The Flow Lab

Ben Walker & Sam Myers
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Explore building science with The Flow Lab Podcast, hosted by Ben Walker and Sam Meyers of Retrotec. Discover building envelope and HVAC ductwork airtightness, featuring discussions with industry leaders on evolving codes, energy efficiency, and sustainability. Learn from pioneers and case studies to enhance your expertise. Join our community and lead in building science. Follow The Flow Lab Podcast for insights and innovations in building performance.

  1. Why Pressure Testing Beats Guessing

    6d ago

    Why Pressure Testing Beats Guessing

    Sam Myers is joined by Lee Canegaly from Retrotec’s tech support and dev team, along with Michael and Greg, to talk about what happens when blower door testing moves beyond code compliance and into industrial rooms, fire suppression systems, and strange building failures. The episode gets into enclosure integrity, blast-proof shelters, server rooms, and why field testing beats guessing every time. Michael and Greg share stories from refineries, cigar bars, crawlspaces, and humid homes, showing how air leakage can affect safety, comfort, and millions of dollars in protected equipment.  Video Notes:  00:13 Show Intro 00:51 Meet The Guests 02:01 Blast-Proof Buildings 03:44 Getting Into Testing 06:05 Enclosure Integrity 08:43 Commercial Vs Residential 10:06 Testing And Sealing 14:27 Industrial Learning Curve 18:14 Fantastic Integrity 19:17 Strange Field Stories 23:20 Getting Into Industrial 31:27 Training Matters Follow Hosts: Ben Walker (Co-CEO, Retrotec) LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-walker-4a05901/ Sam Myers (Building Science Specialist & Trainer) LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sam-myers-ms-a9a4a546/ Website: https://retrotec.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/retrotec/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/retrotec/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RetrotecEnergy/ Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3xMDAhIttUTHWK41DH7KhB Don’t forget to subscribe for more episodes on airtightness, ventilation strategies, and innovations in building science! #BuildingScience #AirtightnessTesting #EnergyEfficiency #BuildingPerformance #HVAC #Retrotec #GreenStar #EnergyWaste #HomeImprovement

    38 min
  2. Find the Pathway, Fix the Problem

    May 14

    Find the Pathway, Fix the Problem

    Ben Walker and Sam Myers sit down with Brantley May to talk indoor air quality investigations, building forensics, and why you need both a contaminant and a pathway for a real problem. Brantley explains how blower doors, duct testing, and pressure diagnostics help prove where mold, smoke, dust, and odors actually enter a home. They also go over common misses from standard inspections, plus why better ventilation can be worth the energy tradeoff when health is on the line. If you want your houses to breathe right, share this with someone who still treats a blower door like a one time service. Show Notes: 00:48 Meet Brantley 02:02 Beyond Energy Testing 04:11 Forensics Rabbit Hole 07:27 Who Calls Brantley 09:10 Missed Building Clues 11:17 Pressure Imbalance Story 14:45 Pathways Matter Most 17:47 Testing Without Harm 20:25 Everyday Pressure Checks 22:07 Health Success Stories 31:09 Training Better Inspectors 36:36 Duct Leakage Clues 46:52 Mold In Every Climate 49:53 Learning The Craft Connect with: Brantley May Website: https://www.buildingscience.us Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brantley.iaq Follow Hosts: Ben Walker (Co-CEO, Retrotec) LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-walker-4a05901/ Sam Myers (Building Science Specialist & Trainer) LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sam-myers-ms-a9a4a546/ Website: https://retrotec.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/retrotec/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/retrotec/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RetrotecEnergy/ Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3xMDAhIttUTHWK41DH7KhB Don’t forget to subscribe for more episodes on airtightness, ventilation strategies, and innovations in building science! #BuildingScience #AirtightnessTesting #EnergyEfficiency #BuildingPerformance #HVAC #Retrotec #GreenStar #EnergyWaste #HomeImprovement

    55 min
  3. Stop Guessing Start Testing

    Apr 16

    Stop Guessing Start Testing

    Ben Walker and Sam Myers sit down with Jake Bruton to talk blower door testing, airtightness, and why data beats opinions every time. Jake explains why he tests multiple times during a build, what leak paths still surprise teams, and how those checks reduce risk and callbacks. They also get into vetting HVAC contractors for low load homes and why buy-in matters more than bravado. If you are serious about building better, share this with a builder who still “just knows” it’s tight. Show Notes: 00:00 Data Over Opinions 00:59 Three Test Strategy 03:09 When To Test 05:07 Hidden Leakage Spots 06:19 The 30% Drop 08:57 Solving The Lid 19:16 Vetting HVAC Subs 25:21 Advice For Builders 31:31 Tight Means Tested 38:59 Where To Learn 49:41 Buy The Blower Connect with: Jake Bruton Website: www.aarowbuilding.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jake.bruton Follow Hosts: Ben Walker (Co-CEO, Retrotec) LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-walker-4a05901/ Sam Myers (Building Science Specialist & Trainer) LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sam-myers-ms-a9a4a546/ Website: https://retrotec.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/retrotec/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/retrotec/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RetrotecEnergy/ Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3xMDAhIttUTHWK41DH7KhB Don’t forget to subscribe for more episodes on airtightness, ventilation strategies, and innovations in building science! #BuildingScience #AirtightnessTesting #EnergyEfficiency #BuildingPerformance #HVAC #Retrotec #GreenStar #EnergyWaste #HomeImprovement

