Building HVAC Science

In this engaging episode of the Building HVAC Science Podcast, host Eric Kaiser is joined by Robert Bean, an ASHRAE Distinguished Lecturer and a renowned expert on indoor environmental quality (IEQ). Together, they explore the intricate relationship between architecture, thermal comfort, and HVAC systems. Robert shares insights from his extensive travels, observations of traditional architecture,...

In this episode of the Building HVAC Science Podcast, Eric Kaiser welcomes David Richardson from the National Comfort Institute. David shares his journey from starting as a "gopher" for his father's HVAC business to becoming a leading advocate and instructor for high-performance HVAC systems. The discussion delves into the evolution of HVAC standards, focusing on the importance of measurements, di...

In this insightful episode of Building HVAC Science, co-hosts Bill Spohn and Eric Kaiser reconnect with Silas Hoeppner for a follow-up discussion that dives deeper into optimizing comfort and efficiency in existing homes. Silas shares his journey of transitioning from a house-centric approach to an occupant-centric model in his work, detailing the lessons he's learned and how these shifts have res...

In this milestone episode, Bill Spohn and co-host Eric Kaiser welcome Bryan Orr, the instigat-ORR behind the creation of the Building HVAC Science podcast. They dive deep into the podcast's origin story, reflecting on how Bryan's love for audio and creative expression sparked a wave of content that has deeply impacted the HVAC industry. Bryan shares his journey from audio experimentation as a chil...

In this powerful episode of the Building HVAC Science Podcast, hosts Bill Spohn and Eric Kaiser bring on a truly inspiring guest, Danny Huffman, founder of Second Chance University. Danny shares the transformative mission behind his organization, which helps individuals transitioning from incarceration, substance abuse, or homelessness rebuild their lives through HVAC training, life skills develop...

In this episode of Building HVAC Science, Bill Spohn and Eric Kaiser are joined by Ross Trethewey, a mechanical engineer, consultant, and building science advocate who also appears on This Old House. Ross shares his journey from being a fifth-generation plumber to becoming a professional engineer with a passion for high-performance buildings. He discusses the critical interplay between building sy...

In this engaging Building HVAC Science Podcast episode, hosts Bill Spohn and Eric Kaiser welcome Dr. Allison Bailes, a renowned building science expert, to discuss his ongoing home remodeling journey. Allison shares his firsthand experiences of retrofitting a 1960s ranch home in Georgia, uncovering challenges, lessons, and unexpected discoveries along the way. Allison dives deep into the realities...

In this episode, Bill Spohn reviews the 52 episodes of the Building HVAC Science Podcast. published in 2024. EP# Published Topic Guest(s) 147 1-5-24 Building science hiaku with Shawna Henderson Shawna Henderson 148 1-12-24 Trade Secrets Revealed- Inside Classset, the Platform Building a Blue-Collar Boom with Cooper Newby Cooper Newby 149 1-19-24 More Than Just Fixing Furnaces: Why NCI is the Heart...

In this episode of the Building HVAC Science Podcast, Eric dives into Bill's recent two-week trip to Africa, covering his time in Kenya and Tanzania. The discussion is rich with cultural insights, unique experiences, and lessons in building science. Bill shares his observations of local architecture, sustainability practices, and the warmth of the people he met, all against the backdrop of Africa'...

This episode of the Building HVAC Science podcast features Greg Bokan, Customer Service Manager at TruTech Tools. Greg shares insights from his recent experience (November 13, 2024) attending the IHACI (Institute of Heating and Air Conditioning Industries) trade show in Pasadena. The event attracted a younger crowd, including many students and instructors, offering an opportunity to showcase tools...

In this episode of the Building HVAC Science Podcast, hosts Bill Spohn and Eric Kaiser sit down with Silas Hoeppner, a passionate advocate for building performance and HVAC design, to explore his unconventional career journey in the industry.  Silas shares his story of starting in his family's insulation business, transitioning through various roles in energy ratings, HVAC consulting, and contract...

In this episode of the Building HVAC Science podcast, co-hosts Bill Spohn and Eric Kaiser are joined by Eric's father, Mark Kaiser, for a special father-son discussion. Mark shares his experiences with building and improving a unique energy-efficient home in Carlinville, Illinois. His journey began in the late 1970s, when he retrofitted a modest house to reduce energy consumption using insulation,...

