Building HVAC Science

Bill Spohn
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Exploring the science, people, and practices shaping better buildings. The Building HVAC Science Podcast dives into both the technical and human sides of heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and building performance. Hosted by industry veteran Bill Spohn, CEO and co-owner of TruTech Tools, the show reflects Bill's passion for advancing the HVAC craft through practical knowledge, curiosity, and conversation. With more than 250 episodes and counting, the podcast features discussions with contractors, distributors, manufacturers, educators, and thought leaders from across the HVAC and building science communities. Each episode blends field experience with broader industry perspective, helping professionals stay ahead of trends, sharpen their skills, and build stronger businesses. Topics include: New tools, technologies, and field practices Real-world case studies and lessons learned Building performance, comfort, and indoor air quality Industry innovation, workforce development, and the human side of the trades Whether you're a technician in the field, a business owner, a manufacturer, or simply curious about how buildings breathe and perform, Building HVAC Science connects you with the ideas and voices moving the industry forward. Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. This show is a production of TruTech Tools®, LTD.

  1. 21 hr ago

    EP290 From Apprentice to 55 Trucks: Building a Modern Plumbing Company With Max Hicks (August 2026)

    Quotes from the episode:  "Business doesn't care about your emotions. You just have to solve the problem."    "The person that's best doing the plumbing is usually not the best person selling the plumbing."    "The biggest thing is: know where your shutoff valve is to your home."    What does a modern plumbing company look like, and what can HVAC and building-performance professionals learn from one?    In this episode, Bill talks with Max Hicks, founder of Reliant Plumbing, about Max's path from entering the trades at 16 to building a plumbing service company with roughly 55 trucks across four Texas markets. Max shares lessons from more than two decades in the trade, including residential new construction, commercial work, union experience, and eventually business ownership.     The conversation explores how technology has changed both plumbing and the business of running a service company. Max discusses the importance of CRM data, knowing your numbers, documenting processes, separating sales from installation when appropriate, and building systems that allow a growing company to scale. He also talks candidly about one of the industry's toughest challenges: recruiting and retaining skilled tradespeople.    On the technical side, Bill and Max discuss the evolution of plumbing tools, from modern leak-detection equipment to the widespread adoption of press fittings. Max explains how press technology has changed the skills plumbers need in the field and why his own skepticism about pressed connections faded after years of seeing them perform reliably.    They also venture into heat pump water heaters, homeowner plumbing knowledge, pinhole leaks, and the very different seasonal patterns of plumbing and HVAC. One simple homeowner lesson stands out: know where your main water shutoff is before you need it.    The episode closes where plumbing and HVAC literally meet: the condensate drain. Max explains why HVAC condensate lines can contribute to drain problems and why understanding that crossover can help both trades diagnose problems more effectively.    Website: https://reliantplumbing.com/       This episode was recorded in August 2026.

  2. 25 Sept

    EP289 Building Confidence: Making HVAC Design Visual With Russ & Connor King and Spencer Rosen of KwikModel (September 2026)

