Diary Entry #5 – The Gap Between Posts

Okay, let’s not pretend this update isn’t overdue.

It’s been two weeks since I touched the blog. The Twitter account? July 22nd. Not exactly a strong performance from someone who promised to “keep the updates coming.”

But here’s what happened: August happened.
Peak cooling season doesn’t ask for your attention—it demands it. I’ve been chasing down refrigerant leaks, system resets, and the occasional “mystery smell,” all while summer temperatures broke records—again. Colorado is bracing for another severe summer, marked by heat domes and triple-digit days that strain both people and electrical grids (ColoradoBiz article).

Meanwhile, outside the field, headlines are shifting: Gen Z is increasingly seeking out careers they know won't be outsourced or replaced by AI—like HVAC and other skilled trades (Axios, New York Post). And it’s not just talk—cities like Tampa are launching hands-on programs to bring teens into these trades early (City of Tampa).

That’s what I’m trying to catch here—the gap between what people think the trades are (dirty, outdated, last-resort) and what they really are: future-proofed careers with impact, human connection, and a paycheck you can build on.

So I’m back—blurry-eyed, dusty, but still full of stories worth telling. Thanks for sticking around. More posts soon, because trust me—the summer heat isn’t taking a break, and neither am I.

— Riley

Diary Entry #4 – Mid-Summer Madness

 It’s the middle of July, which in HVAC terms means two things: long days and hotter tempers—both systems and people.

Today was one of those “every call is urgent” days. A rooftop unit locked out at a restaurant right before lunch rush. A family with three box fans and zero working air conditioning trying to convince me they’ve “never changed a filter, but it’s probably fine.” (It wasn’t. It was practically a felt blanket.)

Here’s the thing: mid-summer isn’t forgiving—not to equipment, not to techs, and not to homeowners who waited too long for maintenance. But that’s what I love about this trade. It’s problem-solving at its purest. You walk in, assess, sweat (a lot), and leave someone better off than you found them.

Since we’re in peak season, here are a few things I recommend every homeowner keep on hand (or every tech keep stocked):

• MERV 8 or MERV 11 Filters – Change them regularly, especially in summer. Your system will thank you.
• Digital Thermometer – A cheap one can help you confirm room temps and spot issues early.
• Rechargeable Headlamp – For crawlspaces and attics. I don’t go anywhere without mine.
• Insulated Water Bottle – Because attic work in July without hydration is a bad idea.

So if you’re in this line of work too, hang in there. Hydrate. Take pride in the fact that you’re keeping people comfortable in the worst heat of the year. And if you’re not in the trades yet but thinking about it—this is what it’s all about. Real work, real impact.

Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’ve got to clean the dust off my gauges and see if I can squeeze in six hours of sleep before it starts all over again.

— Riley

Diary Entry #2 – Before the Surge

It’s my day off. The calm before the storm—literally and professionally. Because in a week or two, when summer shows up swinging, the phones won’t stop ringing and I’ll be racing between attics hotter than a convection oven.

But today? Quiet. Breezy. The kind of late-May day where you almost believe Colorado summers won’t get as brutal as last year. Spoiler: they will.

I promised myself I’d keep this blog going, even during the off-hours. So here’s my thought today, especially for anyone thinking about jumping into HVAC or another trade:

Get in now. This industry is about to roar.

Summer’s not just hot—it’s opportunity. Every year we see the same pattern: a wave of emergency calls from folks whose systems gave up on the first 95° day, or finally realized a box fan isn't a cooling strategy. People need help, and there’s not enough of us out here doing the work.

HVAC is one of the few fields where you can train fast, earn well, and build a career without drowning in student debt. Yes, it’s hard work. Yes, the attic will feel like a kiln. But the satisfaction of getting someone cool again? Of solving a problem, hands-on, and knowing it matters?

It sticks with you.

If you’re curious where to start, here are a few great resources:

• Explore the Trades – HVAC Career Info
• NATE – Find a Certified HVAC Training Program
• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics – HVACR Job Outlook
• HVAC School – Free Training Resources & Podcasts

So if you're sitting behind a desk wondering if there’s something more practical, more real—there is. And it’s gearing up fast.

— Riley