In this episode of the Building HVAC Science podcast, Bill Spohn and Eric Kaiser welcome Derek Cowburn, founder of Lumen Cache, to discuss his journey from building automation in pharmaceutical facilities to pioneering smart DC power systems for homes and offices. Derek shares how his background in building controls and automation influenced his development of Lumen Cache; a company focused on cre...

In this episode of the Building HVAC Science podcast, Eric Kaiser takes the lead in interviewing three guests from the ROCIS (Reducing Outdoor Contaminants in Indoor Spaces) initiative: Linda Wigington, Bill Collinge, and Rhett Major. Linda introduces ROCIS, sharing its 10-year mission to help participants monitor and improve indoor air quality, particularly in areas with poor outdoor air. The ini...

In the Building HVAC Science Podcast episode, hosts Bill and Eric are joined by Thomas "Huff" Hoffmaster, II to discuss his experiences transitioning from a technician to tech support and eventually into training and consulting. Huff shares his journey through the HVAC industry, beginning with his early exposure to sheet metal work through his family, moving into service because of his love for so...

In this episode of the Building HVAC Science Podcast, co-hosts Eric Kaiser and Bill Spohn interview Elana Day and her father Jordan Day, creators of the YouTube channel Little Miss Fix It. At just 12 years old, Elana has achieved remarkable feats, including passing the EPA-608 certification, possibly making her one of the youngest certified HVAC technicians. The conversation highlights Elana's gro...

In this episode of the Building HVAC Science Podcast, Eric Kaiser is joined by Marco Radocaj from Balance HVAC, who shares insights into his HVAC journey. Marco starts by discussing his background, from an unexpected entry into the HVAC field through his father-in-law's air conditioning company to learning on the job as a new technician with no prior experience. His humorous story of hosing off a...

In the latest episode of the Building HVAC Science Podcast, host Bill Spohn speaks with Ruchir Shah, founder of Skillcat, a mobile training platform for skilled trades. Skillcat offers around 1,500 hours of training in areas such as HVAC, plumbing, appliance and electrical work, and has successfully trained over 300,000 individuals in just three years. Ruchir explains that the platform began as a...

In this episode of the Building HVAC Science podcast, Bill Spohn and co-host Eric Kaiser welcome Steve Byers from Energy Logic in Colorado. Steve shares his background and discusses his company's focus on energy ratings, sustainability work, and program compliance, such as Energy Star and DOE Zero Energy Ready programs. He explains how Energy Logic operates across Colorado and Hawaii, working prim...

In this episode of the Building HVAC Science Podcast, host Bill Spohn is joined by co-host Eric Kaiser and guest Russ King to discuss various aspects of HVAC design, focusing on the complexities and updates to Manual S, a critical document for HVAC equipment selection. Russ King shares his extensive background in building energy modeling and HVAC design, including his journey from traditional HVAC...

In this episode of the Building HVAC Science Podcast, hosts Eric Kaiser and Bill Spohn are joined by Chris and Cheryl Moore, the founders of Harmony Turbines, to discuss their innovative approach to wind energy. Chris and Cheryl share the origin story of Harmony Turbines, which started as a personal project in Chris's basement, driven by his desire to create a quieter, more efficient wind turbine...

In the recent episode of the Building HVAC Science Podcast, hosts Eric Kaiser and Bill Spohn welcome Brynn Cooksey, the owner of Air Doctors Heating and Cooling. Brynn, who is deeply involved in the HVAC industry and building performance, shares his journey from growing up in a family-run HVAC business to becoming an influential figure in the industry. He recounts how his early exposure to the fie...

In this episode of the Building HVAC Science Podcast, Bill Spohn and Eric Kaiser discuss their recent experiences at industry events, particularly the Westford Symposium on Building Science, also known as Building Science Summer Camp. They reflect on the event's unique blend of technical presentations and social interactions, highlighting the presentation by Keith Simon on the longevity of buildin...

In this episode of the Building HVAC Science Podcast, hosts Bill Spohn and Eric Kaiser engage in a lively "duo cast" discussing the various measurements they take in their homes and the reasons behind them. They start the conversation by reflecting on their recent episode with Gary Klein, which inspired Eric to set up a data logging system to monitor hot water temperatures in his home. This leads...

In this episode of the Building HVAC Science Podcast, hosts Bill Spohn and Eric Kaiser are joined by Gary Klein, a veteran in the field of energy conservation, particularly in hot water system design. The discussion begins with Klein explaining his innovative teaching method, using tape on the floor to illustrate the distances between water heaters and home fixtures. This method helps participants...