Building HVAC Science Bill Spohn

In this Building HVAC Science Podcast episode, hosts Eric Kaiser and Bill Spohn welcome Adam Chapman from HeatGeek to discuss his insights and experiences in the HVAC industry. Adam, based in the UK, shares his journey of establishing HeatGeek, which started as a blog and YouTube channel aimed at improving heating systems' efficiency and evolved into a comprehensive training and support network for heating engineers. He emphasizes the importance of proper installation and the high efficiency of heat pumps, even in older, less insulated homes, highlighting the significant impact well-trained engineers can have on system performance.
Adam explains the differences in terminology and industry practices between the UK and the US, noting that in the UK, the term "heating engineer" encompasses those who install and maintain heating systems. In contrast, the US uses "technician" more broadly. He describes HeatGeek as a movement focused on educating and empowering engineers through digital tools, training, and a supportive community. This approach ensures that engineers can provide the most efficient and effective heating solutions, ultimately benefiting consumers through reduced running costs and improved system performance.
The conversation also touches on the challenges and resistance Adam faced in promoting heat pumps and the importance of continuous monitoring and data analysis to improve system efficiency. Adam's vision for HeatGeek includes expanding to the US and fostering collaboration between the two regions to enhance the HVAC industry's overall quality and performance. He invites listeners to explore HeatGeek's resources and emphasizes the critical role of engineers in driving the transition to more efficient and sustainable heating solutions.
Adam’sLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adam-chapman-01046647/
HeatGeek website: https://www.heatgeek.com/
HeatGeek YouTube Channel:https://www.youtube.com/@HeatGeek/video
The Contest! : www.HeatPumpMonitor.org
 
This episode was recorded in July 2024.

In this episode of the Building HVAC Science Podcast, hosts Eric Kaiser and Bill Spohn interview Karine LeBlanc, a distinguished engineer and international speaker. Karine shares her journey into the HVAC industry, which started under the influence of her father, an HVAC teacher and contractor. Despite her exposure to HVAC from a young age, she made an independent decision to pursue a career in the field after discovering the job security it offered. Her diverse career includes roles in engineering and sales, which allowed her to leverage both her technical skills and her extroverted personality.
Karine emphasizes the importance of networking in a technical industry like HVAC. She recounts her early days in Los Angeles, where she joined ASHRAE and became a reception chair, a strategic move that helped her build connections quickly. She highlights how networking has been crucial to her career, enabling her to form lasting professional relationships and gain credibility in her field. Karine also discusses the significance of virtual networking tools like LinkedIn and virtual meetings, which have expanded opportunities for connection and collaboration.
Towards the end of the interview, Karine touches on her experience as an author and speaker, sharing her motivations and challenges in writing her book. She advises listeners on the value of genuine networking, focusing on learning and building relationships rather than transactional interactions. Her approach to networking is driven by curiosity and a giving mentality, which she believes fosters a stronger, more connected industry. Karine's insights underline the impact of personal connections and continuous learning in professional growth.
Karine’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karinel/
Karine’s Book: https://a.co/d/01HKRqRR
Karine’s website: https://www.karineleblanc.com
Karine’s company:https://www.myiaire.com/
 
This episode was recorded in July 2024.

In this Building HVAC Science podcast episode, hosts Eric Kaiser and Bill Spohn interview Dan Goodman from Building 36, a company specializing in connected home services. Dan explains the origin of the company's name, which is a nod to the MIT building where he studied electrical engineering and computer science. He shares his journey from working on semiconductors to co-founding a thermostat company and eventually creating Building 36. The company provides smart home solutions tailored for professional trades, aiming to enhance customer retention through advanced monitoring and maintenance plans.
Dan elaborates on the capabilities of Building 36’s connected thermostat and home monitoring system, highlighting its ability to control and monitor various aspects of the home, such as heating, cooling, lighting, and security. The system provides extensive benefits to homeowners and contractors by offering peace of mind through comprehensive monitoring and easy installation features. The company also integrates its services with professional maintenance plans, ensuring higher customer retention rates and consistent service quality.
Throughout the conversation, Dan emphasizes the advantages of partnering with Building 36, noting their strong engineering team, the seamless integration of their products, and the significant impact on the HVAC industry. He discusses the company's strategic move to manufacture products in Bulgaria for cost efficiency and the extensive R&D investments to ensure robust security and reliability. The episode concludes with a call for contractors to explore the benefits of integrating Building 36’s solutions into their offerings, promising a game-changing approach to smart home services and maintenance.
Dan’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dan-g-5305191/
Dan’s company: https://building36.com/
Dan’s bio
Dan Goodman is the co-founder and CEO of Building36. Dan founded Building36 to create smart home solutions that make homes safer, more comfortable, and energy efficient by designing them with the homeowner and service provider in mind.
Dan has over 20 years of engineering and technology experience. Before Building36, Dan was an application engineer at Texas Instruments, founded a company that created the first Wi-Fi thermostat, and was head of sales for a startup company that helped pioneer Zigbee wireless technology.
Dan graduated from MIT with a degree in electrical engineering and computer science.
 
