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 technical expertise but also the mental tools and confidence needed to succeed in life and work. With partnerships from organizations like TruTech Tools, CareerSource, and others, Danny emphasizes the importance of doing the right thing and fostering community safety and success.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in workforce development, second chances, or the transformative power of education and mentorship.

Here is Danny’s Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dannyhuffman/ And a link to his website: https://2ndchanceuniversity.org/

And his email: [email protected]

 

This episode was recorded in December 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.

The conversation transitions into the challenges of translating the wealth of building science knowledge into practical applications. Ross emphasizes the need for a structured approach, like checklists or decision trees, to guide professionals through complex building scenarios. He praises initiatives like Better HVAC, which aim to centralize resources for the industry. Finally, Ross explores the importance of mentorship, shared resources, and ongoing learning, advocating for tools like ACCA Manual J, the Passive House Planning Package to prioritize impactful changes in building performance.

Ross’ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rosstrethewey/

Ross’ Engineering business:http://www.te2engineering.com/

This Old House on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/thisoldhouse

Passive House Planning Package: https://passivehouse.com/04_phpp/04_phpp.htm

Our episode with Adam from Heat Geeks: https://www.buildinghvacscience.com/ep176-empowering-engineers-the-heatgeek-approach-to-high-efficiency-heating-with-adam-chapman-july/

Building Science Corporation classes and events: https://buildingscience.com/upcoming-events-and-training

Coffee and Caleffi webinars: https://www.caleffi.com/en-us/education/coffee-caleffitm

Enrico Bonilauri’s Emu hands on classes: https://emupassive.com/training/

Pretty Good House Concepts: https://www.prettygoodhouse.org/

Pretty Good House Book: https://www.amazon.com/Pretty-Good-House-Michael-Maines/dp/1641551658

Our episode on Pretty Good House: https://www.buildinghvacscience.com/ep105-whats-a-pretty-good-house-with-dan-kolbert-and-chris-briley-dec-2022/

Allison Bailes’ book: https://trutechtools.com/hardcover-a-house-needs-to-breathe-or-does-it.html

BetterHVAC website: www.BetterHVAC.org

Our episode with Shawna Henderson of BlueHouse Energy: https://www.buildinghvacscience.com/ep147-building-science-haiku-with-shawna-henderson-november-2023/

HVACR School Symposium: https://hvacrschool.com/events/6th-annual-hvac-r-training-symposium/

Rocky Mountain Institute Green Upgrade Calculator: https://greenup.rmi.org/

The National Institute of Building Sciences: Whole Building Design guide: https://www.wbdg.org/whole-building-design

Residential Energy Book by John Kirgger, 7th edition (530 pages):: https://srmi.biz/product/residential-energy/

Residential Energy Book by Krigger & Dorsi, 2004 edition (320 pages):: https://www.amazon.com/Residential-Energy-Savings-Existing-Buildings/dp/1880120127

 

This episode was recorded in December 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 of maintaining performance in existing homes. Throughout the episode, listeners gain invaluable insights into the intersection of building science, project management, and homeowner expectations.

Whether you're an HVAC professional, a homeowner, or simply curious about building science, this episode provides a wealth of knowledge wrapped in relatable anecdotes and humor.

 

Learn more about his business at www.energyVanguard.com and subscribe to his emails.

Here is his LinkedIn profile:https://www.linkedin.com/in/allisonabailes/

We sell his book at TruTech: https://trutechtools.com/hardcover-a-house-needs-to-breathe-or-does-it.html

 

This episode was recorded in December 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

Dom Guarino

150

1-26-24

Filtering the Future - The Journey of John Ellis in Reinventing Air Quality

John Ellis

151

2-2-24

From Ice to Inspiration-Highlights at the AHR Expo .docx

ELK and Bill

152

2-9-24

Ralph Wolf's HVAC Odyssey Lessons, Laughs, and Legacies

Ralph Wolf

153

2-16-24

HVACR Horizons: From 12-Year-Old Prodigies to Industry Pioneers

ELK and Bill

154

2-23-24

Closing the Gap AeroSeal's Quest for Net-Zero Buildings

Amit Gupta

155

3-1-24

Sustainable Spaces: The Journey from Efficiency to Humanity in Design

Lucas Johnson & Austin

156

3-8-24

Inside the Toolbox- Rethinking HVAC with a High-End Twist

With Chris Wisniewski

Chris Wisniewski

157

3-15-24

Heat Pumps, Homes, and High Tech Amply Energy's HVAC Evolution

Ed Fitz, Eric Smith

158

3-22-24

Comfort, Co-ops, and Climate Care Revolutionizing HVAC in Ontario with Victor Hyman

