Building HVAC Science

Josh Teekell, founder of SmartAC.com, discusses how their tech product helps HVAC and plumbing companies increase membership, reduce attrition, and eliminate zero-fee truck rolls. The air conditioning and heating health monitoring platform saves homeowners money with proactive notice of maintenance needs, and includes lifetime warranty, real-time chat with experts, and monthly system health reports.

Meet Robby Schwartz, founder of the BuildTank and the BuildTank Podcast who aims Robby on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robby-schwarz-b17b956/ I have been engaged in Applied Building Science, Resiliency and Sustainability, energy efficiency, Codes etc. since the early 1990's. My experience is varied, including several years working as a commercial fisherman in Alaska, traveling the world, working in the construction trades, and then as a consultant with production and custom builders, code jurisdictions, private clients, and the Colorado Energy Office, amongst others. I started BUILDTank, inc. to be a practical building think tank whose mission is to use what we learn by applying building science in the field to affect meaningful change in the construction industry. To chase issues that hold the industry back and generate ideas and innovations that move sustainable building into mainstream building. Podcast details: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/buildtank-buildcast/id1554383191 At BuildTank, a pragmatic building think tank, our mission is to use what we learn applying building science to affect meaningful change in the construction industry. The BUILDCast is the next step. Through conversations, we will learn something new from our guests' story that could be the catalyst to take sustainable buildings to mainstream building. We will concentrate on the "story". No two second intro, instead a deep dive into life experiences that create interesting lives and ultimately move our industry forward. Join me and learn something new from each conversation. This episode was recorded in August 2023.

My guest today, Alex DeGagne', is one of those very interesting people I have met in my travels in the last few years. Alex is CEO & owner of MINOTAIR, a manufacturing company currently based in Gatineau in southwestern, Quebec, Canada. His main product is the Pentacare-V12, a compact, ultra efficient air exchanger that incorporates a HEPA filter, and uses a self-contained heat pump to control ventilation, temperature and humidity in a home. In his words: "Our PentaCare Series is a product using cutting-edge technology to care of 5 things: Heating + Ventilation + Air filtration + Cooling + Dehumidification. HVAC-D It's like 4-machines-in-1: 1- an Active Heat and Energy Recovery Ventilator with the highest SRE efficiency certified by the HVI for best comfort; 2-a Ducted Air Source Heat Pump; 3- a Dehumidifier; 4- a HEPA MERV 15 Medical-Grade Air Filtration device which can help greatly during wildfire smokes episodes." Alex speaks to us about science, especially building science, home construction and indoor air quality as well as the practical aspects of manufacturing and distributing such an innovative product. Alex on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alex-de-gagne-minotair/ His email: alex.degagne@minotair.com Links mentioned in the podcast: Minotair home page: https://www.minotair.com/home_us/ Ventilation info: https://www.minotair.com/ventilation-2/ Show info: https://www.minotair.com/visitus_us/ Where to buy: https://www.minotair.com/resellers-us/ Pentacare-V12: https://www.minotair.com/minotair-pentacare-v12_us/ Brochure: https://www.minotair.com/wp-content/uploads/MINOTAIR_PENTACARE_V12_BROCHURE_032019_EN_WEBs.pdf Guide and Manual: https://www.minotair.com/wp-content/uploads/MINOTAIR%20-%20PENTACARE-V12%20-%20Manual%20-%20EN%20-%20Rev%20018B.pdf An overview of the ASHRAE 62.2 specification: https://www.energy.gov/eere/buildings/articles/ashrae-standard-622-ventilation-and-acceptable-indoor-air-quality-low-rise Alex's LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/alex-de-gagne-minotair/ This episode was recorded in August 2023.

Eric Kaiser and I had the pleasure of interviewing the man, the myth, the legend (and our friend) Jim Bergmann in this episode. As Jim's business has grown, there are a lot of new updates, activities and events happening and coming up soon. Go to the mQ site for more details, especially the resources page: https://measurequick.com/resources/ Some significant quotes and thoughts from the interview: Changing the culture in a company is hard to do; it must start from the top They don't make products like they used to, or is it you that hasn't kept up Manufacturers have refined their designs; installation instructions have serious details that they assume all techs will follow. NEWSFLASH: The measureQuick 2.5 Public Beta is available now with guided workflows! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AqSN23giepQ Links mentioned in the interview: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jim-bergmann-2968178/ www.MeasureQuick.com https://measurequick.com/electrification-an-open-letter/ https://nvlpubs.nist.gov/nistpubs/technicalnotes/nist.tn.1848.pdf Podcast with Kevin Hart of Haven: EP111 https://buildinghvacscience.libsyn.com/ep111-putting-the-v-back-in-hvac-and-why-you-should-care-with-kevin-hart-march-2023 UPCOMING podcast (EP136) with Josh Teekell of www.SmartAC.com https://www.heatpumpsummit.org/ This episode was recorded in August 2023.

