HVAC Contractors Losing Money by Skipping Energy Audits to Close Jobs with Brynn Cooksey Sr, CEM, CMS

In this episode of the HVAC Know It All Business Edition Podcast, co-hosts Gary McCreadie and Furman Haynes from WorkHero sit down with Brynn Cooksey Sr, CEM, CMS, the Founder of Air Doctors Heating & Cooling and HVAC U (Building Scientists). They explore how building science can transform an HVAC business. Drawing from his background in the utility industry, Brynn explains why many contractors focus too much on equipment and not enough on understanding the home as a complete system. The conversation covers energy audits, customer trust, home performance testing, pricing strategies, and the business advantages of moving beyond simple equipment replacements. Brynn also shares practical advice for contractors looking to differentiate themselves through diagnostics, education, and problem-solving. Brynn is a nationally recognized educator in the HVAC industry. Before entering the HVAC business, Brynn worked in the power and utilities sector, where he gained a deep understanding of energy generation, distribution, and efficiency. Today, he is known for helping contractors adopt building science principles, home performance testing, and customer-focused solutions that improve comfort, indoor air quality, and energy efficiency.   Expect To Learn: - The business case for offering energy audits and home performance services - How building science can increase revenue while reducing marketing costs - The step-by-step process behind a professional home energy audit - Why testing and diagnostics lead to better customer outcomes than equipment-focused sales - How contractors can gradually adopt building science without overwhelming their business - The difference between competing on speed versus competing on quality and expertise   Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction 00:56 - The Thermostat Scheduling Debate 03:22 - Lessons from the Utility Industry 04:43 - Solving Energy, Comfort, and Indoor Air Quality Problems 05:47 - The Business Case for Building Science 08:28 - Where Contractors Should Start with Home Performance 11:14 - Why Homeowners Need More Than Equipment Quotes 13:01 - Inside a Professional Energy Audit 14:03 - Identifying Hidden Problems Before Testing Begins 18:18 - Building a Business Around Quality Instead of Speed   Follow our Guest Brynn Cooksey Sr, CEM, CMS: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/theairdoctor/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theairdoctor313/    Company LinkedIn: Air Doctors Heating & Cooling: https://www.linkedin.com/company/airdoctorshvacservice/  HVAC U (Building Scientists): https://www.linkedin.com/company/hvac-ubuildingscientists/    Company Website:  Air Doctors Heating & Cooling: https://www.airdoctorshvacservice.com/  HVAC U (Building Scientists): https://www.hvactrain.com/    Company Instagram:  Air Doctors Heating & Cooling: https://www.instagram.com/airdoctorshvac  HVAC U (Building Scientists): https://www.instagram.com/hvac_university     Follow Gary McCreadie: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gary-mccreadie-38217a77/  Website: https://www.hvacknowitall.com  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/HVAC-Know-It-All-2/61569643061429/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hvacknowitall1/    Follow Furman Haynes:  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/furmanhaynes/  WorkHero: https://www.linkedin.com/company/workherohvac/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/workhero__/