We take the air conditioner for granted, but imagine what life would be like without it. 

Once considered a luxury, this invention is now an essential, allowing us to cool homes, businesses, hospitals, data centers, laboratories and other buildings vital to our economy and daily lives. In fact, air temperature is so important to us that 48 percent of all energy consumption in American homes is a result of cooling and heating, according to the Energy Information Administration.

Like most important breakthroughs, modern commercial and residential air conditioning technology is a result of a series of advancements by scientists and inventors who challenged themselves to come up with creative solutions to problems of the day.

How much do you really know about where air conditioning comes from? 

From Benjamin Franklin to the vast scientific HVAC advancements of the future - in this episode of The Building Science Podcast, we explore the rich and fascinating history of air conditioning and discover something fascinating about the difference between air and water.

In this episode, Kristof interviews world renowned lighting consultant Matthew Tanteri on the complexities of the windows in architecture. 

Matthew Tanteri runs Tanteri + Associates to provide architectural lighting design services to architects, designers, building owners and developers.  We work on light projects large and small that include retail, residential, commercial, institutional, landscape and much more.

For 25 years, their collaborations on lighting projects all over the world have been recognized by many of the lighting industry’s most distinguished awards.  With natural and electric light they seek to enhance and define the visual experience. They are constantly exploring new methods, materials, and applications in which to use light.

Join us for a wonderful conversation and enjoy!

In our first ever episode of the building science podcast, Kristof & Michael introduce a wild product that could change how your home can passively handle heat loads. A phase change material (PCM) is a substance with a high heat of fusion which, melting and solidifying at a certain temperature, is capable of storing and releasing large amounts of energy. Heat is absorbed or released when the material changes from solid to liquid and vice versa; thus, PCMs are classified as latent heat storage (LHS) units.

Join us as we begin this wild adventure with very little knowledge of how to make a podcast. We hope it goes well and that you enjoy!