Building HVAC Science
Exploring the science, people, and practices shaping better buildings. The Building HVAC Science Podcast dives deep into the technical and human sides of heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and building performance. Hosted by industry veteran Bill Spohn, CEO, and co-host Eric Kaiser, Industry Engagement Manager at TruTech Tools the show brings together decades of hands-on expertise with a passion for advancing the craft of HVAC. With nearly 240 episodes and counting, the podcast features conversations with contractors, distributors, manufacturers, educators, and thought leaders across the HVAC and building science communities. Each episode blends practical knowledge with bigger-picture insights, helping professionals stay ahead of trends, sharpen their skills, and build stronger businesses. Our topics range from: • New tools, technologies, and field practices. • Case studies and lessons learned from real-world contractors. • Building performance, comfort, and indoor air quality. • Industry innovation, workforce development, and the human stories behind the work. Whether you’re a technician in the field, a business owner, a manufacturer, or simply curious about the science of how buildings breathe and perform, Building HVAC Science connects you with the knowledge and voices moving the industry forward. * Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. This show is a production of TruTech Tools®, LTD.
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EP252 The Perfection Trap in the Trades With Eric Kaiser (December 2025)
01/09/2026
EP252 The Perfection Trap in the Trades With Eric Kaiser (December 2025)
Quotes from the episode: “Good enough isn’t a fixed point. It’s a moving target shaped by goals, expectations, and consequences.” “Perfection can push us forward, but it can also quietly pull us off track.” “If I delivered what I promised, in the time promised, using the resources promised, that is good enough for me.” “The real skill is knowing when extra effort adds value and when it just adds ego.” In this solo monologue episode, Eric Kaiser explores a deceptively simple question: Can good enough be perfect? Drawing on years of experience in the trades, Eric reflects on how deeply perfectionism runs in technical work and how it can both elevate quality and quietly work against efficiency, clarity, and outcomes. Using a favorite quote from Dan Holohan, Eric reframes “good enough” not as mediocrity, but as work that meets the right goals, expectations, and time horizons. He walks through practical parameters that define when good enough truly is perfect, including the intended lifespan of the work, customer and regulatory expectations, available resources, and the real consequences of pushing beyond what the situation requires. Eric closes by offering a simple but powerful three-question test to evaluate our own work: Did I deliver what was promised? Was it done in the promised timeframe? And did I use the promised resources? If the answer is yes to all three, then maybe, just maybe, the work was perfectly good enough. This episode was recorded in December 2025.
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EP251 Innovation in HVAC: The Quiet Shifts That Matter Most With Bill Spohn (December 2025)
01/02/2026
EP251 Innovation in HVAC: The Quiet Shifts That Matter Most With Bill Spohn (December 2025)
Quotes from the Episode: “Innovation in HVAC isn’t one big breakthrough. It’s a series of quieter shifts that slowly change how we work.” “The future of HVAC depends on the people who measure, verify, and continuously improve.” “Collecting data is getting easier. Interpreting it well is where the real value lives.” “True innovation isn’t about chasing trends. It’s about reducing uncertainty and delivering better outcomes.” “Homes aren’t a collection of parts. They’re systems, and HVAC sits right in the middle of that system.” In this solo episode, Bill Spohn reflects on how innovation in HVAC really happens, not through one flashy breakthrough, but through a series of quieter, incremental shifts that compound over time. Drawing from 250 episodes of conversations on the Building HVAC Science podcast, Bill reframes innovation as a mindset grounded in measurement, feedback, and systems thinking rather than just new equipment. Bill walks through key patterns he has observed across the industry, including the shift from equipment-focused thinking to system-level performance, the rise of connected and cloud-based field tools, and the growing role of software in interpreting data rather than just collecting it. He highlights how smart tools, real-time diagnostics, commissioning workflows, and platforms like MeasureQuick have changed troubleshooting, accountability, and profitability for contractors who embrace them. The episode also explores major themes shaping the future of HVAC: electrification and heat pumps, dual-fuel strategies, improved load calculations and design software, smarter controls and commissioning, and the rapid evolution of indoor air quality from a niche topic to a core expectation. Bill emphasizes the increasing integration of HVAC with building science, ventilation, moisture, and enclosure performance, and points to contractors who are thriving by treating homes as complete systems. He closes by reinforcing that true innovation is about reducing uncertainty, improving outcomes, and supporting continuous learning, all while encouraging listeners to explore BetterHVAC as a growing nonprofit resource for contractors and homeowners alike. This episode was recorded in December 2025.
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EP250 Beyond the Equipment: Reflections on 250 Episodes of HVAC and Building Science with Eric and Bill (December 2025)
12/26/2025
EP250 Beyond the Equipment: Reflections on 250 Episodes of HVAC and Building Science with Eric and Bill (December 2025)
Quotes from the Episode: “Good building systems don’t start with equipment—they start with a plan and a thoughtful process.” “Most comfort problems aren’t equipment problems; they’re building problems we haven’t taken the time to understand.” “If even one episode helps someone take the next step in their career, then it’s all been worth it.” Episode 250 of the Building HVAC Science Podcast flips the script. Instead of Bill Spohn and Eric Kaiser doing the interviewing, TruTech Tools’ Senior Marketing Manager Ginny Hebert steps into the host seat to reflect on 250 episodes of conversations about comfort, buildings, and the people who work on them. What follows is an honest, thoughtful look back at what the show has uncovered—not just about HVAC systems, but about how people learn, think, and grow within the industry. Bill and Eric reflect on how their understanding of comfort has evolved, especially regarding concepts such as heat transfer, mean radiant temperature, air sealing, and treating the house as a system rather than a collection of parts. They discuss how many “equipment problems” are actually building or design problems, and why taking time to think—really think—about a problem is often the most valuable (and most overlooked) practice in the trade. The conversation highlights how technology, connected tools, and computing power have improved diagnostics, while also reinforcing that good outcomes still depend on mindset and process. The episode also looks forward. From normalizing system testing and indoor air quality assessments to improving how comfort is predicted and communicated, Bill and Eric share what they hope will become everyday practice over the next decade. Above all, this milestone episode is a thank-you to listeners, guests, and the broader HVAC and building science community—for staying curious, open-minded, and committed to doing better work for the people who live in the buildings we touch. Ginny’s LinkedIn: Eric’s LinkedIn: Bill’s LinkedIn: This episode was recorded in December 2025.
