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Season 2, Episode 1 – Thermal Stoicism, LIDAR Design & the Future of HVAC Thinking with Cameron Ferguson

The HVAC industry is changing—and the way you think about design, airflow, and performance has to change with it.

Season 2 of the HVAC ADHD™ Vodcast starts with a deep dive into HVAC design, heat pump performance, building science, and the mindset required to stay ahead in the trade.

Jeremy Begley sits down with Cameron Ferguson (Independent Power, Boulder, CO)—also known as the “Thermal Stoic”—to break down what’s really happening in modern HVAC.

This isn’t about selling equipment.

 This is about designing systems that actually work.

🔍 What You’ll Learn in This Episode

If you're an HVAC contractor, technician, or building performance professional, this episode covers:

• Why LIDAR-based load calculations are changing HVAC design

 • The difference between default inputs vs real in-home measurements

 • Why ductwork and airflow are limiting heat pump performance

 • Common mistakes in HVAC system design and retrofit installs

 • How static pressure and airflow testing impact system longevity

 • Why “rule of thumb” sizing is becoming obsolete

 • How to transition from HVAC installer to HVAC designer

 • The philosophy behind Thermal Stoicism and continuous improvement

⚠️ Why This Matters

Most HVAC systems don’t fail because of bad equipment.

 They fail because of poor design, bad airflow, and lack of testing.

With the rise of:

 ✔ Heat pumps

 ✔ Electrification

 ✔ High-efficiency systems

 ✔ Smarter homeowners

…the margin for error is shrinking.

If you’re not adapting your process, you’re falling behind.

🧠 The Bigger Shift in HVAC

This episode highlights a major shift happening in the industry:

➡️ From box swapping → to performance-based design

 ➡️ From guesswork → to measurement and verification

 ➡️ From equipment focus → to whole-home systems

The next generation of HVAC professionals will need to understand:

 load calculations, airflow, duct design, and building science—not just equipment.

🚀 HVAC ADHD Update

Season 2 marks the beginning of something new.

HVAC ADHD is expanding—but not everything will be happening in the same place moving forward.

Check out our brand new social media pages! They'll be linked in a post shortly!

🔗 Cameron’s Links

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cameronferg

 Spotify: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/balancedpodcastxhvac/episodes/the-thermal-stoic--insulate-your-mind--pt-1-e3ek584 

 Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-thermal-stoic/id1818960534 

 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cameronferguson

#HVACADHDVodcast

 #HVACADHD

 #Season2

 #JeremyBegley

 #CameronFerguson

 #ThermalStoic

 #HVACDesign

 #HeatPump

 #LoadCalculations

 #ManualJ

 #Airflow

 #StaticPressure

 #Ductwork

 #BuildingScience

 #HomePerformance

 #HVACIndustry

 #HVAC2HomePerformance

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The HVAC industry is changing fast—and the Building Performance Association (BPA) is right in the middle of it.

In this episode of HVAC ADHD™, Jeremy Begley sits down with Bethany Sowinski and Nate Natale from BPA to break down:

The history of the National Home Performance Conference

Why HVAC and home performance are finally overlapping

What contractors are missing right now

How electrification, IAQ, and load reduction are reshaping the industry

Why this conference matters if you want to stay relevant

If you're an HVAC contractor, home performance pro, or building science nerd trying to figure out where things are headed—this episode connects the dots.

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In this episode of the HVAC ADHD Vodcast, Jeremy sits down with Bethany Sowinski and Nate Natale from the Building Performance Association to talk about the history, purpose, and future of the National Home Performance Conference & Trade Show—and why HVAC professionals should be paying close attention.

Bethany and Nate break down how the conference began back in 1986 under the Affordable Comfort banner, how it evolved through multiple industry shifts, and how BPA has grown into a national hub for education, policy, networking, and contractor development. They also share how the organization has adapted over time to meet the changing needs of contractors, trainers, and the broader building performance community.

The conversation goes beyond conference history and into a much bigger industry shift: the growing overlap between HVAC, home performance, electrification, and business growth. Jeremy, Bethany, and Nate discuss why the old walls between these sectors are coming down, why younger HVAC professionals are more open to building science than ever before, and why this moment creates real opportunity for contractors willing to expand their thinking.

