In this in-depth episode of Building HVAC Science, hosts Bill Spohn and Eric Kaiser sit down with Phil Farese, CEO of Mojave HVAC, to explore the cutting edge of desiccant dehumidification technology. Phil, whose career began in physics at Cornell and research at Princeton before moving into consulting at McKinsey and leadership roles at NREL, Enphase, and now Mojave, brings a rare mix of scientific rigor and market savvy to the HVAC space.

The conversation traces the evolution of liquid desiccant systems and Mojave’s unique approach that combines vapor compression and liquid desiccant in a single DOAS (Dedicated Outdoor Air System) unit. The result? Enhanced dehumidification, reduced energy use, and precision control of sensible and latent loads—at market-competitive prices. Phil outlines how Mojave’s patented media bed and regeneration systems avoid many of the pitfalls that plagued earlier desiccant systems, while also maintaining ease of installation, low maintenance, and strong reliability.

Listeners also hear about Mojave’s service philosophy, tech training programs, and broad rep network, plus a discussion of ideal use cases, efficiency standards like ISMRE (Integrated Seasonal Moisture Removal Efficiency), and how the system outperforms traditional DOAS units. Whether you’re an engineer, contractor, or building owner looking to optimize HVAC performance while cutting energy bills, this episode delivers clear, science-backed insight into where dehumidification is headed.

Quotes from the episode:

“We’re not undoing cooling with reheat—we’re using that energy to do something useful: regenerate the desiccant.”

“Liquid desiccants are like the honey of HVAC—safe, natural, and surprisingly powerful.”

“It looks like an air conditioner. That’s what contractors tell us—and that’s the point.”

Phil’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/philip-farese-49a81b1/

Mojave Energy Systems: https://mojavehvac.com/

Tony Mormino, our friend at HVAC-TV did a recent interview with Mojave: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/hvac-tv/episodes/Liquid-Desiccant-Dehumidification-Explained-e33elio/a-abvfahu

Eutectic system defined: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eutectic_system

AHRI Standard 920,Performance Rating of Direct Expansion-dedicated Outdoor Air System Units:

https://www.ahrinet.org/search-standards/ahri-920-i-p-and-921-si-performance-rating-direct-expansion-dedicated-outdoor-air-system-units

Papers and reports by Phil:
Tool to Prioritize Energy Efficiency Investments (NREL 2012):

https://docs.nrel.gov/docs/fy12osti/54799.pdf

How to build a low-energy future (2012): https://www.nature.com/articles/488275a

ASHRAE paper on Liquid Desiccants:

https://mojavehvac.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Liquid-Desiccant-Field-Campaign-Final-2.pdf

McKinsey paper:Unlocking Energy Efficiency in the US Economy (2009):

https://www.mckinsey.com/~/media/mckinsey/dotcom/client_service/Sustainability/PDFs/US_energy_efficiency_full_report.pdf

This episode was recorded in June 2025.

In this high-energy episode of Building HVAC Science, Bill Spohn and Eric Kaiser welcome Tersh Blissett—entrepreneur, podcaster, and automation enthusiast—for a deep dive into how AI and automation are transforming service businesses. Tersh, known for running multiple HVAC, plumbing, and electrical companies, shares his journey from podcasting beginnings to becoming a Zapier expert and automation evangelist. He explains how AI voice tools, custom GPTs, and platforms like Notebook LM and PhoneTap are helping streamline operations, improve call conversions, and create more consistent customer experiences.

The conversation explores both the promise and the pitfalls of AI, from building SOPs and staff training bots to setting up Slack-integrated employee handbooks. Tersh doesn’t shy away from the challenges—like automating broken processes or managing security risks—but encourages listeners not to ignore these powerful tools. He wraps up by offering guidance and community resources for those looking to start their AI journey, reinforcing the message: don't automate for automation’s sake—do it to solve real problems.

Quotes from today’s episode:

“If you do something more than three times a week, optimize it, automate it, or delegate it.”

“Don’t automate just to automate—solve a problem first.”

“Authentic human tone is going to win, even if AI is writing it.”

Tersh’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tershblissett/

Trade Automation Pros: https://tradeautomationpros.com/

Tersh’s email: tersh@tradeautomationpros.com/

Tersh’s Podcast: https://www.servicebusinessmastery.com/

Other links mentioned in today’s episode:

https://scribehow.com/ Capture computer based learning/processes

Skool.com (look for the Automation Foundation)

www.plaud.ai/products/plaud-notepin (always recording pendant)

https://notebooklm.google/ Understand anything

https://chat.chatbotapp.ai/claude Claude by Anthropic

This episode was recorded in June 2025.

In this episode of Building HVAC Science, Bill Spohn and Eric Kaiser welcome back Brent Davidson, founder of the U.S. Heat Pump Summit, for an energizing discussion that soars from glider flights to the frontlines of heat pump education and adoption. Brent shares the story behind launching the Summit—from a hunch inspired by his solar-industry background to a growing movement that now brings together top contractors, technical experts, manufacturers, and rebate program leaders. The goal? To improve both the business and field deployment of air and water-based heat pump solutions.

Brent outlines what sets the Summit apart: a laser focus on real-world, immediately actionable knowledge, a casual and collaborative vibe, and a mission to unify high-performance trades around the electrification of homes. This year’s event, happening November 18–19 at the DCU Center in Worcester, MA, will feature expanded tracks, a full trade show floor, and a speaker lineup packed with industry leaders. The conversation closes with a nerdy deep dive into the “coffin corner” of aviation physics—showcasing Brent’s curious mind and setting the tone for the Summit itself: smart, focused, and driven to elevate the industry.

The first podcast Brent came on:

https://www.buildinghvacscience.com/ep132-the-heat-pump-summit-with-brent-davidson-august-2023/

US Heat Pump Summit: https://www.usheatpumpsummit.com/

Brent’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brentdavidson/

Brent’s email: Brent@usheatpumpsummit.com

This episode was recorded in June 2025.