    52 min
  4. Building The Future HVAC Workforce

    Mar 19

    Building The Future HVAC Workforce

    Ben Walker and Sam Myers sit down with Xavier Walter of the Building Performance Association to talk about the workforce gap, why HVAC contractors need building science partners, and where the industry is headed next. They get into apprenticeship and workforce development, how weatherization and HVAC can work together, and why callbacks drop when contractors solve the whole problem. Plus, a quick run-through of what to expect at the BPA National Conference in Columbus, April 13–16.  And if you want to attend, use this link to register: http://nhpc26.org/flow-lab Use code NHPC-Flow for a discounted registration rate ($825) Video Notes:  00:00 Show Intro 01:03 Xavier’s Path In 03:52 BPA Resources 05:07 Workforce Challenges 09:23 HVAC And Weatherization 13:20 Building Science Basics 18:43 Why Attend BPA 21:08 Beyond Residential Work 24:00 Conference Game Plan 28:36 Free Market Shift 33:48 Questions Homeowners Ask 35:35 Pass It Forward Connect with:  Xavier Walter https://www.linkedin.com/in/xavier-walter-1164812b/ Follow Hosts: Ben Walker (Co-CEO, Retrotec) LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-walker-4a05901/ Sam Myers (Building Science Specialist & Trainer) LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sam-myers-ms-a9a4a546/ Website: https://retrotec.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/retrotec/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/retrotec/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RetrotecEnergy/ Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3xMDAhIttUTHWK41DH7KhB Don’t forget to subscribe for more episodes on airtightness, ventilation strategies, and innovations in building science! #BuildingScience #AirtightnessTesting #EnergyEfficiency #BuildingPerformance #HVAC #Retrotec #GreenStar #EnergyWaste #HomeImprovement

    38 min
  5. Indoor Air Quality Is More Than a Number

    Feb 25

    Indoor Air Quality Is More Than a Number

    Sam Myers and Ben Walker sit down with Joe Medosch to talk about why indoor air quality is personal, and why better HVAC diagnostics matter more than ever. They break down MeasureQuick, direct capture, and the accountability gap that still holds the industry back. You will also hear why “the occupant is the greatest sensor,” plus what wildfire smoke and ventilation mean for real homes. If this helped, share it with a tech or builder who cares about getting it right. Show Notes:  Introduction and Welcome (0:00) Retro Tech and Joe's Contributions (1:26) Challenges in the HVAC Industry (2:43) Health and Air Quality Focus (4:51) Measure Quick and HVAC Diagnostics (5:51) Training and Education in HVAC (17:50) Occupant-Centric Approach to Building Performance (18:03) Wildfire Smoke and Indoor Air Quality (19:56) Future of HVAC and Measure Quick (41:18) Closing Remarks and Future Collaboration (47:15) Follow Hosts: Ben Walker (Co-CEO, Retrotec) LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-walker-4a05901/ Sam Myers (Building Science Specialist & Trainer) LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sam-myers-ms-a9a4a546/ Website: https://retrotec.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/retrotec/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/retrotec/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RetrotecEnergy/ Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3xMDAhIttUTHWK41DH7KhB Don’t forget to subscribe for more episodes on airtightness, ventilation strategies, and innovations in building science! #BuildingScience #AirtightnessTesting #EnergyEfficiency #BuildingPerformance #HVAC #Retrotec #GreenStar #EnergyWaste #HomeImprovement

