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What happens when the industry standard is to guess… instead of calculate?

In this episode, Chris Walsh, HVAC Educator, Founder of TruCalc, and Owner of Breathe Rite HVAC, brings decades of hands-on experience, teaching, and HVAC design into a conversation that challenges how contractors approach one of the most critical parts of the job: equipment sizing. From growing up in the trades to leading training programs and now building software, Chris has seen firsthand how shortcuts, outdated processes, and lack of accessible tools have shaped the industry in ways that hurt both contractors and homeowners.

This conversation really comes down to a bigger shift happening in the industry. Moving from fast decisions to informed ones. Chris breaks down how the pressure to quote quickly has led many contractors to rely on outdated rules of thumb, often resulting in oversized or undersized systems that create long-term issues for customers.

But this isn’t just about what’s broken. It’s about what’s possible. Through his app TruCalc, Chris is helping contractors move from guessing to knowing by making heat loss and gain calculations fast, accessible, and mobile. More importantly, he reframes sizing as more than a technical step. It becomes a trust-building tool, a sales advantage, and a way to educate customers so they can make confident decisions.

This episode is a reminder that better businesses are built on clarity, not shortcuts. When contractors take the time to educate, calculate, and lead with honesty, they don’t just improve installs. They build trust, stand out in a crowded market, and raise the standard for the entire industry.

Listen in and learn about:

  • Why “rule of thumb” sizing is still common and where it fails
  • The real impact of improper sizing on comfort and system performance
  • How oversized systems create humidity and short cycling issues
  • Why contractors struggle to follow CSA F280 in real-world scenarios
  • The growing complexity of heat pump sizing and performance
  • How customer education builds trust and long-term relationships
  • Using tools like TruCalc to create fast, accurate load calculations on-site
  • Turning proper sizing into a competitive advantage

 

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Transcript

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