Building HVAC Science

In this episode of the Building HVAC Science Podcast, hosts Bill Spohn and Eric Kaiser engage in a lively "duo cast" discussing the various measurements they take in their homes and the reasons behind them. They start the conversation by reflecting on their recent episode with Gary Klein, which inspired Eric to set up a data logging system to monitor hot water temperatures in his home. This leads to a broader discussion about the different tools and devices they use to track energy consumption and efficiency, such as the Emporia Vue energy monitor, which helped Bill identify a faulty installation in his heat pump system. The hosts delve into their personal experiences with various smart home devices, including air quality monitors from Airthings, radon monitors, and even an innovative weather station called Tempest. They share insights on how these devices have provided valuable data, helping them make informed decisions about their home's energy use and indoor air quality. Bill highlights his use of an ERV system that runs based on CO2 levels. At the same time, Eric discusses his plans to upgrade his home's ventilation and dehumidification systems using the Haven air quality monitor. Toward the end of the episode, Bill and Eric discuss their use of fitness trackers, discussing the metrics they monitor for personal health. Bill also mentions his latest acquisition, a Bluetooth meat probe, which he plans to use to perfect his grilling techniques. The episode wraps up with the hosts emphasizing the importance of integrating monitoring tools into everyday life to enhance comfort, efficiency, and well-being and inviting listeners to reach out for more information on the products discussed. Contact us at bill@trutechtools.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/billspohn/ ekaiser@trutechtools.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-kaiser-323a1563/ Take a look at what ROCIS (https://rocis.org/low-cost-monitoring-project/)  is doing, especially concerning RADON: https://rocis.org/radon-resources/ EPA Radon map: https://www.epa.gov/radon/epa-map-radon-zones The spray foam attic ping pong effect: https://www.energyvanguard.com/blog/high-humidity-in-a-spray-foam-attic-part-2/ Products we mention in this podcast: HAVEN IAQ monitors: https://trutechtools.com/haven Airthings Radon CO2 and more: https://trutechtools.com/Airthings Emporia Circuit Power Monitors and EV Chargers: https://www.emporiaenergy.com/ CERV2: Bill’s Conditioning ERV that uses a CO2 sensor to decide when to run: https://buildequinox.com/ Home weather station: https://shop.tempest.earth/products/tempest Security cameras: Eric’s:  https://www.eufy.com/eufycam#navimenu_4_copy Bill’s: https://www.wyze.com/products/wyze-cam EcoQube Radon: https://ecosense.io/products/ecoqube Aranet COs monitor: https://aranet.com/products/aranet4-home Meater Bluetooth cooking thermometer: https://store-us.meater.com/products/meater-plus Kardia portable 6 lead EKG: https://store.kardia.com/products/kardiamobile Apple watch for fitness: https://www.apple.com/watch/ Home Automation: https://www.home-assistant.io/   This episode was recorded in July 2024.

In this episode of the Building HVAC Science Podcast, hosts Bill Spohn and Eric Kaiser are joined by Gary Klein, a veteran in the field of energy conservation, particularly in hot water system design. The discussion begins with Klein explaining his innovative teaching method, using tape on the floor to illustrate the distances between water heaters and home fixtures. This method helps participants understand the time it takes for hot water to reach different parts of a house. Klein emphasizes the importance of efficient hot water system design, criticizing common practices that prioritize aesthetics over functionality. The conversation then shifts to Klein's experiences and contributions to right-sizing plumbing systems, highlighting the inefficiencies in current standards based on outdated data. He discusses the development of the water demand calculator, a tool that more accurately estimates peak water demand and leads to more efficient pipe sizing. Klein provides examples of how modern buildings can significantly reduce their water supply infrastructure needs, using real data to support the argument for updating plumbing codes and practices to reflect contemporary water use patterns. In the final segment, Klein shares personal anecdotes from his extensive career, including his time in Lesotho, where he implemented solar energy solutions. He reflects on his work in the United States, promoting the adoption of air-source heat pump water heaters and continuing to lead efforts in right-sizing plumbing systems. Klein also touches on his teaching philosophy, advocating for practical, evidence-based approaches to plumbing and energy conservation. The episode concludes with Klein urging industry professionals to integrate modern technologies effectively and to consider real-world usage patterns in their designs. Gary’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gary-klein-b112592/ Gary’s website: https://www.garykleinassociates.com/ IAPMO Water Demand Calculator: https://www.iapmo.org/water-demand-calculator/   Larry Weigarten’s books mentioned in the episode: The Water Heater Workbook: A Hands-On Guide to Water Heaters: https://a.co/d/g2vN6rt The Philosopher's Wrench: Using Your Creativity, Heart & Tools to Fix the World: https://a.co/d/7zmtq5A     This episode was recorded in July 2024.

