Explore building science with The Flow Lab Podcast, hosted by Ben Walker and Sam Meyers of Retrotec.
Discover building envelope and HVAC ductwork airtightness, featuring discussions with industry leaders on evolving codes, energy efficiency, and sustainability.
Learn from pioneers and case studies to enhance your expertise. Join our community and lead in building science.
Follow The Flow Lab Podcast for insights and innovations in building performance.
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Welcome to the very first and special episode of The Flow Lab, where hosts Ben Walker and Sam Myers sit down with Harold Orr, a pioneering figure in building science and energy efficiency. Harold shares the fascinating story behind the invention of the blower door, the groundbreaking Saskatchewan Conservation House, and how these innovations shaped modern air-tightness standards.
With decades of experience, Harold explains the evolution of air leakage testing, the challenges of energy-efficient construction, and the importance of sealing techniques for sustainable buildings. This episode is packed with historical insights and practical knowledge for anyone interested in building science, HVAC, and home energy efficiency.
Expect to Learn
How Harold Orr pioneered the development of the blower door and air-tightness testing
The origins of the Saskatchewan Conservation House and its impact on the Passive House movement
The evolution of building insulation and air barriers for energy-efficient construction
Common misconceptions about air-tightness and the myth that "houses need to breathe"
The "chainsaw retrofit" method for improving insulation in older homes
In today’s Episode
[00:01:51] – Welcome to The Flow Lab
[00:02:07] – The purpose of The Flow Lab
[00:02:50] – Introduction to Harold Orr
[00:04:40] – How Harold started working in air-tightness and building efficiency
[00:16:30] – The birth of the blower door
[00:22:18] – The Saskatchewan Conservation House
[00:25:34] – How the Passive House movement was influenced by Harold’s work
[00:33:57] – Vapor barriers, air sealing, and insulation techniques for modern construction
[00:38:40] – The "Chainsaw Retrofit" method
[00:46:35] – Do houses really need to "breathe"?
[00:50:17] – Why air-tightness should be a building code requirement
[00:55:37] – Harold’s lasting impact on building science
This is a project that Ben and Sam have been working on for a while. The goal is to provide education and news on technology advancements in the industry through a new platform.
In each episode, we interview industry leaders and innovators whether they have been in the industry for a while or are up-and-coming pros.
Our first episode drops next week with special guest Harold Orr: Inventor of the blower door.
How Blower Door Testing Became the HVAC Industry Standard for Air Tightness with Brendan Reid
Saison 1 · Épisode 4
mercredi 2 avril 2025 • Durée 38:01
The basics to help you understand homes as a system.
Download our FREE ebook and start solving problems like a pro.
In this episode of The Flow Lab Podcast, hosts Ben Walker and Sam Myers continue their conversation with Brendan Reid, a pioneer in home performance and HVAC sales. Brendan shares expert knowledge into ductwork efficiency, sales strategies, and the science of customer communication. He explains why smaller HVAC systems often perform better, the role of air sealing, and how to educate homeowners without overwhelming them with technical jargon. Whether you’re an HVAC professional or a building science enthusiast, this episode is packed with valuable takeaways to elevate your skills.
Expect to Learn
The Power of Proper Duct Sealing, Why fixing duct leakage before upgrading HVAC systems leads to better efficiency and comfort.
How to Communicate HVAC Benefits to Homeowners Using relatable analogies to explain airflow, ductwork, and energy efficiency.
Mastering the Sales Process, Why sales objections should be seen as opportunities and how to use psychology to guide customer decisions.
Behavioral Science in Sales, How asking the right questions keeps customers engaged and makes technical concepts easier to understand.
The Future of HVAC Training Brendan’s insights into modern home performance solutions and upcoming sales education initiatives.
In Today’s Episode
[01:14] - Welcome Back to The Flow Lab Podcast
[03:45] - The Importance of Clean Air and Ductwork Efficiency
[06:12] - Using Analogies to Simplify HVAC Concepts
How HVAC Experts Make Millions Selling Comfort, Not Energy Savings, with Brendan Reid
Saison 1 · Épisode 3
mercredi 19 mars 2025 • Durée 50:52
The basics to help you understand homes as a system.
Download our FREE ebook and start solving problems like a pro.
In this episode of The Flow Lab, hosts Ben Walker and Sam Myers sit down with Brendan Reid, an industry veteran and founder of Retrotec, to look into the history and evolution of blower door testing, energy auditing, and building performance.
Brendan shares his journey from chimney sweeping in high school to pioneering the blower door industry, detailing the innovations, challenges, and opportunities in building science. With knowledge of the energy efficiency, home performance diagnostics, and airtightness testing, this conversation is a goldmine for HVAC professionals, energy auditors, and anyone passionate about building performance.
Expect to Learn
The history and evolution of blower door testing and how it changed the industry.
