You may know the answer to this question: “Why would I want to use an air flow hood?”   You might not know the answer to this one: “How do I find a good air flow hood?”   Steve Rogers, President and Owner of the Energy Conservatory, joins us to answer both of these questions as well as provide a rich background to his company and his career.   We hear how a customer ride-along stimulated a multifaceted investigation into the critical parameters involved in making great residential airflow measurements which could lead to a breakthrough product in the future   Steve explains how milkshakes help him focus on customers’ needs in the product development cycle.   Visit www.EnergyConservatory.com to learn more about their products and training resources which are available through several distributors including TruTechTools, www.trutechtools.com/EnergyConservatory   If you read this before January 24, 2019, you can sign up to watch the webinar Steve will present with TruTech Tools on this topic: sign up link is www.bit.ly/TEC-FLOW  If you read this after that date, a recording of that video will be present on the TruTech YouTube channel: www.bit.ly/TruTechTubes

EP35 Let's get TECnical @ AirFlow hoods with Steve Rogers of the Energy Conservatory

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 are joined by Grant Gunnison from Zero Homes. The discussion kicks off with Grant mentioning upcoming conferences in Denver related to home electrification and heat pumps, which he, Eric, and Bill plan to attend. Grant shares insights on the complexities homeowners face when installing electrification technologies, emphasizing the time-consuming nature of getting familiar with new technologies and the challenge of finding reliable contractors. Grant elaborates on the cumbersome customer journey in home electrification, from initial research to contractor consultations. He highlights how Zero Homes aims to streamline this process by simplifying access to information and reducing the need for multiple contractor visits through digital tools and comprehensive online assessments. The conversation touches on the significant growth in heat pump installations in Massachusetts as a positive market signal, yet acknowledges the broader challenges and long road ahead to achieve more ambitious installation targets. The podcast concludes with a discussion about Zero Homes' business model and partnerships with contractors to facilitate efficient, cost-effective home upgrades. Grant shares the story behind the company's name and its focus on creating a zero-emission retrofit optimization process. The episode underscores the potential of technology and innovative business strategies to significantly improve the efficiency and sustainability of home electrification efforts, reducing both homeowner costs and environmental impact.   Grant’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/grantgunnison/ His business website: https://www.zerohomes.io/   The conference we mention: www.HeatPumpSummit.org This episode was recorded in May 2024.

EP166 Simplifying Home Electrification: Insights from Zero Homes' Grant Gunnison (May 2024)

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.

EP35 Let's get TECnical @ AirFlow hoods with Steve Rogers of the Energy Conservatory

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