Building HVAC Science

Listen in as Bill chats with… himself! He shares some recent, personal and business encounters and discussions that left an impression on him. We hope you find them interesting. This episode was recorded in May 2023.

Listen in as Bill chats with Ben Walker, the Co-CEO of Retrotec about a wide range of technology related topics from sensors to programming to AI-Artificial Intelligence. Ben shares with us his experiences over his career in tech companies, primarily with Retrotec, one of TruTech's major vendors of air tightness and air flow testing gear. We learn about the history of the digital manometer at Retrotec, as well as the important topic of enclosure integrity testing and how to manage large building testing. Other topics of note include the move to DC motors, rCloud an app based test data platform (and so much more), the long list of new features on the DM32X digital manometer and more. Retrotec products: https://www.trutechtools.com/retrotec THE ALL NEW Retrotec DM32X digital gauge: https://www.trutechtools.com/retrotec-dm32x-digital-gauge.html Ben's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-walker-4a05901/ As Ben suggests, try ChatGPT yourself at www.openai.com This episode was recorded in April 2023.

In this episode, Bill interviews Chris Stephens Refrigeration Business owner and Social Media Influencer extraordinaire! There are so many nuggets to mine out of this episode, I hope you spend the time to listen to all of it. Chris is truly a multidimensional person, not like in the SciFi way though where he can walk through walls. His Big Picture concept, which he uses in all aspects of his life can be summarized as: Slow Down – Pause, allow you mind to catch up with where you are Take a Step Back - Think about what is going on Look at the Big Picture - Summarize the pros and cons of the various paths and decide if a short cut is worth it in the long run. Additionally, we talk about: The lost art of evacuation The Genesis of the 2 social media projects he started/ is in: HVACR Videos and HVAC OverTime His personal home performance project/journey His perspectives on electrification And much more Chris' business: https://www.jvsrefrigeration.com/ Chris' LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-stephens-a414651a6/ His 2 YouTube Channels: https://www.youtube.com/c/HVACRVIDEOS https://www.youtube.com/@HVACOvertime This episode was recorded in April 2023.

In this episode, Bill interviews Michael Rubino founder of HomeCleanse.com We discuss the technical & business aspects of mold removal and where it fits in to addressing and solving mold problems in a home or building. Michael is a forward thinker, having created his own mold remediation school for employees. At the school, they utilize the concept of I Do, We Do, You Do, that is you must be able to execute like the company experts in order to graduate to doing field/customer work. He is also author of The Mold Medic: An Expert's Guide on Mold Removal and a council-certified Mold Remediator by IICRC and ACAC and a contributing member, sponsor, and speaker for the Indoor Air Quality Association. We learn about how his growing up in the construction and remediation industry, influenced his current work. Michael's book: https://www.amazon.com/Mold-Medic-Experts-Guide-Removal-ebook/dp/B08FPCTWNZ Michael's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelrubino88/ His website: https://www.themichaelrubino.com/ This episode was recorded in March 2023.

In this episode, Bill interviews Adam Mufich, AKA A-Team Adam. You may know Adam from his video podcast, HVAC OverTime, which is a big collaboration he does with his friends Chris Stephens (HVACR Videos on YouTube), Bill Russell (Curious HVAC Guy on YouTube) and OT Joe (HVACR OverTime North on YouTube) In their words: "We never sugar coat anything; we tell it like it is. If you want the real uncensored hot takes on the state of the industry, come hang out live every Friday at 9:00pm EST on both YouTube and Facebook." https://www.facebook.com/groups/775287052979835 Adam describes his personal journey in the trades, where is has gotten him and where he is headed. Adam's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adam-mufich-5225055a/ Adam recently wrote a very interesting blog post we mention in the interview: https://hvacrschool.com/dunning-kruger-in-hvac/ He's also one of the hosts of the new Cooler Heads Podcast: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-the-cooler-heads-podcast-103621990/ You should also check out the YouTube Channel of the celebrity guest Adam mentions, Big Clive: https://www.youtube.com/@bigclivedotcom 969,000 viewers with 2,100 videos – I'm pretty sure you will find something of interest! Other links we mention: https://www.hvac20.com/#/ https://www.youtube.com/@HVACUncensored https://www.natethehousewhisperer.com/ This episode was recorded in March 2023.

In this episode, Bill chats with Kevin Hart, the founder of HAVEN, a start up that makes a unique IAQ sensor/control system. Hear from Kevin about his background as an electrical contractor and how he came up with the idea for Haven, as well as all the iterations the product has been through. In the episode he describes RDCV: Residential Demand Control Ventilation and why it is important for contractors and homeowners to understand details on this subject. Learn how a simple chemical compound that is found in most homes can convert to formaldehyde, a carcinogen. Haven Website: https://haveniaq.com/ Haven for sale at TruTech Tools: https://www.trutechtools.com/haven Haven 22 is the DISCOUNT CODE for this product: https://www.trutechtools.com/haven-central-air-monitor.html which is for Pros to use to get a product to install for customers or in their own homes. Kevin's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinrhart/ Kevin's email: [email protected] Here's a link to Grace and Corbett Lunsford's HOMECHEM videos we mentioned: http://bit.ly/HOMEchem This episode was recorded in March 2023.

In this episode, Bill explains some of the activities that are keeping him busy lately. The National HVACR Education Conference https://www.escogroup.org/hvac/nhetc/default.aspx The National Home Performance Conference https://building-performance.org/events/national/ The National Comfort Institute (NCI) HVAC Summit https://www.gotosummit.com/sessions/ Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Business FREE educational program https://www.10ksbapply.com/ This episode was recorded in March 2023.