Why energy auditing businesses struggle and how to make them more profitable.
The story of Retrotech's founding and its impact on airtightness testing.
How technology advancements have improved duct sealing and home performance.
Sales awareness for contractors looking to sell energy efficiency solutions effectively.
In Today’s Episode
[00:00] - Welcome to The Flow Lab & Episode Introduction
[01:20] - Introduction of Brendan Reid and his Accidental Entrepreneur Journey
[05:19] - Early Days of Energy Auditing & The First Blower Door
[10:32] - Building Science Innovations & Testing Evolution
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How Blower Door Testing Revolutionized Energy Efficiency and Built an Industry with Colin Genge
Saison 1 · Épisode 2
mercredi 5 mars 2025 • Durée 51:44
The basics to help you understand homes as a system.
Download our FREE ebook and start solving problems like a pro.
In this episode of The Flow Lab, hosts Ben Walker and Sam Myers sit down with Colin Genge, founder of RetroTec and a pioneer in building science and HVAC innovation. They take a look at the origins of blower doors, the evolution of air tightness testing, and the future of energy conservation.
Collin shares fascinating observations of the early days of RetroTech, the challenges of breaking into the market, and how the industry has changed over the years. He also investigates renewable energy, AI, and the future of building performance.
This episode is packed with wisdom for HVAC professionals, building scientists, and anyone interested in energy efficiency and technological advancements.
Collin Genge is a pioneer in building science, best known for founding RetroTech, a leader in air tightness and HVAC testing equipment. With decades of experience, Collin has played a crucial role in shaping energy efficiency standards worldwide. Now retired and living in New Zealand, he continues to analyze renewable energy and disruptive technology.
Expect to Learn
The garage startup story of RetroTech and the origins of blower doors.
How energy conservation and air tightness testing have evolved since the 1980s.
The impact of government programs and regulations on building performance.
Why renewable energy and AI are shaping the future of the industry.
In Today’s Episode
Fixing HVAC Air Leaks to Cut Energy Waste and Improve System Performance with Aeroseal’s Amit Gupta
Saison 1 · Épisode 5
mercredi 16 avril 2025 • Durée 40:48
The basics to help you understand homes as a system.
Download our FREE ebook and start solving problems like a pro.
In this episode of The Flow Lab, hosts Ben Walker, Co-CEO of RetroTec, and Sam Myers, building science specialist and RetroTec trainer, are joined by Amit Gupta, the CEO of Aeroseal. Together, they explain the innovative world of air sealing technology, focusing on ductwork and building envelope sealing. The conversation examines into the challenges and breakthroughs in building performance, energy efficiency, and the future of sealing technologies, offering valuable knowledge for professionals in the HVAC and building science sectors.
Expect to Learn
The evolution of Aeroseal’s technology from duct sealing to building envelope solutions.
How the Aeroseal technology works, including its ability to fill air leaks in ducts and buildings.
Insights into the challenges faced by builders and HVAC professionals in sealing air leaks.
The environmental and financial benefits of improving air tightness in buildings.
The potential of the Aeroseal technology to become standard practice in HVAC installations and home construction.
In Today’s Episode
[00:00] - Amit’s Journey to Aeroseal
[00:59] - Introduction
[04:03] - The Technology Behind Aeroseal
[05:15] - How Aeroseal Works
How Smart Sensors Are Replacing IAQ Gimmicks for HVAC Experts to Rebuild Customer Trust with Kevin Hart
Saison 1 · Épisode 7
mercredi 14 mai 2025 • Durée 55:07
The basics to help you understand homes as a system. Download our FREE ebook and start solving problems like a pro. 👉 https://bit.ly/flow-lab-ebook
In this episode of The Flow Lab Podcast, hosts Ben Walker, Co-CEO of RetroTec and Sam Myers, building science specialist and RetroTec trainer, sit down with Kevin Hart, Founder and CEO of HavenIAQ, a company focused on transforming the way we monitor and control indoor air quality (IAQ).
From his roots as an electrician in the trades to pioneering the first wearable IAQ monitor, Kevin shares his journey of innovation, challenges faced in the industry, and his insights into solving air quality issues in homes and workplaces.
Expect to Learn:
How invisible air quality issues impact health and comfort in indoor environments, with a focus on tradespeople and homeowners alike.
From spotting problems on job sites to creating solutions for air quality measurement and control.
Challenges with early sensors, the breakthrough that led to portable devices, and the shift to whole-home IAQ solutions.
How modern HVAC systems are evolving to intelligently manage ventilation and air quality based on real-time data and environmental factors.
Navigating the complexities of IAQ products like UV lights and ozone generators and why they might not be the right fix.
How Haven is shaping the next generation of smart IAQ products, from room monitors to advanced filtration and ventilation solutions.
