What’s it like to build a tech product from the ground up?   How do you validate that a market exists?   What tools can you use to gain confidence that you are on the right track?     In this week’s podcast, Bill Spohn is joined by John Hoehn, CEO of Duckling.   Duckling’s mission is to help contractors help their customers on their journey to electrifying their homes.   John and his co-founder, Sudeep Yegnashankaran have deep backgrounds in software development. They have been working on Duckling over the last two years and are now recruiting their first customers.   Bill is honored to join their team as an advisor alongside Elliott Trice, who brings decades of experience in tech product development and design.   Keep your eyes open and ears peeled for what Duckling hatches in the coming year!       In full disclosure, Bill has a small financial interest in Duckling.     Duckling website: www.getduckling.com   Results from the contractor survey conducted in late 2022: https://bit.ly/HVAC-electrify   Duckling one-page overview: https://bit.ly/Duckling-1-23   Are you a contractor interested in being a design partner with Duckling? Fill out this quick form: https://bit.ly/Duckling-EAP   Electrification Panel Discussion at the 2023 HVAC School Symposium featuring Kimberly Llewellyn, Jim Bergmann and Bill Spohn*  https://hvacrschool.com/events/4th-annual-hvac-r-training-symposium/electrification-panel/   * a small fee will gain you access to all recorded sessions from the Symposium for a limited time.   Learn more about Steve Blank, who guidance John mentions in the podcast: https://steveblank.com/books-for-startups/     This episode was recorded in February 2023.  

EP109 A new product concept for contractors interested in residential electrification with John Hoehn of Duckling (February 2023)

Building HVAC Science covers a broad array of topics in building science and HVAC diagnostics, as well as human comfort, health, and safety. Hosted by HVAC measurement and building performance experts Eric Kaiser & Bill Spohn, this show will take a deep dive into all things that relate to buildings and people in the built environment. This show is a production of TruTech Tools, LTD.

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In this episode of the Building HVAC Science Podcast, hosts Eric Kaiser and Bill Spohn welcome Jesse Smith, a carpenter turned HVAC enthusiast. Jesse, who has written an intriguing article titled "Lies, Damned Lies, and Manometer Readings" for Asterisk Magazine, shares his journey from carpentry to specializing in high-performance building and energy retrofits. His early exposure to energy efficiency through his father's work, combined with his professional evolution amidst the housing bubble, laid the foundation for his deep dive into HVAC systems and home performance standards. Jesse discusses his experiences and challenges in HVAC, emphasizing the widespread lack of proper setup and calibration in the field, which he identifies as a significant issue affecting both indoor air quality and energy efficiency. His practical encounters, such as dealing with incorrect airflow measurements and learning about the critical settings of HVAC systems, underline his critique of what he sees as endemic incompetence within the industry. This incompetence, Jesse argues, poses severe risks not only to building efficiency but also to public health and environmental sustainability. The podcast conversation also delves into Jesse's broader concerns about the construction and HVAC industries' stagnation in productivity and innovation since the 1970s. He calls for better education and accountability in the industry to overcome these challenges. Jesse's perspective is that of an insider calling for systemic change, advocating for the adoption of better practices and technologies to improve building performance and, ultimately, contribute positively to societal health and environmental goals.   Jesse’s Linked in: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jesse-smith-59a54966/ The original article that drew our attention:   https://asteriskmag.com/issues/05/lies-damned-lies-and-manometer-readings   This episode was recorded in March 2024.

EP163 Lies, Damn Lies and Manometer Readings with Jesse Smith (MARCH 2024)

In this episode recorded at the ACCA 2024 conference in Orlando, Eric Kaiser interviews Wes Davis, the Director of Technical Services at ACCA. Wes shares his extensive experience at ACCA, noting his nearly two-decade tenure and involvement in significant initiatives like code hearings and contractor accreditation efforts. He humorously remarks on his career progression within ACCA, crediting his rise to the retirement of predecessors and finding joy in leading a talented team dedicated to advancing HVAC standards and education. Wes details the core responsibilities and recent projects of his department, which include advocating for sensible codes, delivering educational programs, and promoting contractor accreditation. He emphasizes the importance of ACCA's role in developing and revising standards such as Manuals J, S, D, and T, which are critical for proper HVAC installation and maintenance. Wes also discusses ACCA's transition to offering standards online for free viewing, which is aimed at increasing accessibility and industry engagement. The podcast touches on the dynamic nature of standard development, highlighting the open and inclusive process that ACCA strives for. Wes encourages industry professionals to participate and provide feedback on standards, stressing that contributions are vital for creating practical and effective industry guidelines. The episode concludes with Wes expressing appreciation for the opportunity to discuss these processes and encourage listener involvement in shaping the future of HVAC standards.   Wes’s Linked in: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wesdavisacca/ ACCA website: www.ACCA.org This episode was recorded in March 2024.

