In this episode of the Building HVAC Science Podcast, hosts Eric Kaiser and Bill Spohn welcome Jesse Smith, a carpenter turned HVAC enthusiast. Jesse, who has written an intriguing article titled "Lies, Damned Lies, and Manometer Readings" for Asterisk Magazine, shares his journey from carpentry to specializing in high-performance building and energy retrofits. His early exposure to energy efficiency through his father's work, combined with his professional evolution amidst the housing bubble, laid the foundation for his deep dive into HVAC systems and home performance standards.

Jesse discusses his experiences and challenges in HVAC, emphasizing the widespread lack of proper setup and calibration in the field, which he identifies as a significant issue affecting both indoor air quality and energy efficiency. His practical encounters, such as dealing with incorrect airflow measurements and learning about the critical settings of HVAC systems, underline his critique of what he sees as endemic incompetence within the industry. This incompetence, Jesse argues, poses severe risks not only to building efficiency but also to public health and environmental sustainability.

The podcast conversation also delves into Jesse's broader concerns about the construction and HVAC industries' stagnation in productivity and innovation since the 1970s. He calls for better education and accountability in the industry to overcome these challenges. Jesse's perspective is that of an insider calling for systemic change, advocating for the adoption of better practices and technologies to improve building performance and, ultimately, contribute positively to societal health and environmental goals.

Jesse’s Linked in: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jesse-smith-59a54966/

The original article that drew our attention: 

https://asteriskmag.com/issues/05/lies-damned-lies-and-manometer-readings

This episode was recorded in March 2024.

In this episode recorded at the ACCA 2024 conference in Orlando, Eric Kaiser interviews Wes Davis, the Director of Technical Services at ACCA. Wes shares his extensive experience at ACCA, noting his nearly two-decade tenure and involvement in significant initiatives like code hearings and contractor accreditation efforts. He humorously remarks on his career progression within ACCA, crediting his rise to the retirement of predecessors and finding joy in leading a talented team dedicated to advancing HVAC standards and education.

Wes details the core responsibilities and recent projects of his department, which include advocating for sensible codes, delivering educational programs, and promoting contractor accreditation. He emphasizes the importance of ACCA's role in developing and revising standards such as Manuals J, S, D, and T, which are critical for proper HVAC installation and maintenance. Wes also discusses ACCA's transition to offering standards online for free viewing, which is aimed at increasing accessibility and industry engagement.

The podcast touches on the dynamic nature of standard development, highlighting the open and inclusive process that ACCA strives for. Wes encourages industry professionals to participate and provide feedback on standards, stressing that contributions are vital for creating practical and effective industry guidelines. The episode concludes with Wes expressing appreciation for the opportunity to discuss these processes and encourage listener involvement in shaping the future of HVAC standards.

Wes’s Linked in: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wesdavisacca/

ACCA website: www.ACCA.org

This episode was recorded in March 2024.

In this episode of the Building HVAC Science Podcast, hosted by Eric Kaiser, guests Josh Crawley and Casey Prater from TruTech Tools discuss their experiences at the HVAC Excellence National HVACR Education Conference held in March in Las Vegas, Nevada. They share insights on the conference's focus on education and technology advancements in the HVAC industry, emphasizing the passionate learning environment and the evolution of smart tools in HVAC practices.

Josh Crawley, the sales manager for TruTech Tools, recounts his journey with the company and how it has evolved to prioritize customer service and technological advancements in HVAC tools. He reflects on the conference's emphasis on the importance of connected tools and how the perception of such technologies has shifted positively over the years, highlighting the industry's commitment to quality work and efficient problem-solving through technology.

Casey Prater, a newer member of the TruTech team, shares his personal takeaway from the conference, focusing on the enthusiasm and passion within the HVAC community. He appreciates the informative sessions, especially those involving visual demonstrations, which provided deep insights into the industry's future directions, including the transition to A2L refrigerants. Casey's experience underscores the industry's continuous learning culture and the role of innovation in driving HVAC practices forward.

Overall, the episode paints a picture of an industry at the cusp of significant technological transformation, underscored by a collective commitment to education, quality, and innovation. The discussion not only highlights the specific advancements in HVAC tools and practices but also reflects on the broader implications for workforce development and the pursuit of excellence in the field.

