Building HVAC Science

Quotes from the episode: "The emotional side of letting go and the identity shift is something nobody really warns you about." "Clarity is kindness, especially when the chips are down." "Intelligence gets beaten by emotional regulation and patience every day." (Tommy Mello) This episode is a true "collab" between Building HVAC Science and HVAC School Podcasts, with Bill Spohn Sr. and Bill "Billy" Spohn Jr. (TruTech Tools) joining Bryan Orr and his dad Robert Orr (Kalos Services) to talk candidly about family business succession. They dig into the part nobody really warns you about: the emotional identity shift of letting go, moving from decision maker to advisor, and the weird tension of still being "the face" of the brand while your successor has to establish themselves. From there, the conversation gets practical. The group compares how succession looks in a 24-person company versus a 400-person contractor, and why the fundamentals still rhyme: role clarity, accountability, and the right people in the right seats. Bill and Billy share how EOS helped "bake in" structure that made the handoff less chaotic, including accountability charts and more frequent performance conversations. Bryan and the Orrs add their lens on stewardship, culture, and doing right by people when the chips are down. They wrap with advice for other family businesses: start earlier than you think, make a public commitment so you cannot quietly back out, seek outside counsel to keep your head from lying to you, and do not carry unresolved issues into family life. The final note lands on something bigger than succession itself: prepare for "what's next" so retirement does not become fading away, and keep relationships, forgiveness, and emotional regulation at the center if you want the business and the family to survive the transition Bryan's LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryanorrkalos/ Robert's LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/rborr/ Billy's LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/billy-spohn-jr-a06201a3/ Bill's LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/billspohn/ Books we referenced: Traction By Gino Wickman RocketFuel by Gino Wickman & Mark Winters Succeeding. By Albert Ciuksza Good To Great, Jim Collins Family Business Succession: The Final Test of Greatness- Aronoff, McClure, & Ward Process! - Mike Paton and Lisa Gonzalez The Business Transition Handbook - Laurie R. Barkman Who Comes Next? Leadership Succession Planning Made Easy - Mary C. Kelly, Meredith E. Powell This episode was recorded in February 2026.

EPISODE QUOTES "Anyone can install a heat pump, but if you don't understand how houses work, you're gambling with comfort." "Our intake process is a pre-screen. We want customers who already want the heat pump." "Electrify everything is cute. Electrify efficiently is the job." In this episode of the Building HVAC Science Podcast, Bill Spohn and Eric Kaiser talk with Larry Waters and Alex Sloan of Electrify My Home, a Bay Area contractor focused on efficient home electrification. Larry walks through his 43-year path in the trade, from early technical training and commercial HVAC work to residential, where he kept running into the same puzzle: systems that "worked" but didn't deliver comfort. A turning point came through BPI training and the building-science lens, which shifted his work from fixing equipment to fixing houses, and eventually led him to launch an electrification-only company when retirement plans and COVID reshuffled the deck. Alex shares his own route, coming from incentive programs and building-science work, then meeting Larry as a homeowner customer, and later joining to help build business development and operations. Together, they describe an accidental but very real "visionary and integrator" pairing (EOS style), and how that partnership shaped a business model that prescreens customers: detailed online intake, a virtual assessment first, and an onsite visit only after budget alignment. Their goal is to spend time with people who already want the solution, not those who need convincing. They dig into what "electrify efficiently" means in practice: load calculations on every job, job-type checklists, and designing around modulation, not just peak capacity. They also get candid about challenges, especially California utility pricing, old, leaky homes, and tricky heat pump water heater installations with space and wiring constraints. A standout concept is the "Watt diet," which plans electrification so homeowners can often avoid panel upgrades by using smarter equipment choices, circuit sharing, and load management. The episode closes with a clear takeaway from both guests: installing heat pumps without understanding houses, envelopes, and electrical realities is a recipe for disappointment. They also tease a future follow-up episode focused entirely on the history of electrification in the U.S. Regarding the National Home Performance Conference: New Contractor Discount - $825 - HVACSCIENCE Unique URL for your Show: http://nhpc26.org/building-hvac-sci Alex's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexjsloan/ Larry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/larry-waters-31677b19/ Their company website: https://electrifymyhome.com/ Electrify Academy course calendar:https://emhlearn.com/calendar/?mcat=4# Electrify My Home YouTube Channel: www.youtube.com/@electrifymyhome This episode was recorded in February 2026.

