Explore every episode of the podcast The Flow Lab
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| What Actually Improves Your Homes Indoor Air Quality | 13 Jan 2026 | 00:44:26 | |
Most “Indoor Air Quality upgrades” are just gadgets in a box. And a lot of them can make things worse. HVAC and building science veteran John Ellis joins Sam Myers and Ben Walker to break down what actually moves the needle in a home: thermal comfort, ventilation, filtration, humidity control, building pressure, and source control. If you build, renovate, or work on HVAC, this episode will change how you think about “clean air” and what it takes to actually deliver it. Video Notes: Follow Hosts: | |||
| Why Your House Is Humid (Even With New HVAC SYSTEM) | 24 Dec 2025 | 00:50:11 | |
Everyone blames the HVAC System. Most of the time, that’s wrong. Nikki Krueger breaks down why modern homes struggle with humidity, even with high-efficiency systems, and why dehumidification has become a missing piece in comfort, health, and durability. Follow Hosts: | |||
| How Air Pressure Technology is Saving Lives in Warships and Homes with Niek-Jan Bink | 30 Apr 2025 | 01:06:43 | |
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 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.
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 [03:54] - From climate researcher to co-owner of a cutting-edge HVAC company [06:30] - ACIN’s diverse innovations: from naval valves to plant research [08:52] - The origin story of the Flow Finder and 1980s ventilation failures [12:40] - Flow Finder Mk2+ development & challenges [18:00] - Ultrasonic leak detection tools: what's coming next [21:37] - Using Flow Finder and ultra graphics in prefab & commercial projects [28:32] - Breaking down the ADT’s functionality, limitations, and value [35:56] - Practical ADT case study in a Dutch apartment complex [44:11] - Achieving ISO 17025 accreditation & improving calibration uncertainty [47:22] - Flow Finder Mk2+ updates: new motor controller, better efficiency [52:56] - Extending the flow capacity up to 700 CFM [55:00] - Future software for hood-specific calibration [58:44] - U.S. use cases: whole-house ventilation, duct testing, and balancing [01:03:00] - Advice for young Follow Hosts: | |||
| Fixing HVAC Air Leaks to Cut Energy Waste and Improve System Performance with Aeroseal’s Amit Gupta | 16 Apr 2025 | 00:40:47 | |
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, 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.
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 [07:22] - Expanding into Building Envelopes [10:41] - Challenges in Sealing and Pressure Dynamics [12:58] - Sealing Commercial Ductwork [16:01] - Sealing Process for Residential Systems [19:28] - Tax Incentives for Homeowners [26:00] - Growth of Aeroseal Worldwide [21:07] - Advice for Entrepreneurs [33:00] - Future of Building Technology Connect with the Guest: LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/amit-gupta-36abb0/ Website: https://aeroseal.com/ Aeroseal Social media: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AerosealUSA Follow Hosts: | |||
| How Blower Door Testing Became the HVAC Industry Standard for Air Tightness with Brendan Reid | 02 Apr 2025 | 00:38:01 | |
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 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.
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 [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 [35:50] - Final Advice for HVAC Professionals Connect with Brendan Reid: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brendan-reid-5255bbb/ Website Aeroseal: https://aeroseal.com/ Website SellMoreSeals: https://sellmoreseals.com/ Follow Hosts: Follow Hosts: | |||
| How HVAC Experts Make Millions Selling Comfort, Not Energy Savings, with Brendan Reid | 19 Mar 2025 | 00:50:51 | |
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, 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
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 [17:54] - How Retrotec Started & The Shift to Manufacturing [22:48] - Challenges in the Home Performance Industry [32:18] - Advice for Energy Auditors: Thriving Without Government Incentives [38:38] - The Role of Sales in Home Performance Contracting [43:24] - Lessons Learned & Reflections on the Industry’s Growth Connect with Brendan Reid: LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/brendan-reid-5255bbb/ Website Aeroseal: https://aeroseal.com/ Website Sell More Seals: https://sellmoreseals.com/ Follow Hosts: Ben Walker (Co-CEO, Retrotec) LinkedIn: Follow Hosts: | |||
| How Blower Door Testing Revolutionized Energy Efficiency and Built an Industry with Colin Genge | 05 Mar 2025 | 00:51:44 | |
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, 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
In Today’s Episode [00:42] – Introduction [02:04] – How the industry began [02:36] – Collin’s experience with media and industry recognition [03:22] – Collin’s Life After Retirement [05:16] – The origins of blower door testing in the 1980s ... Follow Hosts: | |||
| The First Airtight Home That Started the Energy Efficiency Revolution with Harold Orr | 19 Feb 2025 | 00:57:08 | |
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 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
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 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/harold-orr-6858a3/ Ben Walker (Co-CEO, Retrotec) LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-walker-4a05901/ Sam Myers (Building Science Specialist & Trainer) LinkedIn: Follow Hosts: | |||
| The Flow Lab Podcast Coming Soon! | 17 Feb 2025 | 00:00:40 | |
Welcome to The Flow Lab Podcast by Retrotec! 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. Follow Hosts: | |||
| How student built homes hit 0.9 ACH50 | 11 Dec 2025 | 00:43:18 | |
High school students are building real, high-performance homes… and hitting 0.9 ACH50. Matt Blomquist joins The Flow Lab to unpack how his class builds tighter houses than most pros, why blower-door testing is a game-changer, and how hands-on education is shaping the next generation of builders. Follow Hosts: | |||
