Episode Quotes from Kevin Weaver:

"If we can quantify delivered capacity on the air side, we can work our way back to what's happening on the refrigerant side." 

"We don't have to diagnose everything remotely — we have to be great at saying, 'there's a problem,' and prioritizing action." 

"Even the best design can be wrecked at installation. Execution matters." 

Chief Engineering Officer Kevin Weaver joins Eric and Bill to go beyond "remote monitoring" and explain how SmartAC is really a loyalty and trade-intelligence platform for residential HVAC. With three simple wireless sensors — a supply-air "comfort" sensor (temp/RH), a filter sensor (temp/static pressure), and a water sensor — plus a cloud-connected hub, SmartAC tracks delivered capacity and trends changes over time. That minimum viable data set lets contractors catch problems early, prioritize the right calls, and give homeowners peace of mind without needing full remote gauges.

Kevin walks through the contractor toolset, which includes a white-labeled homeowner app, a Pro app for technicians, and a partner dashboard that also integrates with Field Service Management. (FSM) systems like ServiceTitan. The result is fewer emergency visits, healthier memberships, and durable customer relationships (i.e., less ad spend, more lifetime value). He previews Gen-2 hardware (more sensing in more places, stronger radios), battery options (18 months on AA lithiums or 5–8 years with a long-life pack), and notes that SmartAC is approaching 100k homes sold — building one of the most extensive residential HVAC data sets for richer insights across brands, geographies, and system types.

We conclude with wisdom from Kevin's Texas A&M research: even great designs can fail due to poor execution. Right-size returns, stretch flex, use collars and mastic, and keep static in check. SmartAC's data helps expose oversizing, blower mis-settings, and undersized returns in days, transforming maintenance plans into smart maintenance and turning "transactional" customers into lifelong customers.

Kevin's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevin-weaver/

SmartAC: www.smartac.com

Earlier episode with founder Josh Teekell (Ep. 136): 

https://www.buildinghvacscience.com/ep136-utilizing-smart-maintenance-plans-benefits-your-customers-and-your-business-with-josh-teekell/

This episode was recorded in October 2025.

QUOTES from the Episode

"Instead of landlines everywhere, give every heat pump a cell phone and let it call home."

"We're seeing close to 40% of heat pumps undercharged or leaking—no wonder callbacks are high."

"What gets measured gets managed." — often attributed to Peter Drucker (fitting this data-driven shift)

Brendan Hermalyn (CEO/founder, Thalo Labs) traces a zig-zag path from NASA and defense to self-driving cars—then into HVAC. His through-line: high-reliability sensing and prognostics. Thalo's product aims to "give every heat pump a cell phone," using a small, non-invasive module that snaps inside VRFs/splits (and eventually larger plants), measures power and line temps, backhauls via cellular, and flags undercharge/leaks and power-quality issues before they become emergency calls. It's equipment management, not a full BMS—lightweight to install, built for techs, and friendly to API integrations, texts, and weekly roll-ups.

Brendan argues the market is ready: most commercial buildings still lack BMS, Wi-Fi is fragile for critical telemetry, and the economics of sensors/cloud have flipped. Thalo avoids tapping the refrigerant loop, prioritizes fast installs (often 10–30 minutes), QR/location tagging, and even a "buzz this unit" feature to find the right rooftop box. Early field data is sobering—he's seeing ~40% of heat pumps undercharged and/or leaking—driving callbacks, compressor failures, and energy waste. The pitch to contractors: turn break-fix chaos into planned maintenance, white-label the savings report, and train new techs faster with data-driven cues. Oh, and the name? "Thalo" like the deep sky blue—an homage to adding tech to make the picture clearer.

Brendan's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brendan-hermalyn/

Thalo Labs: https://thalolabs.com/

This episode was recorded in October 2025.

On this episode of the Building HVAC Science Podcast, Bill Spohn and Eric Kaiser are joined by seasoned tech entrepreneur Selina Tobaccowala, founder of HomeBoost.com, to discuss a new consumer-driven solution that brings energy comfort diagnostics into the modern era. Selina, whose background includes co-founding Evite and serving as President/CTO at SurveyMonkey, now applies her tech and behavioral insights to a space closer to home: energy efficiency and comfort.

Selina shares the inspiration behind HomeBoost, a unique platform that empowers homeowners to scan and diagnose thermal and energy issues in their home using a FLIR thermal camera and guided app. The HomeBoost experience pairs smart tools, a mobile app, and AI plus human auditing to generate actionable home energy assessments — all while remaining accessible and affordable for the average homeowner.

NEWSFLASH: HomeBoost Pro Launched on Oct 8, 2025!
https://www.homeboost.com/pro/
Learn more at this link: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/homeboost_homeenergy-buildingperformance-bpi-activity-7381730191758438400-xW19

The conversation dives into product design, user testing, partnerships with utilities and contractors, and the launch of a pro version that streamlines report generation for BPI-certified energy assessors. The team also explores broader themes, including the cultural value of skilled trades and how education models from Europe could inspire new respect and opportunity for trade careers in the U.S. The episode closes with a hopeful vision of HomeBoost expanding nationally and scaling its impact — one home, one assessment, and one contractor at a time.

"It's not about selling energy — it's about helping people use less of it." – Selina Tobaccowalla

"We had scientific accuracy, but we hadn't built a product consumers liked — that took iteration." – Selina

"AI won't replace a tradesperson. That's why we need to value skilled trades more — like they do in Germany." – Selina

HomeBoost: https://www.homeboost.com/

Selina's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/selinat/

This episode was recorded in July 2025.

Eric and I agree: Tersh Blissett would win the best-dressed in HVAC award if there was one.

But beyond his dashing apparel, Tersh is a person of many talents.

As a visionary creator of the Service Business Mastery podcast (now with co-host Josh Crouch), he is a font of wisdom and inspiration that has been flowing since 2017 when he became part of Bryan Orr's Blue Collar Roots Network with me (and this podcast) and others. While the Blue Collar Roots Network is now defunct, the spirit still lives on.

Tersh has a great entrepreneurial mind, building multiple profitable home service businesses that thrive in the small-town market of Savannah, GA. He is a constant learner, in both the technical and businesses aspects of his work, but more than that he is a great communicator of what he learns as he keeps a crazy schedule between his business, his podcast, his community work and most importantly his family.

He truly puts people over profits and teaches everyone from his office staff to his technicians to do the same.

Tersh excels in bringing the very best technology to everything he does in the HVAC 

Tersh's Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tershblissett/

Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/c/servicebusinessmasterypodcast

This episode was recorded in October 2023

Listen in as Eric and I interview two of the leaders of Malco products and learn how they have become the nation's leading solution developers and manufacturers of "tools of the trade" for HVAC (Heating, Ventilating and Air Conditioning), exterior remodeling, and more.

Joining us is Rich Benninghoff, President & CEO, along with Rebecca Talbot, Malco's VP of Marketing.

They share with us the rich history and promising future of a successful and well-run manufacturer.

In fact, Rich helped our team at TruTech better understand the principles and benefits of EOS, the Entrepreneurial Operating System which he uses at Malco- you learn more about EOS in Episode 137 of this podcast.

Post recording note: In the trade show part of our discussion, we mention Metalcon as upcoming, but it has already taken place in Oct 2023.

Rich and Rebecca share closing thoughts that illustrate how they keep an eye on the past, remembering how they got here, along with an eye on the future, for growth. 

Rich's Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rich-benninghoff

Rebecca's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebeccajtalbot/

Product Idea submission: https://www.malcoproducts.com/ideas/

Distributor resources: https://www.malcoproducts.com/distributors/

Educator programs: https://www.malcoproducts.com/educators-resources/

Catalogs: https://www.malcoproducts.com/catalogs/

Video Gallery: https://www.malcoproducts.com/videos/

Head of the Class program for HVAC and Building Construction: https://www.malcoproducts.com/educators-resources/

For information on the annual Trade Pro of the Year and Counterperson of the Year programs, be sure to sign up for the Malco Newsletter for the latest news. https://www.malcoproducts.com/mailing-list/  

Want to connect in person, Malco will be at booth S7744 in Chicago, IL for the AHR trade show. You can always stay in touch with Malco on their socials, be sure to follow them on: Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube, and TikTok.