"There are people who teach for income, and people who teach for outcome." "You want to grow an industry, you can't ignore half America." "Become an unsung hero, mentor someone, and give back to the industry you love." In this episode of Building HVAC Science, Bill and Eric are joined by Renee Tomlinson and Howard Weiss from ESCO Institute (and HVAC Excellence) to talk about a theme that does not get nearly enough airtime: the "quiet" people in HVAC who shape careers and raise standards without chasing attention. Howard explains ESCO's role in the industry, from accrediting HVAC educational programs and credentialing instructors to administering a huge number of certifications and developing curriculum, all aimed at improving HVAC education overall. Renee adds the bigger why behind the work, pointing to education as the lever that improves lives, strengthens communities, and leaves the trade better than we found it. The conversation turns into a celebration of "unsung heroes" such as instructors, trainers, mentors, and program leaders who quietly change the trajectory of students, apprentices, and working techs. Howard and Renee share examples of people who built exceptional programs through sheer effort and care, and they frame recognition as something deeper than popularity. It is about honoring outcomes, the ripple effects of mentorship, and the real human impact that happens behind the scenes. They also highlight how the industry is getting younger, how newer instructors blend legacy fundamentals with modern tools, and how podcasts and social platforms can be powerful teaching aids at scale. The episode closes with a challenge to listeners: become one of the unsung heroes. Thank the people who trained you. Mentor someone coming up behind you. Join an advisory board. Give back because you "get to," not because you have to. Renee also recognizes the behind-the-scenes ESCO team whose daily work keeps training, testing, and education moving forward, and Bill wraps with a promise to share links in the show notes so listeners can connect and learn more. Regarding the National Home Performance Conference: New Contractor Discount - $825 - HVACSCIENCE Unique URL for your Show: http://nhpc26.org/building-hvac-sci Renee's LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/reneemtomlinson/ Howard's LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/howardsweiss/ ESCO Institute: https://www.escogroup.org/ The National HVAC Educators Conference: https://site.pheedloop.com/event/EVEPCOXJHXNUZ/home/ The 2025 List of Most Influential Instructors: https://www.achrnews.com/articles/163726-25-for-25-most-influential-instructors-named This episode was recorded in February 2026

"The more you know, the more you're worth and the harder you are to replace." "Just because you're a great technician doesn't mean you're ready to run a business." "You can't buy the satisfaction of helping someone you may never meet." Bill sits down with Rick Diermeyer, better known to many in the trade as the face behind the HVACR Survival YouTube channel. Rick shares the origin story of his channel, which now boasts tens of thousands of subscribers and hundreds of field-based videos. What began as a simple way to document and share service technician experiences evolved into a platform focused on helping others "survive" and succeed in the HVACR trade through practical, experience-driven education. Rick walks through his professional journey, from early service roles to leadership positions and eventually into highly diversified technical work spanning refrigeration, geothermal, chillers, generators, and more. He reflects on the culture of the company he works for, emphasizing how strong leadership, training, and employee investment create long-term loyalty and performance. The conversation also highlights the realities of business operations, reminding listeners that technical skill alone does not automatically translate into business success. The discussion expands into content creation, covering how Rick chooses video topics, balances liability concerns, and adapts content based on audience engagement. He also shares how his background as a mobile DJ shaped his communication style, marketing instincts, and comfort with public speaking. The episode closes with advice for both technicians and employers: invest in your skills, build relationships, create value, and recognize that personal growth and trade mastery go hand in hand. Rick's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rickdirmeyer/ His Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hvacrsurvival His YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HVACRSurvival Regarding the National Home Performance Conference: New Contractor Discount - $825 - HVACSCIENCE Unique URL for your Show: http://nhpc26.org/building-hvac-sci This episode was recorded in February 2026 .

Episode Quotes: "Airflow isn't good. It's measured." "Most pushback isn't 'I won't.' It's 'I'm afraid I'll mess it up.'" "This is a people industry, by people, for people." JT Stewart joins Bill Spohn and Eric Kaiser to talk about how he went from long-term care nursing to HVAC, thanks to a red Chevy Ventura van, a ladder on top, and a "let's go fix some stuff" invitation. Today JT is an HVAC consultant at Slipstream, working with utilities and state programs to build real-world training that goes beyond "heat pumps are hot" and into the building-science fundamentals that actually make systems work. JT shares what his trainings look like in the wild, from half-day sessions to multi-day workshops, and how he designs them around the human side of HVAC. Homeowners are already uncomfortable when the system breaks, and techs can feel the same pressure when equipment and software change constantly. JT's take is that most resistance isn't stubbornness; it's uncertainty and fear of getting it wrong. He argues that confidence comes from structure: give techs time to learn, reduce guesswork, and use tools and processes that help them make good decisions when support is not available. The crew also gets into handling skeptical attendees and misinformation. JT's approach is to challenge people respectfully and bring it back to the homeowner, the contractor's long-term reputation, and the reality that this is a people industry. He encourages contractors to lean on manufacturer and distributor training, and he makes a strong case that homeowners also need better education on what questions to ask so "slick sales" do not replace proper design and commissioning. Bottom line: HVAC is getting cooler as a career because the knowledge, community, and training ecosystem are leveling up, and JT hopes that part isn't a fad. JT's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/j-t-stewart/ His company: https://slipstreaminc.org/ This episode was recorded in February 2026.

