Passive House, HERS Ratings, Blower Door Testing & Why Verification Matters -Season 2, Epi 10

Send us Fan MailThe thermostat is satisfied. The person in the room is not. What is the HVAC system—or the design team—missing?In this episode of HVAC ADHD™: Venting with the Pros, Jeremy Begley sits down with Robert Bean to explore thermal comfort versus thermal conditions, the influence of radiant heat, and why air temperature alone cannot explain every comfort complaint.Robert draws on his background in the trades and building and mechanical practice to connect the occupant’s experience with architecture, windows, shading, enclosure performance, and HVAC design. Jeremy brings a real project example: extensive glazing, a sun-heated floor, and occupants who remain uncomfortable even while the thermostat meets its target.In this episode, we discuss:Thermal comfort versus measurable thermal conditionsASHRAE Standard 55 and the factors beyond air temperatureRadiant heat, warm surfaces, drafts, clothing, and activityWhy glazing and shading belong in early design discussionsWhat to ask clients before selecting mechanical equipmentMeasuring conditions where occupants experience the problemBringing owners, builders, architects, and HVAC professionals into the same conversationFor HVAC contractors, technicians, designers, builders, and home-performance professionals, this conversation offers a practical reason to look beyond the thermostat—and a better starting point for the next comfort complaint.Connect with Robert Bean:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robertbeanret/📲 Follow HVAC ADHD™YouTube:https://zurl.co/wpJHEInstagram:https://zurl.co/zrhQWFacebook:https://zurl.co/mCS5aFollow HVAC ADHD™ Vodcast on your favorite podcast platform, and share this episode with someone involved in HVAC design, installation, or verification.

Send us Fan MailWhat happens when a well-designed HVAC system reaches the jobsite—but the finished installation doesn’t perform as intended?In this episode of HVAC ADHD™ Vodcast’s Venting with the Pros, Jeremy Begley sits down with Matthew Cooper, Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer at PEG, to explore the gap between residential HVAC design and actual system performance.Matthew shares observations from PEG’s design, inspection, and testing work. Together, they discuss equipment oversizing, inconsistent design review, compact duct systems, return-air pathways, and the importance of verifying the completed installation.They also explore why variable-speed equipment cannot substitute for sound design—and how coordination among builders, designers, and installing contractors can help protect the investment in better HVAC equipment.In this episode, we discuss:• Manual J, Manual S, and Manual D—and the limits of default assumptions• Equipment over sizing and variable-speed performance• Compact duct layouts and interior high-wall supply registers• Ducted returns, jump ducts, and transfer grilles• Construction coordination and product availability• HVAC grading, commissioning data, and comfort complaintsFor builders, HVAC contractors, designers, and HERS raters, this conversation offers a practical look at connecting design intent with measured performance.Learn more about Matthew Cooper and PEG:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-cooper-pegPEG, LLC: https://www.linkedin.com/company/peg/http://www.pegenv.com📲 Follow HVAC ADHD™YouTube:https://zurl.co/wpJHEInstagram:https://zurl.co/zrhQWFacebook:https://zurl.co/mCS5aFollow HVAC ADHD™ Vodcast on your favorite podcast platform, and share this episode with someone involved in HVAC design, installation, or verification.

Send us Fan MailWhat if better HVAC sales did not begin with a tighter script—but with better questions?In Episode 13 of HVAC ADHD™, Jeremy Begley sits down with Sam Wakefield, founder of Close It Now, to discuss ethical HVAC sales, customer experience, company culture and sustainable business growth.Sam explains why a sales framework is only the skeleton of an effective process. The person using that framework—their intention, judgment, preparation and ability to listen—is what determines how the homeowner experiences the conversation.In this episode, we discuss:• Why HVAC sales should begin with the person, not the product• How to understand the customer first, the problem second and the solution third• Why better questions uncover the real reason behind an HVAC call• The difference between using a script and having a genuine conversation• How realistic role-playing can improve CSR and sales performance• Why small customer-experience details can separate average companies from exceptional ones• How scorecards and KPIs can support employees instead of becoming weapons• Why sustainable growth should align with the owner’s goals and lifestyle• What it means to become someone—and build a company—worth buying fromThis conversation is for HVAC contractors, comfort advisors, customer-service teams, sales managers and home-service business owners who want to improve performance without sacrificing integrity, customer trust or quality of life.Learn more about Sam Wakefield and Close It Now:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/closeitnowFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/samuel.l.wakefield/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therealcloseitnow/ Close It Now: https://www.closeitnow.net/Mobile: 512-364-8559 | Email: [email protected]🎁 HVAC2HP COMMUNITY OFFER Sam Wakefield is extending a special offer to HVAC 2 Home Performance® followers. Mention the HVAC2HP community when contacting Close It Now to receive 5%–10% off eligible programs or $1,000 off the six-month business-owner group program, normally priced at $12,900.The group program includes a performance guarantee subject to Close It Now’s eligibility, participation and completion requirements.Details: https://www.closeitnow.net/📲 Follow HVAC ADHD™YouTube:https://zurl.co/wpJHEInstagram:https://zurl.co/zrhQWFacebook:https://zurl.co/mCS5a#HVACADHD #HVACADHDVodcast #HVACSales #HVACBusiness #HomeServices #CustomerExperience #JeremyBegley #SamWakefield 

