Renewing Homes

Ben Hildebrandt
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How do we improve existing homes in ways that are durable, practical, and built for long-term performance? Renewing Homes is a long-form podcast about residential retrofits and the real-world complexity of improving existing homes. Hosted by Ben Hildebrandt, the show features thoughtful conversations with builders, designers, researchers, policymakers, and industry leaders working across Canada and North America. Episodes explore building science, retrofit strategy, house-as-a-system thinking, workforce challenges, policy, and the practical trade-offs involved in improving homes for comfort, durability, efficiency, and long-term performance. Whether you work in construction, design, research, or program delivery, Renewing Homes is a space for deeper conversations about what it takes to create better homes through better retrofits.

Episodes

  1. 3d ago

    003 - Where Does Hydronic Heating Fit in a Retrofit?

    In this episode of Renewing Homes, I sit down with Michael Ridler, Stephen Magneron, and Fellipe Falluh to explore where hydronic systems fit within residential retrofits. We discuss hydronic heating and cooling, distribution methods, air-to-water heat pumps, thermal storage, zoning, and how hydronics compare to conventional forced-air systems. The conversation also examines the role hydronics could play in an increasingly electrified future. From demand-side management and peak load reduction to opportunities for reusing existing infrastructure, we explore both the benefits and limitations of hydronic systems in retrofit applications. As with most retrofit decisions, there is no one-size-fits-all answer. The right solution depends on the home, the homeowner's goals, and the challenges the project is trying to solve. Key TakeawaysHydronic systems can provide heating and cooling through radiant floors, panel radiators, fan coils, and chilled water systems.Existing hydronic distribution systems may offer a pathway to electrification without replacing the entire heating system.Thermal storage can help shift energy use and may become increasingly valuable as electrification expands.Hydronic systems can provide advantages in comfort, zoning, and quiet operation.Converting a forced-air home to hydronics is possible, but not always practical. Whether you're a homeowner, contractor, designer, or energy advisor, this episode provides a practical look at the opportunities and challenges of hydronic heating in residential retrofits. Chapters00:00 Introduction to Hydronics and Participants 03:21 Understanding Hydronic Heating Systems 05:56 Components of Hydronic Systems and Retrofitting 08:53 Peak Demand and Energy Efficiency 11:49 Utility Incentives and Consumer Choices 15:49 Barriers to Utility Adoption of Innovative Systems 18:39 Connecting Industry Insights and Innovations 19:34 Integrating Hydronic Systems into Projects 23:30 Resilience and Thermal Storage in Hydronics 27:18 The Power of Ductless Systems 30:55 Innovative Heating Solutions for Multi-Unit Buildings 35:46 Retrofitting Forced Air Systems to Hydronic Heating 43:05 The Benefits of Hydronic Heating Systems 50:20 Challenges and Opportunities in Hydronic System Installation 54:27 Closing LinksEden Energy Equipment HomeSol Building Solutions Retrofit Construction Eden Energy YouTube Channel - Learn more about hydronic systems: https://www.youtube.com/@EdenEnergyEquipment Building Science Podcast  - Episodes Discussing Hydronic Heating: Perspectives on Hydronics in the Real World with Robert Bean and Lance MacNevin Hydronics: The OG HVAC - Part 1 Hydronics: The OG HVAC - Part 2

    56 min

  2. Jun 8

    002 - Beyond the Thermostat: What Makes a Home Comfortable?