"Listen first, talk last." "Integrity costs something, you've got to be willing to pay it." "If I'm going to fail, I'm going to go down fighting." In this episode of the Building HVAC Science Podcast, Bill and Eric sit down with Don Gillis, a longtime industry pro with a career spanning roles as an installer and service tech, service manager, outside sales, corporate training, and now building technical training within a smaller nonprofit environment. Don shares the real story behind the resume: high-volume service management, the stress and health toll of living in "two phones to your ears" mode, and the hard decision to finally step away, even when loyalty and integrity made it feel impossible. A big theme is the power of soft skills, especially listening. Don talks about how learning to listen changed everything: calmer customers, stronger trust, better long-term relationships, and even better outcomes inside a distributor sales role where he turned around a struggling territory by showing up as himself. He digs into what "genuine" actually looks like in the field, why people can smell a script or hidden agenda, and how trust can become so strong that customers insist on "their" technician. The second major theme is growth through discomfort. Don repeatedly stepped into roles where he felt over his head, then compensated by obsessively preparing: reading, practicing, recording himself, and learning from people with deeper experience. The episode closes with a simple message that ties it all together: integrity and passion cost something, but they are also the multipliers that make careers durable and meaningful. Don's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dongilliscom/ Don's company: https://hardinet.org/ This episode was recorded in February 2026 .

Quotes from the episode: "If you're not measuring, you're just arguing with opinions." "The tools got better, but what really changed is the technician mindset." "We used to diagnose systems one reading at a time. Now we see the whole story live." Recorded live at 9:00 a.m. on Day 1 of the AHR Expo 2026 in Las Vegas, this episode of the Building HVAC Science Podcast captures the spirit of the industry in real time. Bill and Eric kick things off reflecting on their decades of AHR attendance, the miles walked, vendors visited, and friendships built along the way. They're joined on the floor by Chris Fabre and Dave Cornette of Hughes Mechanical in Zachary, Louisiana, who share perspectives from the commercial service and construction sides of the trade. The conversation dives into how contractor learning has evolved, from early podcast forums and Facebook groups to today's hyper-connected social media ecosystem. Chris and Dave talk candidly about being called in to fix improperly installed systems, how that forced growth sharpened their diagnostic skills, and why measurement tools have become indispensable. From airflow testing to wireless probes, they reflect on how modern instrumentation has transformed troubleshooting from guesswork into data-driven decision making. They also touch on highlights from the HVAC Tactical Awards, industry legends like John Pastorello, and the growing role of apps, workflows, and integrated digital tools in technician performance. The episode wraps with a discussion around contractor accountability, Better HVAC's mission, and how directories and verified credentials can help homeowners find professionals committed to continuous learning, ethical work, and measured results. Chris' LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-fabre-2a2b5933/ Their business: http://www.hughesmechanical.net/ This episode was recorded in February 2026.

Pithy quotes "Your product can be great, but if you're hard to work with, nobody's going to buy it." "Take a deep breath, go back to the fundamentals, and ask: what's the biggest value I can add today?" "You're allowed to say, 'I don't know. I'll figure it out for you.' People respect that more than the runaround." Brad Adcox joined the Building HVAC Science podcast with Bill and Eric and, within minutes, earned the unofficial title "donkey wrangler" after sharing a story about his donkey. The laughs kept coming, including a side quest into hobby-farm life on a 40-acre "family compound" outside Dallas with cows, donkeys, mini horses, and a long-running plan by Brad's dad to eventually acquire a camel. The banter was fun, but it also set the tone for who Brad is: practical, observant, and very people-focused. Brad's HVAC background runs deep and wide. He grew up around wholesale, started at Winsupply in the warehouse and as a delivery driver, then moved through outside sales and even a stint selling and building Cisco server infrastructure. He eventually joined SUPCO, helped scale territory coverage and rep networks, and was part of launching TradeFox, the influencer-inventor program that surfaced a pile of real-world products, including the magnetic umbrella that Bill notes TruTech sold in big numbers. Brad later spent time at NAVAC teaching fundamentals like pulling a proper vacuum, and today he's in a "free agent" phase, running consultant-style sales and service training for contractors in the DFW area. The core of Brad's message is fundamentals, especially customer service and relationship transfer. He's worried the industry is headed for a knowledge cliff as experienced wholesalers, reps, and counter people retire without passing down relationships or practical know-how. He also sees a drift toward "parts changers" and automated, text-only customer interactions that reduce real human connection. In his local classes, he pushes techs to slow down just enough to add value: communicate like a neighbor, do a fuller system check while you're already there, explain what you looked at, and offer small, memorable extras. He's also blunt about wholesale basics: greet people when they walk in, be willing to say "I don't know, but I'll find out," and stop hiding behind "that's just Facebook" when customer sentiment is being broadcast publicly. Brad's: LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/brad-adcox-1a070467/ This episode was recorded in January 2026.