I've been meeting a lot of interesting people from the tech world in in the last year or so. My new colleague at Duckling, John Hoehn, Shelby Breger at Conduit and most recently, Brent Davidson. Brent has created the first US Heat Pump Summit coming up this November in Berkeley, CA- links below for details. He defines success for the event as the attendees leaving with many new, meaningful connections. It is structured to have a contractor focus so attendees leave with tactical knowledge to begin using immediately. In his words: "Everyone admitted to this conference is on the same team. Whether you got into this work for decarbonizing buildings or a good way to make a living, we all are here with the same goal - sell and successfully install more heat pumps." The event is hosted in association with the Eneref Institute, and will feature expert-led training from a building science based approach, broad knowledge across topics including how heat pumps fit into a customer's home electrification journey, the future of the grid, and more. You should attend if you work primarily in heat pumps or building electrification. This summit's focus includes a few main areas: building science, smart tools, companies making heat pumps and building electrification hardware, software for sales and remote heat load estimation, companies connecting electrification customers with contractors, demand response tech, and HVAC pro's in the field. There's a great list of featured speakers including my pals, Joe Medosch and Eric Kaiser. I'll also be there broadening my network of connections. Head to the website, scroll to the bottom and join the Summit Community for: Discounted tickets Articles on new tech for contractors Invites to Heat Pump Happy Hours Summit updates Link to the Heat Pump Summit: https://www.heatpumpsummit.org/ Brent on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brentdavidson/ Email: Contact@heatpumpsummit.org Research Institute we mention: www.Eneref.org This episode was recorded in August 2023.

This episode started in 2018. I have had the notion for quite a while (since 2018) of the need for a responsible contractor network or RCN. This came up when my widowed sister that lives many states away was having trouble with her HVAC system in her home. She asked who I might recommend. I had no immediate answer. I created a few basic principles of conduct, process, and integrity for RCN. I even bought a domain and mentioned the idea a few times (at the HVAC School Symposium) and received some decent response. Then I fell into other rabbit holes. Fast forward to 2023 and I came across a list put forth by Corbett Lunsford: https://homediagnosis.tv/hvac-installers "The List is a voluntary, un-vetted directory of HVAC Installers across North America who will trust and follow, or even perform in-house, design calculations (Manual J, S, and D). These companies have self-selected, by affirming the following questions: I understand that the first step in proper HVAC design is a Manual J (or equivalent) load calculation, targeting the 99% hottest and coldest design temperatures the home will be exposed to I understand that in more airtight, insulated, and ventilated homes the load may prove to be between 1000-2500 sq ft per ton of cooling If I follow the software-based design correctly, I understand that it is not my problem if the home is not as airtight as the builder or client told me it would be, and a simple blower door test can prove that any performance issues are the enclosure's fault rather than my HVAC installations" Dang, he did it! Then I scrolled through the list (now 51 strong) and saw someone in Pittsburgh where I live! And that's how this episode all started. Oh, and Mat has a very interesting backstory that I think you will enjoy. Mat Stone Mat@home-mechanix.comwww.Home-Mechanix.com This episode was recorded in August 2023. PS we referred to Episode 21 with Ed Kisiel Super tight houses using standard construction.

"Art and sweat built the tool bag." This statement summarizes my interview with Roger Brouard, the founder of VETO Pro Pac. Roger shares with us the full story of his work life which lead him from a Fine Arts degree in Sculpture to becoming a carpenter and building wooden lobster boats – which is not an easy task, "it's like making a zucchini out of wood." Roger describes frustrations in using various tool boxes and tool bags that became the impetus for him creating the VETO ProPac product line Roger opines on how to become a successful inventor: solve a real problem, have solid conversations, believe in your product, have conviction. "I wanted a name that would convey the quality and durability of our products. Veto is a strong word that means to forbid or to stop something. I wanted our customers to know that our tool bags were built to last and would never let them down. After working as a carpenter for over 25 years, I became fed-up with the various tool-carrying devices available on the market. In my view, they all fell short: from metal or plastic boxes to soft-sided mason bags that hold tools in a horizontal pile up. In these configurations, unnecessary tool hunts result in "D & D" (dig or dump) and challenge your patience as you search for the tool you need. Attempts at improving tool carrying and storing have been made over the years, such as pocketed fabric inserts that fit in and around a 5-gallon bucket. However, the "deep" pockets aren't deep enough, tools stored in the exterior pockets are exposed making transportation and storage awkward, and a pile up of interlocking tools on the inside hint at the handicaps of the other bags. Storing the loaded bucket in your truck requires a clear and secure area, and if not wedged or bungeed, "LFT" (Loose Flying Tools) occurs with sudden stops. It can be a real mess especially if the bucket bottom has become a catch all for left over nails and drywall screws. It is because of this long list of frustrations that I created VETO PRO PAC." Learn more about the company here: https://vetopropac.com/ Veto tool bags are available at a wide variety of wholesalers including: https://trutechtools.com/vetopropac This episode was recorded in August 2023.

