Building HVAC Science

Exploring the science, people, and practices shaping better buildings. The Building HVAC Science Podcast dives into both the technical and human sides of heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and building performance. Hosted by industry veteran Bill Spohn, CEO and co-owner of TruTech Tools, the show reflects Bill’s passion for advancing the HVAC craft through practical knowledge, curiosity, and conversation. With more than 250 episodes and counting, the podcast features discussions with contractors, distributors, manufacturers, educators, and thought leaders from across the HVAC and building science communities. Each episode blends field experience with broader industry perspective, helping professionals stay ahead of trends, sharpen their skills, and build stronger businesses. Topics include: New tools, technologies, and field practices Real-world case studies and lessons learned Building performance, comfort, and indoor air quality Industry innovation, workforce development, and the human side of the trades Whether you’re a technician in the field, a business owner, a manufacturer, or simply curious about how buildings breathe and perform, Building HVAC Science connects you with the ideas 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.

EP271 Live from NHPC 2026: Where HVAC, Buildings, and People Intersect With Brynn Cooksey from HVAC-U PART 1 (April 2026) 05/22/2026

EP270 Scaling with Simplicity: EOS, Growth, and the Malco Evolution With Rich Benninghoff (May 2026) 05/15/2026

EP270 Scaling with Simplicity: EOS, Growth, and the Malco Evolution With Rich Benninghoff (May 2026) Quotes from the episode: “We’re not just selling tools anymore — we’re building solutions that make the trade pro’s life easier.” “EOS gave us the discipline to focus on what really matters when everything is pulling at you.” “(In golf,) you can’t hit everything with a driver — great businesses know which tool to use and when.” In this episode, Bill talks with Rich Benninghoff about Malco's evolution into the broader Malco Group and what it means to shift from a product company to a solutions platform. Rich shares how his 30-year journey across different business models shaped his approach to growth, ultimately leading to the strategic alignment and acquisition by Aspen Pumps. The result is a multi-brand platform designed to serve HVACR professionals more holistically, built around the “back of the van” concept — delivering a full suite of tools and solutions that make technicians’ lives easier. A major enabler of this growth has been EOS, which Rich credits with bringing clarity, accountability, and alignment across a complex, multi-brand organization. Rather than reinventing systems, the team has stayed true to EOS fundamentals, embedding them into tools like Microsoft Teams to scale effectively. The conversation highlights how discipline, focus, and simplicity are critical when managing rapid expansion without losing operational integrity. Rich also emphasizes the importance of respecting the legacy of acquired brands while enhancing the customer experience through better access, service, and integration. Drawing inspiration from leaders like Warren Buffett and Charlie Munger, he reinforces a core principle: do a few things exceptionally well. The episode closes with a reminder that while strategy and systems matter, success ultimately comes down to people — both inside the organization and out in the field. Rich’s LinkedIn: The Malco Group website: What is EOS: This episode was recorded in May 2026. /episode/index/show/buildinghvacscience/id/41208840

EP269 Collaboration Over Competition: A New Playbook for Contractors With Rhydon Atzenhoffer (April 2026) 05/08/2026

EP268 Fresh Air Without the Penalty: Reinventing Ventilation for Real Homes With Austin Riesenberger from Swerv (April 2026) 05/01/2026

EP268 Fresh Air Without the Penalty: Reinventing Ventilation for Real Homes With Austin Riesenberger from Swerv (April 2026) Quotes from the episode: “If you’re building something new, it has to be better in almost every way or it won’t catch on.” “The stuff that’s bad inside your home doesn’t filter out, you have to move it out.” “We stopped over-modeling and just started testing in the real world as fast as possible.” This episode of the Building HVAC Science Podcast features Austin Riesenberger, founder of Swerv Air, a young entrepreneur tackling a surprisingly overlooked problem: how to bring fresh air into homes without sacrificing comfort, energy efficiency, or simplicity. Drawing from his background in HVAC engineering, physics, and personal struggles with asthma and poor indoor air quality, Austin set out to rethink ventilation from first principles. Swerv’s solution is a compact, window-mounted fresh air system that filters incoming air while recovering heat and moisture through a regenerative cycling core. Unlike traditional ERVs that are bulky and contractor-installed, this unit is designed for easy, consumer-level installation with strong performance. The conversation dives into the technical trade-offs, including airflow, efficiency, noise, and form factor, as well as the importance of real-world testing over theoretical modeling in product development. Beyond the product itself, the episode highlights Austin’s startup journey. From rapid prototyping and supply chain challenges to early beta deployments across multiple climates, the discussion offers insight into how modern hardware companies iterate quickly and build demand. It wraps with a call for beta testers and collaborators, positioning Swerv as a potential bridge between consumer IAQ needs and traditional HVAC solutions. Austin’s LinkedIn: Swerv website: Beta Tester SignUp: This episode was recorded in April 2026. /episode/index/show/buildinghvacscience/id/40872750

