Ronald R. Berkan’s Moving Heat is Cool: Presented by a Legend in the Refrigeration Industry tells the story of a man who worked with his hands, thought through every issue, and helped shape a field that now keeps homes, schools, and stores comfortable. His journey began long before heating and cooling systems became standard in American homes.
Rather than focus on theory, Berkan writes about what happens on job sites. From helping out on early service calls to managing large commercial installations, his book is full of lessons learned the hard way—and shared so others can benefit.
Starting with Curiosity and Common Sense
Berkan didn’t start with formal training. He began with an interest in how things worked and a willingness to help. Growing up in California, he watched his father repair and install systems when neighborhoods were still growing and rules were few.
As he stepped into the trade, Berkan noticed what others missed. He didn’t depend solely on instructions. He studied each situation, learned from trial and error, and took notes for the future. His early work laid the foundation for a long, respected career.
Fixing More Than Just Machines
Though the book is about technical subjects, Berkan’s message goes beyond tools and equipment. He talks about helping people—clients, coworkers, and younger techs who need guidance. He received many calls from frustrated property owners unsure what to do.
Berkan always started by checking the basics. Was there airflow? Were the wires connected properly? Was the system being used correctly? He found that many issues didn’t require expensive parts—just better observation and thoughtful action.
Doing the Job Right, Even When It Took Longer
As the industry changed, Berkan kept up—but on his terms. He didn’t cut corners. If a job required extra time or effort, he gave it. When contractors rushed through installs or guessed at repairs, he often returned to make things work properly.
He believed steady work and clear thinking were more useful than quick fixes. His careful approach helped prevent repeat problems and saved clients from unnecessary costs. Berkan’s habit of documenting what he found—and what he did—became a valuable tool for others, too.
Tools That Didn’t Come from a Store
Over the years, Berkan designed custom equipment to handle specific jobs. He didn’t wait for a ready-made solution when refrigerant recovery rules changed. He built his unit to handle more work than typical commercial models.
He also figured out better ways to record data during tests and repairs, often using everyday devices like cameras or handwritten logs. These methods helped him diagnose issues more precisely and gave clients confidence in his work. In many cases, his fixes became examples for others to consider.
A Reputation Built on Trust and Skill
One of the most striking things about Berkan’s story is how many people came to rely on him. Project managers, inspectors, and business owners asked for his help when they couldn’t find answers elsewhere. He didn’t advertise much. His work spoke for itself.
He gave honest feedback and didn’t upsell. If a system didn’t need to be replaced, he said so. If a mistake had been made, he explained it without blame. His fair and steady manner earned him clients, friends, and long-term regional connections.
Moving Heat is Cool is full of moments that may seem small at first—tight spaces, loose wires, missing filters—but together, they show what happens when someone treats every job as necessary. Ronald R. Berkan’s approach combined patience with a deep respect for the work.
His story reminds readers that real progress often comes from steady effort, not sudden breakthroughs. Whether you’re a builder, technician, or just someone curious about how things work, this book offers valuable insight into a field a lot of us depend on daily, without even thinking about it.
About the Author
Ronald R. Berkan was born in San Francisco in 1938 to a working-class family with immigrant parents. His father taught him practical skills, while his mother brought warmth and care to his upbringing. As a child, he struggled in school due to poor eyesight, which went undiagnosed for years. Instead, he learned by listening closely and remembering details, which helped him later in life. Berkan built a career in air conditioning and refrigeration, working with his father at Berkan & Clark Air Conditioning Inc.