    Quotes from the episode:    "The HVAC system is just designed to match the rate at which that home is gaining or losing heat." — Spencer Rosen    "It's part of their job…making sure that the piece of equipment they put in the house matches what the house needs." — Russ King    "Don't split hairs when your job is to shave heads." — Connor King, quoting Russ    What if better HVAC design started not with the equipment, but with a clearer picture of the house?    In this episode of Building HVAC Science, Bill Spohn talks with Russ King, Connor King, and Spencer Rosen about the evolution of KwikModel, the growing connection between HVAC design and energy modeling, and why making buildings visual can make good design more accessible.    Russ explains why accurate load calculations remain fundamental, especially as homes transition from furnaces to heat pumps. Replacing equipment based on what was there before can perpetuate oversizing or create entirely new problems. Today, tools such as LiDAR scanning and 3D modeling make gathering building geometry dramatically easier than the tape-measure-and-sketch methods of the past.    The conversation also explores the relationship between the building envelope and HVAC. Spencer describes heating and cooling equipment as responding to the rate at which the house gains or loses heat. Change the envelope, and you change what the HVAC system needs to do. That makes load calculations, air leakage, insulation, duct design, and equipment selection parts of the same problem rather than separate disciplines.    For contractors who find all of this intimidating, the message is practical: start somewhere. Partner with a designer to perform load calculations on a few projects, compare the results with your existing rules of thumb, pursue building-science education, and build your knowledge incrementally.    The team also shares where KwikModel is headed. With Coded Energy taking over the EnergyGauge license from the University of Central Florida, development is underway on a cloud-based version of KwikModel that should remove installation barriers and create opportunities for better guidance, training, error checking, and user-driven improvements.    Ultimately, better software isn't just about faster calculations. It's about helping contractors understand the building, make better decisions, and, as Russ puts it, build confidence.    LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/russell-king-m-e-70342913/  https://www.linkedin.com/in/william-connor-king-0b6152111/  https://www.linkedin.com/in/spencer-rosen/  Website: https://kwikmodel.com/  Contact form: https://kwikmodel.com/contact/    BPI Building Science Principles  https://www.bpi.org/resources/certificates/building-science-principles/    This episode was recorded in September 2026.

  3. 18 Sept

    EP288 Where Duct Cleaning Meets HVAC Performance with Zach Ortwine (August 2026)

    Quotes from the episode:  "You can't really separate good air quality from good HVAC performance."    "I wouldn't recommend to someone something I wouldn't recommend to my grandma."    "Once you've seen them both, they can't be separated."    What does professional duct cleaning look like when you approach it through the lens of HVAC performance and building science?    In this episode, Bill talks with Zach Ortwine of Southeast Clean Air, a duct-cleaning contractor who has deliberately expanded his understanding beyond cleanliness and indoor air quality into airflow, static pressure, duct leakage, system performance, and building pressure.    Zach describes how his involvement with both NADCA and the National Comfort Institute (NCI) changed the way he evaluates homes. His early work focused primarily on indoor air quality concerns such as particles, odors, filtration, and ventilation. But as he learned more about HVAC performance, he realized that air quality and system performance are difficult to separate.    That realization led him to add tools such as thermal imaging, airflow measurement, static pressure testing, the TrueFlow grid, duct leakage testing, and video inspection to his process. Instead of automatically recommending duct cleaning, Zach now looks for the underlying conditions that may have contributed to the problem in the first place.    The conversation also explores what separates professional duct cleaning from poor-quality work, including NADCA certification, the ACR standard, technician experience, and knowing who will actually perform the work.    After the recording, Zach sent along one more thought that fits the conversation especially well: good collaboration also requires clear boundaries. When duct cleaners and high-performance HVAC contractors work together, both sides should agree in advance on what the duct-cleaning company can handle and when work should be referred back to the HVAC contractor. Zach shares examples from past partnerships where those limits were clearly defined, including how much duct replacement he could perform and when equipment or filtration recommendations were handed back to the HVAC company.    The larger lesson is that collaboration works best when it is built on measurement, trust, communication, and clearly defined roles. Done well, duct cleaners and HVAC contractors can make one another more valuable while giving customers a more complete solution.    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zacharyortwine/  Website: https://southeastducts.com/  EP273 with Dan Stradford:   https://www.buildinghvacscience.com/ep273-think-like-an-air-molecule-with-dan-stradford-may-2026/  This episode was recorded in August 2026.

