See the Unseen

Shin Sano
  • 5.0 (1)
  • HOME & GARDEN

Hi everyone. Welcome to See the Unseen, hosted by Shin Sano, a Building Scientist and DOE Home Energy Score Assessor in the San Francisco Bay Area. We decode your home as a system to create a more comfortable, efficient life. From navigating Berkeley’s BESO and local East Bay (Alameda County) regulations to breaking down utility bills, we reveal the hidden science of your house. Having migrated from Japan, I also share unique cultural perspectives on homeownership. Let’s make the "unseen" work for your home’s value and comfort. Music Credits: Theme song "The Woods" — Composed by Iris Sano

Episodes

  1. Ep.2: Berkeley's New BESO Rules 2026

    JAN 27

    Ep.2: Berkeley's New BESO Rules 2026

    Don't list your Berkeley home until you hear this. As of January 1st, 2026, the rules for Berkeley’s Building Emissions Saving Ordinance (BESO) have undergone a massive shift. Whether you are a homeowner, a buyer, or a real estate agent, these changes will directly impact your next transaction. In this episode of See the Unseen, Building Scientist Shin Sano breaks down the new "Resilience Upgrade" requirements and shares strategic advice on navigating the 2026 market. Key Takeaways: The End of Procrastination: Why sellers are now required to complete energy assessments before the property is listed. The $5,000 Ransom: Understanding the compliance deposit held in escrow and how to navigate the 6-credit "à la carte" menu of upgrades. Heat Pumps as a "Magic Bullet": Why investing in a heat pump is the ultimate "Golden Ticket" for a frictionless sale, especially in a buyer's market. Insider Story: How a small difference in interior vs. exterior square footage measurements saved one homeowner thousands of dollars.Featured Compliance Menu: For the full list of credits and requirements, refer to the official BESO COMPLIANCE GUIDE. 6 Credits (Instant Compliance): Heat Pump Water Heaters, Heat Pump HVAC, or Service Panel Upgrades. 3 Credits: Solar PV or Battery Storage. 1-2 Credits: Smart Service Panels, Attic Insulation, or EV Chargers.Stop guessing and start building. Visit Ambience.House to learn more or to book a consultation with Shin Sano. Disclaimer: All information is based on regulations as of January 23rd, 2026. Music Credits: Theme song "The Woods" - composed by Iris Sano

    21 min
  2. Ep.1: From Designing Cars to Decoding Houses

    JAN 24

    Ep.1: From Designing Cars to Decoding Houses

    Hello, I am Shin Sano. Welcome to See the Unseen. In this introductory episode, I share my journey from Automotive Design and a PhD in Informatics to becoming a Building Scientist and Home Energy Score Assessor in the San Francisco Bay Area. Why does a designer/researcher spend time crawling under houses? Because it’s all about Data-Driven Design. I believe in making the invisible visible—decoding the hidden energy flows in our homes to create comfort and value. Join me as I bridge the gap between human-centered design and building science, sharing DIY war stories and cultural insights from my roots in Japan. Links & Resources: Official Website: https://ambience.house Book a Home Energy Score: ⁠https://ambience.house Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shin-s-86b4953/ Music Credits:Theme song "The Woods" — Composed by Iris Sano

    4 min
  • 2 Episodes

About

Hi everyone. Welcome to See the Unseen, hosted by Shin Sano, a Building Scientist and DOE Home Energy Score Assessor in the San Francisco Bay Area. We decode your home as a system to create a more comfortable, efficient life. From navigating Berkeley’s BESO and local East Bay (Alameda County) regulations to breaking down utility bills, we reveal the hidden science of your house. Having migrated from Japan, I also share unique cultural perspectives on homeownership. Let’s make the "unseen" work for your home’s value and comfort. Music Credits: Theme song "The Woods" — Composed by Iris Sano

Information

  • Creator
    Shin Sano
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    2
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Shin Sano
  • Show Website
    See the Unseen