"AHR isn't just a product show, it's where you see the future of the trade taking shape in real time." "Training, technology, and community are finally moving at the same speed." "Exhausting in the best possible way, that's how you know it was a great show." Fresh off the floor of AHR Expo 2026 in Las Vegas, the TruTech Tools team jumps on the mic to share firsthand impressions from one of the HVAC industry's biggest gatherings. From Ginny's perspective as a first-time attendee navigating miles of booths and crowds, to seasoned takes from Eric, Sue, Billy, and you, the conversation blends product insights with the human side of the event. AHR once again proved to be equal parts technology showcase, relationship builder, and industry pulse check. The team highlights standout innovations across tools and test instruments. Knipex impressed with precision German-engineered hand tools, while NAVAC, CPS, and other manufacturers expanded digital manifold and smart probe ecosystems. Uni­weld's move into smart tools, new battery-platform flexibility, and firmware-driven analyzers signaled the continued shift toward connected diagnostics. Thermal imaging advances by testo, high-accuracy electrical measurement from UEi, and training simulators also reinforced how fast field technology is evolving. Beyond products, the episode underscores the culture of the trade. From Tactical Awards recognition to High-Performance Hangout networking and young entrepreneurs launching companies at 18, the future of HVAC felt energized. The conversation closes with reflections on industry momentum, BetterHVAC's growing traction, and a shared sense that innovation, education, and community are accelerating together. This episode was recorded in February 2026.

Pithy quotes "We do our job well if the homeowner forgets about us, because the system just works." "The bar is so low in some homes that doing a quality install can genuinely change someone's life." "The best way to learn is crawling in the crawl space behind a great technician and handing them tools." Semi-famous quote that fits our theme "Stay hungry, stay foolish." © Steve Jobs Shreyas Sudhakar joined the Building HVAC Science podcast to talk about his path from rocket propulsion engineering to building high-quality heat pump installs in California. Bill and Eric found him through his thoughtful LinkedIn posts, and Shreyas shared that a friend's relentless heat-pump evangelism finally pushed him to look deeper. Once he did, the tech clicked. He realized HVAC and rockets share the same core idea: moving energy through systems, and the math is not as far apart as it sounds. What really pulled him in was the homeowner experience. After talking with homeowners on Nextdoor and Reddit, and even calling contractors for quotes himself, he kept hearing the same frustrations: heat pumps feel expensive, contractor advice is inconsistent, trust is low, and myths like "heat pumps don't work in the cold" still show up, even in mild California climates. Shreyas' view is simple: most homeowners do not care what the equipment is called. They care about comfort, noise, bills, and safety, and the best outcome is when the system is so reliable they barely think about it. Shreyas now runs Vayu, a lean heat pump installation company operating with vetted subcontractor partners, while his Heat Pumped newsletter and podcast focus on education for homeowners, technicians, and policy folks. Vayu handles the end-to-end process, from load sizing and equipment selection to permits and rebates, while partner shops focus on the craft of installation. His definition of success is not just a happy install day, but a customer still loving the system a decade later, and technicians thriving because the model removes desk work and supports quality work at scale. Shreyas' LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shreyassudhakar/ His websites: https://www.vayu.pro/about & https://www.heatpumped.org/ HeatPumped Newsletter sign up: https://www.heatpumped.org/subscribe Heat Pumped Podcast: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/heat-pumped/ This episode was recorded in January 2026

