Cool Air, Hot Takes - podcast cover

Cool Air, Hot Takes

Trane
Welcome to Cool Air, Hot Takes, the podcast that’s as smart as your building’s thermostat and twice as fun. Hosted by Charlie Jelen and Dan Gentry, two HVAC pros with over 30 years of combined experience and a lifetime of friendship, this show is your go-to for the latest in heating, ventilation, and air conditioning, industry news, and cutting-edge HVAC trends. Charlie is a building-systems expert passionate about solving complex problems, and Dan, an Applications Engineer with a knack for energy-efficient design and HVAC troubleshooting, bring their expertise (and plenty of hot takes) to every episode. Together, they dive into topics like the latest trends and systems redefining buildings and Industrial systems , and the future of AI in the industry, from smart thermostats to data centers. They’ll look at what’s up with all these tech companies buying nuclear power plants, and what does it mean for the future of climate control? Expect in-depth interviews with industry-leading experts, practical tips for engineers and contractors, and funny stories from that job that went sideways. Whether you’re designing ductwork, conducting energy audits, or upgrading to sustainable HVAC systems, this podcast is built to keep you informed and entertained. We want to hear from you! Email us CoolAir.HotTakes@trane.com with your questions, HVAC hacks, or the funniest thing that’s ever happened on a job, and we might feature it in an episode. Follow Cool Air, Hot Takes from Trane wherever you get your podcasts, and join us as we tackle the big questions and the finer points of thermodynamics—one hot take at a time. About Trane Commercial Trane Commercial, part of Trane Technologies, is a leading provider of innovative climate control solutions and energy services tailored for commercial environments. The company focuses on optimizing indoor climates through advanced HVAC systems, building automation, and sustainability initiatives. With a commitment to decarbonization, Trane aims to reduce the carbon footprint of buildings while enhancing comfort and efficiency. Learn more at: https://www.trane.com/commercial/north-america/ Meet the Hosts Charlie Jelen has been working with HVAC systems for over 15 years, specializing in sustainable solutions. At Trane Commercial North America, he focuses on advancing cutting edge building and industrial systems. With a background in consulting and system engineering, Charlie is committed to delivering solutions for the hardest challenges facing clients today. Dan Gentry is an Applications Engineer. With expertise in chiller plants, heat recovery, and heat pump systems, he focuses on reliable and efficient system design.
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Episodes

Industrial Heat: We’re Gonna Need A Bigger Pump

Industrial heat accounts for approximately a quarter of global energy consumption, says Ruth Checknoff, today’s guest, and is the key to hitting climate targets. Today on Cool Air, Hot Takes , Dan and Charlie welcome Ruth Checknoff , Senior Project & Research Director at the Renewable Thermal Collaborative , to talk about the hot (literally) challenge of decarbonizing industrial thermal processes. From whiskey distilleries in Scotland to policies in Pennsylvania, New York and Colorado, Ruth ...

Jul 24, 202535 minEp. 9

How We Got Here: Our HVAC Journeys & Hot Takes

This week on Cool Air, Hot Takes , we’re doing something a little different. We’re dropping a special crossover episode from our friends over at the Healthy Spaces podcast, featuring our very own Dan Gentry and Charlie Jelen . Together, they sit down with Dominique Silva and Scott Tew to share how two middle-school friends from Wisconsin ended up in HVAC, what their favorite hot takes from the podcast so far are, and what they do in their day jobs helping customers make real, sustainable and eff...

Jul 10, 202533 minEp. 8

PIC Valves: To Delta T or Not Delta T?

We’re back! Welcome to Season 2 of Cool Air, Hot Takes : the podcast where buildings, energy, and HVAC collide in all the best ways. Hosts Charlie Jelen and Dan Gentry return with fresh (hot) takes, big laughs, and sharp insights into what’s next in the world of HVAC and energy systems. In this episode, we’re going deep on PIC valves, that’s pressure independent control valves, with Rob Trickett , VP of Sales and Marketing at Flow Control Industries. Ever wonder how a single valve could unlock m...

Jun 26, 202535 minEp. 7

Cool Air, Hot Takes is BACK For Season 2!

