In this episode of the Building HVAC Science Podcast, hosts Bill Spohn and Eric Kaiser sit down with Silas Hoeppner, a passionate advocate for building performance and HVAC design, to explore his unconventional career journey in the industry.

Silas shares his story of starting in his family's insulation business, transitioning through various roles in energy ratings, HVAC consulting, and contracting, and ultimately finding his niche at Modern Heating and Air Conditioning in Iowa. He details the challenges he faced, such as battling imposter syndrome and the steep learning curve of technical design, while also emphasizing the importance of connecting technical expertise with people-centric solutions.

Silas offers valuable insights for technicians, focusing on blending technical know-how with clear, relatable communication to homeowners and stakeholders. He highlights the lasting impact of programs like HVAC SAVE and the evolving importance of addressing comfort, durability, and health in building performance. Silas also shares personal lessons about confidence, mental health, and humor in professional growth, encouraging listeners to embrace their individuality while staying committed to learning.

Learn more about Silas here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/silasjames/

This episode was recorded in November 2024.

In this episode of the Building HVAC Science podcast, co-hosts Bill Spohn and Eric Kaiser are joined by Eric's father, Mark Kaiser, for a special father-son discussion. Mark shares his experiences with building and improving a unique energy-efficient home in Carlinville, Illinois. His journey began in the late 1970s, when he retrofitted a modest house to reduce energy consumption using insulation, solar energy, and a variety of unconventional methods. Mark talks about his motivation for energy efficiency, stemming from his role overseeing utilities at Blackburn College, where he gained valuable insights into energy management and building systems.

Throughout the conversation, Mark delves into the construction techniques he employed, including double wall construction for added insulation, using solar heat gain, and even creating a thermal mass storage system with water-filled milk jugs to retain heat. He explains how he balanced various heating systems, such as solar, wood, and natural gas, and how his hands-on approach—digging around the foundation, raising the roofline, and using sustainable materials—resulted in a home that remains energy-efficient to this day. The Kaisers also touch on innovative electrical systems, such as 12-volt and 24-volt setups, and how these have helped keep energy costs low.

Mark’s deep understanding of thermal mass, energy usage, and alternative construction methods highlights the importance of thoughtful, sustainable home design. As the discussion wraps up, Mark reflects on the lessons learned from maintaining and improving his home over the years, emphasizing the ongoing challenges of perfecting energy-efficient construction. The conversation offers listeners a unique blend of family history, practical tips, and a deep dive into the technical aspects of home energy management.

The DC Freezer Mark mentioned www.sundanzer.com

The paper on the Lo-Cal House may be found here: https://www.ideals.illinois.edu/items/54705

This episode was recorded in October 2024.

In this episode of the Building HVAC Science podcast, Bill Spohn and Eric Kaiser welcome Derek Cowburn, founder of Lumen Cache, to discuss his journey from building automation in pharmaceutical facilities to pioneering smart DC power systems for homes and offices. Derek shares how his background in building controls and automation influenced his development of Lumen Cache; a company focused on creating a smart infrastructure that integrates DC power to drive lighting, sensors, and automation. He explains the advantages of DC power, especially as modern buildings transition to solar panels, batteries, and increasingly DC-centric electronics.

Derek explores the challenges of mainstreaming smart building technologies, particularly overcoming builders' concerns with reliability, cost, and installation ease. Lumen Cache's innovative modular plug-and-play system simplifies integration for builders and offers adaptability for future technology upgrades, unlike traditional AC systems. Derek also highlights the potential of integrating indoor air quality and energy management sensors, envisioning homes and offices that are "smart from the start" without the need for complex retrofits.

Throughout the conversation, Derek discusses his experiences in Shenzhen, China, leveraging the city's manufacturing ecosystem to scale production while planning to expand globally. The episode wraps up with Derek’s vision for the future—an interconnected ecosystem of smart devices that support energy efficiency and comfort, driven by Lumen Cache’s evolving infrastructure. He invites listeners to explore their new generation product, ReNetA, and looks forward to a follow-up conversation to share future developments.

Derek’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/derekcowburn/

YouTube channel:https://www.youtube.com/@LumenCache

The System Design Tool Derek spoke of: https://youtu.be/ZCHEFiY5Bf0?si=4oqtf3jObVJEPV4O

Website: https://www.lumencache.com/

Company Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lumen-cache-inc-lumencache-/about/

Derek’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/derekcowburn/

Contact: https://www.lumencache.com/contact

This episode was recorded in October 2024.