Episode quotes: "What you put into this, you get out of this in multiples." "It's not about sales. It's about learning, relationships, and leaving your ego at the door." "Use AI responsibly, but keep the humans involved. The humans are what keep it honest." In this episode of the Building HVAC Science Podcast, Eric Kaiser, Bill, and the TruTech Tools crew (Billy Spohn, Ginny Hebert, and Josh Crawley) recap their trip to the 7th Annual HVACR Training Symposium in Ocoee, Florida. Josh and Ginny share first-timer impressions: early-morning booth setup, instant attendee engagement, a surprisingly family-friendly outdoor vibe (kids and dogs everywhere), and the general "people are here to learn, not to get sold to" energy. The group talks about how rare it is to see a community where respect and curiosity are the default. They also dig into the most memorable moments and crowd magnets: the GRIT Foundation dunk tank fundraiser, Jim Bergmann's talk on using AI responsibly (in conjunction with real measurements), and hands-on booth favorites like the Shaeco fin straightener demo, the RETROTEC"air tracer," and continued interest in specialized tools like the TrueFlow grid and torque screwdrivers. Billy highlights a renewed surge of questions around combustion analyzers and why the industry seems to cycle back to them, while Eric frames it simply: you cannot fix what you cannot see. To close, everyone answers the question of why the symposium matters, in person or virtually. The consistent theme is relationships, peer learning, and a network that lasts long after the event. Bill caps it with a challenge: what you put into this community, you get back in multiples, and it can genuinely be career-changing. Symposium link: https://www.hvacrschool.com/events/7th-annual-hvac-r-training-symposium/ ELK's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-kaiser-323a1563/ Josh's LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/josh-crawley-20b41550/ Ginny's LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/ginny-hebert/ Billy's LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/billy-spohn-jr-a06201a3/ Bill's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/billspohn/ This episode was recorded in January 2026.

Notable quote from the episode: Make it as simple as possible, but not simpler. In this episode, Eric Kaiser sits down with mechanical engineer Tony Amadio, the founder of True Loads, to talk about what actually makes residential load calculations succeed or fail in the real world. Tony shares how his work is split between builders, architects, project managers, and HVAC contractors, and why the biggest early battle was simply getting people to trust results that pointed to smaller equipment. He explains how he quickly learned from feedback loops in production housing, including what happens when people "over-vent" tiny spaces like closets and bathrooms, accidentally stealing airflow from bedrooms where it matters. Tony walks through his approach to receiving plans, emphasizing the importance of nailing down the building envelope inputs (windows, insulation, attic conditions) and getting key assumptions in writing. On renovations, he emphasizes that uncertainty is normal, so you lean on photos, field verification, and practical guidance to keep the model honest. They dig into infiltration and leakage, where Tony argues the models are still imperfect even with blower door data, and the real win is setting expectations: the HVAC design works under specific building conditions, and if the building does not match those conditions, performance issues are not automatically "bad calcs." The conversation closes with a discussion of equipment selection, humidity, and where the industry is headed. Tony makes a clear point: most standard residential systems do not directly control humidity, and the code focuses on temperature performance, not a promised indoor RH target. They also touch on ACCA Manual S updates, oversizing rules for staged equipment, and Tony's upcoming True Loads software, which uses the ASHRAE Heat Balance method to represent modern construction and time-lag effects better, while aiming to require fewer inputs than traditional Manual J workflows. TrueLoads website: https://1dtrueloads.com/ Tony on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthony-amadio-pe-7360952a/ This episode was recorded in December 2025.

QUOTES from the episode: "Most building failures aren't mysterious. They're just ignored fundamentals." "If you demand museum-level humidity, you're no longer building a house. You're building a museum." "Moisture meters don't solve problems. They show you patterns. The thinking solves the problem." In this episode of the Building HVAC Science Podcast, Eric Kaiser is joined by Kohta Ueno, principal and co-owner of Building Science Corporation, for a wide-ranging discussion on building failures, moisture, HVAC, and the practical realities of diagnosing real-world problems. Kohta shares his unconventional path into building science, from small remodeling jobs and a PBS NOVA episode to decades of forensic investigations alongside Joe Lstiburek, one of the field's most influential voices. The conversation quickly moves from origin stories into what really matters: how buildings fail, why those failures are often predictable, and how much cheaper it is to solve problems on paper than after construction. A major theme is moisture management, especially in high-performance and multifamily buildings. Kohta explains how seemingly small details, like window sill slope, back dams, airflow settings, and interior air seals, routinely separate durable buildings from expensive failures. He also highlights a growing perfect storm in modern construction: oversized HVAC equipment, high ventilation rates, poor commissioning, and limited dehumidification, particularly in smaller units. The result is mold, humidity complaints, and systems that technically run but fail to control moisture. The episode closes with a practical look at diagnostic tools and methods. Kohta emphasizes pattern recognition over single-point measurements, combining moisture meters, thermal imaging, pressure diagnostics, and blower door testing to understand how air, heat, and moisture actually move through buildings. He encourages listeners to use freely available Building Science Corporation research and Joe Lstiburek's Building Science Insights as foundational resources, reminding the audience that most building failures are not mysterious. They are repeatable, understandable, and avoidable if the fundamentals are respected. Kohta's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kohta-ueno-472a4/ Links mentioned in the episode: Our Current HVAC Mess Experts discuss problems with residential HVAC systems as a first step toward defining solutions https://www.greenbuildingadvisor.com/article/our-current-hvac-mess Proposed Solutions for Residential HVAC Problems Experts suggest ways to improve the quality of residential heating, ventilating, and cooling equipment installations https://www.greenbuildingadvisor.com/article/proposed-solutions-for-the-residential-hvac-industry A presentation on my investigations of multifamily humidity problems: Multifamily Humidity Control Problems: Muggy Mayhem https://buildingscience.com/sites/default/files/presentation-docs/2021-05-06_nesea_be21_muggy_mayhem_ueno_for_pdf_0.pdf I have done a presentation on the diagnostic tools I use in my buildings forensic work; here's the slide deck: NESEA BE19 Tools of the Trade for Building Diagnostics March 14, 2019 https://www.buildingscience.com/sites/default/files/2019-03-14_nesea_be19_ueno_tools_trade_diagnostics_for_pdf.pdf 2019-03-14_NESEA_BE19_Ueno_Tools_Trade_Diagnostics.pdf And here's a YouTube video: Tools of the Trade for Building Diagnostics with Kohta Ueno https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kCZIJFXDl9Q&t=2978s&ab_channel=TheBSandBeerShow The complete rundown of Joe Lstiburek's columns: https://buildingscience.com/document-search?search_title=&search=&field_doc_topics=All&field_doc_document_type=3&items_per_page=10 And some of the research reports we did under Building America: https://buildingscience.com/document-search?search_title=&search=&field_doc_topics=All&field_doc_document_type=8&items_per_page=10 This episode was recorded in...