How Air Pressure Technology is Saving Lives in Warships and Homes with Niek-Jan Bink
Saison 1 · Épisode 6
mercredi 30 avril 2025 • Durée 01:06:44
The basics to help you understand homes as a system.
Download our FREE ebook and start solving problems like a pro.
In this episode of The Flow Lab Podcast, hosts Ben Walker, Co-CEO of RetroTec, and Sam Myers, building science specialist and RetroTec trainer, sit down with Niek-Jan Bink, Director/co-owner at ACIN instrumenten and mastermind behind innovative tools like the Flow Finder Mk2+ and the ADT.
Niek shares his fascinating journey from climate research to engineering HVAC solutions, while uncovering the evolving needs of ventilation systems around the globe. This is a must-listen for HVAC pros, energy auditors, and building scientists curious about the tools shaping better indoor air quality and airtight construction.
Expect to Learn:
From a handmade aluminum box to a smart, Wi-Fi powered airflow measurement device.
A new tool that simplifies testing on large-scale housing projects without replacing the blower door.
Discover how ultrasonic tools are transforming on-site diagnostics, no construction delays required.
Why do the U.S. and Europe approach airflow, ventilation, and ductwork so differently.
What Niek learned from experts like Bill Spohn and Colin Genge, and why curiosity is key in HVAC.
In Today’s Episode:
[00:00] - How it works with or without the blower door
[01:13] - Meet Niek-Jan Bink and his work with ACIN Instrumenten in the Netherlands
Connect with the Guest:
How ATTMA Revolutionized Airtightness Testing for Building Experts Using Lodgment Systems – Barry Cope
Saison 1 · Épisode 8
mercredi 28 mai 2025 • Durée 58:13
The basics to help you understand homes as a system. Download our FREE ebook and start solving problems like a pro. 👉 https://bit.ly/flow-lab-ebook
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In this episode of The Flow Lab Podcast, hosts Ben Walker and Sam Myers are joined by Barry Cope, Managing Director of ATTMA (Air Tightness Testing and Measurement Association), affectionately known as "Mr. Blower Door" in the UK. Barry discusses how ATTMA grew from a small group of enthusiasts into a global leader in blower door testing, certification, and industry training.
He shares groundbreaking insights into data-driven building performance, the UK’s fully integrated Lodgement system, and ATTMA’s cutting-edge training house built inside a warehouse. With humor and unmatched expertise, Barry highlights the challenges of international code compliance, quality assurance, and the vision for bringing proven UK methodologies to North America.
Expect to Learn
Discover how a four-person trade association grew to dominate 85% of the UK’s blower door testing market with over 180,000 tests annually.
Get inspired by ATTMA’s full-scale training house inside a 10,000 sq ft warehouse, designed for high-pressure, real-world simulations.
Explore the chaos of U.S. state-by-state code amendments versus the streamlined approach in the UK and how that affects adoption and testing quality.
Learn how ATTMA’s Lodgement system helps governments track high-rise buildings, manage compliance, and even respond to national emergencies like Grenfell.
Hear Barry’s journey from field tester to managing director, and how his multidisciplinary background shaped the future of UK air tightness testing.
How Large Buildings Fail Air Tightness Tests for Contractors to Fix with ASTM E3158 – Denali Jones
Saison 1 · Épisode 9
mercredi 11 juin 2025 • Durée 52:10
The basics to help you understand homes as a system. Download our FREE ebook and start solving problems like a pro. 👉 https://bit.ly/flow-lab-ebook
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In this episode of The Flow Lab Podcast, hosts Ben Walker and Sam Myers sit down with Denali Jones, Technical Director at the Air Barrier Association of America (ABAA), to talk about how large buildings are tested for air tightness and where things often go wrong.Denali walks us through his journey from starting out at Retrotec to leading airtightness training across the country. He explains what makes these tests challenging, how contractors can avoid common mistakes, and why having the right training and tools really matters.
Whether you work in building science, test commercial properties, or just want to understand how building air leaks affect energy use and comfort, this episode breaks it all down from spotting hidden gaps to troubleshooting test-day problems like faulty fans or even elevator issues.
What You’ll Learn:
Why some parts of new and old buildings are often forgotten and how that affects test results.
How Denali helped create the first nationally recognized training for testing large buildings.
What to check when test results don’t make sense like unplugged equipment or bad setup.
How testing two floors at a time helps deal with tall buildings and air pressure issues.
What makes this new standard better than the old ones and how it helps testers and builders do the job right.
In This Episode:
[00:00] - Denali’s background and how he got started
[04:50] - First testing jobs and early lessons
[08:16] - The Psychology of Sales in HVAC
[14:21] - Overcoming Sales Objections in Home Performance
[20:30] - The Evolution of HVAC Testing & Airflow Science
[26:15] - Moving Beyond “Energy Audits” to Customer Comfort
[30:00] - The Power of Customer Education in HVAC Sales
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