Victor Hyman

159

3-29-24

Blueprints to Bytes How Russ King is Redefining HVAC with Technology

Russ King

160

4-5-24

From Recovery to Revolution The Jason Julian HVAC Journey with Jason Julian

Jason Julian

161

4-12-24

Connecting the Dots HVAC Excellence Conference Highlights and Industry Evolution witj Josh Crawley & Casey Prater.docx

ELK, Josh, Casey

162

4-19-24

Inside HVAC: Wes Davis on Codes, Standards, and Shaping the Future at ACCA 2024

Wes Davis

163

4-26-24

Lies, Damn Lies and Manometer Readings

Jesse Smith

164

5-3-24

Behind the Scenes at ACCA 2024: A Dialogue with Ed Janowiak

Ed Janowiak

165

5-10-24

Blueprints for Efficiency: Enrico Bonilauri’s Deep Dive into Building Standards

Enrico Bonilauri

166

5-17-24

Simplifying Home Electrification: Insights from Zero Homes' Grant Gunnison

Grant Gunnison

167

5-24-24

Tech Meets Trades Wyatt Smith's Mission to Modernize Workforce Productivity

Wyatt Smith

168

5-31-24

Unveiling HVAC Mastery A Journey of Skill and Passion

Matt Akins

169

6-7-24

From Attics to Airwaves Tony Mormino’s HVAC Journey

Tony Mormino

170

6-14-24

How to Grow and Scale a Business from the Ground Up Tommy Mello

Tommy Mello

171

6-21-24

Random updates from Bill

Bill Spohn

172

6-28-24

Tech Trends and HVAC Triumphs: A Denver Summit Recap

ELK & Bill

173

7-5-24

Harnessing AI for Healthier Buildings: Insights with Attune's Co-Founder Julien Stamatakis

Julien Stamatakis

174

7-12-24

Smart Homes, Smarter Trades: Dan Goodman Discusses Building 36’s Innovations

Dan Goodman,

175

7-19-24

From Engineering to Sales: Karine LeBlanc on Building Connections in HVAC

Karine Leblanc

176

7-26-24

Empowering Engineers: The HeatGeek Approach to High-Efficiency Heating

Adam Chapman

177

8-2-24

Smart Tools, Smarter Tech: Jim Bergmann's MeasureQuick Evolution

Jim Bergmann

178

8-9-24

From Gopher to Guru: Steven Rardon's HVAC Journey

Stephen Rardon

179

8-16-24

The Science of Hot Water: Insights and Innovations with Gary Klein

Gary Klein

180

8-23-24

Home Monitoring Madness: Tracking Energy, Air, and More with Bill and ELK

ELK & Bill

181

8-30-24

From Drawings to Durability: Inside the Minds of Building Science Experts

ELK & Bill

182

9-6-24

Transforming Homes and Training Minds: The Brynn Cooksey Approach

Brynn Cooksey

183

9-13-24

Reinventing Wind Power: Inside the World of Harmony Turbines

Chris & Cheryl Moore

184

9-20-24

Cracking the Code: Mastering HVAC Design with Manual S

Russ King

185

9-27-24

Building Better Homes: Bridging the Gap Between Energy Ratings and HVAC

Steve Byers

186

10-4-24

Unlocking Trades: The Power of Skillcat's Mobile Training

Ruchir Shah

187

10-11-24

Revolutionizing Home Comfort: Marco Radocaj’s Balanced Approach to HVAC

Marco Radocaj

188

10-18-24

Young HVAC Prodigy: Elena Day’s Journey to EPA Certification at 12

Elana and Jordan Day

189

10-25-24

Breaking the Cycle: Huff's Journey to HVAC Excellence and Industry Change

Tom Hoffmaster

190

11-1-24

Breathing Easy: Tackling Outdoor Contaminants in Indoor Spaces

Linda Wigington, Rhett Major, Bill Collinge

191

11-8-24

From Building Automation to Smart Homes: The Lumen Cache Revolution

Derek Cowburn

192

11-15-24

Building a Legacy: Energy Efficiency and Innovation with Mark Kaiser

Mark Kaiser

193

11-22-24

Building Performance with Purpose: Silas Hoeppner’s Journey

Silas Hoeppner

194

11-29-24

Behind the Scenes at TruTech Tools: Meet Greg Bokan

Greg Bokan

195

12-6-24

Farming Ideas vs. Farming The Land: Reflections from Another Continent

Bill Spohn

196

12-13-24

EP196 Bill's review of 2024's podcasts

BILL Spohn

197

12-20-24

His remodelling work

Allison Bailes

198

12-27-24

Using knowledge we have in the real world

Ross Trethewey

 

This episode was recorded in December 2024.