Quotes from the episode: "Better isn't a goal, it's a direction." "HVAC can feel like a house of mirrors for homeowners, and the cure is transparency plus measured results." "We're not trying to find the perfect contractor. We're trying to find the contractor who keeps learning and won't get complacent." In this episode of the Building HVAC Science Podcast, Eric Kaiser flips the script and brings Bill Spohn on as a guest alongside Kevin Hart from Better HVAC and Darren Reuter and Huff Hoffmaster from Rewiring America. The group lays out a shared problem: homeowners face a significant information disadvantage when buying HVAC, often making a five-figure decision with no easy way to verify quality beyond marketing, promises, or price. That gap leads to mistrust, inconsistent outcomes, and too many "box swaps" that miss sizing, duct performance, commissioning, and homeowner education. Better HVAC exists to tip the odds back toward the homeowner by connecting people to contractors and individuals who commit to doing measured, commissioned work, and by aggregating trusted educational resources in one place. Rewiring America adds the consumer education and electrification planning layer, plus a push to scale adoption responsibly, with real contractor standards behind it. The partnership ties those strengths together: instead of building separate directories, they align on a shared pledge and a badging approach that helps homeowners and peers filter for contractors who are trained, insured, licensed, and willing to follow best practices, especially for heat pumps and whole-home electrification journeys that also include weatherization and energy auditing. Rewiring America's website: https://www.rewiringamerica.org/ BetterHVAC website:https://betterhvac.org/ BetterHVAC Pledge: https://betterhvac.org/pledge Huff's LinkedIn :https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomas-huff-hoffmaster-ii-766b3a36/ Kevin's LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinrhart/ Darren's LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/darrenreuter98/ Bill's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/billspohn/ Corbett's list: https://homediagnosis.tv/hvac-installers This episode was recorded in January 2026

Quotes from the episode: "Good enough isn't a fixed point. It's a moving target shaped by goals, expectations, and consequences." "Perfection can push us forward, but it can also quietly pull us off track." "If I delivered what I promised, in the time promised, using the resources promised, that is good enough for me." "The real skill is knowing when extra effort adds value and when it just adds ego." In this solo monologue episode, Eric Kaiser explores a deceptively simple question: Can good enough be perfect? Drawing on years of experience in the trades, Eric reflects on how deeply perfectionism runs in technical work and how it can both elevate quality and quietly work against efficiency, clarity, and outcomes. Using a favorite quote from Dan Holohan, Eric reframes "good enough" not as mediocrity, but as work that meets the right goals, expectations, and time horizons. He walks through practical parameters that define when good enough truly is perfect, including the intended lifespan of the work, customer and regulatory expectations, available resources, and the real consequences of pushing beyond what the situation requires. Eric closes by offering a simple but powerful three-question test to evaluate our own work: Did I deliver what was promised? Was it done in the promised timeframe? And did I use the promised resources? If the answer is yes to all three, then maybe, just maybe, the work was perfectly good enough. This episode was recorded in December 2025.