The podcast that’s as smart as your building’s thermostat is back! Hosts Charlie Jelen and Dan Gentry return for Season 2 of Cool Air, Hot Takes , the podcast that dives deep into the future of HVAC, energy systems, and the bold ideas reshaping buildings. Whether you’re an engineer, designer, facility manager, or just someone who appreciates a healthy delta T, you’re in the right place. This season, expect bigger ideas, even hotter takes, more interviews with industry leading experts, and of cou...

Jun 19, 20251 min

Buildings as Batteries: Demand Response

What if your building could act like a battery - and get paid for it? In this episode of Cool Air, Hot Takes , hosts Charlie Jelen and Dan Gentry talk with Adam Scarsella , Director of Sales at Voltus , about how demand response and virtual power plants are transforming energy use. From chillers to controls, they break down how smart buildings are shedding loads, shifting demand, and supporting the grid – all while creating new revenue opportunities. You'll hear: HVAC Headlines: Europe plans mas...

May 20, 202535 minEp. 6

Decarbonization: Challenge or Opportunity?

Is decarbonization the biggest challenge or the biggest opportunity for the HVAC industry? In this episode of Cool Air, Hot Takes , hosts Charlie Jelen and Dan Gentry are joined by Molly Dee-Ramasamy , Director of Deep Carbon Reduction at JB&B, to unpack what decarbonization really means for buildings, systems, and the people designing them. From electrification and grid impacts to policy shifts and heat recovery, they dive into what’s changing, what’s working, and what HVAC pros need to kno...

May 06, 202535 minEp. 5

How AI is Changing HVAC (and Your Job) with Brainbox AI

Is AI really the future of HVAC, or just industry hype? In this episode of Cool Air, Hot Takes , hosts Charlie Jelen and Dan Gentry talk with Jean-Simon Venne , CTO and co-founder of BrainBox AI , about how artificial intelligence is reshaping HVAC systems. They explore real-world ways AI boosts energy efficiency, enhances preventative maintenance, improves indoor air quality, and helps buildings reduce their carbon footprint. We also discuss: HVAC Headlines: Boston announces new net-zero emissi...

Apr 22, 202537 minEp. 4

RefrigeRANTS: The Good, The Bad, The Banned

What’s the real story behind AC refrigerants? Why are some being phased out, others destroyed, and what does it mean for the HVAC industry? In this episode of Cool Air, Hot Takes , Charlie Jelen and Dan Gentry sit down with Ray Rieling from Tradewater to talk about refrigerants - the good, the bad, and the banned. From legacy refrigerants like R-22 to the controversial future of HFC refrigerant destruction , they break down the impact on climate control, system design, and HVAC sustainability . ...

Apr 08, 202535 minEp. 3

The Compressor Revolution: What’s Next?

How is air conditioner compressor and bearing technology evolving? And is the HVAC industry ready for what’s next? In this episode, hosts Charlie Jelen and Dan Gentry sit down with Joe Heger , Centrifugal Mechanical Engineering Leader at Trane, to break down the past, present and future of AC compressor and bearing technology. They discuss how these advancements are improving performance, reliability, and efficiency, and what HVAC pros need to know as the industry shifts toward electrification a...

Mar 25, 202534 minEp. 2

How Venture Capital is Shaping the Future of HVAC

Welcome to the very first episode of Cool Air, Hot Takes , the podcast that keeps HVAC pros ahead of the curve with the latest industry insights, trends, and of course a hot take or two. Hosts Charlie Jelen and Dan Gentry - HVAC experts with over 30 years of experience between them and a friendship dating back to middle school - kick things off with their hottest takes on where the industry is heading. Geothermal? Getting big. CO₂ refrigerants? Gaining traction. Residential cold climate heat pum...

Mar 11, 202535 minEp. 1

Introducing “Cool Air, Hot Takes”

Welcome to Cool Air, Hot Takes , the podcast where we break down the biggest innovations in HVAC, energy, and building technology with bold opinions, expert insights, and lots of hot takes. Join hosts Charlie Jelen and Dan Gentry , two HVAC pros with over 30 years of combined experience, as they tackle the hottest trends, smartest tech, and boldest ideas shaping the future of heating, cooling, and ventilation. From AI-powered HVAC systems to the rise of heat pumps and refrigerant phase-outs, we’...

Feb 27, 202557 sec
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