The Smart Buildings Academy Podcast | Teaching You Building Automation, Systems Integration, and Information Technology

Phil Zito Building Automation and Systems Integration Expert
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The Smart Buildings Academy Podcast | Teaching You Building Automation, Systems Integration, and Information Technology

If you want to learn building automation then you are in the right place. My name is Phil Zito and I am the CEO of Smart Buildings Academy. If you are a technician, operator, salesperson, or engineer the Smart Buildings Academy podcast is for you. Each week I tap into my vast experience in Building Automation and teach you the things no one else teaches. You will learn about BAS, HVAC, IT, Energy Management, Sales, Operations, Project Management, Cyber Security and so much more. Prior to founding Smart Buildings Academy, I held a variety of BAS roles in service, install, operations management, sales, and most recently I led the technical integration program at Johnson Controls. Suffice to say, I've been in your shoes and I know what you need to learn. I look forward to guiding you through BAS in the weekly Smart Buildings Academy Podcast.

  1. 2 DAYS AGO

    SBA 474: Mastering 100% Outdoor Air Units: HVAC Control Secrets Revealed

    In Episode 474 of the Smart Buildings Academy Podcast, we delve deep into the intricacies of 100% outdoor air units (OAUs). For building automation professionals, mastering these systems is critical, especially in high-stakes environments like operating rooms, clean rooms, and data centers. Whether you’re a seasoned technician or just starting your journey in HVAC controls, this episode unpacks the nuances that can make or break the performance of OAUs. Join us as we explore how to prevent common pitfalls and enhance system performance. You'll walk away with practical insights and a fresh perspective on state-based control strategies that could revolutionize your approach to HVAC systems. Key Topics Covered: The vital role of state-based control in HVAC troubleshooting and programming. Common issues with 100% outdoor air units in extreme weather conditions. The interplay between preheat, cooling, and reheat sequences. Ensuring safety and efficiency with damper status and static pressure controls. Humidity control strategies for maintaining precise environmental conditions. Dive into this episode to gain actionable knowledge on optimizing OAU performance and to hear insights that could transform how you approach control sequences.

    23 min

  2. DEC 12

    SBA 473: HVAC Control Sequences Part 3

    Podcast Summary for SBA 473: HVAC Control Sequences Part 3 Unlock the secrets to mastering HVAC control sequences in this engaging episode of the Smart Buildings Academy Podcast. Episode 473 dives into the intricate world of air handling units, revealing insights every building automation professional needs to optimize performance and troubleshoot with precision. Join the conversation as we explore critical ideas that directly impact your projects and systems. Whether you're designing, programming, or maintaining airside systems, this episode is packed with actionable wisdom to elevate your skills. Key Topics Covered: Understanding the role of airflow as the foundation of temperature and humidity control. Exploring the mechanics behind constant air volume (CAV) and variable air volume (VAV) systems. Demystifying economizer control for energy-efficient ventilation and free cooling. Key safety measures for air handling units and their impact on system performance. Advanced sequences for occupancy, ventilation, and environmental quality control. Don’t miss this chance to deepen your expertise and gain practical strategies for real-world application. Tune in live on Thursday, December 12th, at 8 AM EST / 5 AM PST, or catch the episode anytime on your favorite podcast platform.

    28 min

  3. DEC 5

    SBA 472: HVAC Control Sequences Part 2

    SBA 472: HVAC Control Sequences Part 2 Struggling with airside systems? Whether it's fan coil units, rooftop units, or handling building pressurization, this episode dives into the essential airside control sequences every BAS professional must master. Understand the foundations of air movement and control to elevate your expertise and efficiency in the field. 🔍 This episode focuses on practical concepts for navigating real-world challenges in airside systems, ensuring you're equipped to tackle them with confidence. Key Topics Covered: Fan Coil Units: What makes them unique and where they shine in specific applications. Rooftop Units: Explore their role in airside control and how economizers enhance energy efficiency. Pressurization Basics: Why building pressurization is critical and how to maintain it effectively. Airflow Management: Insights into supply, exhaust, and volumetric offsets for optimal performance. Key Safety Features: How condensate alarms, dampers, and other safeguards protect your systems.

    28 min

  4. NOV 28

    SBA 471: HVAC Control Sequences Part 1

    Are HVAC control sequences leaving you puzzled? Whether you’re a technician, programmer, or designer in the building automation industry, this episode is your starting point for mastering the critical systems that shape modern smart buildings. Join us for Part 1 of our eight-part deep dive into HVAC control sequences, focusing on one of the most common systems you'll encounter: VAV boxes. This is the knowledge you need to solve issues faster, design smarter, and build your confidence with one of the most misunderstood aspects of BAS. Key Topics Covered: VAV Boxes Demystified: Discover the core principles behind variable air volume (VAV) boxes and their essential role in zone temperature control. Troubleshooting Made Clear: Learn why most BAS issues occur at the box level and how mastering this can maximize efficiency across systems. Control Loops Simplified: Unpack the unique “loop within a loop” concept for VAV box control, essential for effective programming and operation. Transition to Reheat: Explore the differences between cooling-only boxes and those with reheat, including key considerations for setpoints and sensor placement. Fan-Powered Box Insights: Understand the contrasting roles of series and parallel fan-powered boxes and when to use each for optimal performance. This episode is packed with practical insights and concepts that will change the way you approach HVAC systems. If you're looking to deepen your expertise and stay ahead in the field, this series is for you. 🔔 Catch it live: Thursday, November 28th at 8 AM EST / 5 AM PST. Don’t miss the start of this must-listen series for building automation professionals.