We dive deep into:
• The origins of the conference and how it has evolved since 1986
• Why BPA continues to adapt to contractor needs and industry trends
• The growing relationship between HVAC, building science, and home performance
• How younger HVAC pros are helping drive a more integrated approach
• Why conferences still matter in a post-COVID industry landscape
• The business opportunity in permanent load reduction, electrification, and whole-house thinking
• How contractors openly sharing wins and failures helps the entire industry improve

Bethany and Nate also explain why the conference remains one of the most valuable places in the country for professionals to gather, learn, and build relationships. From technical education to business support to modern podcast-style sessions, the event continues to evolve alongside the industry it serves.

Whether you're an HVAC contractor, home performance professional, energy auditor, building science trainer, or electrification-minded business owner, this episode offers insight into where the industry has been—and where it’s headed next.

BPA Conference Links:
Website: https://building-performance.org/events/national/

Registration: https://bpa.expoplanner.com/index.cfm?do=reg.flow&event_id=4 

Discount Code: NHPC-HVAC-VOD

#HVACADHDVodcast
#HVACADHD
#BuildingPerformanceAssociation
#NationalHomePerformanceConference
#BuildingScience
#HomePerformance
#Electrification
#HVACIndustry
#ConferenceEducation
#JeremyBegley
#HVAC2HomePerformance

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Episode 15 – Indoor Air Quality, HVAC Strategy & the Power of Testing with John Ellis

In this episode of the HVAC ADHD Vodcast, we sit down with John Ellis to explore one of the most important—and often misunderstood—topics in the HVAC industry: Indoor Air Quality (IAQ).

Jeremy and John dig into the intersection of HVAC, building science, and healthy indoor environments, highlighting why comfort, health, and safety must always take priority over simple efficiency metrics. John shares his approach to training contractors, emphasizing how a solutions-driven mindset and proper testing can transform the way HVAC professionals diagnose and solve indoor environmental problems.

Drawing from years of field experience and consulting work, John explains why many HVAC conversations miss the mark by focusing on equipment instead of outcomes. From thermal comfort and humidity control to ventilation and air mapping, he outlines the foundational principles that every contractor should understand when addressing IAQ challenges.

We dive deep into:
• Why HVAC, IAQ, and building science cannot be treated as separate disciplines
• The three pillars of indoor environmental quality: thermal comfort, humidity control, and ventilation
• Why testing and measurement must guide every IAQ solution
• How mapping indoor environments leads to smarter system design
• Training contractors to think like problem solvers—not equipment installers
• Pricing strategies that reflect the real value of HVAC expertise
• The importance of understanding customer priorities during consultations

John also discusses how the HVAC industry needs a broader shift toward data-driven diagnostics and solutions-based thinking, where testing replaces guesswork and system performance is verified rather than assumed.

Whether you're an HVAC contractor, IAQ specialist, energy auditor, or building performance professional, this episode offers practical insights into how testing, education, and clear communication can elevate both customer outcomes and industry standards.

John's Links:
Website: https://rectorseal.com/dustfree-lp

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/dust-free-lp-?trk=public_profile_topcard-current-company

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Episode 14 – Building Science, Technology & The ADHD Advantage with Scott Suddreth

In this episode of the HVAC ADHD Vodcast, we sit down with Scott Suddreth—founder of Blue Sky Training—to explore how building science, evolving technology, and intentional education are shaping the future of HVAC and home performance.

Scott shares his decades-long journey through the HVAC and building science world, from contracting and diagnostics to national training and consulting. His experience has given him a front-row seat to the industry’s biggest shifts—and biggest blind spots. From misunderstood airflow principles to the rapid integration of new technologies, Scott explains why contractors must embrace education and adaptation to stay relevant in today’s performance-driven market.

At the core of the conversation is a powerful message: tools and technology only work when technicians understand the science behind them. Scott breaks down why building science principles—airflow, pressure dynamics, moisture management, and system design—are non-negotiables for modern HVAC professionals.

