"As homes get tighter, ventilation isn't optional—it's essential."

— Patrick Nielsen

In this episode of RESTalk, host Bill Spohn sits down with Patrick Nielsen, Global Technical Products Manager at Broan-NuTone, to discuss the evolving world of home ventilation. With over two decades of experience, Patrick walks us through the major drivers shaping residential ventilation practices today—from tighter building envelopes to the growing emphasis on indoor air quality and energy efficiency.

Patrick explains the importance of dwelling unit ventilation (DUV), spot vs. whole-house strategies, and the increasing role of energy recovery ventilators (ERVs) as builders and raters seek practical ways to meet stringent codes and achieve better HERS scores. He also touches on upcoming developments like capture efficiency standards for range hoods, automated balancing features in modern ERVs, and the implications of makeup air requirements. Whether you’re a builder, rater, or HVAC pro, this episode is packed with actionable insights for navigating the ventilation challenges in today’s high-performance homes.

Patrick’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-nielsen-48b93a3/

Broan’s website: https://broan-nutone.com/en-us

Broan Specficier tools (A variety of code-compliant specification tools for project applications.): https://broan-nutone.com/en-us/home/specifier-tools

The Home Ventilating Institute (HVI): www.hvi.org

Links to ASHRAE 62.1 and 62.2 standards: https://www.ashrae.org/technical-resources/bookstore/standards-62-1-62-2

One of many sites to find building codes by state: https://ibhs.org/public-policy/building-codes-by-state/

To the RESNET® community, we hear you and want to engage. Learn more at www.RESNET.us.

For more info on this topic, contact RESNET at INFO@RESNET.US

"You can’t manage what you can’t measure."

— Peter Drucker

In this insightful episode of RESTalk, host Bill Spohn welcomes Scott Doyle, RESNET’s Managing Director of Quality Assurance (QA), for a comprehensive update on what’s ahead in the world of RESNET QA®. Scott unpacks the most significant changes hitting the registry, Chapter 9 standards, and the QA app—all designed to modernize, streamline, and strengthen the QA process.

The conversation delves into how these updates will affect HERS® raters and providers, with a major focus on the ENERGY STAR QA/QC program. Scott outlines the move toward increased documentation, real-time oversight, and the eventual integration of automation and AI into RESNET’s workflow. With the industry’s expectations for speed and accuracy climbing, these changes aim to ensure trust, defensibility, and better service. He also gives a call to action: start adapting now by reviewing ENERGY STAR Field Checklist Revision 14.

Whether you’re a provider, QAD, or rater, this episode equips you with both the “why” and the “what’s next” behind the QA evolution—and how to stay ahead of the curve.

Note: This episode was recorded on May 1, prior to the recent speculation that the Trump administration is planning to eliminate the EPA and ENERGY STAR. RESNET has been active in advocating for the preservation of the 45L tax credit and ENERGY STAR Homes and will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available.

Scott’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-doyle-84750823/

Link to RESTalk Episode 134: Boosting Efficiency: How RESNET’s QA App Is Transforming the Industry https://directory.libsyn.com/episode/index/id/33586437

Energy Star National Field Rater Checklist, Rev 14: https://www.energystar.gov/sites/default/files/2025-01/National%20Rater%20Field%20Checklist_Rev%2014.pdf

RESNET QA Compliance Specialist Job Postings: https://www.resnet.us/articles/job-posting-resnet-qa-compliance-specialists-regional-positions/

To the RESNET® community, we hear you and want to engage. Learn more at www.RESNET.us.

For more info on this topic, contact RESNET at INFO@RESNET.US

"Innovation is taking two things that exist and putting them together in a new way."

— Tom Freston

In this episode of the RESTalk podcast, Bill Spohn sits down with Jason Barlow, former President & CEO of Habitat for Humanity Central Arizona, to discuss a groundbreaking achievement in homebuilding—the first 3D-printed concrete home in Arizona. Jason shares how this innovative project, born from a collaboration with ASU graduates and a German scaffolding company, PERI, pushed the boundaries of affordable housing construction. From overcoming extreme heat challenges to designing a home with unique structural and artistic elements, Jason details the incredible journey of bringing this home to life.

The conversation dives into the long-term implications of 3D printing in construction, its potential for large-scale housing developments, and the lessons learned from Habitat’s pioneering efforts. Jason also touches on Habitat’s broader mission, its work in providing energy-efficient and affordable housing, and how listeners can engage with their local Habitat affiliates. This episode is a fascinating look at the intersection of technology, sustainability, and community impact.

Here is the LinkedIn profile for our podcast guest

Jason Barlow: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasbarlow/

Additional information as well on the 3D home.

https://habitatcaz.org/habitats-first-3d-printed-home-in-the-u-s/

Habitat Resnet Presentation 2025.pdf

Habitat for Humanity's first 3D-printed home in Arizona

Why not us? Habitat's 3D-Printed home in Tempe, Arizona (3 min)

To the RESNET® community, we hear you and want to engage. Learn more at www.RESNET.us.

For more info on this topic, contact RESNET at INFO@RESNET.US