Podcast
Building HVAC Science
Hosted by Bill Spohn · EN
Uncover the secrets of healthy, comfortable, and energy-efficient buildings with the Building HVAC Science podcast.
Join HVAC and building performance experts Eric Kaiser and Bill Spohn, Sr., as they delve into the fascinating world of building science and HVAC diagnostics.
From exploring the latest advancements in measurement technology to examining the impact of building science and proper HVAC design and installation on human health and safety, this podcast is your one-stop shop for learning about all things in the built environment.
In each episode, you'll gain valuable insights from industry leaders and discover practical tips for changing the way you approach your work.
Whether you're a homeowner, facility manager, building performance or HVAC professional, this podcast is essential listening for anyone who cares about creating healthy, comfortable, and energy-efficient buildings.
Here's what you can expect from the Building HVAC Science podcast:
In-depth discussions on a wide range of building science and HVAC topics
Interviews with experts from across the industry
Practical tips for improving your building's performance
Insights into the latest advancements in HVAC technology
The occasional random topic
32episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
EP271 Live from NHPC 2026: Where HVAC, Buildings, and People Intersect With Brynn Cooksey from HVAC-U PART 1 (April 2026)
1w ago00:42:07Tap to summarizeQuotes 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.
Transcribe →EP270 Scaling with Simplicity: EOS, Growth, and the Malco Evolution With Rich Benninghoff (May 2026)
2w ago00:28:53Tap to summarizeQuotes 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.
Transcribe →EP269 Collaboration Over Competition: A New Playbook for Contractors With Rhydon Atzenhoffer (April 2026)
3w ago00:33:03Tap to summarizeQuotes 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.
Transcribe →EP268 Fresh Air Without the Penalty: Reinventing Ventilation for Real Homes With Austin Riesenberger from Swerv (April 2026)
May 100:28:35Tap to summarizeQuotes 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.
Transcribe →EP267 Why Refrigerant Compliance Is Becoming a Profit Center With Adma Dykstra (March 2026)
Apr 2400:25:28Tap to summarizeQuotes 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.
Transcribe →EP266 Legacy, Ego, and the Baton Pass: Real Talk on Family Business Succession With Bryan Orr, Robert Orr, Bill Spohn and Billy Spohn (February 2026)
Apr 1700:53:40Tap to summarizeQuotes 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 Wickman RocketFuel by Gino Wickman & Mark Winters Succeeding. By Albert Ciuksza Good To Great, Jim Collins Family Business Succession: The Final Test of Greatness- Aronoff, McClure, & Ward Process! - 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.
Transcribe →EP265 Why Heat Pumps Fail: It's Not the Equipment, It's the House With Larry Waters and Alex Sloan (February 2026)
Apr 1000:46:17Tap to summarizeEPISODE 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/@electrifymyhome This episode was recorded in February 2026.
Transcribe →EP264 The Unsung Heroes of HVAC Education, Mentors Who Built the Trade With Howard Weiss and Renee Tomlinson (February 2026)
Apr 300:33:30Tap to summarize"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
Transcribe →EP263 Surviving and Thriving in HVACR: Lessons from the Field With Rick Dirmeyer (February 2026)
Mar 2700:29:12Tap to summarize"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/@HVACRSurvival Regarding the National Home Performance Conference: New Contractor Discount - $825 - HVACSCIENCE Unique URL for your Show: http://nhpc26.org/building-hvac-sci This episode was recorded in February 2026 .
Transcribe →EP262 "RTFM" and Real-World HVAC Confidence: Why Callbacks Drop When Training Improves With JT Stewart (February 2026)
Mar 2000:36:02Tap to summarizeEpisode 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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