What's it like to build a tech product from the ground up? How do you validate that a market exists? What tools can you use to gain confidence that you are on the right track? In this week's podcast, Bill Spohn is joined by John Hoehn, CEO of Duckling. Duckling's mission is to help contractors help their customers on their journey to electrifying their homes. John and his co-founder, Sudeep Yegnashankaran have deep backgrounds in software development. They have been working on Duckling over the last two years and are now recruiting their first customers. Bill is honored to join their team as an advisor alongside Elliott Trice, who brings decades of experience in tech product development and design. Keep your eyes open and ears peeled for what Duckling hatches in the coming year! In full disclosure, Bill has a small financial interest in Duckling. Duckling website: www.getduckling.com Results from the contractor survey conducted in late 2022: https://bit.ly/HVAC-electrify Duckling one-page overview: https://bit.ly/Duckling-1-23 Are you a contractor interested in being a design partner with Duckling? Fill out this quick form: https://bit.ly/Duckling-EAP Electrification Panel Discussion at the 2023 HVAC School Symposium featuring Kimberly Llewellyn, Jim Bergmann and Bill Spohn* https://hvacrschool.com/events/4th-annual-hvac-r-training-symposium/electrification-panel/ * a small fee will gain you access to all recorded sessions from the Symposium for a limited time. Learn more about Steve Blank, who guidance John mentions in the podcast: https://steveblank.com/books-for-startups/ This episode was recorded in February 2023.

What do we do with our time? What did I do with my time in the last week? The Bangles said it best: … Time, time, time See what's become of me While I looked around for my possibilities In this episode, Bill is joined by Eric Kaiser where they share observations on products and events and the interesting people they engaged with during their 4 day excursion to the AHR Expo 2023. The AHR Expo: https://www.ahrexpo.com/ SUPCO TradeFox site and application: https://www.supcotradefox.com/ TruTech TradeFox page: https://www.trutechtools.com/supco-trade-fox.html Diversitech TradeInvent application: https://info.diversitech.com/tradeinvent-by-diversitech ASHRAE Standard 221: https://hvactoday.com/ashrae-221/ REFCO Inverter Checker: https://www.trutechtools.com/Refco-Inverter-Check-Kit-wData-Flow-Monitor_p_4930.html REFCO Gobi Condensate pump: https://www.trutechtools.com/Refco-Gobi REFCO Combi Condensate Pump: https://www.trutechtools.com/Refco-COMBI-Condensate-Removal-Pump-Universal-Voltage REFCO Karoo Condensate pump https://www.trutechtools.com/Refco-Karoo JB Climate Class probes: https://www.trutechtools.com/jb-climate-class.html Sauermann Combustion Analyzers: https://www.trutechtools.com/sauermann-combustion-analysis.html This episode was recorded in February 2023.

In this episode, Bill explains some of the activities that have kept him busy in the first few weeks of 2023. The HVACR Symposium: https://hvacrschool.com/events/4th-annual-hvac-r-training-symposium/ The AHR Expo: https://www.ahrexpo.com/ Installing a new operating system at TruTech Tools: EOS: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dpXL2SGfkBc https://www.eosworldwide.com/ This episode was recorded in February 2023.

Today, I feel very in tune with this podcast's stated mission: Building HVAC Science covers a broad array of topics in building science and HVAC diagnostics, as well as human comfort, health, and safety….; this show will take a deep dive into all things that relate to buildings and people in the built environment. I was very fortunate to interview Dr. Joe Allen, an esteemed Indoor Air Quality researcher, presenter, and author, as we covered what Joe has observed and educated us on regarding the collision between two disciplines: building science and health science. Joe shares his observations, strategies, and tactics that are moving us toward an era where buildings go beyond doing no harm to occupants but focus more on maximizing the benefit to the occupants. Joe joins the growing list of people on this podcast who talk (all or in part) about indoor air quality or healthy buildings: Dr. Stephanie Taylor, Dr. Bill Bahnfelth, Joe Medosch, Larry Zarker, Nate Adams, Jason Earle, Cheryl Cieko, Dawn Oggier, Brian Kennihan, Ereland Bolle, Casey Grey, Ray Wu, Ben Reed, Kaleb Saleeby, Steve Pascuzzo, Big Clive, Ty Newell, Dick Kornbluth, and Jaques Touillion, amongst others. Joe Allen's links: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/josephgardnerallen/ Harvard Faculty page: https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/joseph-allen/healthy-buildings/ Kicking off the first White House Summitt on Indoor air quality in Nov 2022: https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/healthybuildings/2022/10/13/dr-joseph-allen-presenting-at-white-house-summit-on-indoor-air-quality/ Healthy Buildings book on Amazon https://www.amazon.com/Healthy-Buildings-Indoor-Performance-Productivity/dp/0674237978 9 Foundations website:https://9foundations.com/ Follow Joe on Twitter: https://twitter.com/j_g_allen Tune up buildings article:https://deohs.washington.edu/hsm-blog/how-giving-our-buildings-tune-can-make-us-healthier 36 Tips for a healthier home: https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/news/features/36-expert-tips-for-a-healthier-home/ This episode was recorded in January 2023.

For several years, in southern Maine, a small group of building professionals have been getting together monthly to discuss building science. Many topics are brought up for discussion: high performance windows, venting cathedral ceilings, moisture migration in wall assemblies, slab on grade details, etc. The conversation is informal and roams a bit. At one of those meetings, one of my guests today, builder, Dan Kolbert, expressed frustration with the status quo, and even more frustration with the various rating systems that had him jumping through many hoops to prove that his work was in fact "green" and energy efficient. Some find these systems costly in time and money and doing little to advance the project. Rather they are simply certifying them. So Dan simply stated, "I just want to build a pretty good house." That's where this story begins…. https://www.finehomebuilding.com/project-guides/insulation/is-a-pretty-good-house-good-enough https://www.thebsandbeershow.com/ https://www.prettygoodhouse.org/ https://www.prettygoodhouse.org/pgh-20 This episode was recorded in December 2022.