 

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

The full video presentation will be available shortly on the Trutech Tools YouTube channel: 

https://www.youtube.com/@TruTechTools/featured

Key highlights include:

• The distinct climate and seasonal patterns near the equator, where temperatures remained mild (59°F to 85°F) and the length of day varied only slightly year-round.

• Exploring open-air, sustainable structures designed for natural ventilation and comfort without reliance on modern HVAC systems.

• Encounters with wildlife, from giraffes and lions to hippos and wildebeests, often seen just steps away from their accommodations.

• Reflections on cultural humility, local hospitality, and the sharp contrast between rural simplicity and modern amenities.

The episode closes with a profound observation from a local guide about life in rural areas versus cities: “In village life, your work sustains you directly (farming crops and livestock), while in city life, your work sustains you financially by farming the ideas in your mind.”

This episode was recorded in November 2024.

This episode of the Building HVAC Science podcast features Greg Bokan, Customer Service Manager at TruTech Tools. Greg shares insights from his recent experience (November 13, 2024) attending the IHACI (Institute of Heating and Air Conditioning Industries) trade show in Pasadena. The event attracted a younger crowd, including many students and instructors, offering an opportunity to showcase tools like multimeters and thermal cameras that appeal to HVACR beginners. Greg highlights the importance of engaging with emerging professionals and fostering enthusiasm in the industry.

The conversation delves into Greg’s rich personal background, including his career in sheet metal work and his time as a professional photographer. Greg reflects on the transition from traditional film to digital photography, noting how the technological shift reshaped the industry. He also discusses his passion for beekeeping and gold prospecting, sharing intriguing details about both hobbies and how they intersect with his love for physics and nature. These personal anecdotes provide a glimpse into Greg's multifaceted interests outside of his professional life.

Greg emphasizes the rewarding nature of working at TruTech Tools, where customer care and quality service are paramount. He shares practical tips for customers, such as having order numbers ready for smoother interactions. The episode concludes with a lighthearted discussion about Greg's long-standing friendship with Jim Bergmann and the possibility of future episodes featuring staff highlights to give customers a deeper connection to the TruTech team.

You can reach Greg here:

[email protected]

 

This episode was recorded in November 2024.

In this episode of the Building HVAC Science Podcast, hosts Bill Spohn and Eric Kaiser sit down with Silas Hoeppner, a passionate advocate for building performance and HVAC design, to explore his unconventional career journey in the industry. 

Silas shares his story of starting in his family's insulation business, transitioning through various roles in energy ratings, HVAC consulting, and contracting, and ultimately finding his niche at Modern Heating and Air Conditioning in Iowa. He details the challenges he faced, such as battling imposter syndrome and the steep learning curve of technical design, while also emphasizing the importance of connecting technical expertise with people-centric solutions.

Silas offers valuable insights for technicians, focusing on blending technical know-how with clear, relatable communication to homeowners and stakeholders. He highlights the lasting impact of programs like HVAC SAVE and the evolving importance of addressing comfort, durability, and health in building performance. Silas also shares personal lessons about confidence, mental health, and humor in professional growth, encouraging listeners to embrace their individuality while staying committed to learning.

Learn more about Silas here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/silasjames/

 

This episode was recorded in November 2024.

In this episode of the Building HVAC Science podcast, co-hosts Bill Spohn and Eric Kaiser are joined by Eric's father, Mark Kaiser, for a special father-son discussion. Mark shares his experiences with building and improving a unique energy-efficient home in Carlinville, Illinois. His journey began in the late 1970s, when he retrofitted a modest house to reduce energy consumption using insulation, solar energy, and a variety of unconventional methods. Mark talks about his motivation for energy efficiency, stemming from his role overseeing utilities at Blackburn College, where he gained valuable insights into energy management and building systems.

