Building HVAC Science

Totex co-founder Berlin Raj joins Eric and “Overkill Bill” to unpack a single-box, hydronic monoblock system that combines space conditioning, domestic hot water, pool heating, thermal + lithium storage, EV charging integration, and backup power. Born from Berlin’s lifelong tinkering (and many shocks), the idea: stop wasting condenser heat—capture it for hot water while cooling.

The system keeps all refrigerant sealed in the outdoor unit and runs PEX supply/return to indoor air handlers (ducted or ductless), avoiding field flares and refrigerant line runs. Install looks familiar—set the pad, pipe PEX, fill a glycol loop, wire power...

Quotes from the Episode:

“If it helps one person, then it’s worth its weight in gold.” —Roman

“Stop asking ‘What if I fail?’—ask ‘What if I’m amazing at this?’” —Roman

“I ran into the fire and rescued my future self.” —Roman (riffing with Bill)

Roman Baugh—third-generation tradesman, educator at Kalos Services, and prolific HVAC content creator—joins Bill and Eric for a lively conversation that starts with mustache banter and lands on the deeper stuff: curiosity, service, parenting, and learning in public. Roman traces his path from ri...

Stephen Roth—founder of Carmel Software and current owner of Hands Down Software—joins Bill and Eric to trace a multigenerational journey from a 1920s Ohio roofing firm to modern HVAC software that powers everyday field work. Stephen shares how family roots in commercial roofing and energy management shaped his path as a mechanical engineer and coder, eventually leading to Autodesk acquiring his early load-calc assets and, later, to relaunching Carmel with one of the industry’s first mobile HVAC app suites.

Today CarmelSoft offers field-friendly tools from PT charts and duct/pipe sizers to an ACCA-approved Manual...

“Use AI to augment people, not replace them.”

“Windshield time is 30% of a tech’s day—let’s turn it into sales prep.”

“Proposals should translate specs into homeowner value—comfort, savings, and choices.”

In this episode, recorded live from the NCI Summit 2025 in Round Rock, TX, Bill and Eric sit down with Winston Chi, co-founder of NOSO Labs, to explore how AI can augment (not replace) HVAC technicians. Winston shares his path from a Google-backed, AI-driven startup in food wholesale to building tools for the trades, inspired by ride-alongs and family ties to hands-on work. Hi...

Some quotes:
“When we treat the house as the biggest duct, comfort and performance finally line up.”

“Field data becomes financial data the moment a homeowner decides—so it has to be right.”

“If you can’t measure it, you can’t improve it.” — often attributed to Lord Kelvin

Fresh back from the early-September NCI Summit in Austin, Bill and Eric recap three big themes: whole-home thinking, data you can trust, and tools that make better work faster. The “high-performance HVAC” mindset came through in a lively contractor panel moderated by Ben L...

In this episode of the Building HVAC Science Podcast, Eric Kaiser and Bill Spohn welcome Lisa White, Associate Director of PHIUS, to explore the evolving world of passive building. Lisa shares her journey into building science, her role at PHIUS, and how the organization has grown from a niche movement into a force shaping multifamily and affordable housing projects across North America.

She explains the core principles of passive building — thermal, air, and solar/radiation control — and how they translate into healthier, more comfortable, and more resilient spaces. Lisa also discusses PHIUS’s training and certification programs, the im...

In this episode of the Building HVAC Science Podcast, Eric and Bill welcome Nathan Orr, Sales Director at Kalos and co-founder of Blue Rabbit. Nathan is candid, reflective, and unfiltered, sharing how his creative process—whether through writing late-night reflections or even experimenting with unconventional podcast settings—helps him process emotion and sharpen perspective. His insights reveal a person who values authenticity and believes in using catharsis constructively, rather than destructively.

Nathan also dives into Kalos’ growth story and culture. He attributes much of their success to embracing counter-culture thinking, focusing on training, and never being satisfied with t...

In this episode of the Building HVAC Science Podcast, Eric Kaiser and Bill Spohn welcome longtime HVAC instructor Michael Uselof, who shares his remarkable journey from answering a humble job ad in 1983 to becoming a passionate educator with the United Association (UA). Michael reflects on the value of learning through hands-on experience, the evolution of HVAC technology, and the crucial role training plays in creating resilient, adaptable tradespeople.

