Beyond The System with David & Josh | CIMCO Refrigeration

Plate and frame heat exchangers play a critical role in refrigeration systems, yet they often receive little attention until performance starts to suffer. From chillers and condensers to oil cooling and heat recovery, these compact components influence efficiency, energy consumption, and system reliability across your operation. In this episode of Beyond the System , Dave Fauser and Josh Bell explore why plate and frame heat exchangers matter, the warning signs of declining performance, and how the IMR approach (Inspect, Maintain, Replace) can help extend equipment life and avoid costly surprises. Whether you’re managing an ice rink, industrial facility, or process cooling system, this conversation offers practical insights to help keep your system running at it’s best. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit cimcorefrigeration.substack.com

From unusual sounds and changing pressures to oil leaks and performance issues, compressors often provide warning signs long before a costly failure occurs. In this episode of Beyond the System , Josh and Dave take a deep dive into one of the most critical and valuable assets in your plant, exploring what operators should be inspecting, recording, and monitoring to keep compressors running at their best. They also unpack the maintenance and replacement side of the IMR approach: How often should a compressor be serviced? When does an overhaul make sense? And how do you know when it’s time to replace rather than repair? Drawing on decades of field experience, Josh and Dave share practical guidance on building a maintenance strategy, working with qualified contractors, avoiding common pitfalls, and maximizing the life of your equipment. Because when it comes to compressors, the goal isn’t just preventing breakdowns, it’s protecting performance, reliability, and your long-term investment. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit cimcorefrigeration.substack.com

What if the biggest risk to your thermal system isn't something you can see but something building over time? Why do so many facilities end up waiting for a breakdown before taking action? And does maintaining your system really have to mean higher costs? In this episode, Josh and Dave unpack the IMR approach, Inspect, Maintain, Replace, and explore how a simple shift in mindset can help you stay ahead. From what you can manage yourself to when it makes sense to call in a contractor, they break down how smarter planning can reduce surprises, control costs, and keep your system running with confidence. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit cimcorefrigeration.substack.com