Avsnitt
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Quotes from the episode:
"High-performance homes are not about the equipment. They are about the outcomes for the people inside."
"The gap is not in technology. It is in execution and understanding."
"The contractors who win are the ones who connect building science to real human experience."
Recorded live at the 2026 National Home Performance Conference in Columbus, this episode of the Building HVAC Science Podcast brings together Bill Spohn, Eric Kaiser, and guest Brynn Cooksey for a conversation at the intersection of buildings, HVAC systems, and the people who live in them.
This is PART 2, PART 1 was published last weekThe discussion opens with a reminder that high-performance homes are not just about equipment or design. They are about outcomes for occupants. Comfort, health, and real-world performance depend on how well systems are installed, commissioned, and understood. The group explores how contractors and practitioners can move beyond simply delivering equipment to truly delivering results.
From the conference floor, the conversation highlights a broader industry shift toward accountability, better data, and a more holistic approach to home performance. The takeaway is clear: the future belongs to professionals who can connect building science, HVAC expertise, and occupant experience into one cohesive offering.
This is a special one with interaction from the participants in the room who asked questions and shared experiences.
Brynn's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/theairdoctor/
HVAC-U website: https://www.hvactrain.com/
Amply Energy: https://www.amply.energy/
Conuit Tech: https://getconduit.com/Kwik Model: https://kwikmodel.com/
CoolCalc: https://www.coolcalc.com/
Grit Foundation: https://www.thegritfoundation.com/
The Socratic Method: https://tilt.colostate.edu/the-socratic-method/
CEDA Internships: https://www.weareceda.org/en/internships
This episode was recorded in April 2026
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Quotes from the episode:
"High-performance homes are not about the equipment. They are about the outcomes for the people inside."
"The gap is not in technology. It is in execution and understanding."
"The contractors who win are the ones who connect building science to real human experience."
Recorded live at the 2026 National Home Performance Conference in Columbus, this episode of the Building HVAC Science Podcast brings together Bill Spohn, Eric Kaiser, and guest Brynn Cooksey for a conversation at the intersection of buildings, HVAC systems, and the people who live in them.
This is PART 1, PART 2 will drop next week!The discussion opens with a reminder that high-performance homes are not just about equipment or design. They are about outcomes for occupants. Comfort, health, and real-world performance depend on how well systems are installed, commissioned, and understood. The group explores how contractors and practitioners can move beyond simply delivering equipment to truly delivering results.
From the conference floor, the conversation highlights a broader industry shift toward accountability, better data, and a more holistic approach to home performance. The takeaway is clear: the future belongs to professionals who can connect building science, HVAC expertise, and occupant experience into one cohesive offering.
This is a special one with interaction from the participants in the room who asked questions and shared experiences.
Brynn's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/theairdoctor/
HVAC-U website: https://www.hvactrain.com/
Amply Energy: https://www.amply.energy/
Conuit Tech: https://getconduit.com/Kwik Model: https://kwikmodel.com/
CoolCalc: https://www.coolcalc.com/
Grit Foundation: https://www.thegritfoundation.com/
The Socratic Method: https://tilt.colostate.edu/the-socratic-method/
CEDA Internships: https://www.weareceda.org/en/internships
This episode was recorded in April 2026.
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Saknas det avsnitt?
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Quotes from the episode:
"We're not just selling tools anymore — we're building solutions that make the trade pro's life easier."
"EOS gave us the discipline to focus on what really matters when everything is pulling at you."
"(In golf,) you can't hit everything with a driver — great businesses know which tool to use and when."
In this episode, Bill talks with Rich Benninghoff about Malco's evolution into the broader Malco Group and what it means to shift from a product company to a solutions platform. Rich shares how his 30-year journey across different business models shaped his approach to growth, ultimately leading to the strategic alignment and acquisition by Aspen Pumps. The result is a multi-brand platform designed to serve HVACR professionals more holistically, built around the "back of the van" concept — delivering a full suite of tools and solutions that make technicians' lives easier.
A major enabler of this growth has been EOS, which Rich credits with bringing clarity, accountability, and alignment across a complex, multi-brand organization. Rather than reinventing systems, the team has stayed true to EOS fundamentals, embedding them into tools like Microsoft Teams to scale effectively. The conversation highlights how discipline, focus, and simplicity are critical when managing rapid expansion without losing operational integrity.
Rich also emphasizes the importance of respecting the legacy of acquired brands while enhancing the customer experience through better access, service, and integration. Drawing inspiration from leaders like Warren Buffett and Charlie Munger, he reinforces a core principle: do a few things exceptionally well. The episode closes with a reminder that while strategy and systems matter, success ultimately comes down to people — both inside the organization and out in the field.