Today's guest, Anna Desimone has done an awesome job compiling resources for consumers to learn about factors, features and benefits of building an Energy Efficient home. Anna is author of Live in a Home that Pays You Back--A Complete Guide to Net Zero and Energy Efficient Homes, featuring national building programs in the U.S. and Canada. This is not a technical deep dive, but more of a consumer reference for understanding the blueprints of Building Envelope, Thermal enclosure, HVAC, Lighting and appliances, water management and more., Winner of three national book awards, Anna lights the way for understanding the home buying and financing process. She has written more than 40 professional handbooks on the topic of fair and responsible lending, and often serves as industry expert on news media. Links for more about Anna and her books: https://annadesimone.net/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/annadesimone/ https://www.amazon.com/Live-Home-that-Pays-Back/dp/1039123481 https://play.google.com/store/books/details/Live_in_a_Home_that_Pays_You_Back_A_Complete_Guide This episode was recorded in December 2022.

My three esteemed guests/amigos shed some light on common misconceptions in the HVACR industry. Catch the video version here: https://youtu.be/ZL5-sEOJj0c We talk about fun topics like: -Heatpumps are only for the south of the Mason-Dixon line -A1 refrigerants are Non-Flammable -A2L refrigerants are Flammable -R32 is a replacement for R410a -Reclaimed refrigerant does not have any value -SEER2 has taken us by surprise -Equipment brand names determine the quality, performance and longevity of service Link to the Esco Group website: https://www.escogroup.org/ Link to the National HVACR Education Conference: https://www.escogroup.org/hvac/nhetc/default.aspx Their video channel: https://www.youtube.com/@escogroup Email Addresses for our guests: Clifton Beck: [email protected] Obrzut: [email protected] Eugene Silberstein: [email protected] The AHR Expo: https://www.ahrexpo.com/ This episode was recorded in December 2022.

Listen in as Phil Zito describes the journey he has taken from being bored, to blogging to building a business that provides top notch online training and workforce development programs. Formerly known as Building Automation Monthly, a newsletter and podcast in its early years, The Smart Buildings Academy has experienced rapid growth. As the SBA says on their website: "If you've been looking for a way to take yourself or your building automation team to the next level. Then you're in the right place. One of SBA's guiding principles is to "Focus on the customer's profit". Phil understands from personal experience the importance of focusing on training that not only develops BAS knowledge but also teaches how to "do" building automation in a way that is profitable and efficient. If you are a BAS professional looking to grow your skills or looking to enter the BAS field, you owe it to yourself to check out the SBA. Phil's LinkedIn profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/phillipzito/ Smart Buildings Academy: website: https://www.smartbuildingsacademy.com/ Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/groups/buildingautomationmonthly LinkedIn group: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/3582469/ Oh, Phil also interviewed ME on his podcast recently:https://podcast.smartbuildingsacademy.com/387 This episode was recorded in December 2022.

I was thrilled to get the opportunity to interview Shawn McLaughlin, after having been impressed with the simplicity and value of using an Emporia Vue Energy Monitor for a year or so before I met him. Shawn shares with us his back story that led him from commodities trader to company builder: designer and manufacturer of a suite of powerful, yet inexpensive products used for smart home energy management. Learn some new acronyms that you will be hearing more of in the future, such as disaggregation, FERC and DERM as we hear of his vision for building the world's largest virtual power plant (VPP) and his progress along that goal. Shawn is a man of quiet confidence coupled with courage and enthusiasm. I think you will enjoy this conversation. His LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shawn-mclaughlin-86249215b/ Emporia Energy website: https://www.emporiaenergy.com/ This episode was recorded in November 2022.

I met Griffin at the http://www.HabitatX.com conference several years ago and found him to be thoughtful, insightful and a quiet but powerful champion of the principles he believes in. In todays' podcast we discuss electrification in Alaska, the deep retrofit work Griffin is doing on his own home and several other topics. Read one of Griffin's posts from the HabitatX Journal: https://medium.com/habitat-x-journal/thats-building-performance-bfdb2646ba53 From his LinkedIn Bio: Affordable housing executive and energy transition observer with extensive experience on the Arctic Slope of Alaska. His LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/griffin-forster-480a1b1a/ This episode was recorded in October 2022.

Adam is a man full of energy and drive and is always eager to help. Listen in as Adam describes the arc of his career that started in political activism and currently involves him in software, home decarbonization and net zero retrofits. Adam shares his insights into the cost vs. benefits of measures as well as a future job classification; Home Project Advisor Adam's LinkedIn profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamstenftenagel/ Info on The Geos project: www.DiscoverGEOS.com Info on SnuggHomePro: www.SnuggPro.com Info on Radiant Labs: www.RadiantLabs.co This episode was recorded in October 2022.

Katelyn Woodling joins us on today's podcast to discuss the background and development of Bosch IDS Heat Pumps (Inverter Ducted Split). Katie is the manager of Product management for Bosch Heating and Cooling, North America and works out of the greater Boston area. Bosch watched market and regulatory trends, listened to customer input, and spent countless hours in the lab testing and perfecting their heat pumps to offer inverters for all. Bosch is achieving a simplified product line with terrific tech support and contractor training. Katie also shares with us some insights into future trends. Katie's Linked In profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katelyn-woodling/ Info on Bosch IDS products: https://www.bosch-thermotechnology.us/us/en/ocs/residential/inverter-ducted-split-family-ids--18527266-p/ This episode was recorded in October 2022.