EP267 Why Refrigerant Compliance Is Becoming a Profit Center With Adma Dykstra (March 2026) 04/24/2026

EP267 Why Refrigerant Compliance Is Becoming a Profit Center With Adma Dykstra (March 2026) Quotes from the episode: “It’s a solution to a problem people don’t even know they have.” “Compliance is no longer just paperwork. It’s becoming part of how smart contractors protect margin and keep access to refrigerant.” “What GPS did for traffic, shared HVAC documentation could do for equipment history, refrigerant tracking, and accountability.” In this episode of the Building HVAC Science podcast, Bill Spohn talks with Adam Dykstra of FM Hero about a part of the HVAC industry that often gets overlooked until it becomes a serious problem: refrigerant compliance, documentation, and tracking. Adam explains how FM Hero was built to help technicians, contractors, equipment owners, manufacturers, and eventually wholesalers manage the growing web of regulations tied to refrigerants, including Section 608, the AIM Act, and a patchwork of state-level rules. What sounds at first like a compliance tool turns out to be something bigger: a shared documentation platform that follows equipment, cylinders, and service history across the whole ecosystem. Adam introduces the idea of the “Heroverse,” a connected data environment where technicians can scan a unit nameplate, log service actions, track refrigerant movement, and build a portable service history over the course of their careers. Contractors gain visibility into field activity, equipment owners gain documentation they may now be legally required to have, and even manufacturers can see anonymized service history on their equipment in the field. The system is designed to fit real technician workflow rather than add paperwork, and the technician version is free to use. The big takeaway is that refrigerant tracking is no longer just a back-office nuisance or an abstract EPA concern. With lower charge thresholds, more aggressive state rules, and likely future refrigerant supply constraints, documentation and recovery practices are becoming both a compliance issue and a business opportunity. Adam makes the case that contractors who get ahead of this can protect customers, strengthen retention, and even create a new profit center, all while helping reduce waste and preserve refrigerant supply for the future. Adam’s LinkedIn: FM Hero website: FM Hero resource CenterL Android app:iOS app: This episode was recorded in March 2026. /episode/index/show/buildinghvacscience/id/40863055

EP266 Legacy, Ego, and the Baton Pass: Real Talk on Family Business Succession With Bryan Orr, Robert Orr, Bill Spohn and Billy Spohn (February 2026) 04/17/2026

EP266 Legacy, Ego, and the Baton Pass: Real Talk on Family Business Succession With Bryan Orr, Robert Orr, Bill Spohn and Billy Spohn (February 2026) Quotes from the episode: “The emotional side of letting go and the identity shift is something nobody really warns you about.” “Clarity is kindness, especially when the chips are down.” “Intelligence gets beaten by emotional regulation and patience every day.” (Tommy Mello) This episode is a true “collab” between Building HVAC Science and HVAC School Podcasts, with Bill Spohn Sr. and Bill “Billy” Spohn Jr. (TruTech Tools) joining Bryan Orr and his dad Robert Orr (Kalos Services) to talk candidly about family business succession. They dig into the part nobody really warns you about: the emotional identity shift of letting go, moving from decision maker to advisor, and the weird tension of still being “the face” of the brand while your successor has to establish themselves. From there, the conversation gets practical. The group compares how succession looks in a 24-person company versus a 400-person contractor, and why the fundamentals still rhyme: role clarity, accountability, and the right people in the right seats. Bill and Billy share how EOS helped “bake in” structure that made the handoff less chaotic, including accountability charts and more frequent performance conversations. Bryan and the Orrs add their lens on stewardship, culture, and doing right by people when the chips are down. They wrap with advice for other family businesses: start earlier than you think, make a public commitment so you cannot quietly back out, seek outside counsel to keep your head from lying to you, and do not carry unresolved issues into family life. The final note lands on something bigger than succession itself: prepare for “what’s next” so retirement does not become fading away, and keep relationships, forgiveness, and emotional regulation at the center if you want the business and the family to survive the transition Bryan’s LinkedIn: Robert’s LinkedIn: Billy’s LinkedIn: Bill’s LinkedIn: Books we referenced: Traction By Gino Wickman RocketFuel by Gino Wickman & Mark Winters Succeeding. By Albert Ciuksza Good To Great, Jim Collins Family Business Succession: The Final Test of Greatness- Aronoff, McClure, & Ward Process! - Mike Paton and Lisa Gonzalez The Business Transition Handbook - Laurie R. Barkman Who Comes Next? Leadership Succession Planning Made Easy - Mary C. Kelly, Meredith E. Powell This episode was recorded in February 2026. /episode/index/show/buildinghvacscience/id/40698720