Michael shares stories from his early days wiring supermarkets and living above the shop, to teaching thousands of apprentices over two decades. He also dives into the shifting landscape...

On this episode of the Building HVAC Science Podcast, Bill Spohn and Eric Kaiser are joined by seasoned tech entrepreneur Selina Tobaccowala, founder of HomeBoost.com, to discuss a new consumer-driven solution that brings energy comfort diagnostics into the modern era. Selina, whose background includes co-founding Evite and serving as President/CTO at SurveyMonkey, now applies her tech and behavioral insights to a space closer to home: energy efficiency and comfort.

Selina shares the inspiration behind HomeBoost, a unique platform that empowers homeowners to scan and diagnose thermal and energy issues in their home using a FLIR...

In this engaging episode of the Building HVAC Science Podcast, Eric Kaiser chats with Nikki Krueger, National Sales Manager and building science advocate at Santa Fe (a Thermastor brand), often dubbed the “Queen of Dehumidification.” They explore the science and application of dedicated dehumidification in homes and buildings across various climates—especially in today’s increasingly humid and energy-efficient housing stock.

Nikki shares insights from her 20+ years in the indoor air quality (IAQ) space, detailing her journey from AprilAire to launching her own consultancy, and ultimately joining Santa Fe. She explains how tighter building envelopes, increased ventilation needs, a...

In this episode of Building HVAC Science, Bill Spohn welcomes Josh Koplin, co-founder of Eden (https://e-denhomes.com), to talk about how digital tools are reshaping the HVAC sales experience. Josh shares his unique journey from building power plants in Japan—where he was immersed in a heat pump-centric culture—to co-founding Eden, a company aimed at bringing transparency and ease to HVAC sales through technology.

Eden offers a software-as-a-service (SaaS) platform for HVAC contractors that acts as a 24/7 digital salesperson. It allows homeowners to get instant, customized equipment quotes based on a simplified online load calculation, loca...

“Incidents drive policy. Policy drives law.” – Marc A. Adams

“You don't want to do the Scooby-Doo dance if you smell gas—evacuate and call 911.” – Marc A. Adams

“An electronic nose is a better solution than relying on your own.” – Bill Spohn

In this compelling episode of the Building HVAC Science Podcast, Bill Spohn and Eric Kaiser speak with Marc A. Adams, Vice President of New Cosmos USA, about natural gas safety and the innovative gas detection technologies behind the DeNova Detect brand. The conversation begins with Marc's fascinating career journey from telecom to public safety, highl...

“IAQ is no longer just a maintenance issue—it’s a strategic lever for improving patient outcomes and financial performance in healthcare.”

“Saving a single dollar in energy for a hospital is like generating twenty dollars in patient revenue.”

“The big message: it’s not as big a lift as it used to be. Smart IAQ solutions are now turnkey and data-driven.”

In this episode of the Building HVAC Science Podcast, host Bill Spohn is joined by Renée Jacobs, a seasoned expert in healthcare construction and building automation. Renée shares her career journey from...

In this episode of the Building HVAC Science Podcast, hosts Bill Spohn and Eric Kaiser sit down with two passionate leaders from the GRIT Foundation—Executive Director Leilani Orr and Head of Training Ty Branaman. Together, they unpack the origin story, purpose, and transformative impact of GRIT Camps, which introduce youth to the skilled trades in immersive, hands-on ways.

The conversation explores how GRIT—which stands for Growth and Resilience in the Trades—isn't just a clever acronym but a mindset. Through personal stories, Leilani and Ty reflect on the deeper "why" behind the camps: fostering curiosity, buildi...

In this wide-ranging episode, Eric Kaiser and Bill Spohn welcome longtime HVAC pro and educator Adam Mufich to the podcast. Adam shares his unique path through the industry—from growing up in a third-generation HVAC family and starting his own company, to becoming a trainer at the National Comfort Institute (NCI). The trio dives into how social media unexpectedly played a pivotal role in Adam’s professional growth, helping him connect with future collaborators through YouTube live streams and online forums.

They explore Adam’s evolution into technical writing and training, his thoughts on public speaking, and what i...