In this episode of the Building HVAC Science podcast, Eric Kaiser takes the lead in interviewing three guests from the ROCIS (Reducing Outdoor Contaminants in Indoor Spaces) initiative: Linda Wigington, Bill Collinge, and Rhett Major. Linda introduces ROCIS, sharing its 10-year mission to help participants monitor and improve indoor air quality, particularly in areas with poor outdoor air. The initiative, primarily focused in southwestern Pennsylvania, involves virtual cohorts where participants use low-cost monitors to track air quality and receive guidance to improve it.

Bill Collinge discusses the differences between low-cost and high-end air quality monitors, explaining how ROCIS focuses on measuring particles and carbon dioxide. He describes how the cohort process helps participants compare outdoor air quality with indoor conditions, assessing how well homes filter and ventilate air. Bill also highlights how data collected across multiple homes helps identify patterns and informs recommendations for improving air quality, while Rhett Major explains the process of air handler interventions. By testing static pressure and airflow in HVAC systems, Rhett helps participants optimize their systems to run more efficiently and reduce energy consumption while improving air quality.

The guests discuss key takeaways from the program, including the importance of filtration, proper HVAC system setup, and the potential health benefits of reducing particulate matter indoors. They emphasize the need for proper system commissioning and the challenges of engaging HVAC contractors in this work. In closing, the team shares their hopes to expand ROCIS principles and interventions beyond Pennsylvania and offer guidance to those interested in healthier, more energy-efficient homes.

LinkedIn:
Linda: https://www.linkedin.com/in/linda-wigington-b28a98a/

Rhett: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rhett-major-85887a10/

Bill: https://www.linkedin.com/in/billcollinge/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rocispgh

Website: https://rocis.org/

This episode was recorded in October 2024.

In the Building HVAC Science Podcast episode, hosts Bill and Eric are joined by Thomas "Huff" Hoffmaster, II to discuss his experiences transitioning from a technician to tech support and eventually into training and consulting. Huff shares his journey through the HVAC industry, beginning with his early exposure to sheet metal work through his family, moving into service because of his love for solving complex problems, and finally settling into tech support roles for major companies like Carrier and York. His passion for teaching and positively impacting the industry eventually led him to pursue freelance training and consulting, focusing on improving skills across the HVAC workforce.

The conversation delves into the systemic issues within the HVAC industry, particularly around training, communication, and accountability. Huff emphasizes that many problems in HVAC installations stem from a lack of fundamental training and poor communication between sales, installation, and service teams. He points out how often HVAC systems are not installed according to best practices or adjusted properly to meet site-specific needs, leading to performance issues and callbacks. Huff also highlights the critical importance of technicians taking responsibility for their education, utilizing the wealth of resources available today, including tools like Measure Quick, which can elevate the consistency and accuracy of HVAC service work.

Finally, Huff discusses the significance of addressing the root causes of issues rather than just the symptoms. He suggests that HVAC companies should develop protocols for analyzing callbacks to truly understand where mistakes originate—whether from lack of training, rushed installations, or poor management. By adopting a more systemic approach, companies can reduce errors, improve performance, and ultimately provide better service to their customers. Huff's insights encourage technicians and business owners alike to focus on quality, training, and effective communication to drive success in the HVAC industry.

Huff’s Linked: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomas-huff-hoffmaster-ii-766b3a36/

Huff’s YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@hvactalkwithhuff1379

Huff’s email: thoffmaster@hoffmastermechanical.com

This episode was recorded in September 2024.

In this episode of the Building HVAC Science Podcast, co-hosts Eric Kaiser and Bill Spohn interview Elana Day and her father Jordan Day, creators of the YouTube channel Little Miss Fix It. At just 12 years old, Elana has achieved remarkable feats, including passing the EPA-608 certification, possibly making her one of the youngest certified HVAC technicians. The conversation highlights Elana’s growing interest in HVAC, her passion for science, and how her curiosity and hands-on learning led her to explore technical trades.

Elana shares her experience preparing for the EPA certification through a month-long study program, aided by her father and supplemental resources like YouTube. Her keen interest in topics such as atmospheric pressure and vacuum systems reflects her deep engagement with HVAC concepts. Elana also discusses her excitement for future projects, including using her new 3D printer, exploring welding, and continuing hands-on building projects.

Jordan, her father, describes how he supports Elana’s learning by letting her safely experiment with tools and guiding her through various projects. Both emphasize the importance of encouraging young people to explore trades and follow their passions. The episode concludes with Elana offering inspiring advice to listeners, encouraging them to pursue their dreams and continue searching for what excites them.

