Building HVAC Science

Bill Spohn
  • 0.0 (0)
  • HOW TO
  • EVERY TWO WEEKS

Uncover the secrets of healthy, comfortable, and energy-efficient buildings with the Building HVAC Science podcast. Join HVAC and building performance experts Eric Kaiser and Bill Spohn, Sr., as they delve into the fascinating world of building science and HVAC diagnostics. From exploring the latest advancements in measurement technology to examining the impact of building science and proper HVAC design and installation on human health and safety, this podcast is your one-stop shop for learning about all things in the built environment. In each episode, you'll gain valuable insights from industry leaders and discover practical tips for changing the way you approach your work. Whether you're a homeowner, facility manager, building performance or HVAC professional, this podcast is essential listening for anyone who cares about creating healthy, comfortable, and energy-efficient buildings. Here's what you can expect from the Building HVAC Science podcast: In-depth discussions on a wide range of building science and HVAC topics Interviews with experts from across the industry Practical tips for improving your building's performance Insights into the latest advancements in HVAC technology The occasional random topic

  1. 7 HR AGO

    EP236 Details Matter, but So Does the Big Picture A Conversation with Lisa White of PHIUS (August 2025)

    In this episode of the Building HVAC Science Podcast, Eric Kaiser and Bill Spohn welcome Lisa White, Associate Director of PHIUS, to explore the evolving world of passive building. Lisa shares her journey into building science, her role at PHIUS, and how the organization has grown from a niche movement into a force shaping multifamily and affordable housing projects across North America. She explains the core principles of passive building — thermal, air, and solar/radiation control — and how they translate into healthier, more comfortable, and more resilient spaces. Lisa also discusses PHIUS’s training and certification programs, the importance of third-party verification, and how tools like WUFI Passive and PHPP guide design decisions. The conversation touches on the challenges of balancing technical rigor with real-world implementation, the role of embodied carbon in standards development, and how passive building benefits not only owners and occupants, but also the broader environment. Lisa closes with reflections on persistence, growth, and optimism for the future of better buildings.   “The details matter, but it’s the greater goal and intent behind them that truly counts.” — Lisa White   “Passive building isn’t about eliminating systems; it’s about reducing the dependency on them.” — Lisa White   Design Around People, A Good Building Follows” — Robert Bean (quoted by Eric Kaiser)   Lisa shared a follow up thought after recording- her advice to younger self is "don't let perfect be the enemy of good -- while it's easy to get caught up in minor details, it's better to start by doing better and improve on that over time than to be held up by trying to be perfect at the onset.”   As well as-- “never pass up an opportunity to educate yourself or to collaborate with others.” She has learned that the best things come out of collaborative and open-minded conversations.  Lisa’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-white-7770226b/ PHIUS Website: www.PHIUS.org The High Performance Staircase: https://www.phius.org/sites/default/files/styles/1308xy/public/2024-05/staircase-to-success_v2_apr2024.png.webp?itok=veFnEiyu       This episode was recorded in August 2025.

    44 min

  2. 12 SEPT

    EP235 Counter-Culture, Catharsis, and Craft: Nathan Orr on Kalos, Blue Rabbit, and Beyond (August 2025)

    In this episode of the Building HVAC Science Podcast, Eric and Bill welcome Nathan Orr, Sales Director at Kalos and co-founder of Blue Rabbit. Nathan is candid, reflective, and unfiltered, sharing how his creative process—whether through writing late-night reflections or even experimenting with unconventional podcast settings—helps him process emotion and sharpen perspective. His insights reveal a person who values authenticity and believes in using catharsis constructively, rather than destructively. Nathan also dives into Kalos’ growth story and culture. He attributes much of their success to embracing counter-culture thinking, focusing on training, and never being satisfied with the status quo. Kalos has become known as one of the best places to work because of its emphasis on excellence in the “little things,” respect for tradespeople, and willingness to challenge industry norms. Nathan also shares how HVAC School and other training ventures grew organically from the company’s internal needs to develop people into professionals. The conversation then shifts to Blue Rabbit, a consulting and problem-solving firm Nathan co-founded. He explains its mission: bridging the gap between engineers, tradespeople, and customers to improve project outcomes before mistakes become costly. Along the way, Nathan sprinkles in his signature humor and life lessons—from practical roadside survival tips to reflections on regret, pride, and authenticity. It’s an episode that blends industry insights, cultural philosophy, and personal stories in a way only Nathan could deliver.   Nathan’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathan-orr-b525aa65/ Kalos Florida: https://www.kalosflorida.com/ BlueRabbit Consulting: https://bluerabbitconsult.com/   This episode was recorded in August 2025.