EP265 Why Heat Pumps Fail: It’s Not the Equipment, It’s the House With Larry Waters and Alex Sloan (February 2026) 04/10/2026

EP265 Why Heat Pumps Fail: It’s Not the Equipment, It’s the House With Larry Waters and Alex Sloan (February 2026) EPISODE QUOTES “Anyone can install a heat pump, but if you don’t understand how houses work, you’re gambling with comfort.” “Our intake process is a pre-screen. We want customers who already want the heat pump.” “Electrify everything is cute. Electrify efficiently is the job.” In this episode of the Building HVAC Science Podcast, Bill Spohn and Eric Kaiser talk with Larry Waters and Alex Sloan of Electrify My Home, a Bay Area contractor focused on efficient home electrification. Larry walks through his 43-year path in the trade, from early technical training and commercial HVAC work to residential, where he kept running into the same puzzle: systems that “worked” but didn’t deliver comfort. A turning point came through BPI training and the building-science lens, which shifted his work from fixing equipment to fixing houses, and eventually led him to launch an electrification-only company when retirement plans and COVID reshuffled the deck. Alex shares his own route, coming from incentive programs and building-science work, then meeting Larry as a homeowner customer, and later joining to help build business development and operations. Together, they describe an accidental but very real “visionary and integrator” pairing (EOS style), and how that partnership shaped a business model that prescreens customers: detailed online intake, a virtual assessment first, and an onsite visit only after budget alignment. Their goal is to spend time with people who already want the solution, not those who need convincing. They dig into what “electrify efficiently” means in practice: load calculations on every job, job-type checklists, and designing around modulation, not just peak capacity. They also get candid about challenges, especially California utility pricing, old, leaky homes, and tricky heat pump water heater installations with space and wiring constraints. A standout concept is the “Watt diet,” which plans electrification so homeowners can often avoid panel upgrades by using smarter equipment choices, circuit sharing, and load management. The episode closes with a clear takeaway from both guests: installing heat pumps without understanding houses, envelopes, and electrical realities is a recipe for disappointment. They also tease a future follow-up episode focused entirely on the history of electrification in the U.S. Regarding the National Home Performance Conference: New Contractor Discount - $825 - HVACSCIENCE Unique URL for your Show: Alex’s LinkedIn: Larry’s LinkedIn: Their company website: Electrify Academy course calendar:Electrify My Home YouTube Channel: This episode was recorded in February 2026. /episode/index/show/buildinghvacscience/id/40669820

EP264 The Unsung Heroes of HVAC Education, Mentors Who Built the Trade With Howard Weiss and Renee Tomlinson (February 2026) 04/03/2026