This episode was recorded in October 2023

Another post on LinkedIn is what got this conversation/episode started.

https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7104814299386171392/

Perhaps it was the architectural rendering of a piece of cake that caught my eye – well done Steven! (FYI as of this writing this post has 564 reactions, 59 comments and 45 reposts- that's influence!)

Meet Steven Biersteker, architect by day and content creator by night. Here is his LinkedIn page:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/steven-biersteker/

We explore a lot of topics in this episode including why Steven entered this field and how he got to where he is today. (My favorite part of every episode.)

Other notions we discuss:

Getting to low operational carbon is simple ... in theory.

We are running highly efficient buildings on high carbon fuels.

Citizens need to demand better and use energy smarter.

Designing highly efficient buildings is critical, but so is low-carbon electricity and smart users.

We learned that he's writing a book (ABCs of Carbon + Architecture) because he sees a big problem: There is a huge gap between the know-it-alls and the know-it-nots.

His book will be simple to read, digestible, and most importantly brief (see the book outline below).

And also see below for 10 important questions about low carbon design for every architect and builder to ask themselves/their client.

It's on all of us to work together, you can make a difference. Be willing to ask questions.

This episode was recorded in October 2023.

Here is a sneak peak of the key topics in his book:

CARBON LINGO - The Key terms you need to know

GLOBAL WARMING 101 - The basics, nothing more

SCOPING OUT CARBON - Who's scope are carbon emissions?

MEASURING CARBON - How we measure this stuff

WHOLE LIFE CARBON - Embodied & Operational Carbon

LIFE-CYCLE STAGES - EN15978 - A1 - C

EMBODIED CARBON - What's accounted for?

MATERIALS - Emissions & carbon sequestering

ENVIRONMENTAL PRODUCT DECLARATIONS - The intro to Epd's

OPERATIONAL CARBON - The basics of emissions

ENERGY USE - How does energy impact GHG

REFRIGERANTS - What's the issue with refrigerants?

CARBON COMPARISON - So what is a ton of carbon anyway?

BONUS: 10 simple questions to achieve a low-carbon design. 

1. Does this building need to be built? 

No - Great, you just saved the planet.

Yes - Move on to question 2. 

2. Does this building need to be built this big? 

No - Build what you need and nothing more. 

Yes - Move to question 3. 

3. Is there an existing building we could use instead? 

No - Let's try and build the best new building we can. 

Yes - Renovated buildings reduce embodied carbon by up to 70% 

4. Can we use a biogenic material as our structure? 

No - Focus on less material and lower impact materials. 

Yes - Stick frame and mass timber are great structural options 

5. Can the building be designed to come apart? 

No - Concrete is the worst material for disassembly. 

Yes - Steel and Mass Timber should be bolted for disassembly 

6. Can we fully electrify the heating & cooling systems? 

No - Maximize energy efficiency through passive system design 

Yes - Heat pumps will reduce your energy use by 3x's 

7. Can we reduce our mechanical system size? 

No - Large mechanical systems are expensive to operate long-term 

Yes - Use south-facing glazing and passive ventilation 

8. Can we specify biogenic insulation and cladding materials 

No - Find the lowest impact insulation materials. Try EPS over XPS 

Yes - Cellulose, hemp, denim, and wool are great insulators 

9. Do the users know how to best operate the building? 

No - Make sure users are aware of the passive systems that reduce energy use 

Yes - A great building that isn't operated well destroys the design 

10. Can we minimize the impervious site materials? 

No - Large parking and sidewalk areas have a large impact 

Yes - Grasses and natural areas create carbon sinks 

Sustainable building design is complex, but there are some basic questions that will help make the most important decisions.

Eric and I had a great conversation with Cindy Zeis of Performance Systems Development, https://psdconsulting.com/, a company with the tag line: "Moving Energy Efficiency Forward" and description. We combine building science with technology to help utility companies, program implementers, and building performance professionals achieve energy savings.

This whole conversation was spurred by a post that Cindy made on Linked in about electrification programs and the need to get our priorities straight.

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/electrification-programs-getting-our-priorities-straight-cindy-zeis

I was especially attracted to this paragraph in Cindy's post:

In light of recent developments, such as the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and other funding opportunities that promote installation of heat pumps and other energy efficient technologies, it's essential to emphasize the importance of considering a building as a holistic system. It's important to highlight the critical role of the building envelope and energy efficient components, such as lighting, in minimizing energy loads before sizing mechanical equipment. It's also important to incorporate third-party verification for both building and mechanical system performance."

This episode was recorded in October 2023.

DEFINITION of Culture

Learned patterns of perception, values, and behaviors, SHARED by a group of people that are dynamic and heterogeneous. (diverse in character or content.)

I like having guests on the podcast share their journeys and important lessons learned along the way. 

We explore these topics and more with Tim Destasio as he explains how he learned what he knows today.

From his start in industrial, ending up in residential and now combining building science, Tim shares with us his lessons learned and his perspectives on #betterHVAC

Tim is very active on LinkedIn, so follow him here:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/tim-de-stasio-0618824a/

We spoke of "Corbett's list", well here it is: https://homediagnosis.tv/hvac-installers

Look for his HVAC course on Udemy: https://www.udemy.com/user/tim-r-de-stasio/

His YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCn6U4wQe3DPYFFp4kiy_z0w

This episode was recorded in August 2023.

We had a great time interviewing the man behind the brand "Love2HVAC".

Ty Branaman's passion for all things HVAC education certainly comes through in every conversation and interaction we've had.

Ty has a lot of patience (and a small pointer finger thing) that help explain and highlight whatever topic is teaching at the moment.

He stresses the use of tools, measurements and your brain to help teach the invisible.

He encourages new instructors to "go for it" and be willing to make mistakes, but observant to learn from them.

He firmly believes teaching helps you be a better person, a better manager. You will learn more when you teach. (I whole heartedly agree, there!)

You will often find Ty on other podcasts, live streams, in conferences and at the HVACR School Symposium. This year he gave a great session on Educating and Training Gen Z
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PHs9AD6wRz8

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@love2hvac

His website: https://www.love2hvac.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ty.branaman/

Twitter (X): https://twitter.com/love2hvac

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/love2hvac/?hl=en

Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ty-branaman-cmhe-07604a33/

This episode was recorded in August 2023.

I'm not exactly sure when I got introduced to the concepts of EOS, the Entrepreneurial Operating System.

It was likely during my 12 week "crash course" in business with Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Business program or 10kSB (https://www.goldmansachs.com/citizenship/10000-small-businesses/US/ ) – probably one of the 145 people in my National Cohort #6 mentioned it.

I read the book Traction by Geno Wickman in 2017 and slowly started integrating the ideas into the way we run TruTech Tools.

In the spring of 2022, I re-read it and presented to our leadership team. We decided to go full bore and started the process of adopting EOS company wide in the summer of 2022.

On today's podcast I chat with our EOS implementer, Derek Pittak.

Derek shares the key components of EOS with us including dissecting issues, following processes and traction, the execution piece.

EOS has a lot of quick tidbits you can pick up. However, if this interest you, I suggest you get the book Traction and read it cover to cover or reach out to someone like Derek.

Derek's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/derek-pittak-4b2ba86a/

Derek's microsite: https://www.eosworldwide.com/derek-pittak

EOS Worldwide: https://www.eosworldwide.com/

This episode was recorded in September 2023.

Eric and I had the pleasure of interviewing Josh Teekell, founder of SmartAC.com

Josh has envisioned, developed, and built a straightforward, EASY-to-install tech product that enables Smart Maintenance plans.

Josh describes the net result for HVAC and plumbing companies is for them to maximize their revenue by dramatically increasing their membership conversion rates, lowering customer attrition, and eliminating zero-fee truck rolls.