    35 min

  3. 5 SEPT

    EP234 Heat Transfer and Heart: What 40 Years in HVAC Can Teach Us All With Mike Uselof (July 2025)

    In this episode of the Building HVAC Science Podcast, Eric Kaiser and Bill Spohn welcome longtime HVAC instructor Michael Uselof, who shares his remarkable journey from answering a humble job ad in 1983 to becoming a passionate educator with the United Association (UA). Michael reflects on the value of learning through hands-on experience, the evolution of HVAC technology, and the crucial role training plays in creating resilient, adaptable tradespeople. Michael shares stories from his early days wiring supermarkets and living above the shop, to teaching thousands of apprentices over two decades. He also dives into the shifting landscape of the HVAC world—from electrification efforts in New York to new refrigerants and the importance of teaching logic, not just facts. The conversation takes a heartfelt turn as Michael speaks to the emotional and mental demands of the service trade, encouraging listeners to seek help when needed and sharing the significance of community and ongoing education in staying strong and skilled. We don’t just teach a trade—we teach a career that changes lives." – Michael Useloff "Facts become data, data becomes knowledge, and wisdom is knowing what to fix." "If it doesn’t make you tick, you might want to pick a different field."   Mike’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-useloff-9a980a90/ UANJ: www.UANJ.org UA - national: www.UA.org     This episode was recorded in July 2025.

    35 min

  4. 29 AUG

    EP233 Thermal Cameras, AI, and Comfort: HomeBoost’s Big Idea with Selina Tobaccowala (July 2025)

    On this episode of the Building HVAC Science Podcast, Bill Spohn and Eric Kaiser are joined by seasoned tech entrepreneur Selina Tobaccowala, founder of HomeBoost.com, to discuss a new consumer-driven solution that brings energy comfort diagnostics into the modern era. Selina, whose background includes co-founding Evite and serving as President/CTO at SurveyMonkey, now applies her tech and behavioral insights to a space closer to home: energy efficiency and comfort. Selina shares the inspiration behind HomeBoost, a unique platform that empowers homeowners to scan and diagnose thermal and energy issues in their home using a FLIR thermal camera and guided app. The HomeBoost experience pairs smart tools, a mobile app, and AI plus human auditing to generate actionable home energy assessments — all while remaining accessible and affordable for the average homeowner. The conversation dives into product design, user testing, partnerships with utilities and contractors, and the launch of a pro version that streamlines report generation for BPI-certified energy assessors. The team also explores broader themes, including the cultural value of skilled trades and how education models from Europe could inspire new respect and opportunity for trade careers in the U.S. The episode closes with a hopeful vision of HomeBoost expanding nationally and scaling its impact — one home, one assessment, and one contractor at a time. “It’s not about selling energy — it’s about helping people use less of it.” – Selina Tobaccowalla “We had scientific accuracy, but we hadn’t built a product consumers liked — that took iteration.” – Selina “AI won’t replace a tradesperson. That’s why we need to value skilled trades more — like they do in Germany.” – Selina HomeBoost: https://www.homeboost.com/ Selina’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/selinat/   This episode was recorded in July 2025.