| Rewiring the Trades Pipeline: Inside Grit’s Hands-On Youth HVAC Camps | 25 Nov 2025 | 00:54:09 | |
On this episode of Flow Lab, Ben Walker and Sam Myers sit down with Leilani Orr and Ty Branaman from the Grit Foundation to talk about a very practical way to grow the trades pipeline: youth camps where kids actually do the work. Follow Hosts: | |||
| Solar & Heat Pumps: Get the Math Right (feat. Brent Davidson) | 07 Nov 2025 | 00:48:31 | |
Solar & heat pumps can be a dream team or a challenge when time‑of‑use rates and sloppy sizing collide. Brent Davidson joins Ben Walker and Sam Myers to share a contractor‑first playbook: fix the enclosure, model the real load, then pair PV, storage, and controls so bills go down and stay down. We discuss home battery technology, how TOU windows change design decisions, and why rules of thumb (500‑sq‑ft‑per‑ton) still wreck outcomes. Brent also previews the US Heat Pump Summit happening in November 2025. This event is built to connect technical training with business systems so good work actually scales. Show Notes: 00:00 When solar + heat pumps backfire 00:42 Welcome + guest intro: Brent Davidson 00:56 US Heat Pump Summit in Worcester 02:06 From utility-scale solar to home performance tools 17:12 Home batteries are coming fast 19:15 Time-of-use rates and the real load profile 21:04 Order of operations and cross-trade coordination 33:41 Sizing reality and Manual J pitfalls (with better tools) 40:21 Inverters, downtime, and designing for resilience Connect with Brent Davidson: Personal LI Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brentdavidson/ Company LI Page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/us-heat-pump-summit/ Website: https://www.usheatpumpsummit.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61577100464455 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/usheatpumpsummit/ Follow Hosts: Ben Walker (Co-CEO, Retrotec) LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-walker-4a05901/ Sam Myers (Building Science Specialist & Trainer) LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sam-myers-ms-a9a4a546/ Website: https://retrotec.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/retrotec/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/retrotec/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RetrotecEnergy/ Listen on: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3xMDAhIttUTHWK41DH7KhB Don’t forget to subscribe for more episodes on airtightness, ventilation strategies, and innovations in building science! #BuildingScience #AirtightnessTesting #EnergyEfficiency #BuildingPerformance #HVAC #Retrotec #GreenStar #EnergyWaste #HomeImprovement Follow Hosts: | |||
| How Contractors Can Overcome Air Leakage Problems Without Codes Using DIY Tools – John Konstantakopoulos & Joseph Cheung | 09 Jul 2025 | 00:40:44 | |
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 and Sam Myers are joined by John Konstantakopoulos and Joseph Cheung to discuss the challenges of improving airtightness and energy efficiency in Australian homes. The conversation explores the nuances of building construction in Australia, where airtightness and ventilation systems are not always prioritized, leading to major inefficiencies. John and Joseph share their insights on how to solve common issues in Australian building practices, especially regarding the impact of air leaks on energy waste, comfort, and health. They explain the importance of a whole-building approach to airtightness and ventilation, and how residential buildings could benefit from more awareness and implementation of airtightness testing. What You’ll Learn
Episode Breakdown with Timestamps [00:00] - Introduction [05:50] - How did Efficiency Matrix start [08:38] - Green Building Council, Australia [14:48] - Common causes of leakage rates and how to solve them [16:27] - New Products on Efficiency Matrix [19:06] - Efficiency Matrix isn’t just for testing [25:43] - Design considerations for the open area and vent [28:43] - Envelope Integrity Report [33:43] - Logging issues after blower test [36:44] - Closing thoughts: EIR website and Subscription Connect with John K
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| How Australian Homes Leak Energy for Builders to Improve Airtightness & Ventilation with Sean Maxwell | 25 Jun 2025 | 00:52:19 | |
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 and Sam Myers sit down with Sean Maxwell, Scheme Manager at ATTMA Australia & New Zealand, to discuss airtightness in buildings and the challenges of improving energy efficiency. From working with builders on airtightness practices to improve building codes, Sean shares his insights into the evolution of building science and the potential for large-scale improvements in comfort and energy use. Sean walks us through his journey in building science, including his time with the Energy Star Homes program and his efforts in advancing airtightness testing in Australia. He highlights the importance of both individual apartment and whole-building tests, discusses the role of ventilation systems in airtight buildings, and shares his thoughts on the future of energy efficiency standards. What You’ll Learn:
In This Episode: [00:00] - Introduction to Sean Maxwell and the importance of blower door testing [01:42] - Sean's background in building science and his journey from New York to Australia [03:33] - Discussing the challenges of airtightness in buildings and why it’s often overlooked [05:48] - Common issues causing air leaks: windows, doors, and poor construction practices [10:20] - How airtightness impacts building comfort and energy efficiency [13:07] - The importance of ventilation in airtight buildings and strategies for effective implementation [18:43] - Ventilation strategies: Exhaust fans, ERVs, and occupant-controlled systems [19:59] - Building code issues and differences in airtightness regulations across regions [27:19] - The need for collaboration in building science: Sharing knowledge a Follow Hosts: | |||
| How Large Buildings Fail Air Tightness Tests for Contractors to Fix with ASTM E3158 – Denali Jones | 11 Jun 2025 | 00:52:10 | |
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 -------------------------------- 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.