Josh’s Linked in: https://www.linkedin.com/in/josh-crawley-20b41550/

NHETC Conference: 

2024 schedule: https://www.escogroup.org/hvac/nhetc/eventschedule.aspx

2025 teaser: https://www.escogroup.org/hvac/nhetc/default.aspx

This episode was recorded in April 2024.

In this engaging interview on the Building HVAC Science Podcast, co-hosts Eric Kaiser and Bill Spohn welcomed Jason Julian, owner of Julian Heating and Air in Arkansas, to discuss his remarkable journey and the evolution of his business. Julian's story is one of resilience and transformation, beginning with his entry into the HVAC industry as a recovering drug addict and felon in need of employment. His eagerness to learn and improve not only his skills but also the comfort and satisfaction of his customers propelled him from a temporary helper to a business owner dedicated to quality service and employee empowerment.

Jason Julian's company culture emphasizes continuous learning, quality workmanship, and a proactive approach to solving problems. He invests in high-quality tools and training for his team, aiming to be the supportive and encouraging boss he wished he had when he started. Julian's commitment to his employees and customers alike has fostered a positive, solution-oriented work environment where the focus is on delivering excellent customer service through skilled and knowledgeable HVAC solutions.

Despite the challenges of starting a business with limited resources and navigating financial obstacles, Julian has successfully grown his company by maintaining high standards for work and customer care. He attributes much of his success to the support and collaboration within his team, emphasizing the importance of seeing potential in people and empowering them to contribute to solutions. This collective effort and shared vision for excellence have allowed Julian Heating and Air to thrive, demonstrating the power of resilience, leadership, and a customer-first approach in the HVAC industry.

Jason’s Linked in: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-julian-03530b160/

Jason’s business: https://julianheatandair.com/contact-us/

This episode was recorded in February 2024.

In this podcast Bill and Eric interview their friend, Russ King, AKA Mr. Load Calcs from California. Russ has extensive background in HVAC, starting from his first job in 1988 doing load calculations and energy modeling for California's Title 24 energy code. He shares his journey from working with his mentor Marshall Hunt, through running a mechanical engineering department for a big energy consulting firm, to eventually starting a company with his son, Connor, and developing software: http://www.KwikModel.com in 2018. King emphasizes the importance of feedback from HERS raters and others on tested houses to improve design quality and advocates for contractors to be home performance contractors, focusing on both equipment capacity and house load.

Russ proceeds to introduce his new initiative, www.DIYLoadCalcs.com, aimed at empowering homeowners to be involved in the HVAC process by providing them with tools to understand and improve their home's energy efficiency as well as HVAC system performance by getting it designed correctly from the get go.. This service leverages modern technology to allow homeowners to scan their houses and submit information for load calculations to professionals trained in using KwikModel. The resultant load calc can be given to contractors along with a KwikModel file to refine the load calc. He highlights the importance of load calculations in identifying the correct size for HVAC equipment and improving home performance.

Throughout the discussion, King underscores the transformation in the HVAC industry brought about by technological advancements, making processes like load calculations more accessible and accurate. He expresses hope that initiatives like DIY Load Calcs will encourage more homeowners and contractors to embrace these tools, leading to better-informed decisions and improvements in home energy efficiency and HVAC system performance and occupant health and comfort.

Here is Russ’ blog: https://russellking.me/

Here are the posts he referred to in our conversation: https://russellking.me/2014/01/02/how-a-house-is-like-a-tank-of-water/

https://russellking.me/2013/05/25/why-we-need-a-simpler-hvac-design-methodology/

His Linked in: https://www.linkedin.com/in/russell-king-m-e-70342913/

This episode was recorded in February 2024.

Eric and Bill welcome Victor Hyman to the podcast. Victor is the Executive Director of Climate Care Cooperative, an Ontario-based HVAC contractors' cooperative focused on residential services. Victor explains that Climate Care has been operational since 1992, and he has been its Executive Director for three and a half years. He highlights the unique nature of a contractors' cooperative, detailing how it allows companies to share best practices, training, and financial benefits, likening the structure to a franchise system democratically controlled by its members.