    38 min

  5. 22 AUG

    EP232 Dry Air Done Right: The Art and Science of Dehumidification With Nikki Krueger (July 2025)

    In this engaging episode of the Building HVAC Science Podcast, Eric Kaiser chats with Nikki Krueger, National Sales Manager and building science advocate at Santa Fe (a Thermastor brand), often dubbed the “Queen of Dehumidification.” They explore the science and application of dedicated dehumidification in homes and buildings across various climates—especially in today’s increasingly humid and energy-efficient housing stock. Nikki shares insights from her 20+ years in the indoor air quality (IAQ) space, detailing her journey from AprilAire to launching her own consultancy, and ultimately joining Santa Fe. She explains how tighter building envelopes, increased ventilation needs, and changes in HVAC coil design have all contributed to the growing demand for standalone dehumidifiers—especially as homes become more efficient, but less capable of latent load removal. The discussion ranges from dew point awareness and crawlspace strategy to the nuanced interaction between comfort, humidity, and occupant behavior. Nikki emphasizes the importance of diagnostics and whole-house thinking when sizing and applying dehumidifiers. The episode closes with tips on where to find resources (including www.SantaFeProducts.com), and an open invite to meet at training events like the HVACR School Symposium.   Notable Quotes: "If we change one thing in the house, it’s going to change a series of other things." "Relative humidity is like the horoscope of moisture—it’s vague until you understand the temperature context." "Once you live in a home with proper dehumidification, you’ll never go back." The Products: www.SantaFeProducts.com The Person: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nikkikrueger/ The Symposium: https://www.hvacrschool.com/events/7th-annual-hvac-r-training-symposium/     This episode was recorded in July 2025.

    44 min

  6. 15 AUG

    EP231 Reimagining HVAC Sales: How Eden Is Modernizing the Home Upgrade Journey with Josh Koplin (July 2025)

    In this episode of Building HVAC Science, Bill Spohn welcomes Josh Koplin, co-founder of Eden (https://e-denhomes.com), to talk about how digital tools are reshaping the HVAC sales experience. Josh shares his unique journey from building power plants in Japan—where he was immersed in a heat pump-centric culture—to co-founding Eden, a company aimed at bringing transparency and ease to HVAC sales through technology. Eden offers a software-as-a-service (SaaS) platform for HVAC contractors that acts as a 24/7 digital salesperson. It allows homeowners to get instant, customized equipment quotes based on a simplified online load calculation, local weather data, and rebate matching. Contractors retain full pricing control, and the tool is deployed on their websites, helping them capture highly qualified leads. Josh and Bill explore broader trends in consumer behavior, including how 80% of purchasing decisions are made before contacting a salesperson. They also discuss the rapid emergence of AI-driven search and its implications for contractor visibility online. The conversation closes with Josh’s advice on how contractors can embrace the digital shift and stay competitive by offering the kind of online experience today’s homeowners expect. “It's like a digital salesperson that never sleeps.” – Josh Koplin “Consumers are doing the research with or without you—why not be part of their process from the beginning?” – Josh Koplin “If it’s useful to a human, it’s useful to AI—that’s the content that will get found.” – Josh Koplin Eden Home: https://www.e-denhomes.com/ Josh’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/josh-koplin-57654230/       This episode was recorded in July 2025.

    38 min

  7. 8 AUG

    EP230 Beyond Smoke and CO: The Case for Natural Gas Alarms with Marc A. Adams (July 2025)

    “Incidents drive policy. Policy drives law.” – Marc A. Adams “You don't want to do the Scooby-Doo dance if you smell gas—evacuate and call 911.” – Marc A. Adams “An electronic nose is a better solution than relying on your own.” – Bill Spohn In this compelling episode of the Building HVAC Science Podcast, Bill Spohn and Eric Kaiser speak with Marc A. Adams, Vice President of New Cosmos USA, about natural gas safety and the innovative gas detection technologies behind the DeNova Detect brand. The conversation begins with Marc's fascinating career journey from telecom to public safety, highlighting how his expertise in machine-to-machine and IoT communications now supports life-saving initiatives in the utility space. Marc shares sobering statistics on gas-related incidents and explains the critical need for early-warning natural gas alarms in homes, businesses, and public spaces. The discussion covers the evolution of gas detection—from basic beeping detectors to smart, battery-powered devices that communicate over wireless networks to utilities and mobile apps. The trio also explores real-world tragedies, regulatory landscapes, and how education and advocacy can bridge the awareness gap around gas safety. The episode wraps with a call to action: gas is an essential and generally safe energy source, but detection matters. Marc encourages listeners to understand the risks, install alarms, and engage with resources like DeNovaDetect.com and PreventNaturalGasDisasters.com to stay informed and protected. DeNova Detect: https://denovadetect.com/ Mark’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcaadams/ What to look for in a natural gas alarm: https://denovadetect.com/blogs/posts/ul-1484-standard-gas-alarm?srsltid=AfmBOorlCy9ethVYqhgle7MMGNjkxeZF77GG-pz-WFepEwBE8iJ1FoRY www.preventnaturalgasdisasters.com UL 1484 Standard (Natural Gas Alarm): https://explorestandards.ul.org/gas-detectors.html NFPA715 (Installation of a Fuel Gas Alarm): https://www.nfpa.org/codes-and-standards/nfpa-715-standard-development/715 UL234 standard (CO Alarm): https://www.shopulstandards.com/ProductDetail.aspx?UniqueKey=46614 NFPA 72: https://edufire.ir/storage/Library/elam/NFPA%2072-2019.pdf     This episode was recorded in July 2025.