EP264 The Unsung Heroes of HVAC Education, Mentors Who Built the Trade With Howard Weiss and Renee Tomlinson (February 2026) “There are people who teach for income, and people who teach for outcome.” “You want to grow an industry, you can’t ignore half America.” “Become an unsung hero, mentor someone, and give back to the industry you love.” In this episode of Building HVAC Science, Bill and Eric are joined by Renee Tomlinson and Howard Weiss from ESCO Institute (and HVAC Excellence) to talk about a theme that does not get nearly enough airtime: the “quiet” people in HVAC who shape careers and raise standards without chasing attention. Howard explains ESCO’s role in the industry, from accrediting HVAC educational programs and credentialing instructors to administering a huge number of certifications and developing curriculum, all aimed at improving HVAC education overall. Renee adds the bigger why behind the work, pointing to education as the lever that improves lives, strengthens communities, and leaves the trade better than we found it. The conversation turns into a celebration of “unsung heroes” such as instructors, trainers, mentors, and program leaders who quietly change the trajectory of students, apprentices, and working techs. Howard and Renee share examples of people who built exceptional programs through sheer effort and care, and they frame recognition as something deeper than popularity. It is about honoring outcomes, the ripple effects of mentorship, and the real human impact that happens behind the scenes. They also highlight how the industry is getting younger, how newer instructors blend legacy fundamentals with modern tools, and how podcasts and social platforms can be powerful teaching aids at scale. The episode closes with a challenge to listeners: become one of the unsung heroes. Thank the people who trained you. Mentor someone coming up behind you. Join an advisory board. Give back because you “get to,” not because you have to. Renee also recognizes the behind-the-scenes ESCO team whose daily work keeps training, testing, and education moving forward, and Bill wraps with a promise to share links in the show notes so listeners can connect and learn more. Regarding the National Home Performance Conference: New Contractor Discount - $825 - HVACSCIENCE Unique URL for your Show: Renee’s LinkedIn: Howard’s LinkedIn: ESCO Institute: The National HVAC Educators Conference: The 2025 List of Most Influential Instructors: This episode was recorded in February 2026 /episode/index/show/buildinghvacscience/id/40632420

EP263 Surviving and Thriving in HVACR: Lessons from the Field With Rick Dirmeyer (February 2026) 03/27/2026

EP263 Surviving and Thriving in HVACR: Lessons from the Field With Rick Dirmeyer (February 2026) “The more you know, the more you’re worth and the harder you are to replace.” “Just because you’re a great technician doesn’t mean you’re ready to run a business.” “You can’t buy the satisfaction of helping someone you may never meet.” Bill sits down with Rick Diermeyer, better known to many in the trade as the face behind the HVACR Survival YouTube channel. Rick shares the origin story of his channel, which now boasts tens of thousands of subscribers and hundreds of field-based videos. What began as a simple way to document and share service technician experiences evolved into a platform focused on helping others “survive” and succeed in the HVACR trade through practical, experience-driven education. Rick walks through his professional journey, from early service roles to leadership positions and eventually into highly diversified technical work spanning refrigeration, geothermal, chillers, generators, and more. He reflects on the culture of the company he works for, emphasizing how strong leadership, training, and employee investment create long-term loyalty and performance. The conversation also highlights the realities of business operations, reminding listeners that technical skill alone does not automatically translate into business success. The discussion expands into content creation, covering how Rick chooses video topics, balances liability concerns, and adapts content based on audience engagement. He also shares how his background as a mobile DJ shaped his communication style, marketing instincts, and comfort with public speaking. The episode closes with advice for both technicians and employers: invest in your skills, build relationships, create value, and recognize that personal growth and trade mastery go hand in hand. Rick’s LinkedIn: His Instagram: His YouTube: Regarding the National Home Performance Conference: New Contractor Discount - $825 - HVACSCIENCE Unique URL for your Show: This episode was recorded in February 2026 . /episode/index/show/buildinghvacscience/id/40610430

EP262 “RTFM” and Real-World HVAC Confidence: Why Callbacks Drop When Training Improves With JT Stewart (February 2026) 03/20/2026