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EP249 The Hidden Hazards: CO, H₂S and the Tech Behind Modern Gas Detection With Dave Massner from Sensorcon (December 2025)
12/19/2025
EP249 The Hidden Hazards: CO, H₂S and the Tech Behind Modern Gas Detection With Dave Massner from Sensorcon (December 2025)
Episode quotes: “Hydrogen sulfide doesn’t announce itself. It can drift in, hit your mucus membranes, and start causing real harm before you know it’s there.” “You can’t treat sensor response like magic—it’s physics, chemistry, and smart filtering working together to tell you what’s actually happening in the space.” In this episode, Bill & Eric sit down with Dave Massner from Sensorcon, a long-time technical contributor in the world of portable gas detection, to dig into the realities behind CO, H₂S, and O₂ sensing in both HVAC and industrial environments. Bill recaps the origins of their relationship with Sensorcon, which sets the stage for Dave to explain why gas detection still matters and brings in real-world examples—from oil fields to everyday equipment rooms—to show how invisible hazards shape how techs should approach safety. The conversation explores lesser-understood threats like hydrogen sulfide (H₂S)—a gas that can travel with the wind in oil and gas regions and incapacitate workers before they realize it’s there. We discuss the physiology, the chemistry, and the grim speed at which exposure can become deadly. From there, we shift to oxygen depletion, clarifying what “too low” actually means in field work and why measuring O₂ is just as important as detecting toxic gases. The episode also gets into the nuts and bolts of sensor behavior: signal-to-noise ratios, filtering, raw output, response time, and the clever algorithms that help instruments stabilize faster without sacrificing accuracy. Toward the end, we highlight Sensorcon’s ongoing efforts in training, education, and transparency, pointing listeners to the company’s technical blog posts, videos, and calibration resources. We also make the case for low-level CO alarms and why TruTech Tools has championed them for over a decade. As we wrap up, we leave listeners with a simple takeaway: understand your sensors, understand your risks, and choose equipment that treats safety as something more than a checkbox. Dave’s LinkedIn: Sensorcon at TTT: Sensorcon blog posts: Sensorcon videos: Low-level CO alarms at TruTech Tools: This episode was recorded in December 2025.
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EP248 Balanced Comfort, Brutal Lessons: Scaling, Losing Half Your Revenue, and Starting Over with AI with Aaron Husak (November 2025)
12/12/2025
EP248 Balanced Comfort, Brutal Lessons: Scaling, Losing Half Your Revenue, and Starting Over with AI with Aaron Husak (November 2025)
“Inspect your marketing the way you’d inspect a home—run diagnostics, don’t guess.” – Aaron Husak “Attitude is way more important than aptitude. One bad apple really can infect the whole company.” – Aaron Husak In this episode of the Building HVAC Science podcast, Eric and Bill sit down with long-time friend and contractor-turned-marketing pro, Aaron Husak. Aaron traces his winding path from solar in the mid-2000s to building performance and BPI training, and then to founding Balanced Comfort in Fresno, CA. What started as a small HERS and energy-audit firm bootstrapped its way into insulation, HVAC, and weatherization, eventually landing on the Inc. 5000 list four times and scaling from $1.3M to over $12M in just a few years. Along the way, Aaron learned the complex realities of rapid growth: hiring quickly, depending on rebate programs, uncovering serious gaps in back-office accounting and HR, and navigating California’s legal landscape. Things got especially rough when PG&E abruptly pulled a weatherization program that made up half of their revenue, right as Aaron was also dealing with the personal loss of both his parents. A rescue buyer ultimately acquired the company in early 2025, giving Aaron a hard-earned exit. From that experience, Aaron pulls out lessons for contractors who want to grow without blowing themselves up. He emphasizes perseverance, but also warns that good field tech screening doesn’t automatically translate into good screening for accountants, HR, and support staff. He talks about the cost of keeping the wrong people too long, the importance of outside eyes on your books and compliance, and why attitude beats aptitude when building a healthy culture. He also calls out how easy it is to underestimate the impact of programs, receivables, and legal exposure—especially in states where “it doesn’t matter if you’re right, you still have to pay the attorney.” Today, Aaron has pivoted into his next chapter with Sequoia GEO, a marketing firm focused on contractors and local service businesses, with a special emphasis on AI and “GEO” (Generative Engine Optimization). He explains why your Google Business Profile is the low-hanging fruit almost everyone neglects, how AI tools and devices like Plaud can turn field conversations into high-value website content, and why AI “likes structure” (bullets, lists, and real stories). The episode closes with practical advice: inspect your marketing like you would inspect a home, use affordable diagnostic tools to see what’s really happening online, stay transparent with customers about recording and privacy, and treat expensive mistakes as lessons that tighten your processes for the future. Aaron’s LinkedIn: Aaron’s Company: Aaron’s Blog: This episode was recorded in November 2025.
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EP247 From CEO to Chief Education Officer: Bill Spohn on Legacy, Leadership & Better HVAC (November 2025)
12/05/2025
EP247 From CEO to Chief Education Officer: Bill Spohn on Legacy, Leadership & Better HVAC (November 2025)
“Get mad at the problem, not the person. When people feel safe, they’ll actually bring you the real issues.” - Bill Spohn “We’re woven into the fabric of this industry. The industry made me—so in a way, it owns me.” - Bill Spohn “What we have to learn to do, we learn by doing.” - Aristotle In this episode, Eric turns the mic around and interviews his co-host, Bill Spohn, about the evolution of TruTech Tools, his leadership philosophy, and why he’s shifting from “Chief Executive Officer” to “Chief Education Officer.” Bill traces the roots of TruTech back to late 2006, when a suggestion at a Testo Christmas party planted the seed for an online test-instrument business that launched in April 2007. He talks about how TruTech has become “woven into the fabric of the industry,” helping connect HVAC and building performance pros while focusing on specialty tools, education, and best practices. A big chunk of the conversation is about people: attracting and retaining the right employees, and running the business through the lens of core values. Bill and Eric walk through TruTech’s four core values—Do the Right Thing, Be a Team Player, Get It Done, and Be Attentive—and how they were distilled from nearly 80 traits the leadership team admired in their co-workers. Bill explains how these values show up in hiring (situational questions), in problem-solving (getting mad at the problem, not the person, and using the “five whys”), and in daily decisions about how to treat customers and each other. Bill also opens up about his intentional five-year transition plan out of day-to-day leadership and into a more advisory and educational role, including transferring ownership and the President role to his son. He shares why he didn’t want to be the owner who leaves on a stretcher—or the one who keeps wandering back in and undermining the next generation. Instead, he’s leaning into training the team, mentoring startups, and building out the Better HVAC directory as a free resource for contractors and consumers. Along the way, he and Eric talk about the “comfort industry” as a whole, the blending of HVAC and building performance, the importance of passing down institutional knowledge, and even Bill’s side quest to learn rock guitar and someday join the Building Science Boogie Band. This episode was recorded in November 2025.
