Building HVAC Science

Quotes from the episode: "A fan's only as good as the ducting that's behind it." "Condensation is really what we're after when we're talking bathroom fans." "Design it right, make the right connections and terminations, install it properly using good process." Ventilation is the "V" in HVAC, but it is often the part of the system that gets the least attention. In this episode, Bill Spohn talks with Bill Meyers of Panasonic about why good ventilation requires more than simply installing a fan and flipping a switch. Meyers brings roughly 30 years of HVAC experience, beginning with mechanical and electrical technology training and progressing through wholesale distribution, manufacturers' representation, and eventually Panasonic's indoor air quality and ventilation business. He explains how Panasonic helped push the industry toward quieter bathroom ventilation and why quiet operation matters: a fan that annoys occupants, or appears ineffective, is less likely to be used. The conversation digs into ECM fan technology and selectable airflow settings, as well as the importance of designing duct systems that allow the fan to actually deliver its rated airflow. Even a capable fan can struggle against excessive static pressure created by restrictive ductwork, sharp bends, poor routing, or badly planned terminations. Bill and Bill then move beyond exhaust ventilation into supply and balanced ventilation. Meyers explains how ERVs bring filtered outdoor air into a home while exhausting stale indoor air, transferring heat and moisture between the two airstreams without mixing them. They discuss applications in both new construction and retrofit projects, along with the growing importance of mechanical ventilation as homes become tighter. The episode also explores automated bathroom ventilation using condensation and motion sensing. Rather than relying entirely on occupants, properly configured controls can respond to moisture and continue operating until the bathroom dries. Meyers closes with practical advice that applies well beyond bath fans: locate equipment thoughtfully, minimize duct restrictions, plan terminations before installation, and use quality materials. As Bill summarizes, good performance ultimately comes back to the fundamentals: design it right, connect it right, and install it using a good process. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bill-meyers-b91170a9/ Website: https://na.panasonic.com/about/businesses/eco-systems This episode was recorded in August 2026.

Quotes from the episode: "Are you still learning, or did you stop learning in your career?" "I would spend more time chasing the wrong problem in an analog format because I'm not measuring everything." "Some of your best growth could come from that new employee that you just brought in that's bringing in a different perspective." Buying new technology is easy. Getting people to actually use it well is another matter. In this episode of Building HVAC Science, Bill talks with Brian Feenie, founder of ShiftLogic, about the gap between adopting technology and successfully implementing it in an HVAC business. Brian brings a broad industry perspective from 30 years spent in contracting, manufacturing, controls, software, sales, and training. Today, much of his work centers on helping contractors implement MeasureQuick® and build the processes and culture needed to make new technology stick. Brian explains why implementation often fails before the technology ever gets a fair chance. Owners and managers may see the value, but technicians, office staff, and sales teams aren't necessarily aligned around the change. His approach starts with listening to technicians, understanding their concerns, and connecting new processes to something most good technicians already care deeply about: serving the customer well. The conversation also explores the evolution of MeasureQuick® from a highly technical diagnostic platform into a tool designed to help technicians at different experience levels understand what system data is telling them. Brian discusses how better measurements, guided processes, and clearer interpretation can improve diagnostic confidence while reducing the assumption that comprehensive testing automatically means slower service. Bill and Brian also dig into the business case for better diagnostics, including callbacks, conversion rates, average tickets, and consistency across an organization. But the conversation ultimately lands somewhere deeper than software or smart tools: culture. If a company's culture doesn't support learning, measurement, transparency, and change, even the best technology can struggle to gain traction. For owners, managers, and technicians alike, this episode is a reminder that technology doesn't change a company by itself. People do. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-feenie-72a27225/ Website: https://shiftlogicsales.com/ mQ case study with Greg Kula @Sila: https://measurequick.com/case-studies/sila-services/ Brian tests his own house (video): https://www.linkedin.com/posts/brian-feenie-72a27225_hvac-ugcPost-7450727542287773696-staV/ This episode was recorded in September 2026.

Quotes from the episode: "The HVAC system is just designed to match the rate at which that home is gaining or losing heat." — Spencer Rosen "It's part of their job…making sure that the piece of equipment they put in the house matches what the house needs." — Russ King "Don't split hairs when your job is to shave heads." — Connor King, quoting Russ What if better HVAC design started not with the equipment, but with a clearer picture of the house? In this episode of Building HVAC Science, Bill Spohn talks with Russ King, Connor King, and Spencer Rosen about the evolution of KwikModel, the growing connection between HVAC design and energy modeling, and why making buildings visual can make good design more accessible. Russ explains why accurate load calculations remain fundamental, especially as homes transition from furnaces to heat pumps. Replacing equipment based on what was there before can perpetuate oversizing or create entirely new problems. Today, tools such as LiDAR scanning and 3D modeling make gathering building geometry dramatically easier than the tape-measure-and-sketch methods of the past. The conversation also explores the relationship between the building envelope and HVAC. Spencer describes heating and cooling equipment as responding to the rate at which the house gains or loses heat. Change the envelope, and you change what the HVAC system needs to do. That makes load calculations, air leakage, insulation, duct design, and equipment selection parts of the same problem rather than separate disciplines. For contractors who find all of this intimidating, the message is practical: start somewhere. Partner with a designer to perform load calculations on a few projects, compare the results with your existing rules of thumb, pursue building-science education, and build your knowledge incrementally. The team also shares where KwikModel is headed. With Coded Energy taking over the EnergyGauge license from the University of Central Florida, development is underway on a cloud-based version of KwikModel that should remove installation barriers and create opportunities for better guidance, training, error checking, and user-driven improvements. Ultimately, better software isn't just about faster calculations. It's about helping contractors understand the building, make better decisions, and, as Russ puts it, build confidence. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/russell-king-m-e-70342913/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/william-connor-king-0b6152111/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/spencer-rosen/ Website: https://kwikmodel.com/ Contact form: https://kwikmodel.com/contact/ BPI Building Science Principles https://www.bpi.org/resources/certificates/building-science-principles/ This episode was recorded in September 2026.

