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Home » Authors » Don Fort
Don Fort

Don Fort

Don Fort, senior technical trainer for Heatcraft Refrigeration Products, has nearly 40 years of HVACR industry experience — with 25 of those years focused on technical training and education. To contact Don, email don.fort@heatcraftrpd.com.
Articles

ARTICLES

Heatcraft-Training-Don-Fort.JPG
FROSTlines

Installation Best Practices for CO₂ Systems

Installation Best Practices for CO₂ Systems
Don Fort
Don Fort
May 19, 2026

CO₂ refrigeration systems demand careful attention to detail. Following a few key best practices can help technicians avoid common mistakes and ensure a smooth startup. 


Read More
Heatcraft-Evaporator-Unit.JPG
FROSTlines

 CO₂ vs. A2Ls in Commercial Refrigeration

Choosing the right refrigerant for an application means weighing a variety of factors
Don Fort
Don Fort
January 17, 2026

Food retailers are transitioning from HFCs to CO₂ or A2L refrigerants, but the right choice depends on climate, codes, cost, safety, and skilled labor availability. 


Read More
Heatcraft Refrigeration Technician 1170x658

Comparing CO₂ Refrigeration Architectures

The pros and cons of cascade, booster, and secondary loop systems
Don Fort
Don Fort
November 4, 2025

CO₂ refrigeration is growing fast, but there are pros and cons for cascade, booster, and secondary loop systems. Discover which system  works best in different climates and for different applications.


Read More
Heatcraft-3.JPG
FROSTlines

Dual-Refrigerant Systems Help the Transition from HFCs to A2Ls

Future-proof evaporator replacements can support both A1 and A2L refrigerants
Don Fort
Don Fort
May 17, 2025

Technology transitions can be scary, but refrigeration manufacturers have made it easier by offering evaporators that can work with either an A1 or an A2L refrigerant. 


Read More
Don Fort with Students
FROSTlines

Teaching A2Ls: A Guide for Refrigeration Instructors

Training is necessary to ensure technicians know how to safely work with the new refrigerants
Don Fort
Don Fort
March 21, 2025
As A2Ls become more popular, students and technicians need to be trained on how to handle these mildly flammable refrigerants with confidence.
Read More
Don Fort and Commercial Refrigeration Equipment
FROSTlines

Using A2Ls in Commercial Refrigeration Equipment

Technicians must learn how to safely work with mildly flammable refrigerants
Don Fort
Don Fort
December 6, 2024
Technicians must be trained to handle A2L refrigerants safely, using proper equipment, following safety guidelines, and understanding risks to prevent injuries.
Read More
CO2 Refrigerant Container
FROSTlines

6 Essential Steps for Teaching CO₂ Refrigeration

A practical guide to instructing technicians about this low-GWP refrigerant
Don Fort
Don Fort
October 6, 2024
CO2 refrigeration systems demand both classroom knowledge and hands-on experience, which is why blending theory with practice creates top-notch technicians.
Read More
Heatcraft eCO2Boost Transcritical Booster System
FROSTlines

Staying Safe with CO₂: Key Basics You Need to Know

This low-GWP refrigerant can keep food cold without harming the environment
Don Fort
Don Fort
August 22, 2024
Although CO2 systems may seem a bit more complicated than HFC DX systems, they are actually quite similar, with the main difference being CO2’s higher pressure.
Read More
Supermarket Chicken Refrigeration Case

Basic Refrigeration: Understanding The Refrigeration Cycle

Third in a series explains how components work together to keep a refrigeration system operating
Don Fort
Don Fort
August 1, 2023
When troubleshooting a refrigeration system, it is important to understand how the components work together to keep a equipment operating.
Read More
Freezer Case

Basic Refrigeration: Major Components in the System

This second part of the series describes what techs need to know about components
Don Fort
Don Fort
April 30, 2023
In order to install or diagnose issues in a refrigeration system, technicians must first have a solid grasp of its key components.
Read More
View All Articles by Don Fort
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