We dive deep into:
 • Why building science must be the foundation of every HVAC installation
 • The industry’s resistance—and need—for continuous education
 • How technology is changing diagnostics and contractor workflows
 • The gap between equipment capability and field application
 • Why adaptation is critical for long-term contractor success
 • The importance of mentorship and structured training
 • Balancing ambition, business growth, and personal well-being

Scott also opens up about his personal experience with ADHD—how it’s influenced his career, the strengths it brings, and the challenges it creates. He speaks candidly about seeking help, building systems around your brain, and why prioritizing family and personal health matters just as much as business success.

Whether you're a contractor, trainer, comfort advisor, or technician, this episode delivers hard truths, practical insights, and encouragement to keep learning, keep adapting, and keep building better systems—both professionally and personally.

Scott’s Links:
Website: https://blueskytraining.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-suddreth-5494b5178 

#HVACADHD #BlueSkyTraining #BuildingScience #HomePerformance #HVACTraining #ContractorLife #HVACIndustry #Leadership #ADHDEntrepreneur

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Episode 13 – MeasureQuick, Training Culture & Smarter Commissioning with Rob Larson

In this episode of the HVAC ADHD Vodcast, we sit down with Rob Larson—technical support specialist and trainer at General Plumbing Supply—to explore how structured process, digital tools, and hands‑on education are reshaping HVAC training and commissioning practices.

Rob brings more than four decades of field experience into his current role, where he supports contractors, builds training curriculum, and helps technicians translate measurements into meaningful performance outcomes. His journey from service technician to distributor‑level trainer provides a unique perspective on the most common breakdowns in the trade—skipped steps, poor documentation, and inconsistent startup procedures.

From startup sheets to guided digital workflows, Rob explains why the future of HVAC education isn’t about memorizing numbers—it’s about building repeatable habits and using tools that reinforce sequence and accuracy. He also highlights how apps like MeasureQuick can act as a “second brain” for technicians in the field, providing structure, warnings, and performance benchmarks that reduce callbacks and improve confidence.

We dive deep into:
• Why sequence of operation is the foundation of effective diagnostics
• How startup sheets evolved into digital commissioning workflows
• The role of MeasureQuick as a training and support tool
• Bridging the gap between install crews and service teams
• Fast‑tracking new technicians through safe measurement and repetition
• Why precision installation matters more than ever in modern HVAC systems
• The growing need for structured training environments and lab‑style education

Rob also discusses workforce challenges, apprenticeship realities, and how technology can help attract and retain the next generation of HVAC professionals. His insights reinforce a central theme: the combination of field experience, digital diagnostics, and intentional training culture creates more capable technicians and more reliable systems.

Whether you're a contractor, distributor, trainer, or field technician, this episode offers practical strategies and mindset shifts to improve commissioning quality, accelerate learning curves, and build a stronger performance‑driven HVAC culture.

Rob's Links: 
Website: https://generalplumbingsupply.net/pages/gps-training?srsltid=AfmBOoqcx-VMyd47oN58zz4EfLa-aI-kfS8jEgLzKzNzQlHysI1iyTuR
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@generalplumbingsupply6598
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GeneralPlumbingSupply 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/homecomfortadvisors/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-larson-359360377

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Episode 12 – HVAC, Home Comfort & the Self-Storage Mindset with Eric George

In this episode of the HVAC ADHD Vodcast, we sit down with Eric George—a former insulation tech turned Home Comfort Advisor, real estate investor, and self-storage developer—to explore the intersection of building science, HVAC performance, and long-term strategy.

Eric’s journey through weatherization, high-performance home consulting, and eventually real estate offers a unique perspective on the systemic issues still plaguing the built environment. From humidity problems in LEED-certified homes to oversized HVAC equipment that undermines comfort, Eric shares firsthand insights from the field—and how his experiences led him to invest in buildings that require less mechanical intervention.

We dive deep into:
• Why many LEED homes still suffer from poor comfort and moisture issues
• How common oversizing in HVAC design contributes to underperformance
• The importance of education, training, and emotional intelligence in HVAC sales
• The surprising overlaps between HVAC and real estate investing
• How self-storage reflects a “low-maintenance building science mindset”
• The urgent need to attract and train the next generation of HVAC professionals

Eric also discusses the role of technology in reshaping the industry, the value of collaboration across trades, and why thinking beyond the equipment is essential for long-term performance.