In this insightful episode, Bill and Eric are joined by Abhi Katamneni from Efficiency Canada and Nate Adams, also known as the House Whisperer, for a wide-ranging conversation on the future of home performance, policy, and how HVAC contractors can play a central role in the electrification and decarbonization of housing.

Abhi shares lessons from his ride-alongs with contractors across North America, emphasizing how real-world experience shapes policy that actually works. Nate dives into his shift toward consumer education and the systemic problems he’s observed in program design and incentives. Together, they unpack how well-meaning policies ca...

In this engaging and insightful episode of the Building HVAC Science podcast, Eric Kaiser and Bill Spohn welcome Matt Schwoegler, founder of Blaze Infrared and longtime thermography educator. Matt shares his unexpected journey into the world of infrared—from a marketing career in the ski industry to teaching thousands about heat transfer and thermal imaging. With deep humility and clarity, he walks us through critical lessons from his 20+ year career, including some humorous—and humbling—stories from the field.

Matt discusses how interpreting thermal images isn't as straightforward as it seems. From false positives caused by built-in heater...

In this in-depth episode of Building HVAC Science, hosts Bill Spohn and Eric Kaiser sit down with Phil Farese, CEO of Mojave HVAC, to explore the cutting edge of desiccant dehumidification technology. Phil, whose career began in physics at Cornell and research at Princeton before moving into consulting at McKinsey and leadership roles at NREL, Enphase, and now Mojave, brings a rare mix of scientific rigor and market savvy to the HVAC space.

The conversation traces the evolution of liquid desiccant systems and Mojave’s unique approach that combines vapor compression and liquid desiccant in a s...

In this high-energy episode of Building HVAC Science, Bill Spohn and Eric Kaiser welcome Tersh Blissett—entrepreneur, podcaster, and automation enthusiast—for a deep dive into how AI and automation are transforming service businesses. Tersh, known for running multiple HVAC, plumbing, and electrical companies, shares his journey from podcasting beginnings to becoming a Zapier expert and automation evangelist. He explains how AI voice tools, custom GPTs, and platforms like Notebook LM and PhoneTap are helping streamline operations, improve call conversions, and create more consistent customer experiences.

The conversation explores both the promise and the pitfalls of AI, from...

In this episode of Building HVAC Science, Bill Spohn and Eric Kaiser welcome back Brent Davidson, founder of the U.S. Heat Pump Summit, for an energizing discussion that soars from glider flights to the frontlines of heat pump education and adoption. Brent shares the story behind launching the Summit—from a hunch inspired by his solar-industry background to a growing movement that now brings together top contractors, technical experts, manufacturers, and rebate program leaders. The goal? To improve both the business and field deployment of air and water-based heat pump solutions.

Brent outlines what sets the Su...

“Proposals don’t save energy… action does.” 

— Bill Spohn

“I didn’t know how cool this thing was until we started sharing it with the world.”

 — Amanda Godward

“Change is hard—but that’s what makes it great.” 

— Amanda quoting Ross Trethewey from This Old House

In this episode of Building HVAC Science, hosts Bill Spohn and Eric Kaiser welcome Amanda Godward, founder of Ecotelligent Homes and Ecotelligent Software. Amanda shares her journey from mechanical engineer in the auto industry to a passionate home performance contr...

“The process doesn’t fail. The technician fails to follow the process.”

 – Dirk Nauman

In this inspiring episode of the Building HVAC Science Podcast, Eric Kaiser and Bill Spohn are joined by Dirk Nauman—HVAC trainer, simulator inventor, and founder of Visual 3D Academy. Dirk shares his personal transformation from a nervous first-time trainer to an industry innovator dedicated to improving HVAC education through simulation and visualization. He discusses how necessity drove him to create his first HVAC simulator from scrap components, eventually evolving it into a line of compact training tools now used in schools, pr...

“We’re not guessing what’s inside the walls—we’re measuring how homes really use energy.”

Max Reichlin

In this episode of the Building HVAC Science Podcast, Eric Kaiser and Bill Spohn sit down with Max Reichlin from Clean Power Research to explore a groundbreaking HVAC tool: Thermentor. Designed to bridge the gap between estimated and actual residential energy loads, Thermentor leverages real energy usage data to perform virtual energy audits. The goal? More accurate, faster, and accessible load calculations that empower contractors and homeowners alike—particularly when considering heat pumps, dual fuel systems, or just right...