SmartAC.com is an air conditioning and heating (HVAC) health-monitoring platform that digitizes the experience of AC ownership, extends equipment life, and saves homeowners money by proactive notice of the need for HVAC maintenance, alerting users & service providers of a potential breakdown before it occurs. 

The sensors monitor cooling and heating performance, airflow, air filter life, and drain lines to ensure the health of critical HVAC components. 

SmartAC.com membership begins at just $10 per month. It includes a lifetime warranty on the hardware, daily system health checks, discounted air filters, active water leak monitoring, real-time chat with certified HVAC experts, and monthly system health reports.

10-minute set up, no tools, no wiring.

Josh's LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/jateekell/

https://www.smartac.com/technology

Learn more here where Ken Goodrich, Jim Bergmann and others tell you about the impact of this unique tech:

https://hvac.smartac.com/

This episode was recorded in August 2023.

Meet Robby Schwartz, founder of the BuildTank and the BuildTank Podcast who aims 

Robby on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robby-schwarz-b17b956/

I have been engaged in Applied Building Science, Resiliency and Sustainability, energy efficiency, Codes etc. since the early 1990's. My experience is varied, including several years working as a commercial fisherman in Alaska, traveling the world, working in the construction trades, and then as a consultant with production and custom builders, code jurisdictions, private clients, and the Colorado Energy Office, amongst others.

I started BUILDTank, inc. to be a practical building think tank whose mission is to use what we learn by applying building science in the field to affect meaningful change in the construction industry. To chase issues that hold the industry back and generate ideas and innovations that move sustainable building into mainstream building.

Podcast details:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/buildtank-buildcast/id1554383191

At BuildTank, a pragmatic building think tank, our mission is to use what we learn applying building science to affect meaningful change in the construction industry. The BUILDCast is the next step. Through conversations, we will learn something new from our guests' story that could be the catalyst to take sustainable buildings to mainstream building. We will concentrate on the "story". No two second intro, instead a deep dive into life experiences that create interesting lives and ultimately move our industry forward. Join me and learn something new from each conversation.

This episode was recorded in August 2023.

My guest today, Alex DeGagne', is one of those very interesting people I have met in my travels in the last few years.

Alex is CEO & owner of MINOTAIR, a manufacturing company currently based in Gatineau in southwestern, Quebec, Canada. 

His main product is the Pentacare-V12, a compact, ultra efficient air exchanger that incorporates a HEPA filter, and uses a self-contained heat pump to control ventilation, temperature and humidity in a home.

In his words:
"Our PentaCare Series is a product using cutting-edge technology to care of 5 things: Heating + Ventilation + Air filtration + Cooling + Dehumidification. HVAC-D

It's like 4-machines-in-1:
1- an Active Heat and Energy Recovery Ventilator with the highest SRE efficiency certified by the HVI for best comfort;
2-a Ducted Air Source Heat Pump;
3- a Dehumidifier;
4- a HEPA MERV 15 Medical-Grade Air Filtration device which can help greatly during wildfire smokes episodes."

Alex speaks to us about science, especially building science, home construction and indoor air quality as well as the practical aspects of manufacturing and distributing such an innovative product.

Alex on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alex-de-gagne-minotair/

His email: alex.degagne@minotair.com

Links mentioned in the podcast:

Minotair home page: https://www.minotair.com/home_us/

Ventilation info: https://www.minotair.com/ventilation-2/

Show info: https://www.minotair.com/visitus_us/

Where to buy: https://www.minotair.com/resellers-us/

Pentacare-V12: https://www.minotair.com/minotair-pentacare-v12_us/

Brochure: https://www.minotair.com/wp-content/uploads/MINOTAIR_PENTACARE_V12_BROCHURE_032019_EN_WEBs.pdf

Guide and Manual: https://www.minotair.com/wp-content/uploads/MINOTAIR%20-%20PENTACARE-V12%20-%20Manual%20-%20EN%20-%20Rev%20018B.pdf

An overview of the ASHRAE 62.2 specification:
https://www.energy.gov/eere/buildings/articles/ashrae-standard-622-ventilation-and-acceptable-indoor-air-quality-low-rise

Alex's LinkedIn

https://www.linkedin.com/in/alex-de-gagne-minotair/

This episode was recorded in August 2023.

In this engaging episode of the Building HVAC Science Podcast, Eric Kaiser chats with Nikki Krueger, National Sales Manager and building science advocate at Santa Fe (a Thermastor brand), often dubbed the "Queen of Dehumidification." They explore the science and application of dedicated dehumidification in homes and buildings across various climates—especially in today's increasingly humid and energy-efficient housing stock.

Nikki shares insights from her 20+ years in the indoor air quality (IAQ) space, detailing her journey from AprilAire to launching her own consultancy, and ultimately joining Santa Fe. She explains how tighter building envelopes, increased ventilation needs, and changes in HVAC coil design have all contributed to the growing demand for standalone dehumidifiers—especially as homes become more efficient, but less capable of latent load removal.

The discussion ranges from dew point awareness and crawlspace strategy to the nuanced interaction between comfort, humidity, and occupant behavior. Nikki emphasizes the importance of diagnostics and whole-house thinking when sizing and applying dehumidifiers. The episode closes with tips on where to find resources (including www.SantaFeProducts.com), and an open invite to meet at training events like the HVACR School Symposium.

Notable Quotes:

"If we change one thing in the house, it's going to change a series of other things."

"Relative humidity is like the horoscope of moisture—it's vague until you understand the temperature context."

"Once you live in a home with proper dehumidification, you'll never go back."

The Products: www.SantaFeProducts.com

The Person: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nikkikrueger/

The Symposium: https://www.hvacrschool.com/events/7th-annual-hvac-r-training-symposium/

This episode was recorded in July 2025.

Eric Kaiser and I had the pleasure of interviewing the man, the myth, the legend (and our friend) Jim Bergmann in this episode.

As Jim's business has grown, there are a lot of new updates, activities and events happening and coming up soon. Go to the mQ site for more details, especially the resources page: https://measurequick.com/resources/

Some significant quotes and thoughts from the interview:

• Changing the culture in a company is hard to do; it must start from the top

• They don't make products like they used to, or is it you that hasn't kept up

• Manufacturers have refined their designs; installation instructions have serious details that they assume all techs will follow.

NEWSFLASH: The measureQuick 2.5 Public Beta is available now with guided workflows!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AqSN23giepQ

Links mentioned in the interview:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jim-bergmann-2968178/

www.MeasureQuick.com

https://measurequick.com/electrification-an-open-letter/

https://nvlpubs.nist.gov/nistpubs/technicalnotes/nist.tn.1848.pdf

Podcast with Kevin Hart of Haven: EP111

https://buildinghvacscience.libsyn.com/ep111-putting-the-v-back-in-hvac-and-why-you-should-care-with-kevin-hart-march-2023

UPCOMING podcast (EP136) with Josh Teekell of www.SmartAC.com

https://www.heatpumpsummit.org/

This episode was recorded in August 2023.

I've been meeting a lot of interesting people from the tech world in in the last year or so. 

My new colleague at Duckling, John Hoehn, Shelby Breger at Conduit and most recently, Brent Davidson.

Brent has created the first US Heat Pump Summit coming up this November in Berkeley, CA- links below for details.

He defines success for the event as the attendees leaving with many new, meaningful connections. It is structured to have a contractor focus so attendees leave with tactical knowledge to begin using immediately.

In his words: "Everyone admitted to this conference is on the same team. Whether you got into this work for decarbonizing buildings or a good way to make a living, we all are here with the same goal - sell and successfully install more heat pumps."

The event is hosted in association with the Eneref Institute, and will feature expert-led training from a building science based approach, broad knowledge across topics including how heat pumps fit into a customer's home electrification journey, the future of the grid, and more.

You should attend if you work primarily in heat pumps or building electrification.

This summit's focus includes a few main areas: building science, smart tools, companies making heat pumps and building electrification hardware, software for sales and remote heat load estimation, companies connecting electrification customers with contractors, demand response tech, and HVAC pro's in the field. 

