Quotes 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.