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EP246 Beyond MERV: The Truth About Smoke, Sensors, and Standards With Sissi Liu (October 2025)
11/28/2025
EP246 Beyond MERV: The Truth About Smoke, Sensors, and Standards With Sissi Liu (October 2025)
Episode quotes: “Below about 0.4 microns, many low-cost PM sensors are basically guessing—right where wildfire smoke and aerosols live.” — Sissi Liu “Electrostatic filters can look great at first—and then fall off a cliff in smoke. Pressure drop won’t warn you.” — Sissi Liu “Science is a way of thinking much more than it is a body of knowledge.” — Carl Sagan Eric digs into the “fresh air” myth with Sissi Liu, CEO/co-founder of Metalmark Innovations and active ASHRAE committee member. Sissi explains why “outdoor = fresh” is context-dependent—urban pollution, agricultural activity, and especially wildfire smoke can make outdoor air worse than indoor air. Because air quality is dynamic, she pushes for comparing indoor and outdoor conditions in real time and ventilating intelligently, with attention to the energy cost of conditioning outside air. They then get nerdy on sensors and filters. Many low-cost PM2.5 laser-scattering sensors struggle below ~0.4 µm and can misread certain particle types (e.g., dark/black carbon), which matters because smoke and pathogen-carrying aerosols often live in the ~0.1–0.3 µm range. On filtration, Sissi contrasts mechanical vs. electrostatically charged media: electrostatic filters start efficiently with low pressure drop but can lose effectiveness within hours in smoke events. In contrast, mechanical media hold up better (though at higher pressure). She highlights ASHRAE 52.2 Appendix J (loaded efficiency) and argues that standards—along with reporting practices—must evolve for wildfire realities. Key takeaways “Fresh air” is conditional: check outdoor AQ (and indoor) before cranking up ventilation. IAQ is dynamic; test and compare locally rather than assuming static conditions. Consumer PM sensors can under-count the tiniest and darkest particles; treat data with caveats. Wildfire smoke clusters in the most-penetrating particle size (~0.1–0.3 µm) for many filters. Electrostatic filters may degrade fast in smoke; pressure drop alone won’t reveal failure. ASHRAE standards (e.g., 52.2 Appendix J, SGPC-44) are evolving—industry needs to catch up. Sissi’s LinkedIn: Metalmark website: This episode was recorded in October 2025.
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EP245 Retrofit the Future: Inside PHIUS’s New Revive Standard with Al Mitchell and Haley Harlow (October 2025)
11/21/2025
EP245 Retrofit the Future: Inside PHIUS’s New Revive Standard with Al Mitchell and Haley Harlow (October 2025)
Eric Kaiser sits down with Haley Harlow and Al Mitchell from PHIUS (Passive House Institute US) to explore Revive 2024, a groundbreaking new retrofit standard focused on thermal resilience and healthier, safer existing buildings. Haley shares her path from Pennsylvania College of Technology to her current role managing building certifications at PHIUS. At the same time, Al recounts his journey from aspiring car engineer to building scientist, drawn to the elegant complexity of whole-building systems. Together, they unpack how Revive differs from traditional PHIUS new-construction standards. Instead of focusing on heating and cooling load targets, Revive emphasizes thermal resilience—a building’s ability to remain habitable for up to a week during power outages or extreme weather. They also discuss ReviveCalc, PHIUS’s new software tool for analyzing retrofit scenarios, allowing designers to test various upgrade packages, balance cost and performance, and phase improvements over time. The tool incorporates lifecycle cost analysis, dynamic energy modeling, and resilience metrics, making advanced design decisions more accessible to real-world projects. Both guests share their excitement about addressing the massive stock of underperforming existing buildings. Haley connects it to her own experience growing up in energy-intensive apartments, while Al reflects on how to use today’s computing power better to design resilient, efficient homes. They close with a shared message: retrofitting our current buildings is not only possible, it’s essential for the future of sustainability, comfort, and community resilience. Key Takeaways PHIUS Revive 2024 focuses on retrofits, bringing resilience and energy equity to the existing building stock. Thermal resilience replaces traditional load metrics, ensuring buildings remain habitable during grid or system failures. ReviveCalc helps users model envelope and mechanical upgrades, estimate lifecycle costs, and optimize phase-by-phase improvements. The program aligns with ASHRAE Guideline 0.2 for commissioning and integrates EPA’s Energy Savings Plus Health framework. Air sealing remains the top “bang for the buck” retrofit measure for both comfort and energy savings. CPHC certification (Certified PHIUS Consultant) is open to anyone—no degree required. The Revive approach balances performance, cost, and practicality for real-world projects. Haley’s LinkedIn: Al’s LinkedIn: Info on Phius Revive 2024: This episode was recorded in October 2025.