If you are in HVAC, Home Performance, IAQ or follow "electrification" and you HAVEN'T heard of Nate Adams, you will do yourself good to listen to this podcast or follow some of the links below. Oh, and we did not get into the awesome AirBnBs he and his wife Rachel have created:https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/613585624792425971?source_impression_id=p3_1666127682_6kZMNcYeUIBpWHPr https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/689091116595593514?source_impression_id=p3_1666127730_%2BjEglaesD2Edl9UC https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/654543526549837867?source_impression_id=p3_1666127781_WAzpzge25vf2Dsjd https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/44685918?source_impression_id=p3_1666127806_0YbmI9pK0QhZadsQ HVAC 2.0 https://www.hvac20.com/#/ HVAC 2.0 videos https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNXmHUxNpoa_DiC54VxkJjg The Home Comfort book (4 free chapters): https://www.natethehousewhisperer.com/ The Electrify Everything course: https://nate-the-house-whisperer.ck.page/1786fbdf5a Nate's YouTube library: Many related topics https://www.youtube.com/c/NatetheHouseWhisperer Policy paper on Heat Pump Adoption https://www.clasp.ngo/research/all/3h-hybrid-heat-homes-an-incentive-program-to-electrify-space-heating-and-reduce-energy-bills-in-american-homes/ This episode was recorded in October 2022.

"A day in the life of a smart building. Now spaces have memory and identity." Now more than ever, facility owners and managers are incorporating smarter and more connected building technologies to improve proactive maintenance, reduce energy use, and create operational efficiencies. On todays' podcast, Vineet Sinha, VP of Product management at Johnson Controls joins us to shed light on how connected building systems are operating holistically and working together to create a truly smart environment. Buildings of the future are here today and can do all this. It sounds complex, but these smart buildings cost a lot less to run and use fewer resources, all while ensuring indoor spaces are clean and safe. In this discussion, we walk listeners through a day in the life a smart building from the perspective of an everyday occupant and explain how connected technologies enable an experience that makes people feel comfortable, safe and in control. Vineet shares with us definitions of a building persona and how building are moving to cognition of the occupants. You can connect with Vineet on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sinhavineet/ Learn more about JCI's Open Blue Solutions at: https://www.johnsoncontrols.com/openblue This episode was recorded in Oct 2022.

"Making building IAQ better is a long-term process." "We had all the answers before the COVID-19 pandemic, we just didn't implement them." Bill Bahnfleth has a long and distinguished career as a professor of architectural engineering at Penn State University, a consulting and for the US Army Corps of Engineers. In early 2020, ASHRAE tapped him to become the chair of a rare emergency task force to address managing IAQ in buildings considering the COVID-19 pandemic. We will hear from Bill as he discusses how one puts together and manages a 120-person task force in such a short period of time. Bill also discusses several of the myths that needed to be busted along the way. He also shares with us his passion for music and the parallels his mastery of music has with his mastery of engineering: the fundamentals applied creatively, the art and the craft. Some of the resources mentioned include: ASHRAE Guides for COVID-19: https://ashrae.org/technical-resources/resources The ASHRAE design guides: https://www.ashrae.org/technical-resources/bookstore/ashrae-design-guides ASHRAE 62.1 https://www.ashrae.org/technical-resources/bookstore/standards-62-1-62-2 EPA Guides to IAQ:https://www.epa.gov/indoor-air-quality-iaq/publications-about-indoor-air-quality This episode was recorded in September 2022.

Previously a commercial diver working offshore on all work below the water line Bill now works a lot around the dew point. Bill's roots are in residential construction, yet when he returned to that field he realized he lacked sufficient training he became a sponge for knowledge. He's spent many hours working at the LSU AgCenter work on rebuilding initiatives after Hurricane Katrina. In this episode he describes the LA House and the challenges to building in the hot humid climate he lives in. Check out Bill's website at: www.Train2Build.com And follow him on social media via: Instagram — Bandanna Bill Instagram — 504 Historic Windows Facebook — Train2Build YouTube — Train2Build For more info on the LA House: https://lsuagcenter.com/topics/family_home/home/lahouse "A science-based showcase of solutions to shape your future with resilient, healthy and efficient homes." This episode was recorded in September 2022.

In this episode with Ben Poole, a 3rd generation HVAC contractor and founder of HVAC Tactical, we hear a lot about motivation and mindset. "It's you who decides who you want to be." Ben runs Trusted Heating and Cooling in Austin, TX, yet found time to start the HVAC Tactical Apparel brand as he was searching for a new challenge. You can easily hear from Ben how he practices what he preaches, lays out a plan, and acts on it never letting self-doubt creep in. And in 2020 he doubled down and created the first "Emmy-type" awards for amazing craftsmanship called the HVAC Tactical Awards. The HVAC Tactical Awards Show follows the AHR Expo and will be held for the third time on February 5th, 2023 in Atlanta, GA. 250+ people are expected to attend this black-tie event which will include most of the HVAC influencers across all social media platforms. The event will also be livestreamed, as it was in 2022. You can reserve tickets or nominate someone for the award at this link: www.hvactactical.com/hvac-tactical-award/ Learn more Ben's amazing apparel brand at www.hvactactical.com/ This episode was recorded in August 2022.

The best way to describe Brett Dillon, it the quote his LinkedIn profile: "I am an entrepreneur. Intensely curious, I transform industries because I see connections that others don't, relentlessly pursue better ways of doing things, and then use my influence to effect the desired change. My action-oriented background and experience provides understanding in a broad range of subjects, and deep understanding in residential construction and building science. An international award-winning former homebuilder, pro-wrestler, security consultant, and surveillance operative, I lead our team to provide unique and elegant solutions." In the podcast Brett describes how he is weaving together existing advanced methods for energy rating using a different approach. Listen in as this intellectual ferret describes how is company aims to "help clients build better businesses that build better lives." Learn more about the Building Science Institute: https://buildingscienceinstitute.org/ You can also connect with Brett on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brettdillon01/ This episode was recorded in August 2022.