Quotes from the episode: "You don't know what you don't know." "That knowledge outside of energy efficiency is key for anyone working in the built environment." "If you are engaged and want to keep learning, this is a great space to be in." Eight years after her first appearance on the Building HVAC Science Podcast, Amanda Hatherly returns in a new role: CEO of the Building Performance Institute (BPI). Amanda and Bill start by clearing up a common misconception. BPI is not a training organization. It is an ANSI-accredited standards and credentialing organization that brings industry experts together to develop standards and certifications for residential energy efficiency, home performance, weatherization, and healthy housing. Amanda shares what has changed since taking the helm at BPI, including updating standards and certifications, simplifying technical language, expanding Spanish-language materials, refreshing the website, and making the organization and its staff more visible and approachable. A major theme of the conversation is the continued convergence of HVAC, building performance, healthy homes, weatherization, and electrification. Amanda argues that understanding the house as a system shouldn't be limited to people working in traditional energy-efficiency programs. HVAC professionals can become much better problem solvers when they understand how mechanical systems interact with air sealing, insulation, moisture, ventilation, and occupant health. They also explore BPI's Healthy Housing Principles and Building Science Principles programs, workforce development efforts, contractor resources, and the growing opportunity for HVAC and home performance professionals to learn from each other. Amanda closes with a reminder that the building performance industry remains unusually collaborative and knowledge-rich. For people willing to stay curious, there is always something new to learn. And one question finally gets answered from Amanda's original 2018 appearance: Is PowerPoint really dead? Apparently not. But terrible PowerPoint probably should be. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amanda-hatherly/ Website: https://www.bpi.org/ Contractor and Test Center Locator tool: https://www.bpi.org/pages/locator https://www.bpi.org/resources/certificates/healthy-housing-principles/ www.BetterHVAC.org https://www.bpi.org/bpi-news/newsletters/ This episode was recorded in August 2026.

Quotes from the episode: "I don't need the house to breathe. I need the people to." "You can't control a system that's open." "I would just go make them comfortable. And let them know the added benefit is that they're going to spend less on energy." What happens when an HVAC contractor fixes the equipment, but the customer still isn't comfortable? In this episode of Building HVAC Science, Bill Spohn talks with Ken Allsion of Insulation Distributors (IDI) about why HVAC contractors are uniquely positioned to recognize—and potentially solve - problems with the building envelope. Ken argues that comfort complaints often blamed on heating and cooling equipment actually begin with uncontrolled air leakage, poorly installed insulation, and mechanical systems operating outside the thermal envelope. Ken lays out a practical path for HVAC companies interested in adding envelope work without trying to turn every technician into a building scientist. It starts simply: train technicians to recognize obvious problems such as daylight, wind-washed insulation, unsealed attic hatches, and other signs of leakage. From there, contractors can progress to blower-door testing and infrared diagnostics, and eventually tackle more sophisticated envelope improvements. A recurring theme is that insulation only performs as intended when air movement is controlled. Ken explains why nominal R-value can be misleading, how small areas of poorly performing insulation can dramatically reduce whole-assembly performance, and why he prioritizes air sealing at the top and bottom of the building before worrying about walls. The conversation also explores an important business opportunity. Ken sees attic insulation removal, air sealing, and blow-back as relatively low-barrier services that complement HVAC work while allowing specialized crews - not highly trained HVAC technicians—to perform the labor. Most importantly, Ken challenges contractors to rethink what they're really selling. Rather than leading with energy savings, start with what homeowners actually care about: comfort, healthier indoor conditions, and a house that works better. Reduced energy use becomes a valuable consequence of fixing the building—not necessarily the reason for doing it. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ken-allison-74528a14/ Website link: https://www.idi-insulation.com/industries/hvac IDI's podcast: https://www.idi-insulation.com/podcast/ IDI's Training Calendar: https://www.idi-insulation.com/training/ The Matt Risinger video Ken mentioned: https://youtu.be/1BcqeQJqp08?si=jVwKLJQcULbcbYbM Nate Adma's Home Comfort book mentioned: https://trutechtools.com/The-Home-Comfort-Book The Attic Queen! : https://www.atticqueen.com/ Join their email list using the form at the bottom of every page on their website. This episode was recorded in August 2026.