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EP244 Envelope, HVAC, and Humans: Solving the IAQ Puzzle with Brantley May (October 2025)
11/14/2025
EP244 Envelope, HVAC, and Humans: Solving the IAQ Puzzle with Brantley May (October 2025)
Quotes by Brantley: “Most moisture problems are a three-way dance—envelope, mechanicals, and the occupants.” “Skim the light, don’t blast it. The right flashlight technique makes the invisible visible.” “If you only understand one piece of the system, you’re solving 1/3 of the problem.” Indoor environmental specialist Brantley May joins the show to unpack how he investigates moisture, mold, and air-quality problems through building forensics. Starting as a mold remediator in his family business, Brantley shifted to assessment work and now runs national investigations that pinpoint root causes—from envelope leaks and interstitial space connections to mechanical design and operation issues. He explains the value of “flashlight technique” (skimming light across surfaces to reveal early hyaline mold) and why good eyes, a light, and critical thinking are still the most important tools in the bag. Brantley walks through his toolkit—manometers, blower doors, pressure pans, thermal imagers, moisture meters, anemometers/flow hoods, data loggers, and even a backup sling psychrometer—plus his new favorite screening instrument, the InstaScope, which provides real-time readings on particulates, mold/pollen, bacteria/virus, VOCs, and CO₂. Investigations culminate in a report and protocols for the envelope, mechanicals, and remediation, often requiring tight coordination across multiple trades. He stresses pre-drywall inspections, “red-pen” continuous air/thermal barrier checks, and long-term monitoring to verify theories—especially on complex modern designs where vented attics and interstitial spaces end up unintentionally connected. A major theme: cross-disciplinary literacy. Most condensation/humidity problems stem from three interacting factors—envelope failure, mechanical failure, and occupant behavior—so HVAC pros must understand building science, and envelope pros must understand HVAC. Brantley shares how training (BPI, IICRC), mentorship, microscopy work (McCrone/Ochsner), and relentless curiosity shaped his practice. Watch for him at industry events (HVACR School Symposium, Build Show)—maybe even submitting a short BryX talk next time. Brantley’s LinkedIn: His company: His Instagram: McRone Institute: Instascope: Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification: Building Performance Institute: Building Science Summer Camp: National Home Performance Conference: This episode was recorded in October 2025.
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EP243 Three Sensors, One Strategy: Making Maintenance Truly Smart With Kevin Weaver from SmartAC (October 2025)
11/07/2025
EP243 Three Sensors, One Strategy: Making Maintenance Truly Smart With Kevin Weaver from SmartAC (October 2025)
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: SmartAC: Earlier episode with founder Josh Teekell (Ep. 136): This episode was recorded in October 2025.
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EP242 Give Every Heat Pump a Cell Phone - Predictive HVAC with Thalo Labs With Brendan Hermalyn (October 2025)
10/31/2025
EP242 Give Every Heat Pump a Cell Phone - Predictive HVAC with Thalo Labs With Brendan Hermalyn (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: Thalo Labs: This episode was recorded in October 2025.
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EP241 Hydronics, Storage, and a Single Box: Berlin Raj’s Totex Vision (September 2025)
10/24/2025
EP241 Hydronics, Storage, and a Single Box: Berlin Raj’s Totex Vision (September 2025)
Totex co-founder Berlin Raj joins Eric and “Overkill Bill” to unpack a single-box, hydronic monoblock system that combines space conditioning, domestic hot water, pool heating, thermal + lithium storage, EV charging integration, and backup power. Born from Berlin’s lifelong tinkering (and many shocks), the idea: stop wasting condenser heat—capture it for hot water while cooling. The system keeps all refrigerant sealed in the outdoor unit and runs PEX supply/return to indoor air handlers (ducted or ductless), avoiding field flares and refrigerant line runs. Install looks familiar—set the pad, pipe PEX, fill a glycol loop, wire power/control—yet it adds clever tricks: load matching from ~1.5–6 tons, dynamic load limiting for small panels (even ~20–30A circuits), modular thermal storage (~100 kWh cooling / ~55 kWh heating), a ~10.5 kWh lithium pack, and app/10" touchscreen controls over Modbus with hooks for BMS and home automation. In cooling-plus-hot-water mode, field tests show very high effective COP (Berlin cites “9+”) because the unit harvests both sides of the cycle. Engineered for residential and light commercial (think houses, small offices, QSRs), the unit can supply hot water up to ~165°F, support radiant/underfloor at lower temps, operate down to about -7.6°F, and be manifolded for capacity and redundancy. Texas is the target U.S. beachhead (long cooling seasons = months of “free” hot water), with pilots in Australia and U.S. pilots planned; broader availability is aimed for mid to late next year. Berlin’s closing note? “People, people, people”—comfort and outcomes start with humans. Notable Quotes: “Why dump condenser heat when you can use it? Cool the house and make hot water at the same time.” — Berlin Raj “Dynamic load balancing means a heat pump that plays nice with a 100-amp panel.” — Eric Kaiser (paraphrased) “People, people, people. Comfort is ultimately about humans first.” — Berlin Raj Berlin on LinkedIn: Totex website: Come visit with Berin in person at the This episode was recorded in September 2025.
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EP240 Run Into the Fire: Curiosity, VRF, and the Rise of Roman Baugh (October 2025)
10/17/2025
EP240 Run Into the Fire: Curiosity, VRF, and the Rise of Roman Baugh (October 2025)
Quotes from the Episode: “If it helps one person, then it’s worth its weight in gold.” —Roman “Stop asking ‘What if I fail?’—ask ‘What if I’m amazing at this?’” —Roman “I ran into the fire and rescued my future self.” —Roman (riffing with Bill) Roman Baugh—third-generation tradesman, educator at Kalos Services, and prolific HVAC content creator—joins Bill and Eric for a lively conversation that starts with mustache banter and lands on the deeper stuff: curiosity, service, parenting, and learning in public. Roman traces his path from riding along on service calls with his dad to getting humbled by his first big VRF job—then running into the fire to master the technology instead of avoiding it. That mindset led him to teaching, factory-level troubleshooting, and community building. He discusses homeschooling four boys and how nurturing their curiosity reshaped his own teaching style. Roman shares why he makes no-frills videos and answers techs’ questions at all hours: if one person benefits, it’s worth it. The crew dives into oscilloscopes for diagnosing modern communicating systems, the VRF Tech Talk podcast and Facebook group, and technician-born tools like the EEVmate. Threaded through it all is a simple thesis: chase passion over titles, be okay with failing forward, and find (and become) the helpers. The episode closes with practical encouragement: stop asking, “What if I fail?” and start asking, “What if I’m amazing at this?” Curiosity compounds; the work finds you; the money follows the value you provide. EEV Mate products: Roman’s podcast, VFR Talk: Roman on LinkedIn: The Three Pillars Video #!: Kalos Services: This episode was recorded in October 2025.