There's a great list of featured speakers including my pals, Joe Medosch and Eric Kaiser. I'll also be there broadening my network of connections.

Head to the website, scroll to the bottom and join the Summit Community for:

• Discounted tickets

• Articles on new tech for contractors

• Invites to Heat Pump Happy Hours

• Summit updates

Link to the Heat Pump Summit:

https://www.heatpumpsummit.org/

Brent on LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/brentdavidson/

Email:
Contact@heatpumpsummit.org

Research Institute we mention: www.Eneref.org

This episode was recorded in August 2023.

This episode started in 2018. I have had the notion for quite a while (since 2018) of the need for a responsible contractor network or RCN.

This came up when my widowed sister that lives many states away was having trouble with her HVAC system in her home. She asked who I might recommend. I had no immediate answer.

I created a few basic principles of conduct, process, and integrity for RCN.

I even bought a domain and mentioned the idea a few times (at the HVAC School Symposium) and received some decent response.

Then I fell into other rabbit holes.

Fast forward to 2023 and I came across a list put forth by Corbett Lunsford: https://homediagnosis.tv/hvac-installers

"The List is a voluntary, un-vetted directory of HVAC Installers across North America who will trust and follow, or even perform in-house, design calculations (Manual J, S, and D). These companies have self-selected, by affirming the following questions:

• I understand that the first step in proper HVAC design is a Manual J (or equivalent) load calculation, targeting the 99% hottest and coldest design temperatures the home will be exposed to

• I understand that in more airtight, insulated, and ventilated homes the load may prove to be between 1000-2500 sq ft per ton of cooling

• If I follow the software-based design correctly, I understand that it is not my problem if the home is not as airtight as the builder or client told me it would be, and a simple blower door test can prove that any performance issues are the enclosure's fault rather than my HVAC installations"

Dang, he did it!

Then I scrolled through the list (now 51 strong) and saw someone in Pittsburgh where I live!

And that's how this episode all started.

Oh, and Mat has a very interesting backstory that I think you will enjoy.

Mat Stone
Mat@home-mechanix.com
www.Home-Mechanix.com

This episode was recorded in August 2023.

PS we referred to Episode 21 with Ed Kisiel

Super tight houses using standard construction.

"Art and sweat built the tool bag."

This statement summarizes my interview with Roger Brouard, the founder of VETO Pro Pac.

Roger shares with us the full story of his work life which lead him from a Fine Arts degree in Sculpture to becoming a carpenter and building wooden lobster boats – which is not an easy task, "it's like making a zucchini out of wood."

Roger describes frustrations in using various tool boxes and tool bags that became the impetus for him creating the VETO ProPac product line

Roger opines on how to become a successful inventor: solve a real problem, have solid conversations, believe in your product, have conviction.

"I wanted a name that would convey the quality and durability of our products. Veto is a strong word that means to forbid or to stop something. I wanted our customers to know that our tool bags were built to last and would never let them down.

After working as a carpenter for over 25 years, I became fed-up with the various tool-carrying devices available on the market. In my view, they all fell short: from metal or plastic boxes to soft-sided mason bags that hold tools in a horizontal pile up. In these configurations, unnecessary tool hunts result in "D & D" (dig or dump) and challenge your patience as you search for the tool you need.

Attempts at improving tool carrying and storing have been made over the years, such as pocketed fabric inserts that fit in and around a 5-gallon bucket. However, the "deep" pockets aren't deep enough, tools stored in the exterior pockets are exposed making transportation and storage awkward, and a pile up of interlocking tools on the inside hint at the handicaps of the other bags.

Storing the loaded bucket in your truck requires a clear and secure area, and if not wedged or bungeed, "LFT" (Loose Flying Tools) occurs with sudden stops. It can be a real mess especially if the bucket bottom has become a catch all for left over nails and drywall screws. It is because of this long list of frustrations that I created VETO PRO PAC."

Learn more about the company here: https://vetopropac.com/

Veto tool bags are available at a wide variety of wholesalers including: https://trutechtools.com/vetopropac

This episode was recorded in August 2023.

Jennifer Manzo is a powerhouse. I do not know where she finds the time to do all she does.

From running a HVAC business and raising a family in Maine with her partner Valentino Valeriani, to creating the HVAChicks Coalition to running a free tech support line (see below) and much much more, I really do not know how she does it!

In this podcast she mentions it is one of her goals to help save the trades by allowing people who cannot afford training to get into the industry.

Listen in to Jennifer's inspirational story and I encourage you to connect and support her efforts.

Email Jennifer at misfitsofhvac@gmail.com

HVAChicks Tech Support: 856-390-4055
24/7/365  -- also on Facebook messenger 

Misti: Sunday and Tuesday

Jennifer: Monday and Wednesday

Dirk: Thursday (Residential)

Valentino: Thursday and Saturday (Commercial)

Jimmy: Friday

Links mentioned in the podcast:

Now co-hosting the Misfits of HVAC podcast with Ryan Hughes,

Misfits of HVAC on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@misfitsofhvac

Misfits of HVAC podcast on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/misfits-of-hvac/id1678018673

SkillCat for free EPA-608 certification and free training.

https://www.skillcatapp.com/

HVAChicks on social media:

https://www.tiktok.com/@hvachicksjennifer

https://www.instagram.com/hvachicks/?hl=en

https://www.facebook.com/groups/812323020341191

HVAC In Recovery: 

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100094781724166

This episode was recorded in August 2023.

(He blinded us with science) (Science) (Science) (Science)

Actually he spends a lot of time illuminating us with details about building science.

Join us as Allison Bailes, "a well known troublemaker and a general pain in the asterisk" shares with us the career path that lead him to form the Energy Vanguard.

You see, a vanguard is the group of people who are at the forefront of a new movement or idea. They are the innovators and pioneers who are pushing the boundaries of what is possible.

And yes, Alison's business, The Energy Vanguard, moves the art and practice of well-applied building science forward by providing excellent HVAC design services, training, an awesome blog and newsletter and more recently a book!

"A House Needs to Breathe or Does it?, now available to TruTechTools, from the author and on Amazon, is a well written book describing the basic science of residential buildings.

While describing what is right, cautioning what is wrong, a few myths do get busted along the way.

Be sure you catch the discussion of the COVID Risk Reduction measures put in place at the Building Science Summer Camp Symposium in 2022.

Allison's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/allisonabailes/

Links mentioned in the podcast:

The Energy Vanguard Website: https://www.energyvanguard.com/

Allison's book:

at TruTech: https://trutechtools.com/hardcover-a-house-needs-to-breathe-or-does-it.html

From The Energy Vanguard: https://energyvanguardstore.com/

On Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/House-Needs-Breathe-Does-Introduction/dp/1958711128

The Blog: https://www.energyvanguard.com/blog/

SIgn up for the Newsletter: on any page on the website: https://www.energyvanguard.com/

The Building Science Boogie Band: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkwlJZKQY0aFU6nmE5BL6Xw

Joe Lstiburek's Building Science business with links to MANY Articles: https://buildingscience.com/

Bill Bahnfleth, Penn State University Prof: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wbahnfleth/

How to build a Corsi-Rosenthal filter box: https://cleanaircrew.org/box-fan-filters/

Also a modification called a Comparetto Cube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y7eL2OAnqc8

This episode was recorded in July 2023.

Wes Davis joins us to provide some definitions, insights, and perspectives on HVAC Codes and Standards from his role as Director of Technical Services at ACCA - The AirConditioning Contractors of America.

We dig into details of the ANSI/RESNET/ACCA Standard 310, The Standard for Grading the Installation of HVAC Systems, published in June 2020. 

The 310 standard was written mainly to help builders earn RESNET HERS credit for installing AND commissioning residential HVAC systems.  RESNET HERS scores are given to new construction homes for a host of benefits described here: 

https://www.hersindex.com/know-your-homes-hers-index-score/hers-index-understanding-the-hers-score/

Yet, the 310 standard, like the other ACCA standards, manuals, and publications (see links below), allows any technician or contractor to quickly assimilate industry and institutional knowledge from all the stakeholders that built, reviewed, and commented on the publications. This is a terrific way to build a better business.