EP262 “RTFM” and Real-World HVAC Confidence: Why Callbacks Drop When Training Improves With JT Stewart (February 2026) Episode Quotes: “Airflow isn’t good. It’s measured.” “Most pushback isn’t ‘I won’t.’ It’s ‘I’m afraid I’ll mess it up.’” “This is a people industry, by people, for people.” JT Stewart joins Bill Spohn and Eric Kaiser to talk about how he went from long-term care nursing to HVAC, thanks to a red Chevy Ventura van, a ladder on top, and a “let’s go fix some stuff” invitation. Today JT is an HVAC consultant at Slipstream, working with utilities and state programs to build real-world training that goes beyond “heat pumps are hot” and into the building-science fundamentals that actually make systems work. JT shares what his trainings look like in the wild, from half-day sessions to multi-day workshops, and how he designs them around the human side of HVAC. Homeowners are already uncomfortable when the system breaks, and techs can feel the same pressure when equipment and software change constantly. JT’s take is that most resistance isn't stubbornness; it’s uncertainty and fear of getting it wrong. He argues that confidence comes from structure: give techs time to learn, reduce guesswork, and use tools and processes that help them make good decisions when support is not available. The crew also gets into handling skeptical attendees and misinformation. JT’s approach is to challenge people respectfully and bring it back to the homeowner, the contractor's long-term reputation, and the reality that this is a people industry. He encourages contractors to lean on manufacturer and distributor training, and he makes a strong case that homeowners also need better education on what questions to ask so “slick sales” do not replace proper design and commissioning. Bottom line: HVAC is getting cooler as a career because the knowledge, community, and training ecosystem are leveling up, and JT hopes that part isn't a fad. JT’s LinkedIn: His company: This episode was recorded in February 2026. /episode/index/show/buildinghvacscience/id/40387235

EP261 From Journeyman to Trainer: What Actually Works and Why With Don Gillis (February 2026) 03/13/2026

EP260 Live From AHR 2026: Tools, Tactics, and Trade Stories From the Show Floor (February 2026) 03/06/2026

EP260 Live From AHR 2026: Tools, Tactics, and Trade Stories From the Show Floor (February 2026) Quotes from the episode: “If you’re not measuring, you’re just arguing with opinions.” “The tools got better, but what really changed is the technician mindset.” “We used to diagnose systems one reading at a time. Now we see the whole story live.” Recorded live at 9:00 a.m. on Day 1 of the AHR Expo 2026 in Las Vegas, this episode of the Building HVAC Science Podcast captures the spirit of the industry in real time. Bill and Eric kick things off reflecting on their decades of AHR attendance, the miles walked, vendors visited, and friendships built along the way. They’re joined on the floor by Chris Fabre and Dave Cornette of Hughes Mechanical in Zachary, Louisiana, who share perspectives from the commercial service and construction sides of the trade. The conversation dives into how contractor learning has evolved, from early podcast forums and Facebook groups to today’s hyper-connected social media ecosystem. Chris and Dave talk candidly about being called in to fix improperly installed systems, how that forced growth sharpened their diagnostic skills, and why measurement tools have become indispensable. From airflow testing to wireless probes, they reflect on how modern instrumentation has transformed troubleshooting from guesswork into data-driven decision making. They also touch on highlights from the HVAC Tactical Awards, industry legends like John Pastorello, and the growing role of apps, workflows, and integrated digital tools in technician performance. The episode wraps with a discussion around contractor accountability, Better HVAC’s mission, and how directories and verified credentials can help homeowners find professionals committed to continuous learning, ethical work, and measured results. Chris’ LinkedIn: Their business: This episode was recorded in February 2026. /episode/index/show/buildinghvacscience/id/40229020

EP259 Donkey Wrangler to HVAC Whisperer: Brad Adcox on Fundamentals That Win (January 2026) 02/27/2026

EP259 Donkey Wrangler to HVAC Whisperer: Brad Adcox on Fundamentals That Win (January 2026) Pithy quotes “Your product can be great, but if you’re hard to work with, nobody’s going to buy it.” “Take a deep breath, go back to the fundamentals, and ask: what’s the biggest value I can add today?” “You’re allowed to say, ‘I don’t know. I’ll figure it out for you.’ People respect that more than the runaround.” Brad Adcox joined the Building HVAC Science podcast with Bill and Eric and, within minutes, earned the unofficial title “donkey wrangler” after sharing a story about his donkey. The laughs kept coming, including a side quest into hobby-farm life on a 40-acre “family compound” outside Dallas with cows, donkeys, mini horses, and a long-running plan by Brad’s dad to eventually acquire a camel. The banter was fun, but it also set the tone for who Brad is: practical, observant, and very people-focused. Brad’s HVAC background runs deep and wide. He grew up around wholesale, started at Winsupply in the warehouse and as a delivery driver, then moved through outside sales and even a stint selling and building Cisco server infrastructure. He eventually joined SUPCO, helped scale territory coverage and rep networks, and was part of launching TradeFox, the influencer-inventor program that surfaced a pile of real-world products, including the magnetic umbrella that Bill notes TruTech sold in big numbers. Brad later spent time at NAVAC teaching fundamentals like pulling a proper vacuum, and today he’s in a “free agent” phase, running consultant-style sales and service training for contractors in the DFW area. The core of Brad’s message is fundamentals, especially customer service and relationship transfer. He’s worried the industry is headed for a knowledge cliff as experienced wholesalers, reps, and counter people retire without passing down relationships or practical know-how. He also sees a drift toward “parts changers” and automated, text-only customer interactions that reduce real human connection. In his local classes, he pushes techs to slow down just enough to add value: communicate like a neighbor, do a fuller system check while you’re already there, explain what you looked at, and offer small, memorable extras. He’s also blunt about wholesale basics: greet people when they walk in, be willing to say “I don’t know, but I’ll find out,” and stop hiding behind “that’s just Facebook” when customer sentiment is being broadcast publicly. Brad’s: LinkedIn: This episode was recorded in January 2026. /episode/index/show/buildinghvacscience/id/40128535

