What does it take to keep homes warm across Maine during the long winter? In this episode, Eric, Bill, and HVAC technician Joseph share how they handle emergency heating repair calls, cover hundreds of miles, and improve systems to keep families safe.
You’ll hear how the team manages the winter rush, the systems they’ve improved over the years, and why ignoring a “cold home” report can be dangerous. They also discuss the realities of installing and maintaining heating systems, the challenges of servicing heat pumps, and why recruiting skilled HVAC technicians is critical for expansion.

Takeaways:
* The challenges of providing emergency HVAC service across rural Maine
* How heat pumps perform in Maine winters and why repairs can be tricky
* Why hiring and training new technicians is key for growth

Learn more about Mid-Coast Energy Systems at midcoastenergysystems.com

What’s changed in the field? And what still works? A lot. In this episode, Eric, Bill, and HVAC technician Joseph talk about how the work has evolved—and what today’s techs need to keep up and stay ahead.

From brazing to ZoomLock, analog gauges to digital, and the rise of heat pumps, the tools, systems, and know-how on site look a lot different than they did even a decade ago. Hear what’s making installs faster and safer, what’s coming with the 2026 refrigerant shift, and why the best techs still lean on real-world experience to get the job done right.

Takeaways:
* The tools that are saving serious time (and reducing safety risks) on the job
* How heat pump installs and refrigerants are evolving—and what that means for 2026
* What heat pump installations look like now vs. a decade ago
* Why dual-fuel systems and real-world maintenance still matter
* Lessons from the past that still apply today

Learn more about Mid-Coast Energy Systems at midcoastenergysystems.com

What does it take to lead the next generation in the trades? In this episode, Eric, Bill, and HVAC technician Joseph talk about leadership on the job, mentorship in the field, and what it really means to train the next wave of skilled workers.

With an average employee age under 30, Mid-Coast is seeing a big shift—new energy, fresh talent, and the responsibility to pass down hard-earned experience. From day-one learning curves to the realities of cell phones on the job, this episode dives into how techs are trained, how leaders step up, and why the best pros know how to teach as well as troubleshoot. If you work in the trades—or you're managing a crew—this episode is a must listen.

Takeaways:
* What leadership looks like on a job site
* Mentoring young techs in HVAC and plumbing
* Why experience alone doesn’t make someone a leader
* How the trades are changing—and what companies can do to keep up
* Supporting young talent in the trades—and why it matters

Learn more about Mid-Coast Energy Systems at midcoastenergysystems.com

What’s the average age of a Mid-Coast Energy Systems employee? You might be surprised. In this episode, Eric, Bill, and HVAC technician Joseph talk about the generational shift happening across the trades and what it takes to train, mentor, and retain the next generation of skilled workers.

After nearly five decades in the business, you start to see your own work come full circle. In this episode, Eric & Bill Morgner reflect on what it’s like returning to job sites where they installed systems 20, 30, even 40 years ago, and now they’re the ones replacing them.

From early radiant slab experiments in the 1990s to chasing down oversized boiler systems sold by suppliers, they unpack how Mid-Coast Energy Systems learned to take control of system design, heat loss calculations, and materials ordering in-house.

Bob Hardina wasn’t just the founder —he was a mentor, a visionary, and a force of personality. In this episode, Bill shares what it was like working with Bob: his strengths, his blind spots, and the principles that still guide the company today. From his early days as a professor to building a business that’s lasted over 50 years, Bob’s legacy is felt in every decision, every team member, and every job.

This one’s got it all—tech gone wrong, a carpeted disaster, and a surprise plot twist 15 years later. Bill Morgner breaks down what went wrong, how the team responded, and why owning the outcome—even when it wasn’t entirely their fault—was the right call. From homeowner tension to lessons in system design, this one covers the kind of real-world troubleshooting every tradesperson can relate to.

When Mid-Coast Energy Systems landed a spot on a national home makeover show, the crew stepped into the spotlight—only to find that reality TV isn’t exactly real. Bill and Eric unpack the logistics, compromises, and lasting takeaways from a fast-paced job with high visibility and low margin for error. Along the way, they discuss what customers really value (hint: it’s not what makes good TV), and why quality can’t be rushed.