Building HVAC Science

Quotes from the episode: "Heat pumps can't meet their promise if they're not properly maintained." "Vacuuming the filter matters, but it is not the same thing as deep cleaning the system." "If it has a coil and a fan, we can clean it." "Electrification only works as intended when the equipment keeps working as intended." In this episode of Building HVAC Science, Bill talks with Gabriel Erde-Cohen, founder of We Clean Heat Pumps, about an often-overlooked part of electrification: what happens to heat pumps after installation. Gabriel shares how his Vermont-based business grew from cleaning mini-splits for a family installation company into a specialized maintenance company operating across New England and in markets around the country. His core point is simple: heat pumps cannot deliver on their promise of efficiency, comfort, durability, and healthier indoor air if they are not properly cleaned and maintained. Gabriel explains the difference between basic homeowner filter care and true deep cleaning. His team removes covers, protects the home, uses low-pressure washing, alkaline soap, enzyme treatments, and active condensate-line vacuuming to remove biological buildup, dust, debris, and biofilm from coils, fans, pans, and outdoor units. He is careful to distinguish maintenance from repair, noting that his company refers service issues back to installer partners rather than competing with them. The discussion also covers ducted and ductless systems, PTACs, ERVs, HRVs, outdoor units, heat pump water heaters, and the importance of not simply killing biological material but actually removing it from the building. The conversation broadens into the future of the industry: annual cleaning, monitoring devices, commissioning, efficiency data, installer partnerships, and the potential for maintenance standards or even a trade association. Gabriel argues that annual deep cleaning is usually the right starting point, though real-world conditions can vary widely. He also shares early observations of efficiency improvements after cleaning and emphasizes that better data will be needed to help utilities, manufacturers, and programs recognize heat pump cleaning as part of the larger electrification and indoor air quality picture Email: [email protected] Website: www.WeCleanHeatPumps.com Installer Page: Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gabriel-erde-cohen-591146226/   This episode was recorded in June 2026.

Quotes from the episode: "Passed inspection is not the same as built correctly." "The best inspectors keep learning, because no one person masters every trade, every code, and every overlap." "Small defects do not stay small when they are hidden behind walls, ceilings, and warranty paperwork." In this episode of Building HVAC Science, Bill Spohn talks with Cy Porter of CYFY Home Inspections, an Arizona-based home inspector known for his blunt, high-energy social media videos that expose defects in new-construction homes. Cy specializes in one-year and two-year warranty inspections, helping homeowners identify issues missed at closing, including gas leaks, broken trusses, shower pan failures, air-sealing problems, roof defects, and code violations. His work sits at the intersection of construction quality, homeowner advocacy, and the sometimes uncomfortable gap between "passed inspection" and "actually built right." Cy explains how Arizona's implied warranty process gives homeowners a path to challenge legitimate construction defects, and how state investigators can issue written directives or citations when builders fail to correct violations. He also explains why patience, proper tool use, and cross-trade humility matter, especially when diagnosing small gas leaks, blower-door failures, and hidden installation mistakes. His stories reveal how small defects can become larger problems with safety, durability, comfort, and performance when no one catches them early. For HVAC, building performance, HERS©, and home inspection professionals, this conversation is a reminder that quality construction requires more than a signed-off checklist. It takes curiosity, documentation, collaboration, and the willingness to be corrected. Cy's approach may ruffle feathers, but his larger message is hard to ignore: homeowners deserve homes that meet the standards they were promised. Cy's website: https://www.cyfyhi.com/   Cy's YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@cyfyhomeinspections   Affiliate Links: beacons.ai/cyfy Facebook: facebook.com/cyfyhomeinspections TikTok: tiktok.com/@cyfyhomeinspections Instagram: instagram.com/cyfyhomeinspections   This episode was recorded in May 2026.

Quotes from the episode: "Ducts matter. Nobody cares much about them until something goes wrong." "HVAC systems are designed assuming clean, bare sheet metal." "Even a small layer of dust can become a mountain range to an air molecule." "Think like an air molecule." In this episode, Bill speaks with Dan Stradford of Action Duct Cleaning about what really happens inside HVAC duct systems over time and why cleaning can matter more than many people realize. Dan shares how the duct cleaning industry evolved from its "wild west" early days into a more standardized field through NADCA, with better equipment, training, and certification practices. Dan explains that even a thin layer of dust can disrupt airflow, increase turbulence, raise static pressure, and reduce system efficiency. Drawing from NADCA energy studies, he describes how cleaning returns, supplies, fans, coils, and air handlers each contributed measurable performance improvements, including major reductions in fan and compressor energy use. The conversation also covers how HVAC professionals can evaluate duct-cleaning contractors, when homeowners or building owners should consider cleaning, and why ductwork deserves more attention as a hidden yet critical part of indoor air quality, comfort, and system performance. Dan'sLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dan-stradford-b7509123/ The research paper we reference: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0378778824012635 Another research paper on: Effects of HVAC Cleaning on Indoor Air Quality: A Multi-Season Demonstration of Exposure Assessment in Occupied Public School https://www.e3s-conferences.org/articles/e3sconf/pdf/2026/34/e3sconf_iaqvec2026_02030.pdf Dan's company: https://actionduct.com/ The video Dan referenced: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HkGl7zljqN8 The National Air Duct Cleaners Association: https://nadca.com/ This episode was recorded in May 2026.

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 2, PART 1 was published last 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    

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.

Quotes 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.

Quotes 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.

Quotes 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.