    52 min

  8. 1 AUG

    EP229 Smart Sensors, Healthy Patients: The Future of Healthcare IAQ with Renee Jacobs (July 2025)

    “IAQ is no longer just a maintenance issue—it’s a strategic lever for improving patient outcomes and financial performance in healthcare.” “Saving a single dollar in energy for a hospital is like generating twenty dollars in patient revenue.” “The big message: it’s not as big a lift as it used to be. Smart IAQ solutions are now turnkey and data-driven.” In this episode of the Building HVAC Science Podcast, host Bill Spohn is joined by Renée Jacobs, a seasoned expert in healthcare construction and building automation. Renée shares her career journey from hands-on construction to leading the healthcare vertical at Distech Controls. Her passion for improving patient outcomes through smarter building systems shines as she explains how indoor air quality (IAQ) has become a pivotal factor in modern healthcare environments. Renée draws a compelling analogy between early skepticism of handwashing and today’s evolving recognition of IAQ’s role in patient health. She highlights how advanced sensors and smart building automation are transforming reactive facility management into a proactive, data-driven practice. One standout example she discusses is a hospital system that drastically improved both IAQ and energy management through Distech’s Atrius platform, earning them a Better Buildings Award from the Department of Energy. The conversation also dives into key industry standards like ASHRAE 170, the hidden costs of inaction, and the importance of leveraging AI and IoT in HVAC systems to enhance both care and cost-efficiency. Renée wraps up by emphasizing that implementing smart IAQ solutions is no longer a daunting task—it’s a strategic investment that is more accessible and turnkey than ever before. Renee’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/renee-r-jacobs/ Distech website: https://www.distech-controls.com/ ASHRAE Standard 170: https://www.ashrae.org/technical-resources/standards-and-guidelines/standards-addenda/ansi-ashrae-ashe-standard-170-2017-ventilation-of-health-care-facilities Episode 48: With Stephanie Taylor https://www.buildinghvacscience.com/ep48-buildings-health-an-interview-with-dr-stephanie-taylor/ This episode was recorded in July 2025.

    31 min
See All (236)

About

Uncover the secrets of healthy, comfortable, and energy-efficient buildings with the Building HVAC Science podcast. Join HVAC and building performance experts Eric Kaiser and Bill Spohn, Sr., as they delve into the fascinating world of building science and HVAC diagnostics. From exploring the latest advancements in measurement technology to examining the impact of building science and proper HVAC design and installation on human health and safety, this podcast is your one-stop shop for learning about all things in the built environment. In each episode, you'll gain valuable insights from industry leaders and discover practical tips for changing the way you approach your work. Whether you're a homeowner, facility manager, building performance or HVAC professional, this podcast is essential listening for anyone who cares about creating healthy, comfortable, and energy-efficient buildings. Here's what you can expect from the Building HVAC Science podcast: In-depth discussions on a wide range of building science and HVAC topics Interviews with experts from across the industry Practical tips for improving your building's performance Insights into the latest advancements in HVAC technology The occasional random topic

Information

  • Creator
    Bill Spohn
  • Years Active
    2017 - 2025
  • Episodes
    236
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2024 TruTechTools, LTD 057074
  • Show Website
    Building HVAC Science

You Might Also Like