Rich's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rich-benninghoff/
The Malco Group website: https://malcogrp.com/
What is EOS: https://www.eosworldwide.com/what-is-eos
This episode was recorded in May 2026.
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Quotes from the episode:
"Great equipment doesn't build a reputation. Great technicians do."
"Use AI like a tool, not a crutch. The work still belongs to the person in the attic."
"We're missing mentorship across generations, and that gap is costing the trades more than we realize."
In this episode, Bill sits down with Rhydon Atzenhoffer, host of the HVAC R&D Podcast, for a wide-ranging conversation that goes well beyond tools and equipment. Rhydon shares how his show evolved from casual, relationship-driven conversations during COVID into a platform focused on learning, perspective, and the advancement of the trades. At the core of it all is a simple idea: HVAC is a people business first.
The discussion digs into real points of tension in the industry, from the disconnect between engineers and field technicians to the way regulation is now driving much of the innovation cycle. Rhydon offers a candid take: great equipment is only as good as the people who install and service it, and too often those voices are underrepresented. He also highlights the growing role of AI and structured knowledge systems, not as replacements for technicians, but as tools to sharpen skills and preserve best practices.
The episode closes with a strong call to action for contractors and business owners alike. Rhydon emphasizes collaboration over competition, investing in people, and rebuilding mentorship pipelines that once defined the trades. It's a forward-looking conversation grounded in experience, with a clear message: the future of HVAC depends on how well we develop people, not just products.
Rhydon's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomasrhydonatzenhoffer/
His podcast website: https://www.hvacrnd.com/
Grit Foundation: https://www.thegritfoundation.com/
Quinn AI training, with your company's materials: https://meetquinn.ai/This episode was recorded in April 2026.
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Quotes from the episode:
"If you're building something new, it has to be better in almost every way or it won't catch on."
"The stuff that's bad inside your home doesn't filter out, you have to move it out."
"We stopped over-modeling and just started testing in the real world as fast as possible."
This episode of the Building HVAC Science Podcast features Austin Riesenberger, founder of Swerv Air, a young entrepreneur tackling a surprisingly overlooked problem: how to bring fresh air into homes without sacrificing comfort, energy efficiency, or simplicity. Drawing from his background in HVAC engineering, physics, and personal struggles with asthma and poor indoor air quality, Austin set out to rethink ventilation from first principles.
Swerv's solution is a compact, window-mounted fresh air system that filters incoming air while recovering heat and moisture through a regenerative cycling core. Unlike traditional ERVs that are bulky and contractor-installed, this unit is designed for easy, consumer-level installation with strong performance. The conversation dives into the technical trade-offs, including airflow, efficiency, noise, and form factor, as well as the importance of real-world testing over theoretical modeling in product development.
Beyond the product itself, the episode highlights Austin's startup journey. From rapid prototyping and supply chain challenges to early beta deployments across multiple climates, the discussion offers insight into how modern hardware companies iterate quickly and build demand. It wraps with a call for beta testers and collaborators, positioning Swerv as a potential bridge between consumer IAQ needs and traditional HVAC solutions.
Austin's LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/austin-riesenberger-73502a1b6/
Swerv website: https://swervair.com/
Beta Tester SignUp: https://swervair.com/#beta
This episode was recorded in April 2026.
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Quotes from the episode:
"It's a solution to a problem people don't even know they have."
"Compliance is no longer just paperwork. It's becoming part of how smart contractors protect margin and keep access to refrigerant."
"What GPS did for traffic, shared HVAC documentation could do for equipment history, refrigerant tracking, and accountability."
In this episode of the Building HVAC Science podcast, Bill Spohn talks with Adam Dykstra of FM Hero about a part of the HVAC industry that often gets overlooked until it becomes a serious problem: refrigerant compliance, documentation, and tracking. Adam explains how FM Hero was built to help technicians, contractors, equipment owners, manufacturers, and eventually wholesalers manage the growing web of regulations tied to refrigerants, including Section 608, the AIM Act, and a patchwork of state-level rules. What sounds at first like a compliance tool turns out to be something bigger: a shared documentation platform that follows equipment, cylinders, and service history across the whole ecosystem.
Adam introduces the idea of the "Heroverse," a connected data environment where technicians can scan a unit nameplate, log service actions, track refrigerant movement, and build a portable service history over the course of their careers. Contractors gain visibility into field activity, equipment owners gain documentation they may now be legally required to have, and even manufacturers can see anonymized service history on their equipment in the field. The system is designed to fit real technician workflow rather than add paperwork, and the technician version is free to use.