We also touch on the vast array of other member benefits avail at ACCA, like MIX groups, advocacy, forums, and technical support.

A great way to immerse yourself and your business in this world of knowledge and connection is to attend the next ACCA Conference in October in Indianapolis: https://www.acca.org/accanextlevel/home

Wes' LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wesdavisacca/

Links mentioned in the podcast:

The Checklist Manifesto by Atul Gawande: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0312430000?

Link to Download ANSI/RESNET/ACCA Standard 310: https://www.resnet.us/wp-content/uploads/ANSIRESNETACCA_310-2020_v7.1.pdf

ACCA History: https://www.acca.org/about-acca

ACCA Full list of member benefits: https://www.acca.org/join

Contractor accreditation: https://www.acca.org/qa

ACCA Manual S, link to download and public review: https://www.acca.org/viewdocument/public-review-of-additional-modific

ACCA OnLine Store: https://www.acca.org/store#/storefront

Advocacy for the HVAC trade: https://www.acca.org/advocacy/government-relations

Educational info: https://www.acca.org/certification

Resources: https://www.acca.org/resources

This episode was recorded in July 2023.

Let me take you back to a time, long, long ago, when Jim Bergmann did not understand everything in HVAC.

Listen in as we delve into the story of Jim Bergmann and how the communities of HVAC, and more recently building science, helped to encourage and challenge Jim to become the HVAC guru that we know today.

From his self-described times of annoying the crap out of Bill Spohn, to his overlapping experiences as a contractor, educator, product specialist, TruTech Tools founder, iManifold designer, and mQ master…Jim has had, no he has created, a unique career ladder to find his reason for being.

We get into a couple of mQ topics including the new guided workflows (coming shortly) to the topic of data quality and data integrity that drove the need for paid tests.

Here is a cool quote from this Episode: "Don't service the mistakes you sell."

We finish up with some forward-looking advice Jim gives to contractors and equipment and tool manufacturers.

Links mentioned in the podcast:

mQ website https://www.MeasureQuick.com

Jim's Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jim-bergmann-2968178/

The Building Science Boogie Band: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkwlJZKQY0aFU6nmE5BL6Xw

Waffles Twitter account: https://twitter.com/mqwaffles

This episode was recorded in July 2023.

Connect and support: a kind and noble mission that can span all elements of humanity.

Connect in one way to understand. 

Connect in a second way to bring information streams together.

Conduit Tech is developing a means of rapidly connecting technical information to help HVAC contractors excel - what a cool basis for the name of a new company!

In this episode, I am joined by Shelby Breger cofounder of Conduit Tech who explains the motivations and synergies that brought she and Marisa Reddy together to form a company that is creating a technology solution to save time on load calculations.

The software uses LIDR enabled iPhone and iPads to collect spatial details that are rapidly turned into a load calculation (think 15 minutes to a load calc for 2400 sq ft).

The speed and accuracy should impress customers with targeted comfort and sizing insights, 3D models, and detailed project planning.

They are in the early stages of product launch (a paid beta) with 50 users.

Links mentioned in the podcast:

Conduit Tech's website https://getconduit.com/

Shelby's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shelby-ann-breger/

Mariss's LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/marisareddy/

Shelby's email: Shelby@getconduit.com

This episode was recorded in July 2023.

A simple episode where Eric Kaiser (ELK) and Bill Spohn (OverKill Bill) riff on TruTech's business philosophies: Core Values, Purpose and Niche and what kind of actions we take to put these words into action in the world. Also what we feel it means to be a good steward to the industry.

OH and cheer on #HVACLIFE team in the Maine 70.3 Ironman on July 30, 2023 featuring Chris Hughes (TEC-13.2 miles running), Chad Simpson (Simpson Salute – 56 miles bicycling) and our own Eric Kaiser – 1.2 miles swimming).

https://www.ironman.com/im703-maine

Links mentioned in the podcast:

Alabama Power training center: https://www.alabamapower.com/business/business-customers-and-services/hvac/hvac-training.html

RESNET 2023 Proposals: https://www.resnet.us/wp-content/uploads/RESNET_Session-Topics_TOC_06-27.pdf

RESNET 2023 Session Voting: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1YQ0ezGAXFrmdwdaRht8K1Ga9YdGZQ7OhP9yWQDoxMGU/viewform?edit_requested=true&pli=1

RESNET Conference: https://www.resnet.us/conference-2023/

Magazine article on Building Science Summer Camp: https://www.jlconline.com/how-to/insulation/highlights-from-building-science-summer-camp_o

Article on the 2022 United Association Event: https://www.pmmag.com/articles/104405-ua-builds-toward-the-future-with-68th-annual-instructor-training-program

TEC Train the Trainer Event: https://energyconservatory.com/september-2023-hvac-system-performance-train-the-trainer/

HPC New England: https://building-performance.org/events/regional/new-england/

This episode was recorded in July 2023.

In this episode of Building HVAC Science, Bill Spohn welcomes Josh Koplin, co-founder of Eden (https://e-denhomes.com), to talk about how digital tools are reshaping the HVAC sales experience. Josh shares his unique journey from building power plants in Japan—where he was immersed in a heat pump-centric culture—to co-founding Eden, a company aimed at bringing transparency and ease to HVAC sales through technology.

Eden offers a software-as-a-service (SaaS) platform for HVAC contractors that acts as a 24/7 digital salesperson. It allows homeowners to get instant, customized equipment quotes based on a simplified online load calculation, local weather data, and rebate matching. Contractors retain full pricing control, and the tool is deployed on their websites, helping them capture highly qualified leads.

Josh and Bill explore broader trends in consumer behavior, including how 80% of purchasing decisions are made before contacting a salesperson. They also discuss the rapid emergence of AI-driven search and its implications for contractor visibility online. The conversation closes with Josh's advice on how contractors can embrace the digital shift and stay competitive by offering the kind of online experience today's homeowners expect.

"It's like a digital salesperson that never sleeps." – Josh Koplin

"Consumers are doing the research with or without you—why not be part of their process from the beginning?" – Josh Koplin

"If it's useful to a human, it's useful to AI—that's the content that will get found." – Josh Koplin

Eden Home: https://www.e-denhomes.com/

Josh's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/josh-koplin-57654230/

This episode was recorded in July 2025.

This episode should be helpful to business owners. 

However, anyone working IN a business should find it interesting to know more about one of the topics on the mind of many business owners: business succession planning.

After walking the walk of leading a $100M family-owned business through their transition, Laurie is now a guide to business owners providing a structured process to plan successful transitions of their companies.

Laurie hosts a podcast, Succession Stories (link below), has written a book: The Business Transition Handbook (link below) and is an adjunct professor of Entrepreneurship at the Tepper School of Business at Carnegie Mellon University.

I have both been a guest on her podcast and read her book.

Laurie has a tremendous depth of knowledge and experience and easily understood way of speaking and teaching on a topic so near and dear to her heart.

Laurie's links:

Website: https://smalldotbig.com/

Podcast: https://thebusinesstransitionsherpa.com/succession-stories-podcast/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZrCRoEBQhh-SP1BDwnhMZA/videos

The Business Transition Handbook: https://a.co/d/6HEY3Ap

Email: lbarkman@smalldotbig.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauriebarkman/

This episode was recorded in June 2023.

Bryan Uhler calls himself a naturally observant builder.

This personal characteristic has served him well as understands the residential construction market with some keen observations.

Join as Bryan explains how he came to learn about building science, later building it into all projects.

Also, hear about how he found this podcast by mistake!

Here's cool description from of his brother's YouTube that shows these traits run in the family:

The purpose of this channel is promote knowledge and education in construction. Here in the US, many of us don't have any formal training or education in construction, but we learn through experience. My goal with this page is to promote learning and to that end I will show what I've learned over the years. I want to be very clear, what I show here is just a starting point. I am not claiming the tricks and methods I use are the best way to do any one thing, but rather are the end result of 20+ years of refinement with many more years to go. What I hope is that you as the reader/viewer will have an open mind and be willing to share your suggestions. Let's all view ourselves as learners first, teachers second. Then all of us will progress together.