Ray Wu, founder of WYND joins us to stress the importance of an optimal air quality by utilizing modern, innovative technology. But not just technology alone, Wynd uses the subsequent data to inform IAQ decisions, allowing consumers and building managers across industries to realize a healthier, cleaner tomorrow. Ray backs up these claims with case studies, in particular one run in a Las Vegas hotel. Wynd also makes their own UV laser particle sensors which yield enhanced capaiulites that Ray describes. Check out the Wynd products at the link and article below. https://hellowynd.com/pages/shop-for-business https://commercialobserver.com/2022/07/wynd-technologies-sentry/ You can also connect with Ray on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/raymondwu8/ This episode was recorded in August 2022.

Better Marketing for Better Building Companies- Creating Leads, Lifting Conversions Driving Growth. That's the motto of the Energy Circle, the brainchild of our guest today, Peter Troast, a rare marketer who's taken technical training in building science, a central topic amongst most of his clients. He's also upgraded his office space for better IAQ and he monitors it. The Energy Circle has been in business for 12 years, and I have known Peter for nearly that whole time. We even started a "Mastermind Group" (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mastermind_group) several years ago with 2 other business owners in this market. We chose TUG as the unglamorous name of our group - The Unnamed Group - as our purpose was simply to connect, yet encourage and pull each other a long Simple, yet effective helpful connections are what drives Peter's company: I think of his 25 person team as data driven, expert communicators who are focused on service contractors in HVAC, home performance, solar and insulation – all key trades in the built environment. If these topics interest you in the least, please take a few minutes and read a few posts from the EC blog or watch a free live or recorded EC webinar. You will walk away informed, if not inspired. Peter is smart, kind, loyal and very hard worker – plus his knows his shit. Peter's email:[email protected] His company website: www.energycircle.com This episode was recorded in August 2022.

"Who is that guy and what did he just do?" My first formal introduction to Keith was shortly after he crashed his drone into a tree at the HVAC Symposium in Florida a couple years ago. While we did not discuss the drone incident in this podcast, we had a wide-ranging conversation that I thoroughly enjoyed, and I hope you will too. Keith is one of the most unique and fun people I know in the HVAC world. From his hobbies to his projects to the disciplines he employs in his personal and professional worlds, I think he leads quite an eclectic life. This episode is peppered with Keith's life experiences, life hints and life hacks More info on the NERDS The podcast: that we mention: Linktree:www.linktr.ee/nerdsthepodcast Facebook: www.Facebook.com/NerdsThePodcast IG: www.instagram.com/nerdpodcast/ Twitch: www.twitch.tv/NerdsThePodcast Gmail: [email protected] On Apple podcastshttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/nerds/id1373170000 Keith's Email: [email protected] This episode was recorded in July 2022.

If you weren't aware up to now, I am very passionate about Home Performance. So passionate, that I volunteer my time as a board member of, and now, Treasurer of the Building Performance Association or BPA. Among many other things, BPA runs a series of excellent trade shows call Home Performance Conferences (HPCs) (formerly called the Affordable Comfort Conference that started in the late 1980s). It was at a recent HPC that I heard several people remark that they were not clear on what exactly BPA was. To overcome this lack of clarity, I will be running an intermittent series to discuss BPA and its activities, as, frankly, more people ought to know about them and tap into their resources, especially HVAC Contractors. In today's episode I interview Steve Skodak, the CEO of BPA. Steve shares with us his history as a leader of non-profits, the history and activities of BPA, including helping to set policy, state and industry outreach, apprenticeship models, as well as the paid and free membership benefits for those interested in better understanding or doing work in the field of building performance. Listen closely and you will hear of the tie in between Steve's career and expanding foam. Website: www.building-performance.org Membership www.building-performance.org/membership Email: [email protected] This episode was recorded in July 2022.

Today we chat with Bill Graber and Steve Rogers of the Energy Conservatory, also known as TEC, a 40-year-old company that is on a mission to unite the tools and test instruments used in the HVAC and Weatherization markets…an important quest I am also dedicated to. We'll talk what innovation means at TEC. The dictionary says innovation is the act or process of innovating. OK, So what is innovating? "To make changes in something established, especially by introducing new methods, ideas, or products." "To introduce something new, especially a product." Aha, that is it! It's the ACTION or ACTIVITY that is important. We learn about the challenge of creating something that is "neat" (we engineers understand that you create something because you could, versus creating something that is "neat" AND useful. This is a rare peek inside the doors of a manufacturer into their R&D labs and into the brains of an innovative company discovering the challenges and types of decisions that need to be made to satisfy their customers and advance the trades. Website links: www.energyconservatory.com www.HVACairflow.com Email: [email protected] [email protected] This episode was recorded in July 2022.

In March 2022, I was invited to be a guest on the Conscious Builder Show with Casey Grey. I guess all the conversations I have been having about my modular NetZero house had reached north of the border to Ottawa, the capital city of Canada, where Casey is based. Casey's podcast with me is available here: EP181: https://theconsciousbuilder.libsyn.com/181-indoor-air-quality-and-net-zero-custom-build-with-bill-spohn_the-conscious-builder-show_05-05-2022 With a 10-minute video excerpt of the podcast interview here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7jXyN3adkY0 We had such a great conversation, I wanted to pick his brain, hence this podcast! We talk about some of the differences in the Canadian market, as well as how he runs his business (great advice here!!) and the Conscious Builder Academy. Some Knuggets (knowledge nuggets) that emerge include: Don't believe everything you think – there can be better ways Avoid tunnel vision Website: https://www.theconsciousbuilder.com/casey-grey.html#/ Email: [email protected] This episode was recorded in May 2022.