The big takeaway is that refrigerant tracking is no longer just a back-office nuisance or an abstract EPA concern. With lower charge thresholds, more aggressive state rules, and likely future refrigerant supply constraints, documentation and recovery practices are becoming both a compliance issue and a business opportunity. Adam makes the case that contractors who get ahead of this can protect customers, strengthen retention, and even create a new profit center, all while helping reduce waste and preserve refrigerant supply for the future.
Adam's LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/adam-dykstra/
FM Hero website: https://www.fmhero.com/
FM Hero resource CenterL https://www.fmhero.com/resource-center/
Android app:https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.fmhero.mobile&hl=en
iOS app: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/fmhero/id1570918942
This episode was recorded in March 2026.
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Quotes from the episode:
"The emotional side of letting go and the identity shift is something nobody really warns you about.""Clarity is kindness, especially when the chips are down."
"Intelligence gets beaten by emotional regulation and patience every day." (Tommy Mello)This episode is a true "collab" between Building HVAC Science and HVAC School Podcasts, with Bill Spohn Sr. and Bill "Billy" Spohn Jr. (TruTech Tools) joining Bryan Orr and his dad Robert Orr (Kalos Services) to talk candidly about family business succession. They dig into the part nobody really warns you about: the emotional identity shift of letting go, moving from decision maker to advisor, and the weird tension of still being "the face" of the brand while your successor has to establish themselves.
From there, the conversation gets practical. The group compares how succession looks in a 24-person company versus a 400-person contractor, and why the fundamentals still rhyme: role clarity, accountability, and the right people in the right seats. Bill and Billy share how EOS helped "bake in" structure that made the handoff less chaotic, including accountability charts and more frequent performance conversations. Bryan and the Orrs add their lens on stewardship, culture, and doing right by people when the chips are down.
They wrap with advice for other family businesses: start earlier than you think, make a public commitment so you cannot quietly back out, seek outside counsel to keep your head from lying to you, and do not carry unresolved issues into family life. The final note lands on something bigger than succession itself: prepare for "what's next" so retirement does not become fading away, and keep relationships, forgiveness, and emotional regulation at the center if you want the business and the family to survive the transition
Bryan's LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryanorrkalos/
Robert's LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/rborr/
Billy's LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/billy-spohn-jr-a06201a3/
Bill's LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/billspohn/
Books we referenced:
Traction By Gino WickmanRocketFuel by Gino Wickman & Mark Winters
Succeeding. By Albert Ciuksza
Good To Great, Jim Collins
Family Business Succession: The Final Test of Greatness- Aronoff, McClure, & WardProcess! - Mike Paton and Lisa Gonzalez
The Business Transition Handbook - Laurie R. Barkman
Who Comes Next? Leadership Succession Planning Made Easy - Mary C. Kelly, Meredith E. Powell
This episode was recorded in February 2026.
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EPISODE QUOTES
"Anyone can install a heat pump, but if you don't understand how houses work, you're gambling with comfort.""Our intake process is a pre-screen. We want customers who already want the heat pump."
"Electrify everything is cute. Electrify efficiently is the job."
In this episode of the Building HVAC Science Podcast, Bill Spohn and Eric Kaiser talk with Larry Waters and Alex Sloan of Electrify My Home, a Bay Area contractor focused on efficient home electrification. Larry walks through his 43-year path in the trade, from early technical training and commercial HVAC work to residential, where he kept running into the same puzzle: systems that "worked" but didn't deliver comfort. A turning point came through BPI training and the building-science lens, which shifted his work from fixing equipment to fixing houses, and eventually led him to launch an electrification-only company when retirement plans and COVID reshuffled the deck.
Alex shares his own route, coming from incentive programs and building-science work, then meeting Larry as a homeowner customer, and later joining to help build business development and operations. Together, they describe an accidental but very real "visionary and integrator" pairing (EOS style), and how that partnership shaped a business model that prescreens customers: detailed online intake, a virtual assessment first, and an onsite visit only after budget alignment. Their goal is to spend time with people who already want the solution, not those who need convincing.
They dig into what "electrify efficiently" means in practice: load calculations on every job, job-type checklists, and designing around modulation, not just peak capacity. They also get candid about challenges, especially California utility pricing, old, leaky homes, and tricky heat pump water heater installations with space and wiring constraints. A standout concept is the "Watt diet," which plans electrification so homeowners can often avoid panel upgrades by using smarter equipment choices, circuit sharing, and load management. The episode closes with a clear takeaway from both guests: installing heat pumps without understanding houses, envelopes, and electrical realities is a recipe for disappointment. They also tease a future follow-up episode focused entirely on the history of electrification in the U.S.
