https://integratedfactors.com/ 
 
Company LinkedIn: 
Integrated Business Financing: https://www.linkedin.com/company/integrated-business-financing/ 
 
Company Facebook: 
Integrated Business Financing: https://www.facebook.com/IntegratedBusinessFinancing/ 
 
Follow Gary McCreadie:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gary-mccreadie-38217a77/ 
Website: https://www.hvacknowitall.com 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/HVAC-Know-It-All-2/61569643061429/ 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hvacknowitall1/ 
 
Follow Furman Haynes: 
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/furmanhaynes/ 
WorkHero: https://www.linkedin.com/company/workherohvac/ 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/workhero__/

In this episode of the HVAC Know It All Podcast, host Gary McCreadie continues his conversations with Gord Cooke, President at Building Knowledge Canada, and Ian Walker, Sales & Marketing Manager at Aeroseal, about duct sealing and building performance. They explain how Aeroseal works by sealing leaks at the source without coating the entire duct, clearing up common misconceptions. The discussion highlights how leaky duct systems can lose a large amount of airflow, affecting comfort, balance, and system efficiency in a home. Gord shares insights on why sealing ducts improves airflow control and helps deliver air where it is needed most. They also talk about return air design, common issues with panned returns, and why proper airflow measurement matters for HVAC performance.
Gary, Ian, and Gord discuss how Aeroseal works to seal duct leaks using pressure and a targeted sealant that only sticks at gaps. They explain that the process does not coat the full duct system and instead seals leaks from the inside. The conversation covers how duct leakage can reduce airflow, comfort, and system balance in a home. They also talk about how sealing ducts can improve air delivery and make balancing systems more effective. Gord shares insights on return air design, explaining common issues with panned returns and why they often do not move much air. They finish by highlighting how proper sealing and airflow checks help improve overall HVAC performance and comfort.
Expect to Learn:
How Aeroseal seals duct leaks by targeting gaps without coating the full duct system.

How duct leakage can reduce airflow, comfort, and system balance in a home.

How sealing ducts can improve air delivery and make system balancing more effective.

Why return air systems often move less air than expected, especially when not fully ducted.

How proper sealing and airflow checks can improve overall HVAC performance and comfort.

 
Episode Highlights: 
[00:00] - Sponsor: Factory Direct Filters ad
[00:42] - Intro to Gord Cooke and Ian Walker in Part 02 
[02:02] - Arrow Seal vs. Aero Barrier: Same tech, different application
[02:49] - Myth busted: Sealant only plugs holes, doesn't coat duct walls
[04:27] - Why seal ducts? Comfort, not just energy (30% typical leakage)
[08:34] - How AeroSeal works: Pressurize, mist, seal in 20 – 30 min
[09:59] - Cost estimate: 2,000 – 2,500 CAD for a 2,000 sq ft home
[13:11] - Panned returns leak 100% – don't expect measurable flow
[18:00] - Key difference: Stay home during AeroSeal, leave during AeroBarrier
[19:57] - Target: 1.5 ACH50 for optimal building enclosure
 
This Episode is Kindly Sponsored by:
Cintas: https://www.cintas.com/hvacknowitall
Cool Air Products: https://www.coolairproducts.net/
Factory Direct Filters: https://www.factorydirectfilters.com/
SupplyHouse: https://www.supplyhouse.com/tm
Use promo code HKIA5 to get 5% off your first order at Supplyhouse!
 
Follow the Guests Gord Cooke and Ian Walker on: 
LinkedIn - Gord Cooke: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gord-cooke-4b9b3433  
LinkedIn - Ian Walker: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ian-walker-930954101/  
LinkedIn - Building Knowledge Canada: https://www.linkedin.com/company/building-knowledge-canada-inc./  
LinkedIn - Ian Walker: https://www.linkedin.com/company/aeroseal-llc/ 
 
Follow the Host on:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gary-mccreadie-38217a77/ 
Website: https://www.hvacknowitall.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/HVAC-Know-It-All-2/61569643061429/  
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hvacknowitall1/ 
 
Follow the Podcast on: 
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HVACKnowItAll  
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6LCBJGw0EHG03rdWHxUMce 
Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hvac-know-it-all-podcast/id1359253455

In this episode of the HVAC Know It All Podcast, host Gary McCreadie is joined by Gord Cooke, President at Building Knowledge Canada, and Ian Walker, Sales & Marketing Manager at Aeroseal, to talk about air sealing technology and how it improves building performance. They explain how AeroBarrier works to reduce air leakage and why airtight homes need proper mechanical ventilation. The conversation covers common concerns about sealing homes too tightly, the role of HVAC systems in fresh air control, and how ventilation systems like ERVs help maintain comfort. Gary, Gord, and Ian also share real job site examples, costs, and how better air sealing can improve energy efficiency and system sizing.
In this conversation, Gord and Ian explain how AeroBarrier is used to seal air leaks in homes and improve building performance. They describe how the system uses pressure and a misted sealant to find and close gaps, while stressing the need for proper ventilation to maintain air quality. Gord, Ian, and Gary discuss common concerns about making homes too tight and explain why controlled ventilation is important. They also cover real job site examples, costs, and how reducing air leakage can improve comfort, energy use, and HVAC system sizing.
Expect to Learn:
How AeroBarrier works to seal air leaks using pressure and a misted sealant.

How building science and HVAC systems work together in modern homes.

How proper ventilation keeps air quality safe in airtight homes.

How ERV systems and exhaust fans help control fresh air and moisture.

How reducing air leakage can improve comfort, energy use, and system sizing.

 
Episode Highlights:
[00:00] - Sponsor Ad: Factory Direct Filters
[00:42] - Intro to Gord Cooke and Ian Walker in Part 1
[02:20] - Introducing Aero Barrier technology and on-site demo
[03:40] - Ian explains how Aero Barrier works (blower door, positive pressure, sealant mist)
[05:17] - Debunking "sealing too tight" myth - build tight, ventilate right
[09:32] - Summary: Tight homes are fine if mechanical ventilation is present
[12:35] - Cost range = 0.80 – 1.50 per square foot
[14:14] - Recommendation of ERV + source control for best ventilation
[16:46] - Ventilation controls (CO₂, humidity)
[19:37] - Real-world results: 14 ACH down to ~4 ACH, 55–60% leakage reduction
 
This Episode is Kindly Sponsored by:
Cintas: https://www.cintas.com/hvacknowitall
Cool Air Products: https://www.coolairproducts.net/
Factory Direct Filters: https://www.factorydirectfilters.com/
SupplyHouse: https://www.supplyhouse.com/tm
Use promo code HKIA5 to get 5% off your first order at Supplyhouse!
 
Follow the Guests Gord Cooke and Ian Walker on:
LinkedIn - Gord Cooke: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gord-cooke-4b9b3433
LinkedIn - Ian Walker: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ian-walker-930954101/
LinkedIn - Building Knowledge Canada: https://www.linkedin.com/company/building-knowledge-canada-inc./
LinkedIn - Ian Walker: https://www.linkedin.com/company/aeroseal-llc/ 
 
Follow the Host on:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gary-mccreadie-38217a77/
LinkedIn - HVAC Know It All Inc.: https://www.linkedin.com/company/hvac-know-it-all-inc
Website: https://www.hvacknowitall.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/HVAC-Know-It-All-2/61569643061429/ 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hvacknowitall1/ 
 
Follow the Podcast on:
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HVACKnowItAll
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6LCBJGw0EHG03rdWHxUMce
Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hvac-know-it-all-podcast/id1359253455