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EP239 Psychrometrics, Mobile Apps, and the Future of HVAC with Carmel Software (September 2025)
10/10/2025
EP239 Psychrometrics, Mobile Apps, and the Future of HVAC with Carmel Software (September 2025)
Stephen Roth—founder of Carmel Software and current owner of Hands Down Software—joins Bill and Eric to trace a multigenerational journey from a 1920s Ohio roofing firm to modern HVAC software that powers everyday field work. Stephen shares how family roots in commercial roofing and energy management shaped his path as a mechanical engineer and coder, eventually leading to Autodesk acquiring his early load-calc assets and, later, to relaunching Carmel with one of the industry’s first mobile HVAC app suites. Today CarmelSoft offers field-friendly tools from PT charts and duct/pipe sizers to an ACCA-approved Manual J (HVAC ResLoad J) iPad app. Stephen also discusses custom projects for Carrier, Mitsubishi, SMACNA, and ASHRAE (including Building EQ), plus the acquisition and revitalization of the ubiquitous Hands Down psychrometric chart software. Looking ahead, he sees AI accelerating data entry, plotting psychrometric processes by prompt, and facilitating web-based collaboration—always in service of the core mission: helping technicians and engineers accurately size systems and design energy-efficient buildings. Notable quotes: “Our mission is to help technicians and engineers easily and accurately design energy-efficient buildings.” — Stephen Roth “The city of Phoenix wouldn’t exist without our industry.” — Stephen Roth Stephen’s LinkedIn: Camelsoft website: HandsDown website: Upcoming webinars: Past recorded webinars: Contact form: This episode was recorded in September 2025.
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EP238 From Talk to Proposal: NOSO’s Take on Ethical, Measured Sales With Winston Chi (September 2025)
10/03/2025
EP238 From Talk to Proposal: NOSO’s Take on Ethical, Measured Sales With Winston Chi (September 2025)
“Use AI to augment people, not replace them.” “Windshield time is 30% of a tech’s day—let’s turn it into sales prep.” “Proposals should translate specs into homeowner value—comfort, savings, and choices.” In this episode, recorded live from the NCI Summit 2025 in Round Rock, TX, Bill and Eric sit down with Winston Chi, co-founder of NOSO Labs, to explore how AI can augment (not replace) HVAC technicians. Winston shares his path from a Google-backed, AI-driven startup in food wholesale to building tools for the trades, inspired by ride-alongs and family ties to hands-on work. His core thesis: most techs aren’t well trained in sales or structured communication, yet that’s precisely what turns field data into homeowner decisions. The goal is to streamline processes and eliminate friction, allowing techs to communicate clearly, follow up reliably, and close deals ethically. NOSO’s mobile-first app tackles three pain points: (1) windshield time becomes prep time via short audio job briefs (history, likely issues, “don’t forget the maintenance plan” cues); (2) on-site conversations (or quick self-notes) are recorded and auto-structured into clear summaries and proposals—with visuals instead of math walls—plus rebate and tax credit logic that stays current as programs change; and (3) follow-ups are auto-scheduled and teed up as texts or calls so opportunities don’t leak. A service manager dashboard displays follow-up activity, and there are native integrations (e.g., ServiceTitan and Housecall Pro). Winston also previews their massive manuals brain—~15 million HVAC/water-heater manuals searchable by photo/nameplate—so techs can look up specs fast. Early users span from San Diego to New Jersey; NOSO offers a short trial, then annual contracts. LINKS: Winston Chi: NoSo Labs: This episode was recorded in September 2025.
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EP237 From Data to Decisions: Tools, Demos, and Takeaways from NCI With ELK and Bill (September 2025)
09/26/2025
EP237 From Data to Decisions: Tools, Demos, and Takeaways from NCI With ELK and Bill (September 2025)
Some quotes: “When we treat the house as the biggest duct, comfort and performance finally line up.” “Field data becomes financial data the moment a homeowner decides—so it has to be right.” “If you can’t measure it, you can’t improve it.” — often attributed to Lord Kelvin Fresh back from the early-September NCI Summit in Austin, Bill and Eric recap three big themes: whole-home thinking, data you can trust, and tools that make better work faster. The “high-performance HVAC” mindset came through in a lively contractor panel moderated by Ben Lipscomb, where folks like Mitch Bailey, Dustin Cole, Ty Branaman, Jeremy Begley, MIcahel Cianfrocco, and others talked about uniting HVAC and building science to solve real problems, improve installs, and reduce callbacks. NCI’s training depth—airflow, combustion, diagnostics—was front and center, and the format (several sessions presented twice) helped attendees catch more of what mattered. Eric highlighted his session on using recorded field data for smarter troubleshooting and clearer homeowner communication, calling out platforms like MeasureQuick to aggregate, analyze, and report. On the show floor, you two dug into standout tools: the Shaeco fin-restoration attachment for oscillating tools (a genuine hail-damage time saver), the EEV-Mate for driving unipolar electronic expansion valves (with a demo Ty Branaman filmed), and Testo’s 860i wireless thermal imager that streams to a phone or tablet—great for homeowner show-and-tell. Startups NOSO Labs (AI for windshield-time prep and voice-note capture) and Thalo Labs (multi-point system sensors) hinted at where the trade is headed. With ~210 attendees and ~20 exhibitors—Fieldpiece, TEC, Daikin, Energy Circle, TSI, Sauermann, and more—the vibe was busy, practical, and optimistic. They also shouted out the Canadian contingent (including Anthony Woo, Contractor of the Year-Small) and noted EOS adoption gains. Bill also notes that BetterHVAC.org sign-ups ticked up to ~250 contractors, and he previewed a heavy fall travel calendar (Nexstar Super Meeting, Women in HVACR, BPA New England, Heat Pump Summit, ASHRAE Buildings XVI, etc.). NCI’s next Summit is slated for September 2026 the Great Smoky Mountains—contractors should keep an eye out. LINKS: Bill: Eric: NCI site: NCI Homeowner site: NCI Summit Site: The GRIT Foundation: The Joe Groh Foundation: Shaeco Coil Straightener: EEV Mate: Testo 860i: BetterHVAC: This episode was recorded in September 2025.