Regarding the National Home Performance Conference:New Contractor Discount - $825 - HVACSCIENCE
Unique URL for your Show: http://nhpc26.org/building-hvac-sci
Alex's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexjsloan/Larry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/larry-waters-31677b19/
Their company website: https://electrifymyhome.com/
Electrify Academy course calendar:https://emhlearn.com/calendar/?mcat=4#
Electrify My Home YouTube Channel: www.youtube.com/@electrifymyhomeThis episode was recorded in February 2026.
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"There are people who teach for income, and people who teach for outcome."
"You want to grow an industry, you can't ignore half America."
"Become an unsung hero, mentor someone, and give back to the industry you love."
In this episode of Building HVAC Science, Bill and Eric are joined by Renee Tomlinson and Howard Weiss from ESCO Institute (and HVAC Excellence) to talk about a theme that does not get nearly enough airtime: the "quiet" people in HVAC who shape careers and raise standards without chasing attention. Howard explains ESCO's role in the industry, from accrediting HVAC educational programs and credentialing instructors to administering a huge number of certifications and developing curriculum, all aimed at improving HVAC education overall. Renee adds the bigger why behind the work, pointing to education as the lever that improves lives, strengthens communities, and leaves the trade better than we found it.
The conversation turns into a celebration of "unsung heroes" such as instructors, trainers, mentors, and program leaders who quietly change the trajectory of students, apprentices, and working techs. Howard and Renee share examples of people who built exceptional programs through sheer effort and care, and they frame recognition as something deeper than popularity. It is about honoring outcomes, the ripple effects of mentorship, and the real human impact that happens behind the scenes. They also highlight how the industry is getting younger, how newer instructors blend legacy fundamentals with modern tools, and how podcasts and social platforms can be powerful teaching aids at scale.
The episode closes with a challenge to listeners: become one of the unsung heroes. Thank the people who trained you. Mentor someone coming up behind you. Join an advisory board. Give back because you "get to," not because you have to. Renee also recognizes the behind-the-scenes ESCO team whose daily work keeps training, testing, and education moving forward, and Bill wraps with a promise to share links in the show notes so listeners can connect and learn more.
Regarding the National Home Performance Conference:New Contractor Discount - $825 - HVACSCIENCE
Unique URL for your Show: http://nhpc26.org/building-hvac-sci
Renee's LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/reneemtomlinson/
Howard's LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/howardsweiss/
ESCO Institute: https://www.escogroup.org/
The National HVAC Educators Conference: https://site.pheedloop.com/event/EVEPCOXJHXNUZ/home/
The 2025 List of Most Influential Instructors: https://www.achrnews.com/articles/163726-25-for-25-most-influential-instructors-named
This episode was recorded in February 2026
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"The more you know, the more you're worth and the harder you are to replace."
"Just because you're a great technician doesn't mean you're ready to run a business."
"You can't buy the satisfaction of helping someone you may never meet."
Bill sits down with Rick Diermeyer, better known to many in the trade as the face behind the HVACR Survival YouTube channel. Rick shares the origin story of his channel, which now boasts tens of thousands of subscribers and hundreds of field-based videos. What began as a simple way to document and share service technician experiences evolved into a platform focused on helping others "survive" and succeed in the HVACR trade through practical, experience-driven education.
Rick walks through his professional journey, from early service roles to leadership positions and eventually into highly diversified technical work spanning refrigeration, geothermal, chillers, generators, and more. He reflects on the culture of the company he works for, emphasizing how strong leadership, training, and employee investment create long-term loyalty and performance. The conversation also highlights the realities of business operations, reminding listeners that technical skill alone does not automatically translate into business success.
The discussion expands into content creation, covering how Rick chooses video topics, balances liability concerns, and adapts content based on audience engagement. He also shares how his background as a mobile DJ shaped his communication style, marketing instincts, and comfort with public speaking. The episode closes with advice for both technicians and employers: invest in your skills, build relationships, create value, and recognize that personal growth and trade mastery go hand in hand.
Rick's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rickdirmeyer/
His Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hvacrsurvival
His YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HVACRSurvivalRegarding the National Home Performance Conference:
New Contractor Discount - $825 - HVACSCIENCE Unique URL for your Show: http://nhpc26.org/building-hvac-sciThis episode was recorded in February 2026
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Episode Quotes:
"Airflow isn't good. It's measured.""Most pushback isn't 'I won't.' It's 'I'm afraid I'll mess it up.'"
"This is a people industry, by people, for people."
