The Manifold Gauge Is Dead for HVAC Techs Switching to Digital Probes with John Anderson Part 2
Thu Feb 05 2026
In this episode of the HVAC Know It All Podcast, host Gary McCreadie talks with John Anderson, Senior Regional HVAC Technical Trainer at Sila Services and former Service Manager and Technician at Burns & McBride Home Comfort. They discuss the shift away from using manifold gauge sets in favor of digital probes and low loss fittings. John explains how modern tools can reduce system contamination, improve accuracy, and speed up processes like charging and evacuation. The conversation also explores the benefits of apps like MeasureQuick for diagnostics and training. Gary and John highlight how smart tools and good habits lead to better HVAC service and fewer callbacks.
Gary and John talk about working without manifold gauge sets and how using digital probes can make HVAC work faster, safer, and more accurate. John shares how most residential jobs can be done without a manifold and explains why probes, low loss fittings, and proper charging tools are more efficient. They discuss best practices for recovery, evacuation, and charging while avoiding leaks and damage. John also explains how apps like MeasureQuick help techs understand system issues faster and more clearly. They wrap up by stressing the value of training, good habits, and using the right tools to reduce callbacks and improve system performance.
Expect to Learn:
Why digital probes can replace manifold gauge sets for most HVAC jobs.
How to charge systems using tees, ball valves, and liquid charging adapters.
The risks of overtightening service valves and how to avoid damage.
Why MeasureQuick helps techs find system issues faster and more clearly.
How smart tools and better habits reduce callbacks and boost performance.
Episode Highlights:
[00:00] - Intro to John Anderson in Part 02
[01:16] - Topic intro: Not always gauging up
[03:44] - Probes vs. manifolds debate
[05:09] - Digital manifolds & modern tool preferences
[08:27] - Future of HVAC tools: probes with low-loss fittings
[10:42] - Real example: Bluetooth probes catching tech error
[13:48] - Using Measure Quick for deeper diagnostics
[18:54] - Time efficiency & preventing callbacks
[21:35] - Wrap-up & plans for future talk
This Episode is Kindly Sponsored by:
Cintas: https://www.cintas.com/
Cool Air Products: https://www.coolairproducts.net/
SupplyHouse: https://www.supplyhouse.com/tm
Use promo code HKIA5 to get 5% off your first order at Supplyhouse!
Follow the Guest John Anderson on:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-anderson-188093251/
Sila Services: https://www.linkedin.com/company/silaservices/
Burns & McBride Home Comfort: https://www.linkedin.com/company/burns-&-mcbride-home-comfort/
Website:
Sila Services: https://www.silaservices.com
Follow the Host:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gary-mccreadie-38217a77/
Website: https://www.hvacknowitall.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/HVAC-Know-It-All-2/61569643061429/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hvacknowitall1/
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In this episode of the HVAC Know It All Podcast, host Gary McCreadie talks with John Anderson, Senior Regional HVAC Technical Trainer at Sila Services and former Service Manager and Technician at Burns & McBride Home Comfort. They discuss the shift away from using manifold gauge sets in favor of digital probes and low loss fittings. John explains how modern tools can reduce system contamination, improve accuracy, and speed up processes like charging and evacuation. The conversation also explores the benefits of apps like MeasureQuick for diagnostics and training. Gary and John highlight how smart tools and good habits lead to better HVAC service and fewer callbacks. Gary and John talk about working without manifold gauge sets and how using digital probes can make HVAC work faster, safer, and more accurate. John shares how most residential jobs can be done without a manifold and explains why probes, low loss fittings, and proper charging tools are more efficient. They discuss best practices for recovery, evacuation, and charging while avoiding leaks and damage. John also explains how apps like MeasureQuick help techs understand system issues faster and more clearly. They wrap up by stressing the value of training, good habits, and using the right tools to reduce callbacks and improve system performance. Expect to Learn: Why digital probes can replace manifold gauge sets for most HVAC jobs. How to charge systems using tees, ball valves, and liquid charging adapters. The risks of overtightening service valves and how to avoid damage. Why MeasureQuick helps techs find system issues faster and more clearly. How smart tools and better habits reduce callbacks and boost performance. Episode Highlights: [00:00] - Intro to John Anderson in Part 02 [01:16] - Topic intro: Not always gauging up [03:44] - Probes vs. manifolds debate [05:09] - Digital manifolds & modern tool preferences [08:27] - Future of HVAC tools: probes with low-loss fittings [10:42] - Real example: Bluetooth probes catching tech error [13:48] - Using Measure Quick for deeper diagnostics [18:54] - Time efficiency & preventing callbacks [21:35] - Wrap-up & plans for future talk This Episode is Kindly Sponsored by: Cintas: https://www.cintas.com/ Cool Air Products: https://www.coolairproducts.net/ SupplyHouse: https://www.supplyhouse.com/tm Use promo code HKIA5 to get 5% off your first order at Supplyhouse! Follow the Guest John Anderson on: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-anderson-188093251/ Sila Services: https://www.linkedin.com/company/silaservices/ Burns & McBride Home Comfort: https://www.linkedin.com/company/burns-&-mcbride-home-comfort/ Website: Sila Services: https://www.silaservices.com Follow the Host: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gary-mccreadie-38217a77/ Website: https://www.hvacknowitall.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/HVAC-Know-It-All-2/61569643061429/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hvacknowitall1/