Bryan's links:

Website: https://pioneerbuildersonline.com/

Contact: https://pioneerbuildersonline.com/contact/

Bryan's YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/pioneerbuildersinc

His brother's YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCiDg_Mo6aJAOEnlGI4iilQw

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryan-uhler-48537577/

This episode was recorded in June 2023.

Listen in as Bill chats with… himself!

Again!

He shares some recent, personal and business encounters and discussions that left an impression on him.

We hope you find them interesting.

This episode was recorded in June 2023.

Trevor Matthews shares with us his fascinating life story: from the moment he shifted his life interests from travel and surfing into the trades and as it led to forming the Refrigeration Mentor a training, education and mentorship program for the refrigeration trade.

Some notable thoughts from this episode:

"You can get a handle on anything with your mindset."

"Be prepared to pay the price in time and effort to get what you want."

"Important small experiences you have become your own."

"You need to put in the reps: reading and studying to reach your goal."

"Stay Focused. Don't drift."

Trevor's links:

Website: www.refrigerationmentor.com

Contact: https://refrigerationmentor.com/contact-us/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RefrigerationMentor

Trevor's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tejmatthews/

This episode was recorded in June 2023.

The 349 common connections Eric Kaiser and I share in LinkedIn speak a lot to the common perspectives we share.

Yet, it's in the differences, in the weeds, where the conversation gets interesting.

Please welcome Eric Kaiser as TruTech Tool's new Industry Engagement manager. And new co-host of this podcast.

We call Eric the ELK, his initials, to differentiate him from my Co-Owner, Eric Preston.

Let's get to know him a little better in this episode.

Eric's links:

Email: EKaiser@TruTechTools.com

Eric's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-kaiser-323a1563/

Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/grapevinetv/

YouTube video on Entering the trades: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sqsSiT5dnRk

The National Comfort Institute www.NCIhvac.com

HVAC School Symposium: https://hvacrschool.com/events/4th-annual-hvac-r-training-symposium/

The Energy Vanguard blog: Allison Bailes: www.energyvanguard.com

Building Science Corp seminars: https://buildingscience.com/upcoming-events-and-training

This episode was recorded in June 2023.

Jeremy's been studying the details for many years.

Details like:

Building and energy codes are becoming more and more stringent. 

Green building programs are driving more and more high-end construction. 

Products and construction techniques are rapidly evolving.

He's also paid attention to what is sorely needed and missing.

That's why he's helped to define the full HVAC use-case: requirements, performance, technology, architectural integrity, installation, and maintenance.

Listen in as Jeremy give clues and hints on how we can all do better in HVAC design.

Jeremy's business: https://www.hvacdesignpartners.com/
Jeremy's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jdbegley/

Links to the "order of Operations for Heat Pumps" blog posts

https://information.insulationinstitute.org/blog/order-of-operations-matters-with-heat-pumps

https://information.insulationinstitute.org/blog/its-the-order-of-operations-with-heat-pumps-part-2

A couple of Jeremy's favorite resources:

The National Comfort Institute www.NCIhvac.com

The Energy Vanguard blog: Allison Bailes: www.energyvanguard.com

Bryan Orr's HVAC School: www.HVACRSchool.com

The Comfort Institute: www.comfortinstitute.org/

ACCA: https://www.acca.org/certification

This episode was recorded in May 2023.

Zac Reed, Product manager at Aeroseal, joins us today to share the technology, history and applications for Aeroseal products.

Aeroseal was developed in Dr. Mark Modera's California garage in 1993.  

For the first time ever, it was possible to seal leaks and holes in air ducts from the inside out. Up until that time, the only way to seal ductwork was messy, labor intensive, and not an option for most homeowners.

The simplest explanation for the Aeroseal process is fix-a-flat for homes: both ducts and the home structure.

Aeroseal's mission is to help homeowners retain their "expensive air": which delivers comfort, healthy air, and substantial energy savings.

Contractor's interested in getting trained and becoming Aeroseal dealers can learn more about this and the products at www.Aeroseal.com

Learn more on Aeroseal's YouTube channel: YouTube

Zac's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zac-reed-060a46225/

This episode was recorded in May 2023.

Listen in as Bill chats with… himself!

He shares some recent, personal and business encounters and discussions that left an impression on him.

We hope you find them interesting.

This episode was recorded in May 2023.

Listen in as Bill chats with Ben Walker, the Co-CEO of Retrotec about a wide range of technology related topics from sensors to programming to AI-Artificial Intelligence.

Ben shares with us his experiences over his career in tech companies, primarily with Retrotec, one of TruTech's major vendors of air tightness and air flow testing gear.

We learn about the history of the digital manometer at Retrotec, as well as the important topic of enclosure integrity testing and how to manage large building testing.

Other topics of note include the move to DC motors, rCloud an app based test data platform (and so much more), the long list of new features on the DM32X digital manometer and more.

Retrotec products: https://www.trutechtools.com/retrotec

THE ALL NEW Retrotec DM32X digital gauge: https://www.trutechtools.com/retrotec-dm32x-digital-gauge.html

Ben's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-walker-4a05901/

As Ben suggests, try ChatGPT yourself at www.openai.com

This episode was recorded in April 2023.

In this episode, Bill interviews Chris Stephens Refrigeration Business owner and Social Media Influencer extraordinaire!

There are so many nuggets to mine out of this episode, I hope you spend the time to listen to all of it.

Chris is truly a multidimensional person, not like in the SciFi way though where he can walk through walls.

His Big Picture concept, which he uses in all aspects of his life can be summarized as:

• Slow Down – Pause, allow you mind to catch up with where you are

• Take a Step Back - Think about what is going on

• Look at the Big Picture  - Summarize the pros and cons of the various paths and decide if a short cut is worth it in the long run.

Additionally, we talk about:

• The lost art of evacuation

• The Genesis of the 2 social media projects he started/ is in: HVACR Videos and HVAC OverTime

• His personal home performance project/journey

• His perspectives on electrification

• And much more
  
  

Chris' business: https://www.jvsrefrigeration.com/

Chris' LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-stephens-a414651a6/

His 2 YouTube Channels: 

https://www.youtube.com/c/HVACRVIDEOS

https://www.youtube.com/@HVACOvertime

This episode was recorded in April 2023.

"Incidents drive policy. Policy drives law." – Marc A. Adams

"You don't want to do the Scooby-Doo dance if you smell gas—evacuate and call 911." – Marc A. Adams

"An electronic nose is a better solution than relying on your own." – Bill Spohn

In this compelling episode of the Building HVAC Science Podcast, Bill Spohn and Eric Kaiser speak with Marc A. Adams, Vice President of New Cosmos USA, about natural gas safety and the innovative gas detection technologies behind the DeNova Detect brand. The conversation begins with Marc's fascinating career journey from telecom to public safety, highlighting how his expertise in machine-to-machine and IoT communications now supports life-saving initiatives in the utility space.

Marc shares sobering statistics on gas-related incidents and explains the critical need for early-warning natural gas alarms in homes, businesses, and public spaces. The discussion covers the evolution of gas detection—from basic beeping detectors to smart, battery-powered devices that communicate over wireless networks to utilities and mobile apps. The trio also explores real-world tragedies, regulatory landscapes, and how education and advocacy can bridge the awareness gap around gas safety.

The episode wraps with a call to action: gas is an essential and generally safe energy source, but detection matters. Marc encourages listeners to understand the risks, install alarms, and engage with resources like DeNovaDetect.com and PreventNaturalGasDisasters.com to stay informed and protected.