In the latest Building HVAC Science Podcast episode, co-hosts Bill Spohn and Eric Kaiser welcome special guest Steven Rardon, a YouTube celebrity and owner of Smart Home Comfort. Rardon discusses his journey in the HVAC industry, which began at age 17, working for his girlfriend's father's small HVAC business. Over the years, Rardon transitioned through various roles from installer to service technician, eventually moving to North Carolina in 2005 to pursue better job opportunities. He faced numerous challenges but remained committed to improving his skills and knowledge, which led him to start his own company, Smart Home Comfort. Rardon shares the pivotal moments that influenced his career, including his transition from Rardon Home Performance to Smart Home Comfort, driven by customer feedback and the need for a more marketable brand. He reflects on how he learned to value quality and service over speed and financial gain, a philosophy instilled by his first mentor. This approach has helped him build a business focused on long-term customer relationships and exceptional service. Rardon also emphasizes the importance of continuous learning and adapting to new technologies, significantly enhancing his ability to diagnose and solve HVAC problems. The podcast also discusses Rardon's use of advanced testing and measurement tools, such as Measure Quick, to ensure precise and efficient service. He discusses the importance of having reliable digital tools and how they have transformed his work, allowing him to provide better service and maintain strong customer relationships. Rardon advises aspiring HVAC professionals to use modern learning resources and continually strive for excellence. His story underscores the value of perseverance, adaptability, and the pursuit of quality in building a successful career and business in the HVAC industry. Stephen’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephen-rardon-3a656886/ Smart Home Comfort website: https://callsmarthomenc.com/ Smart Home Comfort Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/SmartHomeComfortNC Stephen Rardon’s YouTube Channel:https://www.youtube.com/@StephenRardon Corbett Lunsford’s HVAC installers list: https://homediagnosis.tv/hvac-installers   This episode was recorded in July 2024.

In this episode of the Building HVAC Science Podcast, Eric Kaiser and Bill Spohn welcome Jim Bergmann as their special guest. The conversation kicks off with a discussion about Jim's well-known product, MeasureQuick, and its origins. Jim elaborates on the journey from his early work with performance and diagnostics using the iManifold to the development of MeasureQuick. The goal was to leverage smart tools and smartphones to perform complex calculations and diagnostics, making advanced performance measurements accessible to everyone in the HVAC industry. Jim explains the evolution of MeasureQuick over the past 12-15 years, emphasizing its role in aggregating data from smart probes and tools to provide real-time performance calculations and diagnostics. He highlights the importance of setting measurement targets and using data trends to identify system faults. This approach helps technicians better understand system performance and make informed decisions. The discussion also touches on the challenges of balancing the needs of different user groups, including utility programs and field technicians, and the measures taken to maintain data integrity, such as the introduction of geotagged screenshots. Towards the end of the podcast, Jim shares insights into his personal journey, including overcoming health challenges and delegating responsibilities within his organization. He discusses the importance of foundational HVAC knowledge and the value of MeasureQuick in providing just-in-time education to technicians. The episode concludes with updates on recent MeasureQuick features and improvements, including a new grid view and AI assistant to enhance user experience. Jim emphasizes the ongoing commitment to improving the HVAC industry through innovation and education, encouraging listeners to stay updated with the latest MeasureQuick developments. Jim’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jim-bergmann-2968178/ measureQuick website: https://measurequick.com/ measureQuick YouTube Channel:https://www.youtube.com/@measureQuick measureQuick products at TruTech Tools: https://trutechtools.com/MeasureQuick   This episode was recorded in July 2024.

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.