Inside the HVAC Industry with Brandon Reynolds: Career Insights, HVAC Trends, and Professional Development

Welcome back to The Lofty Lender! In this episode, I had the pleasure of chatting with Brandon Reynolds, a seasoned HVAC professional from Bell Brothers, who shared insights on his journey, his passion for HVAC, and his expert perspective on industry trends. Starting as a service technician, Brandon has grown into a leadership role, serving as an estimator and instructor for Bell Brothers’ apprenticeship program. His experience, ranging from complex installations to mentoring apprentices, brings a wealth of knowledge that benefits both clients and up-and-coming professionals.

Brandon’s Journey into HVAC

Brandon began in HVAC in 2016, transitioning from warehouse work after realizing the potential earnings and career growth in the skilled trades. Starting as a residential service technician, he was soon drawn to the complexity of HVAC systems and the satisfaction of solving unique challenges in customers’ homes. By 2017, he joined Bell Brothers as a residential installer, later advancing to more technical roles that involved geothermal, boiler installations, and large-scale projects. Now, Brandon combines his hands-on experience with project management and estimating, crafting solutions that meet customers’ specific needs while considering efficiency and cost.

What It Takes to Succeed in HVAC

During our conversation, Brandon emphasized that effective communication with clients is key to building trust and ensuring the right solutions are chosen. He spends his days preparing installers for projects, meeting clients to provide estimates, and teaching HVAC theory to apprentices. This commitment to education and mentorship, Brandon says, helps to ensure the next generation is equipped with both technical skills and problem-solving abilities.

Brandon also spoke about the role of continuous learning in his career. His upcoming goal of earning a Master HVAC license reflects his desire to deepen his knowledge and stay ahead of industry standards. Unlike a journeyman license, a Master license enables HVAC professionals to start their own businesses, but for Brandon, his ambition lies within Bell Brothers. As an “intrapreneur,” he seeks to innovate from within his organization, adding value and improving service quality.

HVAC Trends and Upcoming Refrigerant Changes

One of the most pressing topics in HVAC today is the impending change in refrigerants. Beginning in 2025, the widely used R-410A refrigerant will be phased out in favor of new, more environmentally friendly options like R-32 and R-454B. While these refrigerants reduce ozone depletion and global warming potential, their introduction will bring added costs, including mandatory equipment sensors that could increase system prices by 10–15%. For homeowners with older systems, Brandon advises weighing the cost-benefit of upgrading before the 410A phase-out, especially if their current systems are still within warranty.

Considering Geothermal and Other Energy Solutions

Brandon shared valuable insights on the costs and benefits of geothermal heating, noting that while geothermal systems are highly efficient, the upfront costs can be prohibitive for existing homes. He suggests that homeowners considering geothermal should think long-term, as the return on investment may only be worthwhile for those planning to stay in their homes for decades. For new builds, however, geothermal and solar energy integration offer great potential, especially when combined with heat pumps to achieve near-net-zero energy use.

Life Outside the HVAC World

Outside work, Brandon balances his professional dedication with quality time spent with family and friends. As a father of two young children, he enjoys unwinding by watching sports and hosting gatherings. He also shared some funny anecdotes about his travels and the “tests” that certain activities (like kayaking with his wife) brought to their relationship.

Why Bell Brothers Stands Out

One of the reasons Brandon joined Bell Brothers was its strong employee retention and supportive culture. The company’s commitment to training and development ensures that team members grow their technical skills and stay up-to-date with industry advancements. As an instructor, Brandon is part of this culture of continuous improvement, helping apprentices start their careers on a solid foundation.

Learn More with The Lofty Lender

If you're interested in learning more about careers in HVAC, the benefits of working with an established company like Bell Brothers, or how current industry trends might impact your home heating and cooling systems, you won’t want to miss this episode of The Lofty Lender!

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