Quotes from the Episode: "Innovation in HVAC isn't one big breakthrough. It's a series of quieter shifts that slowly change how we work." "The future of HVAC depends on the people who measure, verify, and continuously improve." "Collecting data is getting easier. Interpreting it well is where the real value lives." "True innovation isn't about chasing trends. It's about reducing uncertainty and delivering better outcomes." "Homes aren't a collection of parts. They're systems, and HVAC sits right in the middle of that system." In this solo episode, Bill Spohn reflects on how innovation in HVAC really happens, not through one flashy breakthrough, but through a series of quieter, incremental shifts that compound over time. Drawing from 250 episodes of conversations on the Building HVAC Science podcast, Bill reframes innovation as a mindset grounded in measurement, feedback, and systems thinking rather than just new equipment. Bill walks through key patterns he has observed across the industry, including the shift from equipment-focused thinking to system-level performance, the rise of connected and cloud-based field tools, and the growing role of software in interpreting data rather than just collecting it. He highlights how smart tools, real-time diagnostics, commissioning workflows, and platforms like MeasureQuick have changed troubleshooting, accountability, and profitability for contractors who embrace them. The episode also explores major themes shaping the future of HVAC: electrification and heat pumps, dual-fuel strategies, improved load calculations and design software, smarter controls and commissioning, and the rapid evolution of indoor air quality from a niche topic to a core expectation. Bill emphasizes the increasing integration of HVAC with building science, ventilation, moisture, and enclosure performance, and points to contractors who are thriving by treating homes as complete systems. He closes by reinforcing that true innovation is about reducing uncertainty, improving outcomes, and supporting continuous learning, all while encouraging listeners to explore BetterHVAC as a growing nonprofit resource for contractors and homeowners alike. This episode was recorded in December 2025.

Quotes from the Episode: "Good building systems don't start with equipment—they start with a plan and a thoughtful process." "Most comfort problems aren't equipment problems; they're building problems we haven't taken the time to understand." "If even one episode helps someone take the next step in their career, then it's all been worth it." Episode 250 of the Building HVAC Science Podcast flips the script. Instead of Bill Spohn and Eric Kaiser doing the interviewing, TruTech Tools' Senior Marketing Manager Ginny Hebert steps into the host seat to reflect on 250 episodes of conversations about comfort, buildings, and the people who work on them. What follows is an honest, thoughtful look back at what the show has uncovered—not just about HVAC systems, but about how people learn, think, and grow within the industry. Bill and Eric reflect on how their understanding of comfort has evolved, especially regarding concepts such as heat transfer, mean radiant temperature, air sealing, and treating the house as a system rather than a collection of parts. They discuss how many "equipment problems" are actually building or design problems, and why taking time to think—really think—about a problem is often the most valuable (and most overlooked) practice in the trade. The conversation highlights how technology, connected tools, and computing power have improved diagnostics, while also reinforcing that good outcomes still depend on mindset and process. The episode also looks forward. From normalizing system testing and indoor air quality assessments to improving how comfort is predicted and communicated, Bill and Eric share what they hope will become everyday practice over the next decade. Above all, this milestone episode is a thank-you to listeners, guests, and the broader HVAC and building science community—for staying curious, open-minded, and committed to doing better work for the people who live in the buildings we touch. Ginny's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ginny-hebert/ Eric's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-kaiser-323a1563/ Bill's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/billspohn/ This episode was recorded in December 2025.

Episode quotes: "Hydrogen sulfide doesn't announce itself. It can drift in, hit your mucus membranes, and start causing real harm before you know it's there." "You can't treat sensor response like magic—it's physics, chemistry, and smart filtering working together to tell you what's actually happening in the space." In this episode, Bill & Eric sit down with Dave Massner from Sensorcon, a long-time technical contributor in the world of portable gas detection, to dig into the realities behind CO, H₂S, and O₂ sensing in both HVAC and industrial environments. Bill recaps the origins of their relationship with Sensorcon, which sets the stage for Dave to explain why gas detection still matters and brings in real-world examples—from oil fields to everyday equipment rooms—to show how invisible hazards shape how techs should approach safety. The conversation explores lesser-understood threats like hydrogen sulfide (H₂S)—a gas that can travel with the wind in oil and gas regions and incapacitate workers before they realize it's there. We discuss the physiology, the chemistry, and the grim speed at which exposure can become deadly. From there, we shift to oxygen depletion, clarifying what "too low" actually means in field work and why measuring O₂ is just as important as detecting toxic gases. The episode also gets into the nuts and bolts of sensor behavior: signal-to-noise ratios, filtering, raw output, response time, and the clever algorithms that help instruments stabilize faster without sacrificing accuracy. Toward the end, we highlight Sensorcon's ongoing efforts in training, education, and transparency, pointing listeners to the company's technical blog posts, videos, and calibration resources. We also make the case for low-level CO alarms and why TruTech Tools has championed them for over a decade. As we wrap up, we leave listeners with a simple takeaway: understand your sensors, understand your risks, and choose equipment that treats safety as something more than a checkbox. Dave's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-massner-30291189/ Sensorcon at TTT: https://trutechtools.com/sensorcon-solutions.html Sensorcon blog posts:https://sensorcon-sensing-products-by-molex.myshopify.com/blogs/news/ Sensorcon videos: https://sensorcon-sensing-products-by-molex.myshopify.com/pages/inspector-videos Low-level CO alarms at TruTech Tools: https://trutechtools.com/installedco This episode was recorded in December 2025.