Victor discusses the role of Climate Care in Ontario's HVAC sector, addressing the challenges and opportunities presented by the Canadian federal government's push for decarbonization and the promotion of heat pump technology through financial incentives such as the Greener Homes Initiative. He explains the regional focus of the cooperative's members in Ontario, emphasizing the province's clean energy grid and the impact of climate policies on HVAC practices and the adoption of heat pumps over traditional air conditioners. Victor also sheds light on the practical challenges faced by HVAC contractors, such as educating homeowners about energy efficiency and navigating government rebate programs.

The conversation then shifts to the strategies employed by Climate Care to communicate with customers and train members in understanding and addressing homeowners' needs effectively. Victor emphasizes the importance of preparing homeowners for equipment upgrades and promoting maintenance plans to ensure efficient and timely HVAC solutions. He also touches on the significance of leveraging utility data for accurate heat load calculations and the benefits of third-party endorsements in encouraging homeowners to adopt greener technologies. The podcast concludes with Victor sharing insights on the importance of understanding customer motivations and focusing on delivering comfort and cost savings, reinforcing the role of HVAC contractors as trusted advisors in the transition towards more sustainable home heating solutions.

Victor’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/victorhyman/

https://www.climatecare.com/

This episode was recorded in February 2024.

In this episode of the Building HVAC Science Podcast, co-hosts Eric Kaiser and Bill Spohn welcomed special guests Ed Smith and Eric Fitz from Amply Energy. The group began by sharing their experiences at the recent HVACR school symposium in Florida, highlighting the significance of personal connections and shared knowledge in the industry. Ed Smith discussed his transition from operating businesses to co-founding Amply, driven by a desire to make significant impacts, particularly in sustainable agriculture and decarbonizing chemical manufacturing. The conversation touched on the growing interest in climate change solutions and the role of technology in advancing building electrification and decarbonization efforts.

Eric Fitz shared his background in mechanical engineering and his journey through the energy sector, which ultimately led him to co-found Amply. He expressed his passion for energy and building science, emphasizing the importance of advancing residential building systems to improve the overall energy system. The discussion then shifted to the practical application of Amply's software, which aids HVAC and heat pump installers by simplifying and speeding up the sizing and designing process for retrofit homes.

The episode concluded with insights into the electrification of the HVAC industry, the challenges and opportunities it presents, and the role of modern technology in supporting this transition. Both guests and hosts stressed the importance of collaboration, innovation, and education in driving the industry forward, with a particular focus on improving HVAC design and installation practices through the use of advanced software and adherence to standards like ACCA Manuals J and D.

Ed’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ed-smith-5aa8716/

Eric’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ehfitz/

https://www.amply.energy/

This episode was recorded in February 2024.

In the episode Eric and Bill interview Chris Wisniewski, a high-end residential HVAC contractor. Chris shares his journey from having no initial interest in HVAC, influenced by his father's work, to taking over the family business after college. He emphasizes the importance of being in the field and understanding the technical aspects, leading to his interest in control systems and the evolution of his business from industrial to high-end and standard residential services.

Chris discusses the business's transition towards high-end residential work in the city (NYC), incorporating standard residential projects, and the challenges of adapting to different market demands. He highlights his commitment to quality, the struggles with business coaching programs focused more on sales than HVAC specifics, and his dissatisfaction with standard residential HVAC approaches. Chris stresses quality installations and the challenge of pricing them competitively without compromising standards.

Finally, Chris speaks on the recruitment challenges in the HVAC industry, especially the difficulty in finding dedicated and skilled technicians. He shares his company's approach to integrating new technology, providing value, and maintaining high standards. He also reflects on the importance of choosing the right customers and projects that align with the company's ethos, emphasizing that while it may limit scaling, it ensures the company remains true to its values and delivers high-quality, satisfying work.

Chris’ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chriswisniewskinj/

His business, ICS: http://www.icshvac.com/

You will also find him active in the HVAC Owners Group on Facebook.

This episode was recorded in December 2023.

In the podcast, Austin shares his experiences with sustainable building practices, particularly highlighting the initial venture into constructing a LEED platinum-level building to demonstrate that high sustainability standards can be achieved without excessive costs or complexity. He discusses the general approach where typical construction starts with existing methods and then adapts to earn additional certification points, which often leads to either more expensive or less effective outcomes. Instead, Austin advocates starting from scratch, focusing on creating healthy, durable, and efficient buildings that people enjoy living in, which promotes long-term sustainability beyond mere certification points.