Quotes from the episode: "This is no longer a push-pull industry. This is a thinking person's game now." "The better context you give AI, the better partner it becomes." "Ask AI to teach you how to use AI in your particular situation." Artificial intelligence is rapidly becoming one of the most practical tools available to HVAC professionals—but only if it's used as a thinking partner rather than a shortcut. In this episode, Bill Spohn is joined by Tyler Nelson, a nationally recognized HVAC educator and combustion expert, and Billy Spohn, who leads AI initiatives at TruTech Tools, for an honest discussion about where AI is already delivering real value. Tyler explains how his background in combustion analysis naturally led him to AI, with both disciplines relying on measurements, analytics, and informed decision-making. He shares real-world examples of technicians using AI to troubleshoot equipment, communicate more effectively with customers, create personalized learning programs, and even build their own "AI universities" that accelerate technical growth. The result isn't replacing skilled technicians—it's helping them become better diagnosticians and better communicators. Billy offers the business perspective, describing how AI is transforming workflows by connecting systems that have traditionally operated independently. From generating better reports to automating repetitive tasks and acting as an always-available business advisor, he explains why providing AI with proper context is far more important than simply asking questions. The conversation also covers practical topics such as subscription costs, privacy settings, memory features, and the importance of verifying important information rather than accepting every answer at face value. Perhaps the biggest takeaway is that AI isn't eliminating the need for experience, craftsmanship, or human judgment. Instead, it frees professionals to spend more time solving problems, serving customers, and continuously improving their skills. Whether you're an HVAC technician, contractor, educator, or business owner, this episode offers practical ideas you can start applying immediately. And if you're wondering where to begin, the hosts leave listeners with one simple recommendation: ask AI to teach you how to use AI for your own work. LinkedIn: Tyler: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tyler-nelson-master-hvacr-9a8a981b/ Billy: https://www.linkedin.com/in/billy-spohn-jr-a06201a3/ Link to buy the book: https://tyty5.gumroad.com/l/ai-hvac-technician This episode was recorded in August 2026.

Quotes from the episode: "When your HVAC system is performing at 100%, but the home isn't, the problem isn't the equipment anymore." "Our job is to be investigators first and installers second." "Homeowners don't just need to know their HVAC system. They need to know their home." "If you think I'm doing too much testing, I'd argue you're probably not doing enough." Many HVAC contractors say they focus on comfort, but Derek Aarstad has built his entire business around proving where comfort problems actually originate. As the owner of DNA Heating & Cooling in Richmond, Virginia, Derek approaches every home as an investigator, using airflow measurements, static pressure, duct leakage testing, blower door testing, thermal imaging, and building science principles before recommending solutions. In this conversation, Bill and Derek discuss why replacing equipment often fails to solve comfort complaints, how educating homeowners builds trust, and why standardized processes have been essential to growing a successful high-performance HVAC company. Derek also shares lessons learned from hiring technicians, the value of documenting every step of the customer experience, and how organizations like NCI have influenced his approach to technical excellence and continuous learning. Whether you're an HVAC contractor, home performance professional, or simply interested in how buildings really work, this episode offers practical insights into diagnostics, customer communication, and building a business that stands out by solving problems instead of simply replacing equipment. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/derek-aarstad-91a328247/ Website: https://dnarva.com/ NCI: https://www.nationalcomfortinstitute.com/ NCI Summit: https://www.gotosummit.com/ This episode was recorded in July 2026.

Quotes from the episode: "Great equipment doesn't build a reputation. Great technicians do." "Use AI like a tool, not a crutch. The work still belongs to the person in the attic." "We're missing mentorship across generations, and that gap is costing the trades more than we realize." In this episode, Bill sits down with Rhydon Atzenhoffer, host of the HVAC R&D Podcast, for a wide-ranging conversation that goes well beyond tools and equipment. Rhydon shares how his show evolved from casual, relationship-driven conversations during COVID into a platform focused on learning, perspective, and the advancement of the trades. At the core of it all is a simple idea: HVAC is a people business first. The discussion digs into real points of tension in the industry, from the disconnect between engineers and field technicians to the way regulation is now driving much of the innovation cycle. Rhydon offers a candid take: great equipment is only as good as the people who install and service it, and too often those voices are underrepresented. He also highlights the growing role of AI and structured knowledge systems, not as replacements for technicians, but as tools to sharpen skills and preserve best practices. The episode closes with a strong call to action for contractors and business owners alike. Rhydon emphasizes collaboration over competition, investing in people, and rebuilding mentorship pipelines that once defined the trades. It's a forward-looking conversation grounded in experience, with a clear message: the future of HVAC depends on how well we develop people, not just products. Rhydon's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomasrhydonatzenhoffer/ His podcast website: https://www.hvacrnd.com/ Grit Foundation: https://www.thegritfoundation.com/ Quinn AI training, with your company's materials: https://meetquinn.ai/ This episode was recorded in April 2026.