  4. 11 Sept

    EP287 BPI, Building Science, and the HVAC Opportunity With Amanda Hatherly (August 2026)

    Quotes from the episode:    "You don't know what you don't know."    "That knowledge outside of energy efficiency is key for anyone working in the built environment."    "If you are engaged and want to keep learning, this is a great space to be in."    Eight years after her first appearance on the Building HVAC Science Podcast, Amanda Hatherly returns in a new role: CEO of the Building Performance Institute (BPI).    Amanda and Bill start by clearing up a common misconception. BPI is not a training organization. It is an ANSI-accredited standards and credentialing organization that brings industry experts together to develop standards and certifications for residential energy efficiency, home performance, weatherization, and healthy housing.    Amanda shares what has changed since taking the helm at BPI, including updating standards and certifications, simplifying technical language, expanding Spanish-language materials, refreshing the website, and making the organization and its staff more visible and approachable.  A major theme of the conversation is the continued convergence of HVAC, building performance, healthy homes, weatherization, and electrification. Amanda argues that understanding the house as a system shouldn't be limited to people working in traditional energy-efficiency programs. HVAC professionals can become much better problem solvers when they understand how mechanical systems interact with air sealing, insulation, moisture, ventilation, and occupant health.    They also explore BPI's Healthy Housing Principles and Building Science Principles programs, workforce development efforts, contractor resources, and the growing opportunity for HVAC and home performance professionals to learn from each other.    Amanda closes with a reminder that the building performance industry remains unusually collaborative and knowledge-rich. For people willing to stay curious, there is always something new to learn.    And one question finally gets answered from Amanda's original 2018 appearance: Is PowerPoint really dead? Apparently not. But terrible PowerPoint probably should be.    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amanda-hatherly/  Website: https://www.bpi.org/  Contractor and Test Center Locator tool: https://www.bpi.org/pages/locator  https://www.bpi.org/resources/certificates/healthy-housing-principles/  www.BetterHVAC.org  https://www.bpi.org/bpi-news/newsletters/  This episode was recorded in August 2026.

  5. 4 Sept

    EP286 Stop Waiting for the World to Change with James Childre (August 2026)

    Quotes from the episode:    "The only way that change is going to occur is if I make it happen."    "What makes a high-performance building? It's just good building sense."    "It really is about: how do we get contractors to be confident in the assemblies?"    Eight years ago, James Childre joined Building HVAC Science (Episode 29) with a somewhat resigned view of change in the construction industry: maybe better building practices would have to wait for a new generation of contractors. Today, his perspective is very different. Instead of waiting for the world to change, James is working to create that change himself.     James, founder of RedPoint Montana, spends his days inspecting, testing, and diagnosing buildings. After more than two decades of seeing the same failures recur, he began looking for ways to advance building science knowledge beyond the small group of professionals already committed to high-performance construction.    That effort began locally with a BS and Beer group in Bozeman and has now grown into the inaugural Cold Climate Conference, to be held October 12–14 at Montana State University. The event focuses on the real challenges of building in Climate Zones 5 through 8, including air sealing, exterior insulation, moisture control, ice dams, ventilation, HVAC distribution, and cold-climate heat pumps. James offers our listeners a 10% discount when using the code HVACBS    But James and Bill dig into something deeper: why do contractors resist practices that building science professionals already know work? James argues that the issue often isn't unwillingness. Changing assemblies, materials, and processes introduces real business and warranty risk. Education therefore needs to do more than explain what works. It needs to give contractors the confidence to actually implement it.    They also question whether calling something "high performance" unintentionally makes good construction sound optional, expensive, or specialized. What if airtightness, durability, proper HVAC design, water management, and commissioning simply became the baseline for good craftsmanship?    Perhaps the most compelling piece of James' vision is the connection to local high school trades programs. Proceeds from the conference will help expose students to building science tools and principles early, potentially putting the next generation of tradespeople on job sites already asking better questions.    The goal isn't another conference. It's lasting change in how buildings are built.    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-childre-859a04202/  His business: https://www.redpointmontana.com/  James' first podcast with us:  https://www.buildinghvacscience.com/ep29-stop-waiting-on-the-world-to-change-a-conversation-with-james-childre/  Conference Website: https://www.coldclimateconference.com/schedule      This episode was recorded in August 2026.

