Building HVAC Science

10 Episodes
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By: Bill Spohn

Uncover the secrets of healthy, comfortable, and energy-efficient buildings with the Building HVAC Science podcast. Join HVAC and building performance experts Eric Kaiser and Bill Spohn, Sr., as they delve into the fascinating world of building science and HVAC diagnostics. From exploring the latest advancements in measurement technology to examining the impact of building science and proper HVAC design and installation on human health and safety, this podcast is your one-stop shop for learning about all things in the built environment. In each episode, you'll gain valuable insights from industry leaders and discover practical tips for changing the way you...

EP205 Building Integrity in the Trades: A Canadian Contractor’s Journey with Manly Arnason (January 2025)
Last Friday at 12:00 PM

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...


EP204 Seitron Americas: Innovating HVAC Tools and Training with Jason Esteves and Dan Kelly (January 2025)
02/07/2025

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...


EP203 Why Energy Isn't the Problem: Exploring Thermal Comfort and IEQ with Robert Bean (January 2025)
01/31/2025

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...


EP202 Unlocking High-Performance HVAC: Insights with David Richardson (January 2025)
01/24/2025

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...


EP201 Evolving HVAC Strategies: Solving Problems for People, Not Just Homes (December 2024)
01/17/2025

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 reshaped his philosophy.

You can find more details on Silas’ backstory in Episode 193, found here:
https://www.buildinghvacscience.com/ep193-building-performance-with-purpose-silas-hoeppners-journey-november-2024/

Silas explains the importance of understanding homeowners’ unique goals and success metrics rather...


EP200: 200 Episodes Strong: Reflecting on the Building HVAC Science Journey with Bryan Orr (December 2024)
01/10/2025

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 child to podcasting professionally, highlighting the values of curiosity, passion, and the abundance mindset in both personal and professional life.

Bill and Bryan discuss how podcasting has shaped their careers and relationships, emphasizing the...


EP199 Rebuilding Lives: The Mission of Second Chance University with Danny Huffman (December 2024)
01/03/2025

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 development, and career preparation.

Danny’s passion shines as he recounts his journey, from growing up on a Texas farm to creating a program that changes lives. Listeners will learn how Second Chance University’s intensive six-week program provides participants not only with...


EP198 Unlocking Building Potential: Ross Trethewey on Curiosity, Collaboration, and Innovation (December 2024)
12/27/2024

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 systems and science, highlighting his work in residential and commercial design through his firm, TE2 Engineering. He also delves into his unique projects, including a World War I lookout tower retrofit, which underscores the importance of holistic building assessments.

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EP197 Asbestos, Air Sealing, and ERVs: Navigating Home Renovations with Science (December 2024)
12/20/2024

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 of balancing technical expertise with practical decision-making, from asbestos abatement to air sealing, insulation, and innovative systems like Zehnder ERVs. He highlights the importance of communication with contractors, dynamic environmental factors like radon and air leakage, and the challenges...


EP196 Bill's review of 2024's podcasts (December 2024)
12/13/2024

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 Heartbeat of the HVAC Industry with Dominick Guarino

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