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