    48 min
  6. What Actually Improves Your Homes Indoor Air Quality

    Jan 13

    What Actually Improves Your Homes Indoor Air Quality

    Most “Indoor Air Quality upgrades” are just gadgets in a box. And a lot of them can make things worse.  HVAC and building science veteran John Ellis joins Sam Myers and Ben Walker to break down what actually moves the needle in a home: thermal comfort, ventilation, filtration, humidity control, building pressure, and source control.  If you build, renovate, or work on HVAC, this episode will change how you think about “clean air” and what it takes to actually deliver it. Video Notes:  Indoor Air Quality and Environmental Changes (0:00) Ventilation and Indoor Air Quality Measurements (1:43) Dust Free 16 Filter Development (5:59) Filter Media and Performance (10:07) Distribution and Market Reception (14:16) Indoor Air Quality and Building Science (15:59) Challenges in the HVAC Industry (26:24) Data-Driven Solutions and Training (39:51) Menu Pricing System for IAQ Services (42:04) Future Developments and Final Thoughts (44:18) Connect with :  John Ellis LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-ellis-b13b0411/  Follow Hosts: Ben Walker (Co-CEO, Retrotec) LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-walker-4a05901/ Sam Myers (Building Science Specialist & Trainer) LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sam-myers-ms-a9a4a546/ Website: https://retrotec.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/retrotec/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/retrotec/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RetrotecEnergy/ Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3xMDAhIttUTHWK41DH7KhB Don’t forget to subscribe for more episodes on airtightness, ventilation strategies, and innovations in building science! #BuildingScience #AirtightnessTesting #EnergyEfficiency #BuildingPerformance #HVAC #Retrotec #GreenStar #EnergyWaste #HomeImprovement

    44 min
  7. Why Your House Is Humid (Even With New HVAC SYSTEM)

    12/24/2025

    Why Your House Is Humid (Even With New HVAC SYSTEM)

    Everyone blames the HVAC System. Most of the time, that’s wrong. Nikki Krueger breaks down why modern homes struggle with humidity, even with high-efficiency systems, and why dehumidification has become a missing piece in comfort, health, and durability. Sam, Ben and Nikki talk crawl spaces, shoulder seasons, overcooling, air leakage, ventilation mistakes, and the real-world install details contractors keep getting wrong. If you work on houses, or live in one ... this conversation will change how you think about moisture control. Video Notes:  Placement and Ducting of Dehumidifiers (2:31) Air Distribution and Heat Generation (6:08) Retrofitting and Challenges in Existing Homes (8:51) Humidity Control and Building Codes (12:20) Ventilation Strategies and Industry Advancements (29:07) Contractor Mistakes and Best Practices (38:56) Industry Collaboration and Future Directions (48:11) Final Thoughts and Future Opportunities (49:52) Connect with :  Nikki Kruger Website: www.-Santa-Fe-Products.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nikkikrueger/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nikkikrueger_iaq/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nikki.krueger.71 Follow Hosts: Ben Walker (Co-CEO, Retrotec) LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-walker-4a05901/ Sam Myers (Building Science Specialist & Trainer) LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sam-myers-ms-a9a4a546/ Website: https://retrotec.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/retrotec/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/retrotec/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RetrotecEnergy/ Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3xMDAhIttUTHWK41DH7KhB Don’t forget to subscribe for more episodes on airtightness, ventilation strategies, and innovations in building science! #BuildingScience #AirtightnessTesting #EnergyEfficiency #BuildingPerformance #HVAC #Retrotec #GreenStar #EnergyWaste #HomeImprovement

    50 min
  8. How student built homes hit 0.9 ACH50

    12/11/2025

    How student built homes hit 0.9 ACH50

    High school students are building real, high-performance homes… and hitting 0.9 ACH50. Matt Blomquist joins The Flow Lab to unpack how his class builds tighter houses than most pros, why blower-door testing is a game-changer, and how hands-on education is shaping the next generation of builders. If you care about building science, air sealing, or the future of the trades, this episode hits hard. Matt Blomquist's Journey into Teaching and House Building (0:00) Starting the House Building Program (3:16) Student Involvement and Class Structure (4:31) Challenges and Achievements in House Building (42:20) High Performance Building Science (42:38) Impact and Future of the Program (42:54) Video Notes:  Matt Blomquist's Journey into Teaching and House Building (0:00) Starting the House Building Program (3:16) Student Involvement and Class Structure (4:31) Challenges and Achievements in House Building (42:20) High Performance Building Science (42:38) Impact and Future of the Program (42:54) Connect with :  Matt Blomquist  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/build_learn_teach/  TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@build_learn_teach  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattblomquist/  Follow Hosts: Ben Walker (Co-CEO, Retrotec) LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-walker-4a05901/ Sam Myers (Building Science Specialist & Trainer) LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sam-myers-ms-a9a4a546/ Website: https://retrotec.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/retrotec/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/retrotec/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RetrotecEnergy/ Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3xMDAhIttUTHWK41DH7KhB Don’t forget to subscribe for more episodes on airtightness, ventilation strategies, and innovations in building science! #BuildingScience #AirtightnessTesting #EnergyEfficiency #BuildingPerformance #HVAC #Retrotec #GreenStar #EnergyWaste #HomeImprovement

    43 min
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About

Explore building science with The Flow Lab Podcast, hosted by Ben Walker and Sam Meyers of Retrotec. Discover building envelope and HVAC ductwork airtightness, featuring discussions with industry leaders on evolving codes, energy efficiency, and sustainability. Learn from pioneers and case studies to enhance your expertise. Join our community and lead in building science. Follow The Flow Lab Podcast for insights and innovations in building performance.

Information

  • Creator
    Ben Walker & Sam Myers
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    22
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Flow Lab
  • Show Website
    The Flow Lab

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