EP258 Live From AHR 2026: Tools, Tactics, and Trade Stories From the Show Floor With the Team from TruTech (February 2026) 02/20/2026

EP257 From Rockets to Heat Pumps: Shreyas Sudhakar on Scaling Quality HVAC (January 2026) 02/13/2026

EP257 From Rockets to Heat Pumps: Shreyas Sudhakar on Scaling Quality HVAC (January 2026) Pithy quotes “We do our job well if the homeowner forgets about us, because the system just works.” “The bar is so low in some homes that doing a quality install can genuinely change someone’s life.” “The best way to learn is crawling in the crawl space behind a great technician and handing them tools.” Semi-famous quote that fits our theme “Stay hungry, stay foolish.” © Steve Jobs Shreyas Sudhakar joined the Building HVAC Science podcast to talk about his path from rocket propulsion engineering to building high-quality heat pump installs in California. Bill and Eric found him through his thoughtful LinkedIn posts, and Shreyas shared that a friend’s relentless heat-pump evangelism finally pushed him to look deeper. Once he did, the tech clicked. He realized HVAC and rockets share the same core idea: moving energy through systems, and the math is not as far apart as it sounds. What really pulled him in was the homeowner experience. After talking with homeowners on Nextdoor and Reddit, and even calling contractors for quotes himself, he kept hearing the same frustrations: heat pumps feel expensive, contractor advice is inconsistent, trust is low, and myths like “heat pumps don’t work in the cold” still show up, even in mild California climates. Shreyas’ view is simple: most homeowners do not care what the equipment is called. They care about comfort, noise, bills, and safety, and the best outcome is when the system is so reliable they barely think about it. Shreyas now runs Vayu, a lean heat pump installation company operating with vetted subcontractor partners, while his Heat Pumped newsletter and podcast focus on education for homeowners, technicians, and policy folks. Vayu handles the end-to-end process, from load sizing and equipment selection to permits and rebates, while partner shops focus on the craft of installation. His definition of success is not just a happy install day, but a customer still loving the system a decade later, and technicians thriving because the model removes desk work and supports quality work at scale. Shreyas’ LinkedIn: His websites: & HeatPumped Newsletter sign up: Heat Pumped Podcast: This episode was recorded in January 2026 /episode/index/show/buildinghvacscience/id/39900145

EP256 The Woodstock of HVAC: Why This Symposium Hits Different With the TruTech Team (January 2026) 02/06/2026