I came to know of Ellis Prach back in the late 1990's through his traveling classes when I was design engineering manager at Bacharach. Later in 2000, when I was with Testo, I contacted him as we had just started to market a new visual inspection scope, based on plastic fiber optics. You see, I have been obsessed for years with trying to solve the problem of more thorough inspections of heat exchangers and who better to talk to than the Heat Exchanger Expert! His first reaction was, well, less than warm to the concept. However, our relationship blossomed into a true friendship as our families got to know each other. In the last few years, Ellis has handed over the reins of his HVAC and Heat Exchanger Class businesses to his very capable sons, Chris and Russell. Listen is as we discuss the important processes they use for their customers including the discussions around this important phrases: NO GUESSING We try to make the equipment last longer than us. The #1 cause of heat exchanger failure. The class reveals all in the book. Website to learn more or buy their book: https://www.heatexchangerexperts.com/ Book is also available at TruTech Tools: https://www.trutechtools.com/HXBOOK Contact form to find about classes: https://www.heatexchangerexperts.com/contact-us Their class is like NOTHING else you have seen. If you attend, you will never forget it. This episode was recorded in May 2022.

Learn about Andrew Greaves non-traditional career journey that took him from building maintenance to Director of Education and Customer Experience for NAVAC Global: www.NavacGlobal.com He received his HVAC training via Community College Night school but has self-taught in video and audio production. Andrew suggests if you are looking for a mentor, perhaps you first start with a collection of virtual mentors sourced from social media: Facebook, YouTube and LinkedIn In our discussion he emphasizes there is no excuse for not learning in this trade- there are so many ways. He also notes key traits he has identified that helped in his career: integrity, authenticity, and communication. Andrew suggests you be bold, put yourself out there, you may need to discover what you can do though trying out various aspects, perhaps learning or honing a skill. He admits never saw himself in this role 5 years ago. He also notes you may learn from some what you should do and from others what you should NEVER do. Andrew suggests you leverage your experiences no matter how basic, by trying to perform the best at everything you do, never strop learning. And that you may need to ask for help, so have the humility to do so. And we close with his statement to keep your options open. YouTube Channel: Search for Andrew Greaves (formerly AK HVAC) Email: [email protected] This episode was recorded in May 2022.

"Don't let fear hold you back." "If you want something in life, go ask for it." These are just two of the many takeaways you will get when you listen to this Episode. Chris Hughes, now the HVAC Business Development Manager for the Energy Conservatory, is a long time HVAC/Mechanical contractor that is now tuned in to Building Performance – a technical area he was never aware of until the last couple of years. He continues to bring you along on his Building Performance learning journey through webinars and in person trainings acting as a two-way translator between these two worlds for example in his "10 methods of Air Flow training." Chris details out his career path and some of the crucial decision points he encountered along the way: including the time he walked out of class and his exposure to the purity embodied in the "chamber of truth." Chris is a great story teller, I am pretty sure you will enjoy this.,,, Learn more about Chris' background via LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-hughes-56550214b/ You can also email Chris at: [email protected] This episode was recorded in May 2022.

Listen in as we chat with Cheryl Cieko, a professional with a mission to dispel myths, create awareness, and empower both professionals and building owners, Cheryl is a one-stop source of knowledge, education, and support having been through mold exposure and illness with her own family. Cheryl describes how, as a licensed architect and industry educator, she provides strategies for professionals, building owners and individuals to better deal with water damage, mold and toxins in buildings. Her past responsibilities include 5 years as Midwest Regional Director and Senior Technical Director for the wood industry in North America. She brings tenacious research abilities, analytical thinking and experience to the topic of environmental health, while sharing design and construction solutions that make a difference. Lean more about Cheryl and her work at: https://cherylciecko.com/ or at https://www.avoidingmold.com/ - Science-Based And Expert-Guided BUILDING EDUCATION For Homeowners And Professionals You can also email Cheryl at [email protected] This episode was recorded in December 2020.

SCIENCE - In pursuit of understanding in the moment. Join us as Rachel and Eric Kaiser, a wife and husband team from Indianapolis, share with us their perspectives on HVAC Chemistry. If you've attended or watched Bryan Orr's HVACR School Symposium over the last 3 years you may have seen them present. We discuss the relative scales of time and size as well as the properties and impact of water on HVAC designs and decisions and so many other topics! We learn more about the scientific/chemical aspects of dirt on surfaces, coatings and filtration Some notable thoughts: Chemistry is like baking, only you shouldn't lick the spoon. Cooking is like jazz music- in its improvisational aspect. Watch Ty Branaman interview Rachel at the latest symposium: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FPqN5yUNChw And here are some links to many other podcasts that Eric has done on a wide range of topics from careers to tools to HVAC charging and more. https://ivy.fm/tag/eric-kaiser And we are proud to announce that Eric will be sharing his knowledge and skills and working with TruTech Tools on a regular basis beginning in June 2022. This episode was recorded in April 2022.

We're joined on today's podcast by Scott Ringlein, a Clean Energy & Sustainability Specialist & Consultant. Scott was raised as a farmer and educated as an engineer with a first career path in the auto industry. He ventured out on his own creating a second career in sustainability with a focus on energy efficiency, conservation, and renewable energy measures. Listen in as Scott shares his journey and achievements which include work for the U.S. Department of Energy and the founding of The Energy Alliance Group of North America in 2012. Scott helps us to understand PACE: Property Assessed Clean Energy. There are a lot of great resources on his website where EAG has a "four cores" approach to green and renewable solutions: Technology, Financing, Incentives and Services. Learn more about the EAG here: energyalliancegroup.org And contact Scott via: [email protected] Follow Scott on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sringlein/ This episode was recorded in March 2020.