    26 min

  5. NOV 14

    SBA 470: How to Get Hired in Building Automation

    Are you trying to break into the building automation field or help someone who is? Episode 470 of SBA offers a roadmap for landing your first job in this dynamic industry. This episode is all about actionable advice for anyone seeking to understand how building automation careers work, what skills you actually need, and how to connect with hiring managers – even if you’re just starting out. Discover the fundamentals of a career in building automation and understand the steps needed to make yourself stand out. Whether you’re an entry-level candidate or transitioning from a different role, this episode reveals the secrets to positioning yourself as the candidate companies want. Here’s what you’ll learn: Why building automation is a promising career path with rapid growth opportunities How to navigate and understand job descriptions in this field Ways to gain hands-on experience before you even apply Unconventional yet effective strategies for getting noticed by hiring managers The essential skills you need to focus on to increase your value and hit the ground running Listen in for the insights and inspiration to get hired and start your journey in building automation.

    36 min

  6. NOV 7

    SBA 469: How To Grow Your Service Business

    Ready to elevate your service business and tap into new revenue streams? In this episode of the Smart Buildings Academy podcast, we dive into key strategies to expand your building automation service business, specifically focusing on owner-direct work. If you're in the BAS industry, this episode is packed with insights on how to stand out, grow your client base, and create a reliable income stream with service offerings. Phil brings his experience from the field and trade show conversations to highlight why and how service businesses can be a game-changer for automation professionals. Tune in on Thursday, November 7th at 8 AM EST (6 AM MST) and discover practical approaches that could transform your business. Key Topics: Understanding the advantages of owner-direct work A step-by-step process for launching or scaling a service business The power of customer retention in a rapidly changing market Tips to build a playbook that keeps your team efficient and aligned Strategies to double your service business in just six months Find out how you can streamline and grow your BAS service business!

    34 min

  7. OCT 31

    SBA 468: Guideline 36 Part 1

    Episode Description: Episode 468 explores advanced airside HVAC sequences, offering building automation professionals an in-depth look at ASHRAE's Guideline 36. This episode unpacks strategies for optimizing energy efficiency through standardized control sequences, helping listeners understand how to achieve predictable and repeatable system performance. You'll gain insights into best practices and considerations for implementing these strategies across different building scenarios, with a focus on practical, real-world applications. Key takeaways you’ll get: The Principles of Trim and Response: Understand how this control strategy minimizes energy use while maintaining optimal HVAC performance. Handling Zone Requests and Zone Groups: Learn about managing cooling and heating demands across multiple zones for better system efficiency. Implementing Economizer Control: Discover how to leverage outdoor air conditions for free cooling to reduce energy consumption. Effective Reheat Control Techniques: Explore how reheat strategies can improve comfort, especially in colder climates. Key Factors for New Builds and Retrofits: Get guidance on sensor calibration, system integration, and adapting strategies for project success. Tune in to SBA 468 to enhance your understanding of Guideline 36 and elevate the performance of your building automation systems.

    26 min

  8. OCT 24

    SBA 467: BACnet BTL Deepdive

    In episode 467 of the Smart Buildings Academy Podcast, you’ll dive deep into BACnet Testing Laboratories (BTL) and how understanding BTL listings can significantly impact your work in building automation. Whether you’re a contractor taking over a building or a facility manager looking to specify BACnet systems, this episode offers essential insights into device capabilities, interoperability, and conformance. By the end of the episode, you’ll be equipped to make smarter decisions regarding BACnet device selection and deployment. Key Topics: Understanding BTL Listings: Learn how to interpret protocol implementation conformance sheets and what they reveal about device capabilities. Device Profiles and Interoperability: Explore the different BACnet profiles (such as AAC, B-BC) and how they apply to your systems. Functional Groups and Building Blocks: A breakdown of BACnet interoperability blocks, like data sharing, alarming, and trending. Network Capabilities: Discover how network compatibility impacts system integration and device communication. The Role of BACnet Testing Laboratories: Why BTL certification matters and how it ensures system functionality and compliance. This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to enhance their knowledge of BACnet standards and BTL listings. Listen now to stay ahead in your building automation projects.

    24 min
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4.7
out of 5
87 Ratings

About

If you want to learn building automation then you are in the right place. My name is Phil Zito and I am the CEO of Smart Buildings Academy. If you are a technician, operator, salesperson, or engineer the Smart Buildings Academy podcast is for you. Each week I tap into my vast experience in Building Automation and teach you the things no one else teaches. You will learn about BAS, HVAC, IT, Energy Management, Sales, Operations, Project Management, Cyber Security and so much more. Prior to founding Smart Buildings Academy, I held a variety of BAS roles in service, install, operations management, sales, and most recently I led the technical integration program at Johnson Controls. Suffice to say, I've been in your shoes and I know what you need to learn. I look forward to guiding you through BAS in the weekly Smart Buildings Academy Podcast.

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