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EP236 Details Matter, but So Does the Big Picture A Conversation with Lisa White of PHIUS (August 2025)
09/19/2025
EP236 Details Matter, but So Does the Big Picture A Conversation with Lisa White of PHIUS (August 2025)
In this episode of the Building HVAC Science Podcast, Eric Kaiser and Bill Spohn welcome Lisa White, Associate Director of PHIUS, to explore the evolving world of passive building. Lisa shares her journey into building science, her role at PHIUS, and how the organization has grown from a niche movement into a force shaping multifamily and affordable housing projects across North America. She explains the core principles of passive building — thermal, air, and solar/radiation control — and how they translate into healthier, more comfortable, and more resilient spaces. Lisa also discusses PHIUS’s training and certification programs, the importance of third-party verification, and how tools like WUFI Passive and PHPP guide design decisions. The conversation touches on the challenges of balancing technical rigor with real-world implementation, the role of embodied carbon in standards development, and how passive building benefits not only owners and occupants, but also the broader environment. Lisa closes with reflections on persistence, growth, and optimism for the future of better buildings. “The details matter, but it’s the greater goal and intent behind them that truly counts.” — Lisa White “Passive building isn’t about eliminating systems; it’s about reducing the dependency on them.” — Lisa White Design Around People, A Good Building Follows” — Robert Bean (quoted by Eric Kaiser) Lisa shared a follow up thought after recording- her advice to younger self is "don't let perfect be the enemy of good -- while it's easy to get caught up in minor details, it's better to start by doing better and improve on that over time than to be held up by trying to be perfect at the onset.” As well as-- “never pass up an opportunity to educate yourself or to collaborate with others.” She has learned that the best things come out of collaborative and open-minded conversations. Lisa’s LinkedIn: PHIUS Website: The High Performance Staircase: This episode was recorded in August 2025.
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EP235 Counter-Culture, Catharsis, and Craft: Nathan Orr on Kalos, Blue Rabbit, and Beyond (August 2025)
09/12/2025
EP235 Counter-Culture, Catharsis, and Craft: Nathan Orr on Kalos, Blue Rabbit, and Beyond (August 2025)
In this episode of the Building HVAC Science Podcast, Eric and Bill welcome Nathan Orr, Sales Director at Kalos and co-founder of Blue Rabbit. Nathan is candid, reflective, and unfiltered, sharing how his creative process—whether through writing late-night reflections or even experimenting with unconventional podcast settings—helps him process emotion and sharpen perspective. His insights reveal a person who values authenticity and believes in using catharsis constructively, rather than destructively. Nathan also dives into Kalos’ growth story and culture. He attributes much of their success to embracing counter-culture thinking, focusing on training, and never being satisfied with the status quo. Kalos has become known as one of the best places to work because of its emphasis on excellence in the “little things,” respect for tradespeople, and willingness to challenge industry norms. Nathan also shares how HVAC School and other training ventures grew organically from the company’s internal needs to develop people into professionals. The conversation then shifts to Blue Rabbit, a consulting and problem-solving firm Nathan co-founded. He explains its mission: bridging the gap between engineers, tradespeople, and customers to improve project outcomes before mistakes become costly. Along the way, Nathan sprinkles in his signature humor and life lessons—from practical roadside survival tips to reflections on regret, pride, and authenticity. It’s an episode that blends industry insights, cultural philosophy, and personal stories in a way only Nathan could deliver. Nathan’s LinkedIn: Kalos Florida: BlueRabbit Consulting: This episode was recorded in August 2025.
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EP234 Heat Transfer and Heart: What 40 Years in HVAC Can Teach Us All With Mike Uselof (July 2025)
09/05/2025
EP234 Heat Transfer and Heart: What 40 Years in HVAC Can Teach Us All With Mike Uselof (July 2025)
In this episode of the Building HVAC Science Podcast, Eric Kaiser and Bill Spohn welcome longtime HVAC instructor Michael Uselof, who shares his remarkable journey from answering a humble job ad in 1983 to becoming a passionate educator with the United Association (UA). Michael reflects on the value of learning through hands-on experience, the evolution of HVAC technology, and the crucial role training plays in creating resilient, adaptable tradespeople. Michael shares stories from his early days wiring supermarkets and living above the shop, to teaching thousands of apprentices over two decades. He also dives into the shifting landscape of the HVAC world—from electrification efforts in New York to new refrigerants and the importance of teaching logic, not just facts. The conversation takes a heartfelt turn as Michael speaks to the emotional and mental demands of the service trade, encouraging listeners to seek help when needed and sharing the significance of community and ongoing education in staying strong and skilled. We don’t just teach a trade—we teach a career that changes lives." – Michael Useloff "Facts become data, data becomes knowledge, and wisdom is knowing what to fix." "If it doesn’t make you tick, you might want to pick a different field." Mike’s LinkedIn: UANJ: UA - national: This episode was recorded in July 2025.
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EP233 Thermal Cameras, AI, and Comfort: HomeBoost’s Big Idea with Selina Tobaccowala (July 2025)
08/29/2025
EP233 Thermal Cameras, AI, and Comfort: HomeBoost’s Big Idea with Selina Tobaccowala (July 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! Learn more at this link: 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: Selina’s LinkedIn: This episode was recorded in July 2025.
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EP232 Dry Air Done Right: The Art and Science of Dehumidification With Nikki Krueger (July 2025)
08/22/2025
EP232 Dry Air Done Right: The Art and Science of Dehumidification With Nikki Krueger (July 2025)
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: The Person: The Symposium: This episode was recorded in July 2025.
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EP231 Reimagining HVAC Sales: How Eden Is Modernizing the Home Upgrade Journey with Josh Koplin (July 2025)
08/15/2025
EP231 Reimagining HVAC Sales: How Eden Is Modernizing the Home Upgrade Journey with Josh Koplin (July 2025)
In this episode of Building HVAC Science, Bill Spohn welcomes Josh Koplin, co-founder of Eden (), 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: Josh’s LinkedIn: This episode was recorded in July 2025.
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EP230 Beyond Smoke and CO: The Case for Natural Gas Alarms with Marc A. Adams (July 2025)
08/08/2025
EP230 Beyond Smoke and CO: The Case for Natural Gas Alarms with Marc A. Adams (July 2025)
“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: Mark’s LinkedIn: What to look for in a natural gas alarm: UL 1484 Standard (Natural Gas Alarm): NFPA715 (Installation of a Fuel Gas Alarm): UL234 standard (CO Alarm): NFPA 72: This episode was recorded in July 2025.