EP256 The Woodstock of HVAC: Why This Symposium Hits Different With the TruTech Team (January 2026) Episode quotes: “What you put into this, you get out of this in multiples.” “It’s not about sales. It’s about learning, relationships, and leaving your ego at the door.” “Use AI responsibly, but keep the humans involved. The humans are what keep it honest.” In this episode of the Building HVAC Science Podcast, Eric Kaiser, Bill, and the TruTech Tools crew (Billy Spohn, Ginny Hebert, and Josh Crawley) recap their trip to the 7th Annual HVACR Training Symposium in Ocoee, Florida. Josh and Ginny share first-timer impressions: early-morning booth setup, instant attendee engagement, a surprisingly family-friendly outdoor vibe (kids and dogs everywhere), and the general “people are here to learn, not to get sold to” energy. The group talks about how rare it is to see a community where respect and curiosity are the default. They also dig into the most memorable moments and crowd magnets: the GRIT Foundation dunk tank fundraiser, Jim Bergmann’s talk on using AI responsibly (in conjunction with real measurements), and hands-on booth favorites like the Shaeco fin straightener demo, the RETROTEC“air tracer,” and continued interest in specialized tools like the TrueFlow grid and torque screwdrivers. Billy highlights a renewed surge of questions around combustion analyzers and why the industry seems to cycle back to them, while Eric frames it simply: you cannot fix what you cannot see. To close, everyone answers the question of why the symposium matters, in person or virtually. The consistent theme is relationships, peer learning, and a network that lasts long after the event. Bill caps it with a challenge: what you put into this community, you get back in multiples, and it can genuinely be career-changing. Symposium link: ELK’s LinkedIn: Josh’s LinkedIn: Ginny’s LinkedIn: Billy’s LinkedIn: Bill’s LinkedIn: This episode was recorded in January 2026. /episode/index/show/buildinghvacscience/id/39983720

EP255 Beyond Manual J: The Heat Balance Future of Residential Load Calculations With Tony Amadio (December 2025) 01/30/2026

EP255 Beyond Manual J: The Heat Balance Future of Residential Load Calculations With Tony Amadio (December 2025) Notable quote from the episode: Make it as simple as possible, but not simpler. In this episode, Eric Kaiser sits down with mechanical engineer Tony Amadio, the founder of True Loads, to talk about what actually makes residential load calculations succeed or fail in the real world. Tony shares how his work is split between builders, architects, project managers, and HVAC contractors, and why the biggest early battle was simply getting people to trust results that pointed to smaller equipment. He explains how he quickly learned from feedback loops in production housing, including what happens when people “over-vent” tiny spaces like closets and bathrooms, accidentally stealing airflow from bedrooms where it matters. Tony walks through his approach to receiving plans, emphasizing the importance of nailing down the building envelope inputs (windows, insulation, attic conditions) and getting key assumptions in writing. On renovations, he emphasizes that uncertainty is normal, so you lean on photos, field verification, and practical guidance to keep the model honest. They dig into infiltration and leakage, where Tony argues the models are still imperfect even with blower door data, and the real win is setting expectations: the HVAC design works under specific building conditions, and if the building does not match those conditions, performance issues are not automatically “bad calcs.” The conversation closes with a discussion of equipment selection, humidity, and where the industry is headed. Tony makes a clear point: most standard residential systems do not directly control humidity, and the code focuses on temperature performance, not a promised indoor RH target. They also touch on ACCA Manual S updates, oversizing rules for staged equipment, and Tony’s upcoming True Loads software, which uses the ASHRAE Heat Balance method to represent modern construction and time-lag effects better, while aiming to require fewer inputs than traditional Manual J workflows. TrueLoads website: Tony on LinkedIn: This episode was recorded in December 2025. /episode/index/show/buildinghvacscience/id/39628855

EP254 Mold, Moisture, and Missed Details: Lessons From the Building Science Trenches With Kohta Ueno (January 2026) 01/23/2026