Austin further elaborates on the success of their approach, noting how they managed to achieve almost all possible LEED points quickly by reevaluating materials and construction methods comprehensively. This process led to the realization that focusing on human-centric design and logic leads to better overall results, surpassing mere compliance with certification standards. He emphasizes the importance of creating buildings that people can connect with, which not only meet but exceed sustainability benchmarks.

Lastly, the conversation touches on the broader implications of their work, discussing how placing humans at the center of design and construction leads to more meaningful and sustainable outcomes. They critique the tendency in the construction industry to prioritize efficiency over human experience, drawing parallels to broader societal issues like the overemphasis on caloric efficiency in American food production. Austin and Lucas stress the importance of materials and building methods that respect both people and the planet, suggesting that a focus on human-first design inherently leads to better and more sustainable buildings.

https://www.greenbuildingadvisor.com/article/five-factors-of-good-building

https://www.valihomes.com/

This episode was recorded in November 2023.

In this episode of the podcast hosts Eric Kaiser and Bill Spohn welcomed Amit Gupta from AeroSeal, a company specializing in duct sealing technology. Amit shared the backstory of AeroSeal, which was originally founded based on technology invented by Dr. Mark Modera at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory. The technology struggled to gain traction under its initial ownership by Carrier, leading Amit, who was working at Carrier post-MBA, to see the potential for significant energy efficiency improvements in homes through duct sealing. Amit's passion for the technology led to the acquisition and reboot of AeroSeal as an independent company in 2010, focusing on sealing ducts, building envelopes, and potentially underground gas pipelines to improve energy efficiency and reduce waste.

AeroSeal's technology addresses the inefficiency and energy loss in buildings by sealing air ducts and envelopes with a patented process that injects micron-sized particles to seal leaks from the inside. This approach is likened to a "fix-a-flat" for buildings, aiming to significantly reduce energy waste and contribute to the net-zero energy building goal. Amit highlighted the vast potential impact of their technology, noting that buildings contribute to a significant portion of CO2 emissions and energy consumption, primarily through heating and cooling. By improving the sealing of ducts and envelopes, AeroSeal aims to address this inefficiency systematically, offering a solution for both new construction and existing buildings.

The conversation also touched on the challenges and opportunities in promoting AeroSeal's technology. Amit discussed the common acceptance of inefficient HVAC systems by homeowners and the industry's gradual shift towards recognizing the importance of energy efficiency and indoor air quality. The technology's application ranges from residential homes to iconic commercial buildings, demonstrating its scalability and effectiveness. Amit emphasized the importance of action and awareness in adopting such technologies to make a tangible impact on energy efficiency and environmental sustainability.

This episode was recorded in January 2024.

In this episode Eric Kaiser and Bill Spohn review their experiences and insights from the 5th Annual HVACR School training symposium. They start by discussing the symposium's popularity, noting it had a cap of 300 attendees, indicating a high level of interest and engagement within the community. A highlight mentioned is a 12-year-old attendee, Atley D., who exemplified passion and intelligence for the HVAC trade, showcasing the diverse range of participants and the potential for young talent in the industry.

They also cover various aspects of the symposium, such as the focus on practical learning sessions, tool and instrument selection workshops, and the integration of home performance into HVAC businesses. These discussions underscore the event's comprehensive approach to professional development in the HVACR field, emphasizing both technical skills and broader industry perspectives.

Furthermore, they touch upon the importance of inclusivity and diversity, particularly the representation of women in the trade. A panel discussion on this topic is highlighted, indicating an ongoing effort to address gender disparities and foster a more welcoming environment for all professionals.

Overall, they saw a vibrant and dynamic community focused on education, innovation, and inclusivity within the HVACR industry, underscoring the symposium's role in advancing professional standards and encouraging new talent.

The launch of the #betterHVAC initiative (www.betterHVAC.org) happened at the event and underscores the concepts that bring us all together at the symposium Learn Continuously  Do Ethically  Share Openly

You can still get a ticket to watch videos of the sessions for only $26 here:

https://hvacrschool.com/events/5th-annual-hvac-r-training-symposium/

In closing, our industry owes a debt of Bryan Orr for creating this community and to his team at Kalos and his family for making it all happen to the delight of the participants.

This episode was recorded in February 2024.