The High-Performance HVAC Podcast

Spray foam insulation promises improved energy efficiency, tighter building envelopes, and better thermal performance. But what happens when the installation doesn’t go as planned? In this episode of the High-Performance HVAC Podcast, Adam Mufich is joined by John Ellis, Anthony Lenard, and Barry Mankin for a revealing discussion about the potential downsides of spray foam insulation.

From off-gassing and moisture accumulation to shrinking foam, building pressure problems, and premature equipment failures, the group shares real-world experiences that challenge conventional thinking. The conversation goes beyond insulation to explore what HVAC contractors need to understand about the entire building before making changes that could have unintended consequences

Featuring:

• Adam Mufich - National Comfort Institute
• John Ellis - Dynamic Air consulting
• Barry Mankin - 4 Corners Environmental
• Anthony Lenard - Building Performance Solutions

Recorded at NCI’s 2026 High Performance Summit, Adam talks with Alana, Dawn, and Misti about what it takes to run a high-performance HVAC company. They discuss hiring for the right fit, measuring airflow, giving homeowners meaningful options, and making room for the next generation to lead.

Featuring:

Adam Mufich - National Comfort Institute

Alana Ward - Baggett Heating and Cooling

Dawn Mroczek - GV’s Heating and Cooling

Misti Meiners - Discount Heating and Air

Solving an IAQ problem takes more than installing the latest air-cleaning device.

In this episode, Casey Contreras and Adam Mufich sit down with Tim DeStasio to discuss practical psychrometrics, humidity control, dew point, and the four pillars of indoor air quality: source control, filtration, ventilation, and humidity control.

Tim explains why technicians should think beyond relative humidity, how to diagnose IAQ problems before prescribing solutions, and why certain popular air-cleaning technologies may introduce unintended consequences. The conversation also covers ventilation, depressurization, particulate monitoring, blower-door testing, and how HVAC professionals can become true diagnosticians of the home.

Featuring:

Casey Contreras - National Comfort Institute

Adam Mufich - National Comfort Institute

Tim DeStasio - Comfort Science Solutions

What happens when fixing the air conditioner doesn’t fix the house? Michael Cianfrocco joins Adam to share some of the unusual investigations that have taken Detective Air far beyond the typical service call, including a recurring mold problem that required flying a blower door to the Bahamas. They discuss airflow, humidity, building leakage, equipment sizing, dehumidification, and how measuring the entire system can reveal problems that would otherwise stay hidden.  

Featuring:

Adam Mufich - National Comfort Institute

Michael Cianfrocco - Detective Air

Jim Davis returns to share real carbon monoxide cases from across the country, many involving equipment that had already been inspected, serviced, or “repaired.” These stories reveal how incomplete diagnostics, improper installations, and assumptions about combustion safety can turn ordinary service calls into life-threatening situations.

Featuring:

Casey Contreras - National Comfort Institute

Mark Hunt - National Comfort Institute

Jim Davis - National Comfort Institute

Why do heat exchangers, burners, and boilers fail from corrosion? More importantly, what’s really causing it? Jim Davis shares decades of field experience diagnosing corrosion failures that stumped contractors and even manufacturers. Learn how to identify the root cause instead of replacing equipment only to see the same failure happen again.

Jim, Mark, Adam, and Casey unpack the truth behind CO air-free and the common misconceptions and why combustion testing, not assumptions, is the key to real CO Safety.

Featuring:

Jim Davis - National Comfort Institute

Mark Hunt - National Comfort Institute

Adam Mufich - National Comfort Institute

Casey Contreras - National Comfort Institute

The refrigerant transition isn't slowing down... but it isn't happening exactly as many expected either.

Todd Titus joins us again to discuss the latest developments surrounding ultra-low GWP refrigerants, including lawsuits, regulatory updates, and the ongoing debate over implementation across the United States.

Whether you're a technician, contractor, distributor, or simply trying to understand where the industry is headed, this episode offers a balanced look at the facts and the challenges ahead.

Make your voice heard at https://hardinet.org/advocacy/grassroots

Featuring:

Adam Mufich - National Comfort Institute

Casey Contreras - National Comfort Institute

Todd Titus - HARDI

Explore why HVAC contractors should address succession planning long before retirement, burnout, or a buyer’s offer forces the issue. In this week’s podcast, High-Performance HVAC Today Editor Mike Weil sits down with Dawn Mroczek of GV’s Heating, Rob Basnett of Basnett Plumbing and Heating, and Adam Mufich to understand their very different experiences. You’ll learn about the importance of communication, documented processes, leadership development, and outside guidance in protecting the future of your business.

Featuring:

Adam Mufich - National Comfort Institute

Mike Weil - National Comfort Institute

Dawn Mroczek - GV's Heating & Cooling

Rob Basnett - Basnett Plumbing, Heating, AC, and Electrical

Airflow wasn't just a technical skill for Tom Noland. It became a business strategy for Lickety Split A/C, Plumbing, and Electric.

In this episode, Tom shares how adopting airflow and combustion diagnostics reshaped the way his company operated, created better customer experiences, and opened the door to significant growth. If you've ever wondered whether testing and measuring really make a difference, Tom's story provides a compelling answer.

Featuring:

Adam Mufich - National Comfort Institute

David Richardson - National Comfort Institute

Tom Noland - Lickety Split A/C, Plumbing, and Electric