In this episode of the Building HVAC Science Podcast, Eric Kaiser and Bill Spohn welcome Ben Hildebrandt, a passionate advocate for building science and green technology education at the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT). Ben shares his winding career path—from automotive mechanics to aircraft maintenance to architectural technology—and how that journey has shaped his deep commitment to sustainable building practices.

Ben discusses the role of applied research at SAIT, highlighting its focus on real-world implementation of green technologies in residential and commercial buildings. He covers the challenges of deep energy retrofits, labor shortages, and silo...

In this episode of Building HVAC Science, Eric Kaiser and Bill Spohn are joined by a special guest who’s carrying on the Spohn legacy—Billy Spohn. The trio recaps their experience at the 2025 National Home Performance Conference in New Orleans, the largest in the event’s history, with over 2,800 attendees. They reflect on the continued convergence of HVAC and building performance disciplines, and how this cross-pollination is finally taking root at scale.

From highlights in the expo hall, including interest in the new RetroTec Air Tracer and the Testo 860i thermal imager, to insightful sessions on whole...

In this episode of Building HVAC Science, hosts Bill Spohn and Eric Kaiser sit down with Jeff Cherif and David Madden from JB Industries, a long-standing, U.S.-based HVAC tool manufacturer with deep roots in Aurora, Illinois. Jeff shares his fascinating journey from Motorola executive in Dubai to co-owner of JB Industries, sparked by a chance rooftop encounter with one of JB’s own vacuum pumps in the Middle East. David brings a multi-generational connection to the business and reflects on the evolution of JB’s manufacturing ethos and engineering depth.

The conversation dives into what sets...

“How much pain they have cost us, the evils which never happened.”

—Thomas Jefferson

In this episode of the Building HVAC Science Podcast, Eric Kaiser and Bill Spohn sit down with Anthony Woo, an HVAC contractor from Quebec, Canada. Anthony shares his journey from dropping out of college to becoming a successful business owner specializing in heat pump installations in one of North America's coldest climates. He discusses his personal and professional evolution, from gaining confidence through a Tony Robbins seminar to implementing systems like EOS in his rapidly growing business. Anthony also highlights the power...

“You can be high quality and effective, but also efficient at the same time.”

— Furman Haynes, Founder of WorkHero

In this episode of the Building HVAC Science Podcast, Eric Kaiser and Bill Spohn sit down with Furman Haynes, co-founder of WorkHero, to explore a critical challenge facing small HVAC business owners: the administrative burden that stifles growth. Furman shares his journey into the HVAC industry, inspired by a passion for building organizations that support small business success. He recounts his eye-opening experiences at industry events and his realization that paperwork and administrative tasks often o...

In this episode of the Building HVAC Science Podcast, Bill Spohn and Eric Kaiser interview Jake Yurek, the co-founder of Pearl Edison, a platform designed to simplify the installation of energy-efficient systems for homeowners and contractors. Jake shares the origins of the company’s name, inspired by Thomas Edison’s first power station on Pearl Street, and explains how Pearl Edison partners with trusted entities like utilities and city governments to facilitate HVAC installations. Their approach aims to reduce customer acquisition costs for contractors while improving the decision-making process for homeowners.

Jake delves into the unique value prop...

In this episode of Building HVAC Science, Bill Spohn and Eric Kaiser sit down with Eric George, founder of Home Comfort Advisor, to discuss his journey from insulation and energy audits to content creation and education. Eric shares how his background in home performance shaped his passion for providing homeowners and tradespeople with reliable, science-based information.

He details his soon-to-launch online course, which simplifies building science principles for homeowners and professionals alike, helping them ask the right questions and make informed decisions about home comfort, insulation, and energy efficiency. Eric also dives into the importance of proper...

In this episode of Building HVAC Science, Bill and Eric welcome Rachel Kaiser to discuss an often-overlooked yet critical topic: data integrity in HVAC and building performance. Rachel, who has a background in scientific research and data quality, shares insights into how the HVAC industry generates and manages data, why data integrity matters, and the risks of poor data management.

They explore real-world examples—from technicians misreporting measurements to the challenges of maintaining reliable combustion data—and discuss how digital tools can both help and hinder data integrity. Rachel breaks down key principles of data integrity using the...