  6. 28 Aug

    EP285 You Can't Control a System That's Open - Ken Allison on HVAC and the Building Envelope (August 2026)

    Quotes from the episode:    "I don't need the house to breathe. I need the people to."    "You can't control a system that's open."    "I would just go make them comfortable. And let them know the added benefit is that they're going to spend less on energy."    What happens when an HVAC contractor fixes the equipment, but the customer still isn't comfortable?    In this episode of Building HVAC Science, Bill Spohn talks with Ken Allsion of Insulation Distributors (IDI) about why HVAC contractors are uniquely positioned to recognize—and potentially solve - problems with the building envelope. Ken argues that comfort complaints often blamed on heating and cooling equipment actually begin with uncontrolled air leakage, poorly installed insulation, and mechanical systems operating outside the thermal envelope.     Ken lays out a practical path for HVAC companies interested in adding envelope work without trying to turn every technician into a building scientist. It starts simply: train technicians to recognize obvious problems such as daylight, wind-washed insulation, unsealed attic hatches, and other signs of leakage. From there, contractors can progress to blower-door testing and infrared diagnostics, and eventually tackle more sophisticated envelope improvements.    A recurring theme is that insulation only performs as intended when air movement is controlled. Ken explains why nominal R-value can be misleading, how small areas of poorly performing insulation can dramatically reduce whole-assembly performance, and why he prioritizes air sealing at the top and bottom of the building before worrying about walls.    The conversation also explores an important business opportunity. Ken sees attic insulation removal, air sealing, and blow-back as relatively low-barrier services that complement HVAC work while allowing specialized crews - not highly trained HVAC technicians—to perform the labor.  Most importantly, Ken challenges contractors to rethink what they're really selling. Rather than leading with energy savings, start with what homeowners actually care about: comfort, healthier indoor conditions, and a house that works better. Reduced energy use becomes a valuable consequence of fixing the building—not necessarily the reason for doing it.    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ken-allison-74528a14/  Website link: https://www.idi-insulation.com/industries/hvac  IDI's podcast: https://www.idi-insulation.com/podcast/  IDI's Training Calendar: https://www.idi-insulation.com/training/  The Matt Risinger video Ken mentioned: https://youtu.be/1BcqeQJqp08?si=jVwKLJQcULbcbYbM  Nate Adma's Home Comfort book mentioned: https://trutechtools.com/The-Home-Comfort-Book  The Attic Queen! : https://www.atticqueen.com/      Join their email list using the form at the bottom of every page on their website.    This episode was recorded in August 2026.

  7. 21 Aug

    EP284 What I Learned Building My Own Net-Zero Home With Bill Spohn (August 2026)

    Quotes from the episode:  "Net zero wasn't the goal—it was the outcome of making hundreds of good building science decisions."     "One tiny installation mistake destroyed an entire refrigerant system. Details matter."     "The biggest lesson isn't that net zero works. It's that building science works."    Bill Spohn turns the microphone on himself for a candid look at what he learned by designing, building, and living in his own all-electric, net-zero home. Rather than advocating for Passive House, electrification, or solar as ends in themselves, Bill explains how those decisions emerged from a much simpler goal: creating a comfortable, healthy, quiet home that would serve his family well for decades.     Drawing on years of experience in HVAC instrumentation and building science, Bill shares the real-world successes, surprises, and setbacks that came with the project. He discusses why modular construction became the right fit, how careful modeling justified a surprisingly small two-ton cold-climate heat pump for a 4,000-square-foot conditioned home, and why airtightness, continuous insulation, and thoughtful solar orientation mattered more than oversized equipment.     The episode also explores the challenges that don't appear in glossy case studies. Bill recounts a cracked flare fitting that destroyed an entire heat pump refrigerant circuit, elusive zoning control issues, leaky high-performance windows, unexpected ventilation quirks, radon mitigation, drilling multiple wells over abandoned coal mines, and adapting to unforeseen site conditions. Throughout each story, measurements—not assumptions—led to the solutions.     Bill explains how monitoring electrical consumption, indoor air quality, solar production, and system performance has allowed him to verify what is actually happening instead of relying on opinions. He also reflects on what he would absolutely repeat, what he would change if starting over, and why successful high-performance homes depend on hundreds of well-executed details rather than any single technology.     Whether you're an HVAC contractor, building performance professional, or homeowner considering a high-performance home, this episode is a practical reminder that building science isn't about chasing trends—it's about making informed decisions that deliver comfort, durability, efficiency, and measurable results.    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/billspohn/  Website: www.SpohnHome.com   Videos of Spohn Home:   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y_vqJbscA-U&pp=ygUJc3B  https://youtu.be/tIou30sSodM?si=QjMIGlVmIWv1h34s  https://www.youtube.com/live/mct8V5esSGY?si=ArA3Iy1Z7JKRgKc1    This episode was recorded in August 2026.