DeNova Detect: https://denovadetect.com/

Mark's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcaadams/

What to look for in a natural gas alarm: https://denovadetect.com/blogs/posts/ul-1484-standard-gas-alarm?srsltid=AfmBOorlCy9ethVYqhgle7MMGNjkxeZF77GG-pz-WFepEwBE8iJ1FoRY

www.preventnaturalgasdisasters.com

UL 1484 Standard (Natural Gas Alarm): https://explorestandards.ul.org/gas-detectors.html

NFPA715 (Installation of a Fuel Gas Alarm): https://www.nfpa.org/codes-and-standards/nfpa-715-standard-development/715

UL234 standard (CO Alarm): https://www.shopulstandards.com/ProductDetail.aspx?UniqueKey=46614

NFPA 72:

https://edufire.ir/storage/Library/elam/NFPA%2072-2019.pdf

This episode was recorded in July 2025.

In this episode, Bill interviews Michael Rubino founder of HomeCleanse.com

We discuss the technical & business aspects of mold removal and where it fits in to addressing and solving mold problems in a home or building.

Michael is a forward thinker, having created his own mold remediation school for employees.

At the school, they utilize the concept of I Do, We Do, You Do, that is you must be able to execute like the company experts in order to graduate to doing field/customer work.

He is also author of The Mold Medic: An Expert's Guide on Mold Removal and a council-certified Mold Remediator by IICRC and ACAC and a contributing member, sponsor, and speaker for the Indoor Air Quality Association.

We learn about how his growing up in the construction and remediation industry, influenced his current work.

Michael's book:

https://www.amazon.com/Mold-Medic-Experts-Guide-Removal-ebook/dp/B08FPCTWNZ

Michael's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelrubino88/

His website: https://www.themichaelrubino.com/

This episode was recorded in March 2023.

In this episode, Bill interviews Adam Mufich, AKA A-Team Adam.

You may know Adam from his video podcast, HVAC OverTime, which is a big collaboration he does with his friends Chris Stephens (HVACR Videos on YouTube), Bill Russell (Curious HVAC Guy on YouTube) and OT Joe (HVACR OverTime North on YouTube)

In their words: "We never sugar coat anything; we tell it like it is. If you want the real uncensored hot takes on the state of the industry, come hang out live every Friday at 9:00pm EST on both YouTube and Facebook."

https://www.facebook.com/groups/775287052979835

Adam describes his personal journey in the trades, where is has gotten him and where he is headed.

Adam's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adam-mufich-5225055a/

Adam recently wrote a very interesting blog post we mention in the interview:

https://hvacrschool.com/dunning-kruger-in-hvac/

He's also one of the hosts of the new Cooler Heads Podcast: 

https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-the-cooler-heads-podcast-103621990/

You should also check out the YouTube Channel of the celebrity guest Adam mentions, Big Clive: https://www.youtube.com/@bigclivedotcom

969,000 viewers with 2,100 videos – I'm pretty sure you will find something of interest!

Other links we mention:

https://www.hvac20.com/#/

https://www.youtube.com/@HVACUncensored

https://www.natethehousewhisperer.com/

This episode was recorded in March 2023.

In this episode, Bill chats with Kevin Hart, the founder of HAVEN, a start up that makes a unique IAQ sensor/control system.

Hear from Kevin about his background as an electrical contractor and how he came up with the idea for Haven, as well as all the iterations the product has been through.

In the episode he describes RDCV: Residential Demand Control Ventilation and why it is important for contractors and homeowners to understand details on this subject.

Learn how a simple chemical compound that is found in most homes can convert to formaldehyde, a carcinogen.

Haven Website: https://haveniaq.com/

Haven for sale at TruTech Tools: https://www.trutechtools.com/haven

Haven 22 is the DISCOUNT CODE for this product: https://www.trutechtools.com/haven-central-air-monitor.html which is for Pros to use to get a product to install for customers or in their own homes.

Kevin's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinrhart/

Kevin's email: kevin@haveniaq.com

Here's a link to Grace and Corbett Lunsford's HOMECHEM videos we mentioned:

http://bit.ly/HOMEchem

This episode was recorded in March 2023.

In this episode, Bill explains some of the activities that are keeping him busy lately.

The National HVACR Education Conference
https://www.escogroup.org/hvac/nhetc/default.aspx

The National Home Performance Conference

https://building-performance.org/events/national/

The National Comfort Institute (NCI) HVAC Summit

https://www.gotosummit.com/sessions/

Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Business FREE educational program

https://www.10ksbapply.com/

This episode was recorded in March 2023.

What's it like to build a tech product from the ground up?

How do you validate that a market exists?

What tools can you use to gain confidence that you are on the right track?

In this week's podcast, Bill Spohn is joined by John Hoehn, CEO of Duckling.

Duckling's mission is to help contractors help their customers on their journey to electrifying their homes.

John and his co-founder, Sudeep Yegnashankaran have deep backgrounds in software development. They have been working on Duckling over the last two years and are now recruiting their first customers.

Bill is honored to join their team as an advisor alongside Elliott Trice, who brings decades of experience in tech product development and design.

Keep your eyes open and ears peeled for what Duckling hatches in the coming year!

In full disclosure, Bill has a small financial interest in Duckling.

Duckling website: www.getduckling.com

Results from the contractor survey conducted in late 2022:

https://bit.ly/HVAC-electrify

Duckling one-page overview: https://bit.ly/Duckling-1-23

Are you a contractor interested in being a design partner with Duckling?

Fill out this quick form: https://bit.ly/Duckling-EAP

Electrification Panel Discussion at the 2023 HVAC School Symposium featuring Kimberly Llewellyn, Jim Bergmann and Bill Spohn*
https://hvacrschool.com/events/4th-annual-hvac-r-training-symposium/electrification-panel/

* a small fee will gain you access to all recorded sessions from the Symposium for a limited time.

Learn more about Steve Blank, who guidance John mentions in the podcast:

https://steveblank.com/books-for-startups/

This episode was recorded in February 2023.

What do we do with our time?

What did I do with my time in the last week?

The Bangles said it best:

… Time, time, time 

See what's become of me 

While I looked around for my possibilities

In this episode, Bill is joined by Eric Kaiser where they share observations on products and events and the interesting people they engaged with during their 4 day excursion to the AHR Expo 2023.

The AHR Expo: https://www.ahrexpo.com/

SUPCO TradeFox site and application: https://www.supcotradefox.com/

TruTech TradeFox page: https://www.trutechtools.com/supco-trade-fox.html

Diversitech TradeInvent application: https://info.diversitech.com/tradeinvent-by-diversitech

ASHRAE Standard 221: https://hvactoday.com/ashrae-221/

REFCO Inverter Checker: https://www.trutechtools.com/Refco-Inverter-Check-Kit-wData-Flow-Monitor_p_4930.html

REFCO Gobi Condensate pump: https://www.trutechtools.com/Refco-Gobi

REFCO Combi Condensate Pump: https://www.trutechtools.com/Refco-COMBI-Condensate-Removal-Pump-Universal-Voltage

REFCO Karoo Condensate pump https://www.trutechtools.com/Refco-Karoo

JB Climate Class probes: https://www.trutechtools.com/jb-climate-class.html

Sauermann Combustion Analyzers: https://www.trutechtools.com/sauermann-combustion-analysis.html

This episode was recorded in February 2023.

In this episode, Bill explains some of the activities that have kept him busy in the first few weeks of 2023.

The HVACR Symposium:

https://hvacrschool.com/events/4th-annual-hvac-r-training-symposium/

The AHR Expo:

https://www.ahrexpo.com/

Installing a new operating system at TruTech Tools: EOS:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dpXL2SGfkBc

https://www.eosworldwide.com/

This episode was recorded in February 2023.

Today, I feel very in tune with this podcast's stated mission:

Building HVAC Science covers a broad array of topics in building science and HVAC diagnostics, as well as human comfort, health, and safety….; this show will take a deep dive into all things that relate to buildings and people in the built environment.

I was very fortunate to interview Dr. Joe Allen, an esteemed Indoor Air Quality researcher, presenter, and author, as we covered what Joe has observed and educated us on regarding the collision between two disciplines: building science and health science.