This episode was recorded in July 2024.

Bill Spohn welcomes Julien Stamatakis, co-founder of Attune (formerly SenseWare). Julien shares his journey from working on sensor networks for Parkinson's disease detection during his PhD in Belgium to co-founding a company focused on monitoring the built environment. Initially, their sensor technology aimed at the medical field faced funding challenges, which led them to pivot towards the built environment. They began by collecting energy data and expanded to include various sensors to monitor air quality, occupancy, and energy usage in commercial buildings.
Julien discusses the evolution of their sensor technology, highlighting how customer needs have shaped their development. Starting with energy data collection, they moved on to monitor particulate matter and CO2 levels, especially during events like wildfires and the COVID-19 pandemic. Their focus has remained on commercial applications, where robust, long-lasting sensors are critical. Julien notes the challenges in the residential market, including higher competition and the need for low-cost solutions, which differ significantly from commercial requirements.
The conversation also delves into the use of AI and machine learning to enhance data analysis and decision-making in building management. Julien explains how AI helps automate tedious tasks and provides actionable insights from vast amounts of data collected from sensors. He emphasizes the importance of continuous monitoring and the integration of various data sources, including occupancy and outdoor air quality, to optimize building operations. The podcast concludes with Julien highlighting the value of high-quality data and offering consultation to help customers manage their assets effectively.
Julien’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julien-stamatakis/
Julien’s company: www.AttuneIOT.com
 
This episode was recorded in June 2024.

In this Building HVAC Science podcast episode, hosts Bill Spohn and Eric Kaiser discuss their recent trip to Denver, Colorado, where they attended the U.S. Heat Pump Summit. They describe the event as a comprehensive gathering of professionals interested in heat pumps, covering technical presentations, regulatory updates, and industry developments. The summit featured various sponsors and exhibitors, including Daikin, Rheem, and TruTech Tools, highlighting the diverse industry support for the event.
Eric and Bill delve into the U.S. Heat Pump Summit details, sharing insights about the different companies and technologies represented there. They mention innovative products like Arctic Heat Pumps' air-to-water heat pumps and discuss the significance of proper system design and installation for optimizing performance. They also touch on networking opportunities, mentioning conversations with industry professionals and exhibitors, which provided them with new perspectives and information on the latest advancements in HVAC technology.
The conversation shifts to Eric's presentation at the summit, where he focused on the intricacies of heat pump performance and building thermal dynamics. He explains the importance of correctly sizing heat pumps and the differences between single-stage and inverter heat pumps in terms of comfort and efficiency. The episode concludes with Bill's experience at the Home Electrification Summit, where he moderated a session on making homes greener. They reflect on the growing interest in heat pumps and the evolving technology, emphasizing the need for continuous learning and curiosity in the HVAC field.
 
https://www.heatpumpsummit.org/#speakers
Video of the Summit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=otQWXEg5WBA
https://hvacrschool.com/videos/what-is-openhvac-w-jason-price-ben-reed-michael-housh-chris-hamilton/
https://openhvac.io/aboutus/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrishamilton27/
https://constructioninstruction.com/
https://constructioninstruction.com/tool/r-value-calculator/
https://www.communityhousingpartners.org/people/anthony-cox/
https://www.energizecap.com/about
https://www.energizecap.com/news-insights/home-electrification-insights
 
 
Anthony Cox’s Moisture App:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uV5OBvu5PgQ&list=PLtlquUv1THEWOKlb80xStpZrzplvuGFLB&index=6
https://www.h2xengineering.com/features/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jdbegley/
 
This episode was recorded in June 2024.

In this short episode, Bill Spohn provides updates on new products, presentations, resources, and interesting travel he and Eric Kaiser have been engaged with during the last few months.
LINKS
https://www.youtube.com/@TruTechTools/videos
https://trutechtools.com/yellow-jacket/
https://trutechtools.com/jb-industries.html
https://hvacrschool.com/
www.betterhvac.org
www.building-performane.org
www.getduckling.com
https://www.zerohomes.io/
www.sealed.com
https://getconduit.com/
www.amply.energy
www.kwikmodel.com
www.diyloadcalcs.com
 
 
 
This episode was recorded in June 2024.