  8. 14 Aug

    EP283 AI in HVAC: Beyond the Hype With Tyler Nelson and Billy Spohn (August 2026)

    Quotes from the episode:  "This is no longer a push-pull industry. This is a thinking person's game now."   "The better context you give AI, the better partner it becomes."  "Ask AI to teach you how to use AI in your particular situation."     Artificial intelligence is rapidly becoming one of the most practical tools available to HVAC professionals—but only if it's used as a thinking partner rather than a shortcut. In this episode, Bill Spohn is joined by Tyler Nelson, a nationally recognized HVAC educator and combustion expert, and Billy Spohn, who leads AI initiatives at TruTech Tools, for an honest discussion about where AI is already delivering real value.    Tyler explains how his background in combustion analysis naturally led him to AI, with both disciplines relying on measurements, analytics, and informed decision-making. He shares real-world examples of technicians using AI to troubleshoot equipment, communicate more effectively with customers, create personalized learning programs, and even build their own "AI universities" that accelerate technical growth. The result isn't replacing skilled technicians—it's helping them become better diagnosticians and better communicators.    Billy offers the business perspective, describing how AI is transforming workflows by connecting systems that have traditionally operated independently. From generating better reports to automating repetitive tasks and acting as an always-available business advisor, he explains why providing AI with proper context is far more important than simply asking questions. The conversation also covers practical topics such as subscription costs, privacy settings, memory features, and the importance of verifying important information rather than accepting every answer at face value.    Perhaps the biggest takeaway is that AI isn't eliminating the need for experience, craftsmanship, or human judgment. Instead, it frees professionals to spend more time solving problems, serving customers, and continuously improving their skills. Whether you're an HVAC technician, contractor, educator, or business owner, this episode offers practical ideas you can start applying immediately.    And if you're wondering where to begin, the hosts leave listeners with one simple recommendation: ask AI to teach you how to use AI for your own work.      LinkedIn:  Tyler: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tyler-nelson-master-hvacr-9a8a981b/    Billy: https://www.linkedin.com/in/billy-spohn-jr-a06201a3/    Link to buy the book: https://tyty5.gumroad.com/l/ai-hvac-technician    This episode was recorded in August 2026.

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About

Exploring the science, people, and practices shaping better buildings. The Building HVAC Science Podcast dives into both the technical and human sides of heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and building performance. Hosted by industry veteran Bill Spohn, CEO and co-owner of TruTech Tools, the show reflects Bill's passion for advancing the HVAC craft through practical knowledge, curiosity, and conversation. With more than 250 episodes and counting, the podcast features discussions with contractors, distributors, manufacturers, educators, and thought leaders from across the HVAC and building science communities. Each episode blends field experience with broader industry perspective, helping professionals stay ahead of trends, sharpen their skills, and build stronger businesses. Topics include: New tools, technologies, and field practices Real-world case studies and lessons learned Building performance, comfort, and indoor air quality Industry innovation, workforce development, and the human side of the trades Whether you're a technician in the field, a business owner, a manufacturer, or simply curious about how buildings breathe and perform, Building HVAC Science connects you with the ideas and voices moving the industry forward. Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. This show is a production of TruTech Tools®, LTD.

Information

  • Creator
    Bill Spohn
  • Years Active
    2017 - 2026
  • Episodes
    290
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 TruTechTools, LTD 057074
  • Show Website
    Building HVAC Science

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