EP162 Inside HVAC: Codes, Standards, and Shaping the Future at ACCA 2024 With Wes Davis, ACCA (MARCH 2024)

In this episode of the Building HVAC Science Podcast, hosted by Eric Kaiser, guests Josh Crawley and Casey Prater from TruTech Tools discuss their experiences at the HVAC Excellence National HVACR Education Conference held in March in Las Vegas, Nevada. They share insights on the conference's focus on education and technology advancements in the HVAC industry, emphasizing the passionate learning environment and the evolution of smart tools in HVAC practices. Josh Crawley, the sales manager for TruTech Tools, recounts his journey with the company and how it has evolved to prioritize customer service and technological advancements in HVAC tools. He reflects on the conference's emphasis on the importance of connected tools and how the perception of such technologies has shifted positively over the years, highlighting the industry's commitment to quality work and efficient problem-solving through technology. Casey Prater, a newer member of the TruTech team, shares his personal takeaway from the conference, focusing on the enthusiasm and passion within the HVAC community. He appreciates the informative sessions, especially those involving visual demonstrations, which provided deep insights into the industry's future directions, including the transition to A2L refrigerants. Casey's experience underscores the industry's continuous learning culture and the role of innovation in driving HVAC practices forward. Overall, the episode paints a picture of an industry at the cusp of significant technological transformation, underscored by a collective commitment to education, quality, and innovation. The discussion not only highlights the specific advancements in HVAC tools and practices but also reflects on the broader implications for workforce development and the pursuit of excellence in the field.   Josh’s Linked in: https://www.linkedin.com/in/josh-crawley-20b41550/ NHETC Conference:  2024 schedule: https://www.escogroup.org/hvac/nhetc/eventschedule.aspx 2025 teaser: https://www.escogroup.org/hvac/nhetc/default.aspx This episode was recorded in April 2024.

EP161 Connecting the Dots: HVAC Excellence Conference Highlights and Industry Evolution With Josh Crawley & Casey Prater (April 2024)

In this engaging interview on the Building HVAC Science Podcast, co-hosts Eric Kaiser and Bill Spohn welcomed Jason Julian, owner of Julian Heating and Air in Arkansas, to discuss his remarkable journey and the evolution of his business. Julian's story is one of resilience and transformation, beginning with his entry into the HVAC industry as a recovering drug addict and felon in need of employment. His eagerness to learn and improve not only his skills but also the comfort and satisfaction of his customers propelled him from a temporary helper to a business owner dedicated to quality service and employee empowerment. Jason Julian's company culture emphasizes continuous learning, quality workmanship, and a proactive approach to solving problems. He invests in high-quality tools and training for his team, aiming to be the supportive and encouraging boss he wished he had when he started. Julian's commitment to his employees and customers alike has fostered a positive, solution-oriented work environment where the focus is on delivering excellent customer service through skilled and knowledgeable HVAC solutions. Despite the challenges of starting a business with limited resources and navigating financial obstacles, Julian has successfully grown his company by maintaining high standards for work and customer care. He attributes much of his success to the support and collaboration within his team, emphasizing the importance of seeing potential in people and empowering them to contribute to solutions. This collective effort and shared vision for excellence have allowed Julian Heating and Air to thrive, demonstrating the power of resilience, leadership, and a customer-first approach in the HVAC industry.   Jason’s Linked in: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-julian-03530b160/ Jason’s business: https://julianheatandair.com/contact-us/   This episode was recorded in February 2024.

EP160 From Recovery to Revolution: The Jason Julian HVAC Journey With Jason Julian (February 2024)

In this podcast Bill and Eric interview their friend, Russ King, AKA Mr. Load Calcs from California. Russ has extensive background in HVAC, starting from his first job in 1988 doing load calculations and energy modeling for California's Title 24 energy code. He shares his journey from working with his mentor Marshall Hunt, through running a mechanical engineering department for a big energy consulting firm, to eventually starting a company with his son, Connor, and developing software: http://www.KwikModel.com in 2018. King emphasizes the importance of feedback from HERS raters and others on tested houses to improve design quality and advocates for contractors to be home performance contractors, focusing on both equipment capacity and house load. Russ proceeds to introduce his new initiative, www.DIYLoadCalcs.com, aimed at empowering homeowners to be involved in the HVAC process by providing them with tools to understand and improve their home's energy efficiency as well as HVAC system performance by getting it designed correctly from the get go.. This service leverages modern technology to allow homeowners to scan their houses and submit information for load calculations to professionals trained in using KwikModel. The resultant load calc can be given to contractors along with a KwikModel file to refine the load calc. He highlights the importance of load calculations in identifying the correct size for HVAC equipment and improving home performance. Throughout the discussion, King underscores the transformation in the HVAC industry brought about by technological advancements, making processes like load calculations more accessible and accurate. He expresses hope that initiatives like DIY Load Calcs will encourage more homeowners and contractors to embrace these tools, leading to better-informed decisions and improvements in home energy efficiency and HVAC system performance and occupant health and comfort. Here is Russ’ blog: https://russellking.me/ Here are the posts he referred to in our conversation:  https://russellking.me/2014/01/02/how-a-house-is-like-a-tank-of-water/  https://russellking.me/2013/05/25/why-we-need-a-simpler-hvac-design-methodology/ His Linked in: https://www.linkedin.com/in/russell-king-m-e-70342913/ This episode was recorded in February 2024.

EP109 A new product concept for contractors interested in residential electrification with John Hoehn of Duckling (February 2023)

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