About this episode
Sharon Goepferich from Cool Air Products joins the podcast to discuss cutting-edge capacitor technology and innovative HVAC solutions in an introduction to the Sigma capacitor. Sharon brings a decade of industry experience, having worked extensively with capacitors and HVAC components while traveling across the country to educate technicians and contractors. The conversation begins with a comprehensive breakdown of capacitor failures, addressing common misconceptions in the field. While manufacturing quality certainly plays a role in capacitor longevity, environmental factors like high temperatures and voltage disruptions—particularly common in markets like Florida with frequent lightning strikes—are primary contributors to failure. A crucial point emphasized is that failing capacitors typically cause compressor and motor failures, not the other way around. Many technicians incorrectly assume that a capacitor reading within tolerance is acceptable, but Bryan and Sharon clarify that even a degraded capacitor operating at reduced capacity can cause motors to run hotter and fail prematurely. This highlights the importance of proactive capacitor maintenance and replacement before complete failure occurs. The episode's centerpiece is the discussion of the innovative Sigma capacitor system, which Sharon describes as being "designed on an airplane over whiskey." This modular pod system addresses a longstanding challenge for HVAC technicians: the impossibility of stocking every capacitor size on their trucks. The Sigma capacitor uses a stackable approach where technicians build the exact capacitance they need in the field using standardized components. The system operates on a simple rule: build the higher values first (typically compressor capacitance on top), then stack the lower values (fan capacitance) underneath. This approach maximizes truck inventory efficiency while minimizing the number of SKUs contractors need to manage, representing a middle ground between carrying extensive individual capacitor inventory and using traditional universal capacitors. Cool Air Products extends beyond capacitors with their Combat P Trap system, an all-in-one condensate drain management solution that combines a shutoff valve, cleaning tab reservoir, and P-trap in a single unit. This product reflects the company's mission to solve everyday contractor problems in cost-effective ways. What makes Cool Air Products unique is their business model of helping industry insiders bring innovative ideas to market, providing support for patent processes, manufacturing connections, and funding. The Combat P Trap also demonstrates the company's commitment to giving back, as a portion of proceeds supports veterans—fitting since the product was designed by a veteran and serves an industry with significant veteran participation. Key Topics Covered Capacitor failure analysis Proper capacitor testing techniques Installation best practices Sigma capacitor system Inventory management strategies Combat P Trap system Distribution challenges Cool Air Products' business model Veteran support initiatives Future product developments Professional networking Learn more about Cool Air Products at https://www.coolairproducts.net/ . Have a question that you want us to answer on the podcast? Submit your questions at https://www.speakpipe.com/hvacschool . Purchase your tickets or learn more about the 6th Annual HVACR Training Symposium at https://hvacrschool.com/symposium . Subscribe to our podcast on your iPhone or Android . Subscribe to our YouTube channel. Check out our handy calculators here or on the HVAC School Mobile App for Apple and Android