In this episode of Accelerated HVAC Success, guest Lee Smith, VP of Strategic Marketing & Environmental Technology Solutions at Daikin Comfort Technologies, breaks down Daikin’s controls strategy and why controls are becoming the backbone of modern comfort systems. The conversation explores Daikin’s Smart Control platforms and how the thermostat functions as a true communication device—working continuously with the system to maintain comfort without constant on/off cycling. Lee also shares how residential contractors can get up to speed on Daikin’s controls approach and why understanding this strategy is key to delivering better performance and a better homeowner experience.

The discussion dives into the two Daikin apps that support this connected ecosystem: Skyport Home for homeowners and Skyport Care for contractors and dealers. Lee describes how Skyport Care empowers contractors to monitor and manage systems remotely, reducing time on site and easing service burdens while improving customer support. The episode wraps with an overview of HERO Cloud Services on the commercial side, offering similar remote management and system insights—drawing attention to how Daikin is using controls and connectivity to help contractors work smarter across both residential and commercial applications.

In this episode of Accelerated HVAC Success, we are joined by Sachin Dixit, VP of Commercial Product at Daikin Comfort Technologies, to unpack the growing momentum around sustainability and what it means for the future of commercial HVAC. Sachin shares Daikin’s global vision—strengthening its position as the world’s #1 HVAC manufacturer—and explains why VRV remains the company’s flagship platform. The conversation dives into the advanced technology that sets VRV apart, how Daikin plans to continue leveraging that innovation, and why both contractors and end users are increasingly embracing these solutions as expectations around efficiency, flexibility, and performance evolve.

The discussion also explores how expanding applications are opening new doors for VRV from individualized system designs to value-engineered solutions that align performance with real-world project goals. Sachin spotlights VRV’s growing role in the rooftop market, including a look ahead to new VRV rooftop units launching in 2026. The episode wraps with a clear reminder: competing on price alone helps no one. Long-term success comes from selling the full value proposition—technology, versatility, sustainability, and outcomes that benefit contractors, building owners, and occupants alike.

In this episode of Accelerated HVAC Success, host Ben Middleton is joined by Sri Swaminathan, Manager of Controls and Solutions with Daikin Comfort Technologies, to explore Hero ProEdge, Daikin’s advanced remote monitoring solution for VRV systems. Sri explains how multiple VRV systems can be tied into the platform and how the upgraded protocol supporting the R-32 transition enhances data flow and system intelligence. The conversation highlights what contractors can visualize through a web browser or mobile app—from system performance and alarms to trends over time—allowing many adjustments to be made remotely without a site visit, saving time and increasing efficiency.

The episode also dives into the broader value Hero ProEdge delivers to both contractors and end users. Sri outlines how comparative data over time supports proactive maintenance, how maintenance reminders and AI-driven predictions help prevent issues before they occur, and what level of data and remote control functionality is available to building owners. Listeners will gain insight into the unique ways Daikin is leveraging AI to improve system reliability, streamline service, and deliver a smarter, more connected VRV experience.

In this episode of Accelerated HVAC Success, host Ben Middleton sits down with Chris Bellshaw, VP of Commercial Market and Business Development at Daikin Comfort Technologies, to break down what truly sets Daikin’s VRV technology apart. Chris clarifies the difference between VRF and Daikin’s patented VRV, and explains how Daikin is taking VRV to market in North America. The conversation explores where contractors can go to learn more—from product resources to hands-on training like VRV installation and commissioning—and why VRV is becoming a powerful way for contractors to differentiate themselves in an increasingly competitive market.

Chris also dives into the technical advantages of VRV, including its ability to provide zoning, simultaneous heating and cooling, integrated fresh air, and significant energy savings. He highlights Daikin’s core patents and unique control strategy, such as Variable Refrigerant Temperature, and how these innovations deliver comfort and efficiency beyond traditional systems. The episode wraps with a look at how VRV is expanding into the residential space and where homeowners and residential-focused professionals can find more information on this evolving technology.