In this episode of Building HVAC Science, hosts Bill Spohn and Eric Kaiser welcome Sophie Ashley of Energy Vanguard, an HVAC designer with a background in carpentry and building science. Sophie shares her journey from hands-on construction work to HVAC design, emphasizing the critical integration of mechanical systems and building structures. She discusses the importance of feedback loops with installers and her experience performing HERS ratings in the field.

Sophie also highlights the shift toward high-performance homes, the growing adoption of heat pumps, and the evolving role of ventilation strategies like ERVs. She provides insights on overcoming...

In this episode of the Building HVAC Science podcast, host Eric Kaiser is joined by Keith Gifford, Senior Global Product Manager at Penn Controls, for an in-depth discussion about the emerging use of A2L refrigerants in the HVACR industry. A2Ls are a new class of refrigerants classified by ASHRAE as mildly flammable and boast a significantly lower global warming potential (GWP) compared to traditional refrigerants. Keith shares his unique perspective, shaped by extensive experience across all major refrigeration components, to explain the challenges, opportunities, and safety considerations surrounding A2Ls.

Key topics include the design...

In this episode of Building HVAC Science, Bill Spohn and Eric Kaiser, along with the TruTech Tools team, recap their experiences at the 6th Annual HVACR Training Symposium and AHR Expo in Orlando, Florida. They share insights from meeting industry professionals, attending educational sessions, and exploring the latest HVAC tools and technology. The team discusses key highlights, including the impact of Second Chance University, the HVAC Tactical Awards, and the High-Performance Hangout, emphasizing the strong sense of community within the industry.

The team also dives into standout products showcased at AHR, such as Testo’s new thermal im...

In this episode of Building HVAC Science, Eric Kaiser and Bill Spohn welcome Craig Migliaccio, the creator of AC Service Tech, author, educator, and industry influencer. Craig shares his journey from teaching HVAC in high school to becoming a prolific author and content creator, driven by a passion for making practical, hands-on learning accessible to HVAC professionals and students. With over 60,000 copies sold of his first book and a rapidly growing suite of resources, Craig has made an indelible mark on the industry.

Craig discusses the challenges and rewards of writing technical books, the value of bridging...

In this insightful episode of the Building HVAC Science Podcast, host Eric Kaiser takes a deep dive into the world of indoor air quality (IAQ) with guest expert John Ellis. With over four decades of experience in HVAC and building science, John shares his wisdom on addressing IAQ challenges effectively. The discussion spans the critical importance of tailoring solutions to individual client needs, the tools and methodologies for assessing indoor air environments, and the interplay between building science and mechanical systems in achieving optimal outcomes.

John introduces his six key principles for good IAQ, covering everything from...

In this heartfelt episode of the Building HVAC Science Podcast, Eric Kaiser and Bill Spohn welcome Manly Arnason, an HVAC business owner from Brandon, Manitoba, Canada. Manly shares his journey of transformation—from a challenging past to becoming a dedicated tradesperson with a mission to bring integrity and quality to the HVAC industry. Drawing from his experiences running a small business, Manly opens up about the challenges of implementing proper practices in the trades, the importance of continuous education, and the role of community in fostering growth and excellence.

Manly’s story highlights the power of personal and...

In this engaging episode of the Building HVAC Science Podcast, hosts Eric Kaiser and Bill Spohn welcome Jason Esteves and Dan Kelly from Seitron Americas. The discussion offers an in-depth look at Seitron’s evolution, its role in the HVAC industry, and the company's dedication to training and customer support. Jason and Dan share their personal journeys, recounting how they started in the industry, their mentorship under the late Ray Biarnes, and their passion for delivering high-quality products and service.

The conversation highlights Seitron’s live-fire training academy, the launch of new products like the BeSafe portable gas...

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, and key lessons from his work in designing high-performance buildings.

The discussion highlights the critical distinction between energy efficiency and human comfort, emphasizing that discomfort often drives energy use. Robert explains foundational concepts like mean radiant temperature (MRT) and operative temperature and...

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, diagnostics, and craftsmanship in delivering comfort, safety, and energy efficiency.

David introduces the concept of high-performance HVAC, emphasizing the importance of field measurements to diagnose and solve system inefficiencies. The conversation highlights tools like the TrueFlow® Grid, which h...