Throughout the conversation, Mark delves into the construction techniques he employed, including double wall construction for added insulation, using solar heat gain, and even creating a thermal mass storage system with water-filled milk jugs to retain heat. He explains how he balanced various heating systems, such as solar, wood, and natural gas, and how his hands-on approach—digging around the foundation, raising the roofline, and using sustainable materials—resulted in a home that remains energy-efficient to this day. The Kaisers also touch on innovative electrical systems, such as 12-volt and 24-volt setups, and how these have helped keep energy costs low.

Mark’s deep understanding of thermal mass, energy usage, and alternative construction methods highlights the importance of thoughtful, sustainable home design. As the discussion wraps up, Mark reflects on the lessons learned from maintaining and improving his home over the years, emphasizing the ongoing challenges of perfecting energy-efficient construction. The conversation offers listeners a unique blend of family history, practical tips, and a deep dive into the technical aspects of home energy management.

The DC Freezer Mark mentioned www.sundanzer.com

The paper on the Lo-Cal House may be found here: https://www.ideals.illinois.edu/items/54705

 

This episode was recorded in October 2024.

In this episode of the Building HVAC Science podcast, Bill Spohn and Eric Kaiser welcome Derek Cowburn, founder of Lumen Cache, to discuss his journey from building automation in pharmaceutical facilities to pioneering smart DC power systems for homes and offices. Derek shares how his background in building controls and automation influenced his development of Lumen Cache; a company focused on creating a smart infrastructure that integrates DC power to drive lighting, sensors, and automation. He explains the advantages of DC power, especially as modern buildings transition to solar panels, batteries, and increasingly DC-centric electronics.

Derek explores the challenges of mainstreaming smart building technologies, particularly overcoming builders' concerns with reliability, cost, and installation ease. Lumen Cache's innovative modular plug-and-play system simplifies integration for builders and offers adaptability for future technology upgrades, unlike traditional AC systems. Derek also highlights the potential of integrating indoor air quality and energy management sensors, envisioning homes and offices that are "smart from the start" without the need for complex retrofits.

Throughout the conversation, Derek discusses his experiences in Shenzhen, China, leveraging the city's manufacturing ecosystem to scale production while planning to expand globally. The episode wraps up with Derek’s vision for the future—an interconnected ecosystem of smart devices that support energy efficiency and comfort, driven by Lumen Cache’s evolving infrastructure. He invites listeners to explore their new generation product, ReNetA, and looks forward to a follow-up conversation to share future developments.

Derek’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/derekcowburn/

YouTube channel:https://www.youtube.com/@LumenCache

The System Design Tool Derek spoke of: https://youtu.be/ZCHEFiY5Bf0?si=4oqtf3jObVJEPV4O

Website: https://www.lumencache.com/

Company Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lumen-cache-inc-lumencache-/about/

Derek’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/derekcowburn/

Contact: https://www.lumencache.com/contact

 

This episode was recorded in October 2024.

In this episode of the Building HVAC Science podcast, Eric Kaiser takes the lead in interviewing three guests from the ROCIS (Reducing Outdoor Contaminants in Indoor Spaces) initiative: Linda Wigington, Bill Collinge, and Rhett Major. Linda introduces ROCIS, sharing its 10-year mission to help participants monitor and improve indoor air quality, particularly in areas with poor outdoor air. The initiative, primarily focused in southwestern Pennsylvania, involves virtual cohorts where participants use low-cost monitors to track air quality and receive guidance to improve it.

Bill Collinge discusses the differences between low-cost and high-end air quality monitors, explaining how ROCIS focuses on measuring particles and carbon dioxide. He describes how the cohort process helps participants compare outdoor air quality with indoor conditions, assessing how well homes filter and ventilate air. Bill also highlights how data collected across multiple homes helps identify patterns and informs recommendations for improving air quality, while Rhett Major explains the process of air handler interventions. By testing static pressure and airflow in HVAC systems, Rhett helps participants optimize their systems to run more efficiently and reduce energy consumption while improving air quality.

The guests discuss key takeaways from the program, including the importance of filtration, proper HVAC system setup, and the potential health benefits of reducing particulate matter indoors. They emphasize the need for proper system commissioning and the challenges of engaging HVAC contractors in this work. In closing, the team shares their hopes to expand ROCIS principles and interventions beyond Pennsylvania and offer guidance to those interested in healthier, more energy-efficient homes.

LinkedIn: Linda: https://www.linkedin.com/in/linda-wigington-b28a98a/

Rhett: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rhett-major-85887a10/

Bill: https://www.linkedin.com/in/billcollinge/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rocispgh

Website: https://rocis.org/

This episode was recorded in October 2024.