    Most people think comfort comes down to the number on the thermostat. In reality, it's a lot more complicated than that. In this episode, I’m joined by Allison Bailes and Nate Adams to explore what actually makes a home comfortable. We discuss thermal comfort, mean radiant temperature, humidity, air movement, HVAC system design, and why two homes set to the same temperature can feel completely different. Along the way, we dig into common misconceptions, practical retrofit strategies, and the relationship between comfort, efficiency, durability, and indoor environmental quality. Whether you're a contractor, energy advisor, designer, or simply interested in how homes work, this conversation offers a deeper look at one of the main reasons people choose to retrofit in the first place: creating a home that feels better to live in. Key Takeaways: Comfort is about much more than air temperature. Mean radiant temperature, humidity, air movement, clothing, and activity levels all influence how we experience a space.A thermostat only tells part of the story. Two homes at the same temperature can feel very different depending on surface temperatures and how evenly conditions are maintained throughout the home.Comfort and efficiency are often aligned. Improvements that make a home more comfortable frequently deliver benefits in energy use, durability, indoor air quality, and even acoustics.HVAC sizing and system operation matter. Properly sized variable-speed equipment that runs for longer periods can often improve comfort more than many homeowners realize.There is no single solution for every home. Comfort improvements must be balanced against homeowner goals, existing conditions, and budget constraints.Building enclosures and mechanical systems both play a role. The most comfortable homes are typically the result of the enclosure, HVAC system, and occupants all working together.If you're trying to improve comfort, start by understanding the problem. Drafts, cold surfaces, disconnected ducts, poor airflow, oversized equipment, and humidity issues can all produce similar complaints but require very different solutions. One quote that captures the spirit of the conversation: "Design for people, good buildings follow." - Robert Bean That idea comes up repeatedly throughout the episode and serves as a useful reminder that comfort isn't just another performance metric, it's ultimately the reason people live in and invest in their homes. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Home Comfort and Backgrounds 03:53 Understanding Home Comfort 08:05 ASHRAE Standard 55 and Thermal Comfort 19:24 Common Reasons for Discomfort in Existing Homes 23:46 Sizing and Operation of HVAC Systems 28:19 The Importance of Proper Equipment Selection 33:15 Understanding Duct Leakage and Its Impact 38:02 The Challenges of Balancing Existing Duct Systems 46:29 Improving Building Shell for Thermal Comfort 52:42 Common Misunderstandings in Home Thermal Comfort 55:41 Where to Start to Learn About Home Comfort? 56:32 Design for People 57:22 Indoor Environmental Quality 58:36 Closing

    59 min

  3. Jun 2

    001 - Every Retrofit Needs a Plan - With Meredith Hamstead and Cindy Gareau

    The conversation delves into the significance of the Integrated Design Process (IDP) in residential retrofits, emphasizing its role in project management, planning, and the avoidance of poorly managed and executed projects. The value of IDP in residential renovations is highlighted, along with the quantification of its benefits. The conversation emphasizes the importance of investing in the plan and continuous communication throughout the project. It highlights the need for intentional spending and the impact of failing to plan effectively. Takeaways Integrated Design Process (IDP) is crucial for successful residential retrofitsIDP facilitates outcomes-focused project managementInvesting in the planContinuous communication Chapters 00:00 Introduction00:18 Meet the Guests02:51 Renovations vs. Retrofits07:09 Defining the Integrated Design Process - Every Home Needs a Good Plan18:35 Getting the Right People in the Room23:55 The Cost of Poor Planning38:10 Houses are Systems42:22 Respecting Expertise and Creating Better Outcomes55:09 A Better Name for IDP57:04 Closing and Disclaimer

    57 min

  4. Jun 1

    000 - Renewing Homes Trailer

    This episode introduces the complexity of residential retrofits and the fragmented nature of conversations in the retrofit industry. It outlines the purpose, goals, content, and format of the podcast, emphasizing a focus on real projects, challenges, and industry growth. The podcast aims to provide valuable insights and perspectives for professionals in the residential retrofit industry. Takeaways Residential retrofits are complexThe retrofit industry conversations are fragmented and siloed Chapters 00:00 Introduction00:26 Understanding the Complexity of Retrofits01:10 Silos Across the Industry02:10 My Background02:55 The Idea03:31 What to Expect05:36 My Goal06:08 Who is This Podcast For?06:40 Get Ready!

    7 min

Trailer

About

How do we improve existing homes in ways that are durable, practical, and built for long-term performance? Renewing Homes is a long-form podcast about residential retrofits and the real-world complexity of improving existing homes. Hosted by Ben Hildebrandt, the show features thoughtful conversations with builders, designers, researchers, policymakers, and industry leaders working across Canada and North America. Episodes explore building science, retrofit strategy, house-as-a-system thinking, workforce challenges, policy, and the practical trade-offs involved in improving homes for comfort, durability, efficiency, and long-term performance. Whether you work in construction, design, research, or program delivery, Renewing Homes is a space for deeper conversations about what it takes to create better homes through better retrofits.

Information

  • Creator
    Ben Hildebrandt
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    4
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Ben Hildebrandt
  • Show Website
    Renewing Homes