JT Stewart joins Bill Spohn and Eric Kaiser to talk about how he went from long-term care nursing to HVAC, thanks to a red Chevy Ventura van, a ladder on top, and a "let's go fix some stuff" invitation. Today JT is an HVAC consultant at Slipstream, working with utilities and state programs to build real-world training that goes beyond "heat pumps are hot" and into the building-science fundamentals that actually make systems work.
JT shares what his trainings look like in the wild, from half-day sessions to multi-day workshops, and how he designs them around the human side of HVAC. Homeowners are already uncomfortable when the system breaks, and techs can feel the same pressure when equipment and software change constantly. JT's take is that most resistance isn't stubbornness; it's uncertainty and fear of getting it wrong. He argues that confidence comes from structure: give techs time to learn, reduce guesswork, and use tools and processes that help them make good decisions when support is not available.
The crew also gets into handling skeptical attendees and misinformation. JT's approach is to challenge people respectfully and bring it back to the homeowner, the contractor's long-term reputation, and the reality that this is a people industry. He encourages contractors to lean on manufacturer and distributor training, and he makes a strong case that homeowners also need better education on what questions to ask so "slick sales" do not replace proper design and commissioning. Bottom line: HVAC is getting cooler as a career because the knowledge, community, and training ecosystem are leveling up, and JT hopes that part isn't a fad.
JT's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/j-t-stewart/
His company: https://slipstreaminc.org/
This episode was recorded in February 2026.
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"Listen first, talk last."
"Integrity costs something, you've got to be willing to pay it."
"If I'm going to fail, I'm going to go down fighting."
In this episode of the Building HVAC Science Podcast, Bill and Eric sit down with Don Gillis, a longtime industry pro with a career spanning roles as an installer and service tech, service manager, outside sales, corporate training, and now building technical training within a smaller nonprofit environment. Don shares the real story behind the resume: high-volume service management, the stress and health toll of living in "two phones to your ears" mode, and the hard decision to finally step away, even when loyalty and integrity made it feel impossible.
A big theme is the power of soft skills, especially listening. Don talks about how learning to listen changed everything: calmer customers, stronger trust, better long-term relationships, and even better outcomes inside a distributor sales role where he turned around a struggling territory by showing up as himself. He digs into what "genuine" actually looks like in the field, why people can smell a script or hidden agenda, and how trust can become so strong that customers insist on "their" technician.
The second major theme is growth through discomfort. Don repeatedly stepped into roles where he felt over his head, then compensated by obsessively preparing: reading, practicing, recording himself, and learning from people with deeper experience. The episode closes with a simple message that ties it all together: integrity and passion cost something, but they are also the multipliers that make careers durable and meaningful.
Don's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dongilliscom/
Don's company: https://hardinet.org/This episode was recorded in February 2026
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Quotes from the episode:
"If you're not measuring, you're just arguing with opinions."
"The tools got better, but what really changed is the technician mindset.""We used to diagnose systems one reading at a time. Now we see the whole story live."
Recorded live at 9:00 a.m. on Day 1 of the AHR Expo 2026 in Las Vegas, this episode of the Building HVAC Science Podcast captures the spirit of the industry in real time. Bill and Eric kick things off reflecting on their decades of AHR attendance, the miles walked, vendors visited, and friendships built along the way. They're joined on the floor by Chris Fabre and Dave Cornette of Hughes Mechanical in Zachary, Louisiana, who share perspectives from the commercial service and construction sides of the trade.
The conversation dives into how contractor learning has evolved, from early podcast forums and Facebook groups to today's hyper-connected social media ecosystem. Chris and Dave talk candidly about being called in to fix improperly installed systems, how that forced growth sharpened their diagnostic skills, and why measurement tools have become indispensable. From airflow testing to wireless probes, they reflect on how modern instrumentation has transformed troubleshooting from guesswork into data-driven decision making.
They also touch on highlights from the HVAC Tactical Awards, industry legends like John Pastorello, and the growing role of apps, workflows, and integrated digital tools in technician performance. The episode wraps with a discussion around contractor accountability, Better HVAC's mission, and how directories and verified credentials can help homeowners find professionals committed to continuous learning, ethical work, and measured results.
Chris' LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-fabre-2a2b5933/
Their business: http://www.hughesmechanical.net/
This episode was recorded in February 2026.
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Pithy quotes
"Your product can be great, but if you're hard to work with, nobody's going to buy it."
"Take a deep breath, go back to the fundamentals, and ask: what's the biggest value I can add today?"
"You're allowed to say, 'I don't know. I'll figure it out for you.' People respect that more than the runaround."
