This is my first interview with a founder of a publicly traded company and my second interview with a European guest!   Meet Erlend Bolle, whose life journey took him from working at CERN to a building a global, publicly traded company that innovates consumer and professional grade radon and indoor Air quality Monitors.   His team’s initial goal was to create a product relevant for all in volume production that improves people’s health.   Learn how the team at Airthings works to understand consumer needs as society, homes and the world changes over time.   CERN details: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CERN 27 kM (16.77 mile) diameter particle accelerator   You can find Erlend on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erlendbolle/   And learn more about this company, AirThings here: https://www.airthings.com/   And see his products for sale at TruTech Tools, here: https://www.trutechtools.com/Airthings   This episode was recorded in January 2022.

EP69 From particle accelerators to radon measurement, the Airthings story with Erlend Bolle (Jan 2022)

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 the latest episode of the Building HVAC Science Podcast, Eric Kaiser and co-host Bill Spohn welcomed guest Enrico Bonilauri, an architect originally from Italy now based in the U.S. Enrico shared insights from a comprehensive study comparing various building standards across 50 projects to evaluate energy efficiency and performance. He discussed the differences between international and American passive standards and the standard American building code, emphasizing the need for builders to adopt high-performance building techniques. Throughout the discussion, Enrico highlighted the challenges of aligning different building standards and introduced a scoring system he developed to assess various metrics like energy performance, air quality, and durability. He explained that the study took two and a half years to complete, involving detailed energy modeling to meet different standards. This extensive research aimed to demonstrate how passive building standards compare against others like Energy Star and the energy code, shedding light on the potential for energy savings and improved construction practices. Towards the end of the episode, Enrico spoke about the practical applications of the study, including training and educating American builders on passive building techniques through his company, Emu. He emphasized the importance of hands-on training and creating a community among builders and designers to share knowledge and improve building practices universally. The episode concluded with discussions on upcoming training sessions and the availability of Emu's detailed study reports for public access, encouraging a broader engagement with sustainable building practices.   Enrico’s Linked in: https://www.linkedin.com/in/enricobonilauri/ His business website: https://emupassive.com/ Link to the study:  https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/9b6yzoqsppr2jafbaptmq/Emu-PH-Report.pdf   This episode was recorded in April 2024.

EP165 Blueprints for Efficiency: Enrico Bonilauri’s Deep Dive into Building Standards (APRIL 2024)

In this episode of the Building HVAC Science Podcast recorded at the ACCA 2024 Conference in Orlando, Florida, Eric catches up with Ed Janowiak from ACCA.  Ed and Eric virtually navigate the listeners through the conference, noting the mix of technical and managerial attendees. Ed emphasizes the necessity of technical knowledge in HVAC, especially evident in a conference setting. Eric and Ed reminisce about their longstanding acquaintance, having met at a previous HVACR symposium. In this casual yet insightful conversation, Eric and Ed offer glimpses into the dynamics of the ACCA conference, showcasing the blend of technical expertise and business acumen. They underscore the significance of technical tracks in such gatherings and reminisce about their longstanding professional relationship, demonstrating the enduring connections forged within the HVAC community over the years.  Ed’s Linked in: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ed-janowiak-9bb3b734/ ACCA Website: https://acca.org/home   This episode was recorded in March 2024.

EP164 Behind the Scenes at ACCA 2024: A Dialogue with Ed Janowiak (MARCH 2024)

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.

EP69 From particle accelerators to radon measurement, the Airthings story with Erlend Bolle (Jan 2022)

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