In This Episode: [00:00] - Denali’s background and how he got started [04:50] - First testing jobs and early lessons [08:00] - Where buildings leak and why [13:08] - Testing tall buildings and working with city codes [19:28] - How the ABAA training program came together [26:49] - The most common mistakes testers make [33:52] - What’s next for airtightness testing [37:37] - Why it’s better to bring in testers early [44:44] - Tips for using fans and setting up safely [50:12] - Real-world testing results and future research plans Connect with Denali Jones: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/denali-jones-4b6b8375/ Connect with Company: Follow Hosts: | |||
| How ATTMA Revolutionized Airtightness Testing for Building Experts Using Lodgment Systems – Barry Cope | 28 May 2025 | 00:58:13 | |
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 -------------------------------- 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.
In Today’s Episode [00:00] - How ATTMA Helped Identify High-Rise Risks After Grenfell [01:13] - Introduction and Barry’s Role in the UK Blower Door Market [02:07] - What is ATTMA and How It Evolved [04:36] - Barry’s Entry into the Industry and ATTMA’s Transformation [06:25] - Building a Full-Scale Training House Inside a Warehouse [09:22] - Real-World Pressure Testing and Training Innovation [11:17] - Bringing the Lodgment System to the U.S. [16:00] - The Challenges of Code Fragmentation in the U.S. [21:37] - ABA’s Expansion and ISO Certification Progress [28:05] - Who Has Access to UK Building Test Data [34:18] - Air Tightness Metrics: Volume vs. Sur Follow Hosts: | |||
| How Smart Sensors Are Replacing IAQ Gimmicks for HVAC Experts to Rebuild Customer Trust with Kevin Hart | 14 May 2025 | 00:55:07 | |
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:
In Today’s Episode: [00:00] - Introduction to the Episode and Guest [03:30] - Kevin’s Transition from Electrician to Air Quality Innovator [07:00] - The Challenges of Early IAQ Sensors and the Need for Affordable Solutions [10:45] - The Move to Whole-Home Air Quality Monitoring [15:30] - The Importance of Smart Ventilation in Modern HVAC Systems [20:00] - The Risks of Overhyped IAQ Products: Ozone Generators and UV Lights [25:15] - The Role of Professionals in Solving IAQ Issues [30:00] - Exploring the New Room Monitor and Its Impact on Homes [35:20] - How the IAQ Industry is Evolving and the Need for Better Education and Training [40:00] - Final Thoughts and Future Innovations in IAQ Follow Hosts: | |||
| Stop Guessing Start Testing | 16 Apr 2026 | 00:51:44 | |
Ben Walker and Sam Myers sit down with Jake Bruton to talk blower door testing, airtightness, and why data beats opinions every time. Jake explains why he tests multiple times during a build, what leak paths still surprise teams, and how those checks reduce risk and callbacks. They also get into vetting HVAC contractors for low load homes and why buy-in matters more than bravado. If you are serious about building better, share this with a builder who still “just knows” it’s tight. Show Notes: Connect with: Follow Hosts: | |||
| Building The Future HVAC Workforce | 19 Mar 2026 | 00:37:38 | |
Ben Walker and Sam Myers sit down with Xavier Walter of the Building Performance Association to talk about the workforce gap, why HVAC contractors need building science partners, and where the industry is headed next. They get into apprenticeship and workforce development, how weatherization and HVAC can work together, and why callbacks drop when contractors solve the whole problem. Plus, a quick run-through of what to expect at the BPA National Conference in Columbus, April 13–16. Use code NHPC-Flow for a discounted registration rate ($825) Video Notes: Follow Hosts: | |||
| Indoor Air Quality Is More Than a Number | 25 Feb 2026 | 00:48:15 | |
Sam Myers and Ben Walker sit down with Joe Medosch to talk about why indoor air quality is personal, and why better HVAC diagnostics matter more than ever. They break down MeasureQuick, direct capture, and the accountability gap that still holds the industry back. You will also hear why “the occupant is the greatest sensor,” plus what wildfire smoke and ventilation mean for real homes. If this helped, share it with a tech or builder who cares about getting it right. Show Notes: Follow Hosts: | |||