Brad Adcox joined the Building HVAC Science podcast with Bill and Eric and, within minutes, earned the unofficial title "donkey wrangler" after sharing a story about his donkey. The laughs kept coming, including a side quest into hobby-farm life on a 40-acre "family compound" outside Dallas with cows, donkeys, mini horses, and a long-running plan by Brad's dad to eventually acquire a camel. The banter was fun, but it also set the tone for who Brad is: practical, observant, and very people-focused.
Brad's HVAC background runs deep and wide. He grew up around wholesale, started at Winsupply in the warehouse and as a delivery driver, then moved through outside sales and even a stint selling and building Cisco server infrastructure. He eventually joined SUPCO, helped scale territory coverage and rep networks, and was part of launching TradeFox, the influencer-inventor program that surfaced a pile of real-world products, including the magnetic umbrella that Bill notes TruTech sold in big numbers. Brad later spent time at NAVAC teaching fundamentals like pulling a proper vacuum, and today he's in a "free agent" phase, running consultant-style sales and service training for contractors in the DFW area.
The core of Brad's message is fundamentals, especially customer service and relationship transfer. He's worried the industry is headed for a knowledge cliff as experienced wholesalers, reps, and counter people retire without passing down relationships or practical know-how. He also sees a drift toward "parts changers" and automated, text-only customer interactions that reduce real human connection. In his local classes, he pushes techs to slow down just enough to add value: communicate like a neighbor, do a fuller system check while you're already there, explain what you looked at, and offer small, memorable extras. He's also blunt about wholesale basics: greet people when they walk in, be willing to say "I don't know, but I'll find out," and stop hiding behind "that's just Facebook" when customer sentiment is being broadcast publicly.
Brad's: LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/brad-adcox-1a070467/
This episode was recorded in January 2026.
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"AHR isn't just a product show, it's where you see the future of the trade taking shape in real time."
"Training, technology, and community are finally moving at the same speed."
"Exhausting in the best possible way, that's how you know it was a great show."
Fresh off the floor of AHR Expo 2026 in Las Vegas, the TruTech Tools team jumps on the mic to share firsthand impressions from one of the HVAC industry's biggest gatherings. From Ginny's perspective as a first-time attendee navigating miles of booths and crowds, to seasoned takes from Eric, Sue, Billy, and you, the conversation blends product insights with the human side of the event. AHR once again proved to be equal parts technology showcase, relationship builder, and industry pulse check.
The team highlights standout innovations across tools and test instruments. Knipex impressed with precision German-engineered hand tools, while NAVAC, CPS, and other manufacturers expanded digital manifold and smart probe ecosystems. Uniweld's move into smart tools, new battery-platform flexibility, and firmware-driven analyzers signaled the continued shift toward connected diagnostics. Thermal imaging advances by testo, high-accuracy electrical measurement from UEi, and training simulators also reinforced how fast field technology is evolving.
Beyond products, the episode underscores the culture of the trade. From Tactical Awards recognition to High-Performance Hangout networking and young entrepreneurs launching companies at 18, the future of HVAC felt energized. The conversation closes with reflections on industry momentum, BetterHVAC's growing traction, and a shared sense that innovation, education, and community are accelerating together.
This episode was recorded in February 2026.
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Pithy quotes
"We do our job well if the homeowner forgets about us, because the system just works."
"The bar is so low in some homes that doing a quality install can genuinely change someone's life."
"The best way to learn is crawling in the crawl space behind a great technician and handing them tools."
Semi-famous quote that fits our theme
"Stay hungry, stay foolish." © Steve JobsShreyas Sudhakar joined the Building HVAC Science podcast to talk about his path from rocket propulsion engineering to building high-quality heat pump installs in California. Bill and Eric found him through his thoughtful LinkedIn posts, and Shreyas shared that a friend's relentless heat-pump evangelism finally pushed him to look deeper. Once he did, the tech clicked. He realized HVAC and rockets share the same core idea: moving energy through systems, and the math is not as far apart as it sounds.
What really pulled him in was the homeowner experience. After talking with homeowners on Nextdoor and Reddit, and even calling contractors for quotes himself, he kept hearing the same frustrations: heat pumps feel expensive, contractor advice is inconsistent, trust is low, and myths like "heat pumps don't work in the cold" still show up, even in mild California climates. Shreyas' view is simple: most homeowners do not care what the equipment is called. They care about comfort, noise, bills, and safety, and the best outcome is when the system is so reliable they barely think about it.
Shreyas now runs Vayu, a lean heat pump installation company operating with vetted subcontractor partners, while his Heat Pumped newsletter and podcast focus on education for homeowners, technicians, and policy folks. Vayu handles the end-to-end process, from load sizing and equipment selection to permits and rebates, while partner shops focus on the craft of installation. His definition of success is not just a happy install day, but a customer still loving the system a decade later, and technicians thriving because the model removes desk work and supports quality work at scale.