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EP229 Smart Sensors, Healthy Patients: The Future of Healthcare IAQ with Renee Jacobs (July 2025)
08/01/2025
EP229 Smart Sensors, Healthy Patients: The Future of Healthcare IAQ with Renee Jacobs (July 2025)
“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: Distech website: ASHRAE Standard 170: Episode 48: With Stephanie Taylor This episode was recorded in July 2025.
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EP228 GRIT Camps: Where Trades Meet Transformation with Leilani Orr and Ty Branaman (July 2025)
07/25/2025
EP228 GRIT Camps: Where Trades Meet Transformation with Leilani Orr and Ty Branaman (July 2025)
In this episode of the Building HVAC Science Podcast, hosts Bill Spohn and Eric Kaiser sit down with two passionate leaders from the GRIT Foundation—Executive Director Leilani Orr and Head of Training Ty Branaman. Together, they unpack the origin story, purpose, and transformative impact of GRIT Camps, which introduce youth to the skilled trades in immersive, hands-on ways. The conversation explores how GRIT—which stands for Growth and Resilience in the Trades—isn't just a clever acronym but a mindset. Through personal stories, Leilani and Ty reflect on the deeper "why" behind the camps: fostering curiosity, building confidence, and instilling pride in practical skills that often go unrecognized. They discuss how using tools like the Socratic method not only helps students learn but transforms mentors as well—often reigniting their passion for the trades. You’ll hear about real-life transformations: timid students who become torch-wielding creators, mentors discovering new ways to engage, and parents witnessing their children light up with newfound purpose. As a pending nonprofit, the GRIT Foundation is fueled by heart, vision, and a small but mighty network of supporters—with hopes of expanding nationwide through thoughtful partnerships. “If I can do this, anybody can do this. I don’t want to be the guy—I want to be the guy helping other people become the guy.” – Ty Branaman “We’re not recruiting kids into the trades—we’re fostering curiosity and confidence in whoever they want to become.” – Leilani Orr “What you’re doing is important because it touches your heart—or brings a tear to your eye.” – Bill Spohn The Grit Foundation: Leilani’s LinkedIn: Ty’s LinkedIn: Bryan Orr’s book, Unconfomed: An Unbound and Unbridled Path to Unstuck Growth: This episode was recorded in July 2025.
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EP227 From Toolbelt to Trainer: Adam Mufich’s HVAC Journey (June 2025)
07/18/2025
EP227 From Toolbelt to Trainer: Adam Mufich’s HVAC Journey (June 2025)
In this wide-ranging episode, Eric Kaiser and Bill Spohn welcome longtime HVAC pro and educator Adam Mufich to the podcast. Adam shares his unique path through the industry—from growing up in a third-generation HVAC family and starting his own company, to becoming a trainer at the National Comfort Institute (NCI). The trio dives into how social media unexpectedly played a pivotal role in Adam’s professional growth, helping him connect with future collaborators through YouTube live streams and online forums. They explore Adam’s evolution into technical writing and training, his thoughts on public speaking, and what it’s like to work alongside industry veterans like David Richardson and Jim Davis. A significant portion of the conversation is dedicated to NCI’s new initiatives, including the upcoming High-Performance Heat Pump Retrofit class and the ComfortMax workflow integration with MeasureQuick, which aims to automate performance diagnostics for greater accuracy and efficiency. They also discuss: Why real-world hands-on training matters The importance of airflow and static pressure measurement The philosophy behind “If you’re not measuring, you’re just guessing” How modern tools like MeasureQuick elevate technician performance Upcoming NCI Summit (Sept. 9–12 in Texas) and member benefits Whether you’re a seasoned tech, a contractor, or someone just entering the trade, this episode underscores the importance of staying curious, embracing new technology, and building community within the HVAC industry. “If you’re not measuring, you’re just guessing.” – NCI Philosophy “Better precision tools won’t replace you—they’ll help you up your game.” – Adam Mufich “I’ll never know everything about HVAC. That’s why I keep learning every day.” – Adam Mufich Adam’sLinkedIn: NCI website: or The NCI Store on TruTechTools: Find an NCI contractor: NCI Consumer site: NCI Summit Link: NCI Membership details: Adams’s first episode with us, EP112: This episode was recorded in June 2025.
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EP226 Three Miracles and a Heat Pump: Fixing Retrofit Policy from the Ground Up with Abhi Katamneni & Nate Adams (June 2025)
07/11/2025
EP226 Three Miracles and a Heat Pump: Fixing Retrofit Policy from the Ground Up with Abhi Katamneni & Nate Adams (June 2025)
In this insightful episode, Bill and Eric are joined by Abhi Katamneni from Efficiency Canada and Nate Adams, also known as the House Whisperer, for a wide-ranging conversation on the future of home performance, policy, and how HVAC contractors can play a central role in the electrification and decarbonization of housing. Abhi shares lessons from his ride-alongs with contractors across North America, emphasizing how real-world experience shapes policy that actually works. Nate dives into his shift toward consumer education and the systemic problems he’s observed in program design and incentives. Together, they unpack how well-meaning policies can backfire when they disrupt the natural rhythm of contracting businesses—highlighting the urgent need for smarter, more contractor-centric approaches. They discuss “boundary spanners,” the unintended consequences of top-down mandates, and why the HVAC service truck is ground zero for climate solutions. Both guests call for immersion, experimentation, and communities of practice to move from boutique success stories to scalable change. Some quotes from the Episode: “The brain can’t absorb what your butt can’t endure.” – Abhi “If you’re not building something shovel-ready for contractors, what are you even doing?” – Abhi “A heat pump isn’t just green—it’s better. More comfort, less noise, fewer regrets.” – Nate Nate’s LinkedIn: Abhi’s LinkedIn: Boundary Spanners podcast: Nate’s website where you get free downloads or the book: ACEEE: Efficiency Canada: https://www.efficiencycanada.org/ This episode was recorded in June 2025.