In this episode of Accelerated HVAC Success, guest Lucky Chandana, Manager of Light Commercial Controls at Daikin Comfort Technologies, breaks down how Daikin is rethinking light commercial solutions as rooftop expectations continue to evolve. What was once a straightforward product category now demands energy savings, inverter compressors, and expanded functionality—and Daikin is approaching this shift from a controls-first mindset. Lucky explains how Daikin is reimagining controls at multiple levels, including innovations like embedding a web server into the iLink DDC controller and layering additional control capabilities to create smarter, more flexible systems.

The conversation also previews Daikin’s upcoming 2026 product launch, SmartLink, designed to be low cost, easy to install, and simple to manage, while supporting advanced features like variable frequency drives. Lucky dives into the benefits of the new Inverter Rooftop platform, including a new control strategy that simplifies economizer setup and performance. Just as important, he shares how these advancements help contractors clearly communicate value to building owners, differentiate themselves in competitive markets, and streamline commissioning. From contractor workflows to end-user experience, this episode highlights how Daikin is building light commercial solutions with the entire lifecycle in mind.

In this episode of Accelerated HVAC Success, host Ben Middleton sits down with Kraig Davis, In-Home Sales & Install Manager at College Place Heating and Air Conditioning, for a wide-ranging conversation on the technologies and trends shaping today’s HVAC marketplace. Kraig walks through real-world scenarios of how the Daikin FIT performs across different weather conditions, the growing homeowner acceptance of R-32, and why inverter technology is becoming a cornerstone of comfort and efficiency. He also details how homeowners are increasingly blending ducted and ductless systems, as well as the rising value of cloud-connected equipment through tools like Daikin Cloud Services.

Kraig explores how contractors are navigating the current political and economic turbulence while still thriving through adaptability, strong training, and a commitment to education—areas where Daikin has been a major partner. He also touches on evolving customer expectations, from digital communication to personalized option packages and incentives that can significantly boost close rates. Finally, he highlights the power of word-of-mouth marketing, modern financing programs, and a technology-forward mindset that keeps his company competitive and future-ready.

In this episode of Accelerated HVAC Success, host Ben Middleton sits down with Dan Clapper of Interplay Learning to explore VR and simulation-based training, why some technicians are still hesitant to embrace it, and what can help them overcome that reluctance. Dan details the power of active learning over passive content consumption and explains how simulation training builds confidence by letting techs learn through hands-on practice without real-world risk. He also offers practical advice for techs who may feel unsure about stepping into VR for the first time.

Dan also highlights where he’s seen major successes, especially in heat pump training, and how Interplay’s simulations reinforce learning by teaching the underlying process rather than just isolated tasks. He shares how senior technicians are using VR modules as a teaching tool for newer techs and gives a first look at Interplay’s brand-new Commercial Rooftop simulation built exclusively for Daikin. The episode wraps with an overview of what’s inside Interplay’s extensive course library and how contractors can leverage it to upskill their teams faster and more effectively.

In this episode of Accelerated HVAC Success, host Ben Middleton sits down with AJ Jain, CEO of Broccoli, to break down what AI really is, why it exists, and how it’s transforming the trades. AJ highlights elements of Broccoli, such as their Broccoli’s AI voice agents are built specifically for HVAC, plumbing, and electrical contractors—democratizing access to information, improving customer service, and integrating seamlessly into a contractor’s existing systems. He addresses common objections and fears he hears in the field, including the misinformation that can hold a business back, and notes that Broccoli’s technology understands a contractor’s own prioritization logic to automatically prioritize leads the same way the contractor’s team would.

AJ also highlights the real-world impact Broccoli is already having on businesses, and what he expects AI to accomplish in the next 12–18 months. He offers a look at what’s ahead for Broccoli as they continue expanding capabilities and helping more contractors adopt AI with confidence. Contractors interested in hearing Broccoli’s AI in action or getting more information can visit broccoli.com.