Jennifer Manzo is a powerhouse. I do not know where she finds the time to do all she does. From running a HVAC business and raising a family in Maine with her partner Valentino Valeriani, to creating the HVAChicks Coalition to running a free tech support line (see below) and much much more, I really do not know how she does it! In this podcast she mentions it is one of her goals to help save the trades by allowing people who cannot afford training to get into the industry. Listen in to Jennifer's inspirational story and I encourage you to connect and support her efforts. Email Jennifer at misfitsofhvac@gmail.com HVAChicks Tech Support: 856-390-4055 24/7/365 -- also on Facebook messenger Misti: Sunday and Tuesday Jennifer: Monday and Wednesday Dirk: Thursday (Residential) Valentino: Thursday and Saturday (Commercial) Jimmy: Friday Links mentioned in the podcast: Now co-hosting the Misfits of HVAC podcast with Ryan Hughes, Misfits of HVAC on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@misfitsofhvac Misfits of HVAC podcast on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/misfits-of-hvac/id1678018673 SkillCat for free EPA-608 certification and free training. https://www.skillcatapp.com/ HVAChicks on social media: https://www.tiktok.com/@hvachicksjennifer https://www.instagram.com/hvachicks/?hl=en https://www.facebook.com/groups/812323020341191 HVAC In Recovery: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100094781724166 This episode was recorded in August 2023.

(He blinded us with science) (Science) (Science) (Science) Actually he spends a lot of time illuminating us with details about building science. Join us as Allison Bailes, "a well known troublemaker and a general pain in the asterisk" shares with us the career path that lead him to form the Energy Vanguard. You see, a vanguard is the group of people who are at the forefront of a new movement or idea. They are the innovators and pioneers who are pushing the boundaries of what is possible. And yes, Alison's business, The Energy Vanguard, moves the art and practice of well-applied building science forward by providing excellent HVAC design services, training, an awesome blog and newsletter and more recently a book! "A House Needs to Breathe or Does it?, now available to TruTechTools, from the author and on Amazon, is a well written book describing the basic science of residential buildings. While describing what is right, cautioning what is wrong, a few myths do get busted along the way. Be sure you catch the discussion of the COVID Risk Reduction measures put in place at the Building Science Summer Camp Symposium in 2022. Allison's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/allisonabailes/ Links mentioned in the podcast: The Energy Vanguard Website: https://www.energyvanguard.com/ Allison's book: at TruTech: https://trutechtools.com/hardcover-a-house-needs-to-breathe-or-does-it.html From The Energy Vanguard: https://energyvanguardstore.com/ On Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/House-Needs-Breathe-Does-Introduction/dp/1958711128 The Blog: https://www.energyvanguard.com/blog/ SIgn up for the Newsletter: on any page on the website: https://www.energyvanguard.com/ The Building Science Boogie Band: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkwlJZKQY0aFU6nmE5BL6Xw Joe Lstiburek's Building Science business with links to MANY Articles: https://buildingscience.com/ Bill Bahnfleth, Penn State University Prof: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wbahnfleth/ How to build a Corsi-Rosenthal filter box: https://cleanaircrew.org/box-fan-filters/ Also a modification called a Comparetto Cube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y7eL2OAnqc8 This episode was recorded in July 2023.

Wes Davis joins us to provide some definitions, insights, and perspectives on HVAC Codes and Standards from his role as Director of Technical Services at ACCA - The AirConditioning Contractors of America. We dig into details of the ANSI/RESNET/ACCA Standard 310, The Standard for Grading the Installation of HVAC Systems, published in June 2020. The 310 standard was written mainly to help builders earn RESNET HERS credit for installing AND commissioning residential HVAC systems. RESNET HERS scores are given to new construction homes for a host of benefits described here: https://www.hersindex.com/know-your-homes-hers-index-score/hers-index-understanding-the-hers-score/ Yet, the 310 standard, like the other ACCA standards, manuals, and publications (see links below), allows any technician or contractor to quickly assimilate industry and institutional knowledge from all the stakeholders that built, reviewed, and commented on the publications. This is a terrific way to build a better business. We also touch on the vast array of other member benefits avail at ACCA, like MIX groups, advocacy, forums, and technical support. A great way to immerse yourself and your business in this world of knowledge and connection is to attend the next ACCA Conference in October in Indianapolis: https://www.acca.org/accanextlevel/home Wes' LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wesdavisacca/ Links mentioned in the podcast: The Checklist Manifesto by Atul Gawande: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0312430000? Link to Download ANSI/RESNET/ACCA Standard 310: https://www.resnet.us/wp-content/uploads/ANSIRESNETACCA_310-2020_v7.1.pdf ACCA History: https://www.acca.org/about-acca ACCA Full list of member benefits: https://www.acca.org/join Contractor accreditation: https://www.acca.org/qa ACCA Manual S, link to download and public review: https://www.acca.org/viewdocument/public-review-of-additional-modific ACCA OnLine Store: https://www.acca.org/store#/storefront Advocacy for the HVAC trade: https://www.acca.org/advocacy/government-relations Educational info: https://www.acca.org/certification Resources: https://www.acca.org/resources This episode was recorded in July 2023.