Jordan Day’s Linked: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jordan-day-93590220b/

You can find Elana doing her thing on YouTube at this link
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1PLmZrxcVu09_rWjy1YkmA

Or by searching for Lil'MissFixIt on YouTube

This episode was recorded in September 2024.

In this episode of the Building HVAC Science Podcast, Eric Kaiser is joined by Marco Radocaj from Balance HVAC, who shares insights into his HVAC journey. Marco starts by discussing his background, from an unexpected entry into the HVAC field through his father-in-law's air conditioning company to learning on the job as a new technician with no prior experience. His humorous story of hosing off a generator during his first day illustrates his initial lack of HVAC knowledge and the steep learning curve he faced.

Marco explains the philosophy behind Balance HVAC, emphasizing their commitment to improving how homes are balanced regarding enclosure, occupants, and mechanical systems. He highlights the importance of addressing more than just the cooling function, aiming for a holistic approach to home comfort, where systems are measured and fine-tuned to optimize airflow and insulation. He shares his experiences transitioning from working in his family’s HVAC business to starting Balance HVAC, a new company focusing on thoughtful HVAC installation and attic restoration.

Throughout the episode, Marco dives into attic restoration processes and how his team uses tools like thermal imaging and pressure balancing to ensure the homes they work on are more comfortable and efficient. He discusses the importance of communication with customers, sharing how Balance HVAC involves clients in the process by educating them on the science behind the solutions. The episode ends with Marco reflecting on his passion for elevating industry standards and his excitement about contributing to meaningful improvements in HVAC services.

Marco’s Business: https://www.balance-hvac.com/

Marco was interviewed by R and R magazine in June 2024:
https://www.randrmagonline.com/articles/90866-mold-and-the-need-for-attic-restoration

More on Balance’s approach:
We prioritize the thoughtful alignment of a home's enclosure and mechanical systems. Balance recognizes that homes built two decades ago were designed to "breathe," allowing for natural airflow to regulate temperature and moisture levels. However, modern construction methods and materials have shifted towards creating tighter homes that are not meant to breathe in the same way.

This shift presents challenges, as features like energy-efficient windows, cooler attic environments due to improved roofing materials, and encapsulated attics can inadvertently lead to increased moisture, humidity, and environments conducive to mold growth. These issues can arise when homes are not properly aligned with modern building practices, potentially resulting in discomfort, poor indoor air quality, and health hazards.

Marco's deep understanding of how homes are designed to perform allows Balance to address these challenges effectively. By identifying homes that are underperforming or straddling building codes, Balance can implement attic restorations that ensure optimal environmental control. This means creating spaces that are not only comfortable but also dry and healthy for occupants.
Through a combination of optimal insulation techniques, strategic ventilation solutions, and moisture management strategies, Balance helps achieve the perfect balance between energy efficiency and indoor environmental quality. Their approach is tailored to each home's unique needs and budget, ensuring lasting improvements that enhance both comfort and peace of mind for homeowners.

This episode was recorded in September 2024.

In the latest episode of the Building HVAC Science Podcast, host Bill Spohn speaks with Ruchir Shah, founder of Skillcat, a mobile training platform for skilled trades. Skillcat offers around 1,500 hours of training in areas such as HVAC, plumbing, appliance and electrical work, and has successfully trained over 300,000 individuals in just three years. Ruchir explains that the platform began as a free resource to make training accessible, eventually transitioning to a subscription model costing $10 per person per month. The app includes comprehensive certification courses and features a unique asynchronous proctoring system for exams, allowing users to take assessments flexibly.

Ruchir shares insights into the challenges of building Skillcat, particularly the transition from a free service to a paid subscription, which required careful communication with users. Despite initial apprehensions, the decision has been met with support, contributing to the platform's rapid growth. He emphasizes the importance of user feedback, especially from skilled tradespeople, which has driven continuous improvements and high satisfaction ratings for the app.

The conversation also touches on Ruchir's journey into the trades sector, highlighting the surprising interconnectedness within the HVAC industry. Ruchir expresses his commitment to enhancing education and training for tradespeople, believing that the future holds significant opportunities as the industry addresses workforce shortages. He encourages listeners to explore Skillcat, emphasizing the potential for career growth and job satisfaction in the trades.

Ruchir’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ruchirshah2/

SkillCat website: https://www.skillcatapp.com/

This episode was recorded in September 2024.