If you're in the HVAC field and you listen to podcasts, it's likely you've heard of Gary MacCreadie. If not, here's your chance to get an inside perspective on how and why Gary got into the HVAC Field and later started a podcast audaciously named HVAC Know-It-All. Throughout the episode, we flip flop as interviewer and guest. Gary has recently started his own business, as he, like many others including me, do not like taking direction from others. Follow all content of the HVAC Know It All here: https://www.hvacknowitall.com/ Gary is one of the growing list of TruFriends, talented people in the trade that we list on this page on our website: https://www.trutechtools.com/friends-of-trutech-tools.html Follow Gary and Bill on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gary-mccreadie-38217a77/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/billspohn/ This episode was recorded in May 2022.

On today's podcast we are joined by Bryan Cordill, the Director of Residential and Commercial Business Development at the Propane Education and Research Council. Bryan has decades of experience in the world of propane and in the energy industry in general. We cover topics ranging from propane as a source of space & water heating, cooking, mobile energy including school buses, to combined heat and power systems. We also touch on propane as a refrigerant (R-290). You might be surprised at the size of some of the systems we discuss. You can learn more about the mission and work of the Propane Education Research Council by going to: www.propane.com/ Follow Bryan LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryan-cordill-438557a/ This episode was recorded in June 2020.

Matt Golden is Founder and CEO of Recurve a company that connects the dots between efficiency, electrification, renewable energy, and DERS (distributed energy resources). Recurve's mission is to accelerate the transition to a clean energy economy by integrating behind the meter demand flexibility resources into the emerging carbon-free energy grid. Distributed Energy Resources (DERs) can be described as small-scale electricity generation and storage devices that are generally connect to the grid. These sources can be Solar, Wind, and battery storage, and others. Matt's focus is on energy and the climate while looking for the customer benefit. He's got an impressive career path, including the founding of Sustainable Spaces (AKA Recurve at the time) in 2004, which over 7 years grew to be the largest home performance contractor on the West coast. You can find Matt and follow his work on his website: www.recurve.com And on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/goldenmatt/ Matt's most recent TEDx talk was in Sonoma in March 2022 discussing VPPs Virtual Power Plants: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=knDsACZaaQc This episode was recorded in October 2019, but check the links above for more up to date info as things change quickly in this field.

Max Rohr (formerly with Rehau as the Marketing and Academy Manager for Building Solutions) spends some time explaining for us the process of creating and marketing products to move energy in water, that is radiant heating and cooling systems, as well as plumbing applications with Pex. We learn about both Max's background and the background of the Rehau company which has 20,000 employees in 55 countries and operates in 5 distinct market areas globally. This episode was recorded in February 2020.

I was impressed with Austin Klokus when I first met him on a trip to Kalos Services (The Orr Family HVAC/Mechanical business in Clermont FL) a few years ago. He was working as a senior videographer at the time where he had soaked up knowledge from Bryan Orr and others and taught himself the skills necessary to do fulfill this role. I loved it when he used the phrase "air is stuff" in one of his videos to convey the message that air has mass. I saw him again in person recently at the 3rd Annual HVAC School Symposium and he continues to mature and grow as a person. I appreciate his "young wisdom" and I hope that you do, too. This episode was recorded in November 2019.

I can easily summarize this episode with a single quote from Craig's LinkedIn bio: "Remember that we are all teachers and need to invest in others to succeed." You may have heard of Craig; as his HVAC Training books and YouTube videos continue to grow in popularity. Find him on the AC Service Tech Channel on YouTube. He's always been a problem solver including solving the problem of teaching himself how to write some of the most thoughtfully developed HVAC training materials out there. https://www.youtube.com/c/acservicetechchannel https://www.linkedin.com/in/craig-migliaccio-71085a74/ [email protected] You can find his books on Amazon or via his website: https://www.amazon.com/shop/acservicetech/list/2JFZVBR572471 https://www.acservicetech.com/ This episode was recorded in April 2022.

I'm so pleased to welcome my friend Steve Coscia to the podcast! You may have heard of him; he focuses on training customer service skills especially in the world of HVAC. As a master communications trainer, he gets his points across via memorable story telling. He holds awesome in-person training sessions (he has been to TruTech Tools twice!) and has books, newsletters, materials, and videos, all of which can be found though this website and YouTube channel: Links below https://www.coscia.com/ https://www.youtube.com/user/stevecoscia/videos His 3 key principles of customer problem handling are contain, qualify and correct. A lot of what he teaches may be considered life skills. You need to get a dose of Steve if you can. You will also find Steve presenting at conferences and in the media/videos via other organizations like ACCA and The New Flat Rate. This episode was recorded in September 2021.

In today's podcast we hear from John Sheff who was the director of Public and Industry Affairs for Danfoss at the time of this recording. We learn how John's passion about energy efficiency, decarbonization and sustainability combines with his professional experience in Public Affairs, Government Relations, Project Management and Business Development to help develop strong solutions that meet our industry's needs. We hear about the barriers to deep energy retrofits, limitations of the push for electrification as well as how people are thinking beyond the individual building to tackle building emissions. We also talk about the need for variable speed technology HVAC systems that can ramp up or down to accommodate commercial space that is operating at varying degrees of capacity. And we touch on need to maintain constant, variable airflow as opposed to on/off air flow in indoors spaces with respect to what we have learned in response to COVID-19. You can learn more about Danfoss products at this link: https://www.danfoss.com/en-us/ And read more on Danfoss' position on ESG at this link: https://www.danfoss.com/en-us/about-danfoss/company/sustainability/esg-ranks-and-ratings/ This episode was recorded in August 2021.