Shreyas' LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shreyassudhakar/
His websites: https://www.vayu.pro/about & https://www.heatpumped.org/
HeatPumped Newsletter sign up: https://www.heatpumped.org/subscribe
Heat Pumped Podcast: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/heat-pumped/
This episode was recorded in January 2026
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Episode quotes:
"What you put into this, you get out of this in multiples."
"It's not about sales. It's about learning, relationships, and leaving your ego at the door."
"Use AI responsibly, but keep the humans involved. The humans are what keep it honest."
In this episode of the Building HVAC Science Podcast, Eric Kaiser, Bill, and the TruTech Tools crew (Billy Spohn, Ginny Hebert, and Josh Crawley) recap their trip to the 7th Annual HVACR Training Symposium in Ocoee, Florida. Josh and Ginny share first-timer impressions: early-morning booth setup, instant attendee engagement, a surprisingly family-friendly outdoor vibe (kids and dogs everywhere), and the general "people are here to learn, not to get sold to" energy. The group talks about how rare it is to see a community where respect and curiosity are the default.
They also dig into the most memorable moments and crowd magnets: the GRIT Foundation dunk tank fundraiser, Jim Bergmann's talk on using AI responsibly (in conjunction with real measurements), and hands-on booth favorites like the Shaeco fin straightener demo, the RETROTEC"air tracer," and continued interest in specialized tools like the TrueFlow grid and torque screwdrivers. Billy highlights a renewed surge of questions around combustion analyzers and why the industry seems to cycle back to them, while Eric frames it simply: you cannot fix what you cannot see.
To close, everyone answers the question of why the symposium matters, in person or virtually. The consistent theme is relationships, peer learning, and a network that lasts long after the event. Bill caps it with a challenge: what you put into this community, you get back in multiples, and it can genuinely be career-changing.
Symposium link: https://www.hvacrschool.com/events/7th-annual-hvac-r-training-symposium/
ELK's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-kaiser-323a1563/
Josh's LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/josh-crawley-20b41550/
Ginny's LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/ginny-hebert/Billy's LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/billy-spohn-jr-a06201a3/
Bill's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/billspohn/
This episode was recorded in January 2026.
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Notable quote from the episode: Make it as simple as possible, but not simpler.
In this episode, Eric Kaiser sits down with mechanical engineer Tony Amadio, the founder of True Loads, to talk about what actually makes residential load calculations succeed or fail in the real world. Tony shares how his work is split between builders, architects, project managers, and HVAC contractors, and why the biggest early battle was simply getting people to trust results that pointed to smaller equipment. He explains how he quickly learned from feedback loops in production housing, including what happens when people "over-vent" tiny spaces like closets and bathrooms, accidentally stealing airflow from bedrooms where it matters.
Tony walks through his approach to receiving plans, emphasizing the importance of nailing down the building envelope inputs (windows, insulation, attic conditions) and getting key assumptions in writing. On renovations, he emphasizes that uncertainty is normal, so you lean on photos, field verification, and practical guidance to keep the model honest. They dig into infiltration and leakage, where Tony argues the models are still imperfect even with blower door data, and the real win is setting expectations: the HVAC design works under specific building conditions, and if the building does not match those conditions, performance issues are not automatically "bad calcs."
The conversation closes with a discussion of equipment selection, humidity, and where the industry is headed. Tony makes a clear point: most standard residential systems do not directly control humidity, and the code focuses on temperature performance, not a promised indoor RH target. They also touch on ACCA Manual S updates, oversizing rules for staged equipment, and Tony's upcoming True Loads software, which uses the ASHRAE Heat Balance method to represent modern construction and time-lag effects better, while aiming to require fewer inputs than traditional Manual J workflows.
TrueLoads website: https://1dtrueloads.com/
Tony on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthony-amadio-pe-7360952a/
This episode was recorded in December 2025.
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QUOTES from the episode:
"Most building failures aren't mysterious. They're just ignored fundamentals."
"If you demand museum-level humidity, you're no longer building a house. You're building a museum."
"Moisture meters don't solve problems. They show you patterns. The thinking solves the problem."
In this episode of the Building HVAC Science Podcast, Eric Kaiser is joined by Kohta Ueno, principal and co-owner of Building Science Corporation, for a wide-ranging discussion on building failures, moisture, HVAC, and the practical realities of diagnosing real-world problems. Kohta shares his unconventional path into building science, from small remodeling jobs and a PBS NOVA episode to decades of forensic investigations alongside Joe Lstiburek, one of the field's most influential voices. The conversation quickly moves from origin stories into what really matters: how buildings fail, why those failures are often predictable, and how much cheaper it is to solve problems on paper than after construction.