Joe shares his observations, strategies, and tactics that are moving us toward an era where buildings go beyond doing no harm to occupants but focus more on maximizing the benefit to the occupants.

Joe joins the growing list of people on this podcast who talk (all or in part) about indoor air quality or healthy buildings: Dr. Stephanie Taylor, Dr. Bill Bahnfelth, Joe Medosch, Larry Zarker, Nate Adams, Jason Earle, Cheryl Cieko, Dawn Oggier, Brian Kennihan, Ereland Bolle, Casey Grey, Ray Wu, Ben Reed, Kaleb Saleeby, Steve Pascuzzo, Big Clive, Ty Newell, Dick Kornbluth, and Jaques Touillion, amongst others.

Joe Allen's links:

LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/josephgardnerallen/

Harvard Faculty page:

https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/joseph-allen/healthy-buildings/

Kicking off the first White House Summitt on Indoor air quality in Nov 2022:

https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/healthybuildings/2022/10/13/dr-joseph-allen-presenting-at-white-house-summit-on-indoor-air-quality/

Healthy Buildings book on Amazon

https://www.amazon.com/Healthy-Buildings-Indoor-Performance-Productivity/dp/0674237978

9 Foundations website:
https://9foundations.com/

Follow Joe on Twitter:

https://twitter.com/j_g_allen

Tune up buildings article:
https://deohs.washington.edu/hsm-blog/how-giving-our-buildings-tune-can-make-us-healthier

36 Tips for a healthier home:

https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/news/features/36-expert-tips-for-a-healthier-home/

This episode was recorded in January 2023.

For several years, in southern Maine, a small group of building professionals have been getting together monthly to discuss building science.  

Many topics are brought up for discussion: high performance windows, venting cathedral ceilings, moisture migration in wall assemblies, slab on grade details, etc. The conversation is informal and roams a bit.

At one of those meetings, one of my guests today, builder, Dan Kolbert, expressed frustration with the status quo, and even more frustration with the various rating systems that had him jumping through many hoops to prove that his work was in fact "green" and energy efficient.  

Some find these systems costly in time and money and doing little to advance the project. Rather they are simply certifying them. So Dan simply stated, "I just want to build a pretty good house."

That's where this story begins….

https://www.finehomebuilding.com/project-guides/insulation/is-a-pretty-good-house-good-enough

https://www.thebsandbeershow.com/

https://www.prettygoodhouse.org/

https://www.prettygoodhouse.org/pgh-20

This episode was recorded in December 2022.

Today's guest, Anna Desimone has done an awesome job compiling resources for consumers to learn about factors, features and benefits of building an Energy Efficient home.

Anna is author of Live in a Home that Pays You Back--A Complete Guide to Net Zero and Energy Efficient Homes, featuring national building programs in the U.S. and Canada.

This is not a technical deep dive, but more of a consumer reference for understanding the blueprints of Building Envelope, Thermal enclosure, HVAC, Lighting and appliances, water management and more., 

Winner of three national book awards, Anna lights the way for understanding the home buying and financing process. She has written more than 40 professional handbooks on the topic of fair and responsible lending, and often serves as industry expert on news media.

Links for more about Anna and her books:

https://annadesimone.net/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/annadesimone/

https://www.amazon.com/Live-Home-that-Pays-Back/dp/1039123481

https://play.google.com/store/books/details/Live_in_a_Home_that_Pays_You_Back_A_Complete_Guide

This episode was recorded in December 2022.

"IAQ is no longer just a maintenance issue—it's a strategic lever for improving patient outcomes and financial performance in healthcare."

"Saving a single dollar in energy for a hospital is like generating twenty dollars in patient revenue."

"The big message: it's not as big a lift as it used to be. Smart IAQ solutions are now turnkey and data-driven."

In this episode of the Building HVAC Science Podcast, host Bill Spohn is joined by Renée Jacobs, a seasoned expert in healthcare construction and building automation. Renée shares her career journey from hands-on construction to leading the healthcare vertical at Distech Controls. Her passion for improving patient outcomes through smarter building systems shines as she explains how indoor air quality (IAQ) has become a pivotal factor in modern healthcare environments.

Renée draws a compelling analogy between early skepticism of handwashing and today's evolving recognition of IAQ's role in patient health. She highlights how advanced sensors and smart building automation are transforming reactive facility management into a proactive, data-driven practice. One standout example she discusses is a hospital system that drastically improved both IAQ and energy management through Distech's Atrius platform, earning them a Better Buildings Award from the Department of Energy.

The conversation also dives into key industry standards like ASHRAE 170, the hidden costs of inaction, and the importance of leveraging AI and IoT in HVAC systems to enhance both care and cost-efficiency. Renée wraps up by emphasizing that implementing smart IAQ solutions is no longer a daunting task—it's a strategic investment that is more accessible and turnkey than ever before.

Renee's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/renee-r-jacobs/

Distech website: https://www.distech-controls.com/

ASHRAE Standard 170: https://www.ashrae.org/technical-resources/standards-and-guidelines/standards-addenda/ansi-ashrae-ashe-standard-170-2017-ventilation-of-health-care-facilities

Episode 48: With Stephanie Taylor

https://www.buildinghvacscience.com/ep48-buildings-health-an-interview-with-dr-stephanie-taylor/

This episode was recorded in July 2025.

My three esteemed guests/amigos shed some light on common misconceptions in the HVACR industry. Catch the video version here: https://youtu.be/ZL5-sEOJj0c

We talk about fun topics like:

-Heatpumps are only for the south of the Mason-Dixon line

-A1 refrigerants are Non-Flammable

-A2L refrigerants are Flammable

-R32 is a replacement for R410a

-Reclaimed refrigerant does not have any value

-SEER2 has taken us by surprise

-Equipment brand names determine the quality, performance and longevity of service

Link to the Esco Group website: https://www.escogroup.org/

Link to the National HVACR Education Conference: https://www.escogroup.org/hvac/nhetc/default.aspx

Their video channel: https://www.youtube.com/@escogroup

Email Addresses for our guests:

Clifton Beck: cbeck@escogroup.org
Jason Obrzut: jobrzut@escogroup.org

Eugene Silberstein: eugene@escogroup.org

The AHR Expo: https://www.ahrexpo.com/

This episode was recorded in December 2022.

Listen in as Phil Zito describes the journey he has taken from being bored, to blogging to building a business that provides top notch online training and workforce development programs. 

Formerly known as Building Automation Monthly, a newsletter and podcast in its early years, The Smart Buildings Academy has experienced rapid growth.

As the SBA says on their website: "If you've been looking for a way to take yourself or your building automation team to the next level. Then you're in the right place. One of SBA's guiding principles is to "Focus on the customer's profit".

Phil understands from personal experience the importance of focusing on training that not only develops BAS knowledge but also teaches how to "do" building automation in a way that is profitable and efficient. 

If you are a BAS professional looking to grow your skills or looking to enter the BAS field, you owe it to yourself to check out the SBA.

Phil's LinkedIn profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/phillipzito/

Smart Buildings Academy:

website: https://www.smartbuildingsacademy.com/

Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/groups/buildingautomationmonthly

LinkedIn group: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/3582469/

Oh, Phil also interviewed ME on his podcast recently:
https://podcast.smartbuildingsacademy.com/387

This episode was recorded in December 2022.

I was thrilled to get the opportunity to interview Shawn McLaughlin, after having been impressed with the simplicity and value of using an Emporia Vue Energy Monitor for a year or so before I met him. 

Shawn shares with us his back story that led him from commodities trader to company builder: designer and manufacturer of a suite of powerful, yet inexpensive products used for smart home energy management.

Learn some new acronyms that you will be hearing more of in the future, such as disaggregation, FERC and DERM as we hear of his vision for building the world's largest virtual power plant (VPP) and his progress along that goal.

Shawn is a man of quiet confidence coupled with courage and enthusiasm. I think you will enjoy this conversation.

His LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shawn-mclaughlin-86249215b/

Emporia Energy website: https://www.emporiaenergy.com/

This episode was recorded in November 2022.