"Inspect your marketing the way you'd inspect a home—run diagnostics, don't guess." – Aaron Husak "Attitude is way more important than aptitude. One bad apple really can infect the whole company." – Aaron Husak In this episode of the Building HVAC Science podcast, Eric and Bill sit down with long-time friend and contractor-turned-marketing pro, Aaron Husak. Aaron traces his winding path from solar in the mid-2000s to building performance and BPI training, and then to founding Balanced Comfort in Fresno, CA. What started as a small HERS and energy-audit firm bootstrapped its way into insulation, HVAC, and weatherization, eventually landing on the Inc. 5000 list four times and scaling from $1.3M to over $12M in just a few years. Along the way, Aaron learned the complex realities of rapid growth: hiring quickly, depending on rebate programs, uncovering serious gaps in back-office accounting and HR, and navigating California's legal landscape. Things got especially rough when PG&E abruptly pulled a weatherization program that made up half of their revenue, right as Aaron was also dealing with the personal loss of both his parents. A rescue buyer ultimately acquired the company in early 2025, giving Aaron a hard-earned exit. From that experience, Aaron pulls out lessons for contractors who want to grow without blowing themselves up. He emphasizes perseverance, but also warns that good field tech screening doesn't automatically translate into good screening for accountants, HR, and support staff. He talks about the cost of keeping the wrong people too long, the importance of outside eyes on your books and compliance, and why attitude beats aptitude when building a healthy culture. He also calls out how easy it is to underestimate the impact of programs, receivables, and legal exposure—especially in states where "it doesn't matter if you're right, you still have to pay the attorney." Today, Aaron has pivoted into his next chapter with Sequoia GEO, a marketing firm focused on contractors and local service businesses, with a special emphasis on AI and "GEO" (Generative Engine Optimization). He explains why your Google Business Profile is the low-hanging fruit almost everyone neglects, how AI tools and devices like Plaud can turn field conversations into high-value website content, and why AI "likes structure" (bullets, lists, and real stories). The episode closes with practical advice: inspect your marketing like you would inspect a home, use affordable diagnostic tools to see what's really happening online, stay transparent with customers about recording and privacy, and treat expensive mistakes as lessons that tighten your processes for the future. Aaron's LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/ahusak Aaron's Company: www.SequioaGEO.com Aaron's Blog: https://www.sequoiageo.com/blog/categories/google-business-profile This episode was recorded in November 2025.

"Get mad at the problem, not the person. When people feel safe, they'll actually bring you the real issues." - Bill Spohn "We're woven into the fabric of this industry. The industry made me—so in a way, it owns me." - Bill Spohn "What we have to learn to do, we learn by doing." - Aristotle In this episode, Eric turns the mic around and interviews his co-host, Bill Spohn, about the evolution of TruTech Tools, his leadership philosophy, and why he's shifting from "Chief Executive Officer" to "Chief Education Officer." Bill traces the roots of TruTech back to late 2006, when a suggestion at a Testo Christmas party planted the seed for an online test-instrument business that launched in April 2007. He talks about how TruTech has become "woven into the fabric of the industry," helping connect HVAC and building performance pros while focusing on specialty tools, education, and best practices. A big chunk of the conversation is about people: attracting and retaining the right employees, and running the business through the lens of core values. Bill and Eric walk through TruTech's four core values—Do the Right Thing, Be a Team Player, Get It Done, and Be Attentive—and how they were distilled from nearly 80 traits the leadership team admired in their co-workers. Bill explains how these values show up in hiring (situational questions), in problem-solving (getting mad at the problem, not the person, and using the "five whys"), and in daily decisions about how to treat customers and each other. Bill also opens up about his intentional five-year transition plan out of day-to-day leadership and into a more advisory and educational role, including transferring ownership and the President role to his son. He shares why he didn't want to be the owner who leaves on a stretcher—or the one who keeps wandering back in and undermining the next generation. Instead, he's leaning into training the team, mentoring startups, and building out the Better HVAC directory as a free resource for contractors and consumers. Along the way, he and Eric talk about the "comfort industry" as a whole, the blending of HVAC and building performance, the importance of passing down institutional knowledge, and even Bill's side quest to learn rock guitar and someday join the Building Science Boogie Band. This episode was recorded in November 2025.