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EP225 Beyond the Image: Lessons in Humility and Heat Transfer with Matt Schwoegler (June 2025)
07/04/2025
EP225 Beyond the Image: Lessons in Humility and Heat Transfer with Matt Schwoegler (June 2025)
In this engaging and insightful episode of the Building HVAC Science podcast, Eric Kaiser and Bill Spohn welcome Matt Schwoegler, founder of Blaze Infrared and longtime thermography educator. Matt shares his unexpected journey into the world of infrared—from a marketing career in the ski industry to teaching thousands about heat transfer and thermal imaging. With deep humility and clarity, he walks us through critical lessons from his 20+ year career, including some humorous—and humbling—stories from the field. Matt discusses how interpreting thermal images isn't as straightforward as it seems. From false positives caused by built-in heaters to paint that doesn’t behave as expected, we hear real-world examples that underscore the importance of formal training and mentorship in thermography. He emphasizes that while technology has become more affordable, the need for skill and knowledge has only grown. The conversation closes with a compelling call to approach thermography with humility, curiosity, and a commitment to continuous learning. Matt pays tribute to the mentors who shaped his path and encourages listeners to seek guidance, invest in training, and pay it forward. Matt’s quotes from the episode: “The price of the camera has nothing to do with your ability to use it well.” “Humility is one of the most important qualities of a great trainer.” “Infrared is like a hammer—easy to pick up, but only a skilled builder knows what to do with it.” Here are a few standards Matt references: ASTM C1060- Standard Practice for Thermographic Inspection of Insulation Installations in Envelope Cavities of Frame Buildings () states your need a 10 C / 18 F delta T to check for missing or poorly performing insulation solar loading is referenced, that's where the 3 hr wait for wood frame buildings and up to 8 hrs for masonry structures comes from - That's how long the surface needs to be devoid of direct sunshine before inspecting with IR. ASTM E1186 - Standard Practices for Air Leakage Site Detection in Building Envelopes and Air Barrier Systems () NOTE IR Mentioned in 1186 as one of the pressure test methods. states 5 C / 9 F delta T to see air leakage sites with IR ASTM E779 Standard Test Method for Determining Air Leakage Rate by Fan Pressurization () Blaze Infrared: Infrared Training Center (ITC): Matt’s LinkedIn: 1 hour Video on Thermography basics from The TruTech Tools Library: This episode was recorded in June 2025.
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EP224 Beyond Vapor Compression: Smarter DOAS with Liquid Desiccants with Phil Farese (June 2025)
06/27/2025
EP224 Beyond Vapor Compression: Smarter DOAS with Liquid Desiccants with Phil Farese (June 2025)
In this in-depth episode of Building HVAC Science, hosts Bill Spohn and Eric Kaiser sit down with Phil Farese, CEO of Mojave HVAC, to explore the cutting edge of desiccant dehumidification technology. Phil, whose career began in physics at Cornell and research at Princeton before moving into consulting at McKinsey and leadership roles at NREL, Enphase, and now Mojave, brings a rare mix of scientific rigor and market savvy to the HVAC space. The conversation traces the evolution of liquid desiccant systems and Mojave’s unique approach that combines vapor compression and liquid desiccant in a single DOAS (Dedicated Outdoor Air System) unit. The result? Enhanced dehumidification, reduced energy use, and precision control of sensible and latent loads—at market-competitive prices. Phil outlines how Mojave’s patented media bed and regeneration systems avoid many of the pitfalls that plagued earlier desiccant systems, while also maintaining ease of installation, low maintenance, and strong reliability. Listeners also hear about Mojave’s service philosophy, tech training programs, and broad rep network, plus a discussion of ideal use cases, efficiency standards like ISMRE (Integrated Seasonal Moisture Removal Efficiency), and how the system outperforms traditional DOAS units. Whether you’re an engineer, contractor, or building owner looking to optimize HVAC performance while cutting energy bills, this episode delivers clear, science-backed insight into where dehumidification is headed. Quotes from the episode: “We’re not undoing cooling with reheat—we’re using that energy to do something useful: regenerate the desiccant.” “Liquid desiccants are like the honey of HVAC—safe, natural, and surprisingly powerful.” “It looks like an air conditioner. That’s what contractors tell us—and that’s the point.” Phil’s LinkedIn: Mojave Energy Systems: Tony Mormino, our friend at HVAC-TV did a recent interview with Mojave: Eutectic system defined: AHRI Standard 920,Performance Rating of Direct Expansion-dedicated Outdoor Air System Units: Papers and reports by Phil: Tool to Prioritize Energy Efficiency Investments (NREL 2012): How to build a low-energy future (2012): ASHRAE paper on Liquid Desiccants: McKinsey paper:Unlocking Energy Efficiency in the US Economy (2009): This episode was recorded in June 2025.
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EP223 AI Without the Hype: Real-World Automation with Tersh Blissett (June 2025)
06/20/2025
EP223 AI Without the Hype: Real-World Automation with Tersh Blissett (June 2025)
In this high-energy episode of Building HVAC Science, Bill Spohn and Eric Kaiser welcome Tersh Blissett—entrepreneur, podcaster, and automation enthusiast—for a deep dive into how AI and automation are transforming service businesses. Tersh, known for running multiple HVAC, plumbing, and electrical companies, shares his journey from podcasting beginnings to becoming a Zapier expert and automation evangelist. He explains how AI voice tools, custom GPTs, and platforms like Notebook LM and PhoneTap are helping streamline operations, improve call conversions, and create more consistent customer experiences. The conversation explores both the promise and the pitfalls of AI, from building SOPs and staff training bots to setting up Slack-integrated employee handbooks. Tersh doesn’t shy away from the challenges—like automating broken processes or managing security risks—but encourages listeners not to ignore these powerful tools. He wraps up by offering guidance and community resources for those looking to start their AI journey, reinforcing the message: don't automate for automation’s sake—do it to solve real problems. Quotes from today’s episode: “If you do something more than three times a week, optimize it, automate it, or delegate it.” “Don’t automate just to automate—solve a problem first.” “Authentic human tone is going to win, even if AI is writing it.” Tersh’s LinkedIn: Trade Automation Pros: Tersh’s email: / Tersh’s Podcast: Other links mentioned in today’s episode: Capture computer based learning/processes (look for the Automation Foundation) (always recording pendant) Understand anything Claude by Anthropic This episode was recorded in June 2025.
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