EP254 Mold, Moisture, and Missed Details: Lessons From the Building Science Trenches With Kohta Ueno (January 2026) QUOTES from the episode: “Most building failures aren’t mysterious. They’re just ignored fundamentals.” “If you demand museum-level humidity, you’re no longer building a house. You’re building a museum.” “Moisture meters don’t solve problems. They show you patterns. The thinking solves the problem.” In this episode of the Building HVAC Science Podcast, Eric Kaiser is joined by Kohta Ueno, principal and co-owner of Building Science Corporation, for a wide-ranging discussion on building failures, moisture, HVAC, and the practical realities of diagnosing real-world problems. Kohta shares his unconventional path into building science, from small remodeling jobs and a PBS NOVA episode to decades of forensic investigations alongside Joe Lstiburek, one of the field’s most influential voices. The conversation quickly moves from origin stories into what really matters: how buildings fail, why those failures are often predictable, and how much cheaper it is to solve problems on paper than after construction. A major theme is moisture management, especially in high-performance and multifamily buildings. Kohta explains how seemingly small details, like window sill slope, back dams, airflow settings, and interior air seals, routinely separate durable buildings from expensive failures. He also highlights a growing perfect storm in modern construction: oversized HVAC equipment, high ventilation rates, poor commissioning, and limited dehumidification, particularly in smaller units. The result is mold, humidity complaints, and systems that technically run but fail to control moisture. The episode closes with a practical look at diagnostic tools and methods. Kohta emphasizes pattern recognition over single-point measurements, combining moisture meters, thermal imaging, pressure diagnostics, and blower door testing to understand how air, heat, and moisture actually move through buildings. He encourages listeners to use freely available Building Science Corporation research and Joe Lstiburek’s Building Science Insights as foundational resources, reminding the audience that most building failures are not mysterious. They are repeatable, understandable, and avoidable if the fundamentals are respected. Kohta’s LinkedIn: Links mentioned in the episode: Our Current HVAC Mess Experts discuss problems with residential HVAC systems as a first step toward defining solutions Proposed Solutions for Residential HVAC Problems Experts suggest ways to improve the quality of residential heating, ventilating, and cooling equipment installations A presentation on my investigations of multifamily humidity problems: Multifamily Humidity Control Problems: Muggy Mayhem I have done a presentation on the diagnostic tools I use in my buildings forensic work; here’s the slide deck: NESEA BE19 Tools of the Trade for Building Diagnostics March 14, 2019 And here’s a YouTube video: Tools of the Trade for Building Diagnostics with Kohta Ueno The complete rundown of Joe Lstiburek’s columns: And some of the research reports we did under Building America: This episode was recorded in January 2026. /episode/index/show/buildinghvacscience/id/39731830

EP253 The HVAC Trust Gap, and the Directory Built to Close It With Kevin R. Hart, Huff Hoffmaster & Darren Reuter (January 2026) 01/16/2026

EP253 The HVAC Trust Gap, and the Directory Built to Close It With Kevin R. Hart, Huff Hoffmaster & Darren Reuter (January 2026) Quotes from the episode: “Better isn’t a goal, it’s a direction.” “HVAC can feel like a house of mirrors for homeowners, and the cure is transparency plus measured results.” “We’re not trying to find the perfect contractor. We’re trying to find the contractor who keeps learning and won’t get complacent.” In this episode of the Building HVAC Science Podcast, Eric Kaiser flips the script and brings Bill Spohn on as a guest alongside Kevin Hart from Better HVAC and Darren Reuter and Huff Hoffmaster from Rewiring America. The group lays out a shared problem: homeowners face a significant information disadvantage when buying HVAC, often making a five-figure decision with no easy way to verify quality beyond marketing, promises, or price. That gap leads to mistrust, inconsistent outcomes, and too many “box swaps” that miss sizing, duct performance, commissioning, and homeowner education. Better HVAC exists to tip the odds back toward the homeowner by connecting people to contractors and individuals who commit to doing measured, commissioned work, and by aggregating trusted educational resources in one place. Rewiring America adds the consumer education and electrification planning layer, plus a push to scale adoption responsibly, with real contractor standards behind it. The partnership ties those strengths together: instead of building separate directories, they align on a shared pledge and a badging approach that helps homeowners and peers filter for contractors who are trained, insured, licensed, and willing to follow best practices, especially for heat pumps and whole-home electrification journeys that also include weatherization and energy auditing. Rewiring America’s website: BetterHVAC website: BetterHVAC Pledge: Huff’s LinkedIn : Kevin’s LinkedIn:Darren’s LinkedIn: Bill’s LinkedIn: Corbett’s list: This episode was recorded in January 2026 /episode/index/show/buildinghvacscience/id/39724425

EP252 The Perfection Trap in the Trades With Eric Kaiser (December 2025) 01/09/2026

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. /episode/index/show/buildinghvacscience/id/39554715

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. /episode/index/show/buildinghvacscience/id/39455620

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. /episode/index/show/buildinghvacscience/id/39362350

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. /episode/index/show/buildinghvacscience/id/39228525

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. /episode/index/show/buildinghvacscience/id/39193505

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. /episode/index/show/buildinghvacscience/id/39041295

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. /episode/index/show/buildinghvacscience/id/39025265

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. /episode/index/show/buildinghvacscience/id/38861145

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. /episode/index/show/buildinghvacscience/id/38755935

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. /episode/index/show/buildinghvacscience/id/38747020

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