Tom Jackson has a passion for the HVAC Trades and it shows through in what he does as leader of Jackson Systems and Supply. Tom is a true entrepreneur following where his customers lead him. His company focuses on product development and support and solves some real head scratcher problems with products and services that you won't find elsewhere. Services like Filter Fetch – making it easy on contractors for their customers to do the right thing. You'll hear about his vision and perspectives and the awesome online training system they have developed. You can learn more about his company here: https://jacksonsystems.com/ We are proud to carry his iO Controls line of products at TruTech Tools: https://www.trutechtools.com/iO-HVAC-Controls This episode was recorded in Sept 2019. Tom Jackson Tom Jackson is the chief executive officer of Jackson Systems, LLC. A Purdue University graduate, Tom is a degreed engineer and spent several years as a territory manager with a large heating and cooling wholesaler in Indiana. During that time, Tom learned a great deal about controls, equipment and incredible client service. In 1997, Tom partnered with his parents to start Jackson Systems. While he is involved with most aspects of the business, he focuses on long-term strategies, product development and making Jackson Systems an incredible place to work. Tom, Ron and Bette have grown Jackson Systems from a start-up to a $20M + company with 81 employees. Jackson Systems has won "Best Places to Work" seven times for the State of Indiana. Tom was a founding Board Member of the Zoning Marketing Alliance (ZMA), which merged with the Air Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI), the premiere governing body of the HVAC industry. Additionally, Tom is on the Board of Directors for the Indiana HVAC Association and serves on two national committees for the Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA). Tom also received the National Distinguished Service Award from ACCA. Tom lives in Indianapolis with his wife Jane and their two children. He is active in the Boy Scouts of America. He earned the rank of Eagle Scout and has the distinct honor of being awarded the Silver Beaver, Scouting's top honor. But his great Scouting accomplishment was seeing his son earn is Eagle Scout award. Tom is also involved with Kiwanis, the Catholic Church, the Wishing Well Fund and Alpha Phi Omega service organization. Tom is committed to improving the lives of others and dedicated to his employees and community.

The title for this episode could mean a couple things: "Getting an early start" as in developing an early morning routine "Getting an early start" as in beginning to learn the trades in high school Well, Elana Day takes the second meaning to an extreme. Join us as Elana and her dad, Jordan, describe how she has become a LinkedIn phenom with a video of hers gathering thousands of views in a very short time. Elana started at age 5 and now, at age 9 has quite a repertoire of projects completed. You'll enjoy hearing from Jordan, a licensed Master Plumber and Certified HVAC technician who employs the elements of Greek Pedagogy in raising his family. Elana follows excellent safety practices and works hard to learn improve her skills. Yet, she is a "regular kid" who is just drawn to do this. Jordan is an Autodidact – a term you may have heard Bryan Orr use before. Wikipedia article: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Autodidacticism You can find Elana doing her thing on YouTube at this linkhttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1PLmZrxcVu09_rWjy1YkmA Or by searching for Lil'MissFixIt on YouTube You'll also find her dad, Jordan Day on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jordan-day-93590220b/ …where he recently posted about Elana: "This International Women's Day, I would like to give a shoutout to my amazing daughter. She is 9 years old and wants to become an engineer, but she also has strong interests in the skilled trades. When it comes to her future career, her hobbies, her interests and yes, even her worldview, I do my best to let her carve her own path. I feel that she has already taught me more than I could ever teach her." This episode was recorded in March 2022.

This is my first interview with a founder of a publicly traded company and my second interview with a European guest! Meet Erlend Bolle, whose life journey took him from working at CERN to a building a global, publicly traded company that innovates consumer and professional grade radon and indoor Air quality Monitors. His team's initial goal was to create a product relevant for all in volume production that improves people's health. Learn how the team at Airthings works to understand consumer needs as society, homes and the world changes over time. CERN details: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CERN 27 kM (16.77 mile) diameter particle accelerator You can find Erlend on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erlendbolle/ And learn more about this company, AirThings here: https://www.airthings.com/ And see his products for sale at TruTech Tools, here: https://www.trutechtools.com/Airthings This episode was recorded in January 2022.

Brett approaches sustainability with thoughtfulness and enthusiasm. He is the Program Manager at GreenHome Institute, has been involved in residential sustainability since 2008, and holds a bachelor's in Sustainable Business. Brett has provided consulting and verification services on thousands of residential green-certified living spaces and certified four projects as a LEED Green Rater. Brett oversees education services providing training or moderations for hundreds of events with thousands of attendees. Brett lives with his family in West Michigan in a GreenStar certified home targeting zero carbon in 2021. His mission is to help you build, BETTER. Additionally, he takes personal steps along these lines and share his experiences. Learn about his radon monitoring experiences here: https://www.airthings.com/resources/brett-radon-story He shares is Carbon Zero Home renovation journey here: https://www.buildwithrise.com/stories/financing-a-carbon-zero-home-renovation You can find Brett on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brett-little-0b3ab71b/ Brett's day job is Program Manager at the Green Home Institute: https://greenhomeinstitute.org/ This episode was recorded in January 2022.

Russ King is a rare breed. He is equally inventor, author (both technical and fiction), software developer, design practitioner, instructor and installer. Above all that, he is passionate, thoughtful, kind, smart and loves to share what he knows. If you get a chance, go see Russ present some time. You can find Russ on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/russell-king-m-e-70342913/ He's got a really cool blog with an awesome tagline: "Offering good advice, whether you want it or not." https://russellking.me/ Russ and his son Connor have developed an awesome modeling tool: www.KwikModel.com This episode was recorded in August 2021.