Whether you're an HVAC contractor, building performance specialist, or involved in property design and management, this episode offers practical insights and strategic thinking to elevate your approach to comfort, efficiency, and career growth.

Eric's Links:
Website: https://learnhomecomfort.com/
Youtube:    / @homecomfortadvisors 
Facebook:   / 61575654257405 
Instagram:   / homecomfortadvisors 
LinkedIn:   / ericngeorge  

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Why are inverter heat pumps failing in real homes and what can HVAC pros do to fix it?

In this episode of the HVAC ADHD Vodcast, host Jeremy Begley sits down with HVAC veteran, consultant, and Comfort Science Solutions founder Tim De Stasio to unpack the real-world challenges of inverter heat pumps, energy efficiency, commissioning, and system design.

Tim brings 25+ years of hands-on experience as a technician, contractor, designer, and instructor. Together, he and Jeremy dig into the hidden problems behind inverter failures, poor dehumidification, communication-protocol limitations, and why so many “high-end” systems still perform poorly when installed or commissioned incorrectly.

You’ll learn:

• The truth about inverter heat pump reliability and part costs
• Why energy efficiency often comes at the cost of proper dehumidification
• How better design and field feedback can eliminate callbacks
• Why ongoing contractor training is the only path forward

Tim also shares insights on his HVAC design, consulting, and training work. Plus, you’ll learn his CourseCareers HVAC fundamentals training and his Comfort Science Solutions resources.

This is a must-listen for HVAC contractors, home performance pros, and anyone designing or commissioning inverter heat pump systems.

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How does someone go from two decades in commercial construction to becoming one of the most trusted home-performance experts in the Midwest?

In this episode of the HVAC ADHD Vodcast, host Jeremy Begley sits down with longtime friend and building-science powerhouse Julie Tolliver to unpack her career journey and the practical lessons she’s learned from improving hundreds of homes.

Julie shares how she transitioned into home performance during the 2009 recession, her early work with the Greater Cincinnati Energy Alliance, and how she developed a proprietary iPad-based app to streamline estimates, scopes, and project planning.

They dive into the realities of air sealing, blower door testing, phased project planning, and why great HVAC design can only work inside a great building envelope.

You’ll learn:

• Why air sealing is the foundation of real, measurable comfort
• What HVAC pros must understand about building envelopes
• How to collaborate across trades without stepping on each other
• How to future-proof homes against rising utility costs
• Why educating homeowners is the secret to long-term success

Whether you’re in HVAC, home performance, or residential design, Julie delivers an absolute masterclass in practical, intelligent building science.

Links & Resources:

• Energy Fitness for Homes → https://energyfitnessforhomes.com/
• HVAC 2 Home Performance → https://www.hvac2homeperformance.com
  
  

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What can HVAC pros learn from a tech entrepreneur who built a $2 trillion platform and is now reinventing how we access online content?

In this episode of HVAC ADHD, host Jeremy Begley sits down with co-founder of Dotloop and creator of Content Credits, Adam Koehler, to talk about the intersection of entrepreneurship, technology, and community.

Adam shares how he turned a challenging childhood into a lifetime of innovation, selling one of the biggest real-estate software platforms in history before diving into blockchain. Together, Jeremy and Adam explore how blockchain technology could transform industries like HVAC, logistics, and energy, making payments, incentives, and accountability more transparent.

They also talk candidly about ADHD as a superpower, using it for creativity and momentum, and why giving back to your community might be the smartest marketing move you can make.

In this episode you’ll learn:

• How blockchain could reshape the trades and supply-chain industries
• How to turn ADHD into a productivity advantage
• Real-world local marketing tactics that actually work
• The multiplying effect of entrepreneurship and community building

Whether you’re running a small contracting business or dreaming up your next big idea, this episode will inspire you to think bigger and act local.

Learn More:

• Content Credits → https://www.contentcredits.com
• Adam’s Instagram  → https://www.instagram.com/apkoehler/?hl=en 
• Follow Adam on LinkedIn  → https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamkoehler/ 
• Learn more about Adam  → https://adamkoehler.com/  
• Reversed Out Creative (Adam’s Agency) → https://www.reversedout.com

HVAC 2 Home Performance → https://www.hvac2homeperformance.com