A major theme is moisture management, especially in high-performance and multifamily buildings. Kohta explains how seemingly small details, like window sill slope, back dams, airflow settings, and interior air seals, routinely separate durable buildings from expensive failures. He also highlights a growing perfect storm in modern construction: oversized HVAC equipment, high ventilation rates, poor commissioning, and limited dehumidification, particularly in smaller units. The result is mold, humidity complaints, and systems that technically run but fail to control moisture.
The episode closes with a practical look at diagnostic tools and methods. Kohta emphasizes pattern recognition over single-point measurements, combining moisture meters, thermal imaging, pressure diagnostics, and blower door testing to understand how air, heat, and moisture actually move through buildings. He encourages listeners to use freely available Building Science Corporation research and Joe Lstiburek's Building Science Insights as foundational resources, reminding the audience that most building failures are not mysterious. They are repeatable, understandable, and avoidable if the fundamentals are respected.
Kohta's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kohta-ueno-472a4/
Links mentioned in the episode:
Our Current HVAC MessExperts discuss problems with residential HVAC systems as a first step toward defining solutions
https://www.greenbuildingadvisor.com/article/our-current-hvac-mess
Proposed Solutions for Residential HVAC Problems
Experts suggest ways to improve the quality of residential heating, ventilating, and cooling equipment installations
https://www.greenbuildingadvisor.com/article/proposed-solutions-for-the-residential-hvac-industry
A presentation on my investigations of multifamily humidity problems:
Multifamily Humidity Control Problems: Muggy Mayhem
https://buildingscience.com/sites/default/files/presentation-docs/2021-05-06_nesea_be21_muggy_mayhem_ueno_for_pdf_0.pdf
I have done a presentation on the diagnostic tools I use in my buildings forensic work; here's the slide deck:
NESEA BE19 Tools of the Trade for Building Diagnostics
March 14, 2019
https://www.buildingscience.com/sites/default/files/2019-03-14_nesea_be19_ueno_tools_trade_diagnostics_for_pdf.pdf
2019-03-14_NESEA_BE19_Ueno_Tools_Trade_Diagnostics.pdf
And here's a YouTube video:
Tools of the Trade for Building Diagnostics with Kohta Ueno
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kCZIJFXDl9Q&t=2978s&ab_channel=TheBSandBeerShow
The complete rundown of Joe Lstiburek's columns:
https://buildingscience.com/document-search?search_title=&search=&field_doc_topics=All&field_doc_document_type=3&items_per_page=10
And some of the research reports we did under Building America:
https://buildingscience.com/document-search?search_title=&search=&field_doc_topics=All&field_doc_document_type=8&items_per_page=10
This episode was recorded in January 2026.
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Quotes from the episode:
"Better isn't a goal, it's a direction."
"HVAC can feel like a house of mirrors for homeowners, and the cure is transparency plus measured results."
"We're not trying to find the perfect contractor. We're trying to find the contractor who keeps learning and won't get complacent."In this episode of the Building HVAC Science Podcast, Eric Kaiser flips the script and brings Bill Spohn on as a guest alongside Kevin Hart from Better HVAC and Darren Reuter and Huff Hoffmaster from Rewiring America. The group lays out a shared problem: homeowners face a significant information disadvantage when buying HVAC, often making a five-figure decision with no easy way to verify quality beyond marketing, promises, or price. That gap leads to mistrust, inconsistent outcomes, and too many "box swaps" that miss sizing, duct performance, commissioning, and homeowner education.
Better HVAC exists to tip the odds back toward the homeowner by connecting people to contractors and individuals who commit to doing measured, commissioned work, and by aggregating trusted educational resources in one place. Rewiring America adds the consumer education and electrification planning layer, plus a push to scale adoption responsibly, with real contractor standards behind it. The partnership ties those strengths together: instead of building separate directories, they align on a shared pledge and a badging approach that helps homeowners and peers filter for contractors who are trained, insured, licensed, and willing to follow best practices, especially for heat pumps and whole-home electrification journeys that also include weatherization and energy auditing.
Rewiring America's website: https://www.rewiringamerica.org/
BetterHVAC website:https://betterhvac.org/BetterHVAC Pledge: https://betterhvac.org/pledge
Huff's LinkedIn :https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomas-huff-hoffmaster-ii-766b3a36/
Kevin's LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinrhart/
Darren's LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/darrenreuter98/Bill's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/billspohn/
Corbett's list: https://homediagnosis.tv/hvac-installers
This episode was recorded in January 2026
- Visa fler