Send us Fan MailWhat Makes a Home Healthy? Indoor Air Quality, VOCs, Mold & Building Materials with Andy PaceWhat actually makes a home healthy—and can the same materials and strategies work for every occupant?In Season 2, Episode 12 of HVAC ADHD™ Vodcast, Jeremy Begley sits down with healthy-building consultant Andy Pace, founder of The Green Design Center and author of Building for Health, to explore the relationship between indoor air quality, building materials, moisture control, filtration, testing, and occupant sensitivities.Andy explains why healthy-home design cannot be reduced to one universal checklist. A material that works well for one person may not be appropriate for someone with different sensitivities, health concerns, or living conditions. The conversation also examines why terms such as “low VOC” and “zero VOC” do not tell the complete story—and why measurements must be interpreted within the proper context.In this episode, we discuss:• What makes a home healthy—and why the occupant matters• VOCs, humidity and indoor air quality• Source control, filtration and material selection• UV technologies and context-driven mold testing• Why healthier homes require tolerance, not perfectionWhether you are an HVAC professional, builder, architect, home-performance specialist, indoor air quality consultant, or homeowner, this conversation offers a practical perspective on making informed healthy-home decisions.A healthier home is not created by choosing products from a generic list. It begins by understanding the building, the occupant, and how the two interact.🔗 Connect with Andy Pace:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpace/The Green Design Center:https://www.thegreendesigncenter.com/Building for Health:https://buildingforhealth.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/greendesigncenter/Book: Building for Health by Andy Pace📲 Follow HVAC ADHD™YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@HVAC2HPInstagram:https://www.instagram.com/hvac2hpFacebook:https://www.facebook.com/hvac2homeperformanceWebsite:https://www.hvac2homeperformance.com/#HVACADHD #HVACADHDVodcast #Jeremy Begley #AndyPace #HealthyHomes #IndoorAirQuality #BuildingScience #HomePerformance #VOC #MoldTesting

Send us Fan MailSend us Fan MailVenting With the Pros: MeasureQuick, Airflow & Data-Driven HVAC Diagnostics with Joe MedoschWhat happens when you put two building-performance pros in the same room, turn on the cameras, and let them talk HVAC?You get a few things worth venting about.In this special episode of HVAC ADHD™ Vodcast, Jeremy Begley sits down with longtime industry friend Joe Medosch to introduce Venting With the Pros—a new series featuring candid conversations about the tools, measurements, field practices, and industry habits shaping HVAC performance.The conversation begins with MeasureQuick® and quickly expands into airflow, static pressure, refrigerant diagnostics, direct data capture, commissioning, load calculations, technician training, and the growing role of artificial intelligence in HVAC.Jeremy and Joe examine why individual readings should never be interpreted without context, why airflow must be evaluated before refrigerant charge, and how better measurement practices can help technicians understand the performance of the complete system.In this episode, we discuss:• What MeasureQuick® brings to HVAC diagnostics and commissioning• Why airflow should be evaluated before adjusting refrigerant charge• Why static pressure belongs in routine system testing• MeasureQuick® and TrueFlow® for better airflow verification• Direct data capture versus manually recording measurements• The difference between equipment measurements and complete system measurements• Commissioning heat pumps and inverter-driven systems• Why system stability and proper probe placement matter• How measured infiltration can improve load calculations• The role of blower-door testing in understanding building performance• How AI is beginning to support HVAC diagnostics and technician training• Why the industry must get more serious about measuring and verifying performanceWhether you’re an HVAC technician, contractor, energy rater, building-performance professional, designer, trainer, or commissioning provider, this episode offers a practical and candid look at what better HVAC diagnostics require in the field.The takeaway is simple:Measure. Diagnose. Verify.And sometimes, the industry just needs a place to vent.🔗 Connect with Joe MedoschMeasureQuick®:https://measurequick.com/LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/joemedosch/📲 Follow HVAC ADHD™YouTube:https://zurl.co/wpJHEInstagram:https://zurl.co/zrhQWFacebook:https://zurl.co/mCS5a#HVACADHD #HVACADHDVodcast #VentingWithThePros #JeremyBegley #JoeMedosch #MeasureQuick #HVACDiagnostics #HVACTraining #HVACTech #Airflow #StaticPressure #Commissioning #TrueFlow #LoadCalculations #ManualJ #BlowerDoorTesting #HeatPumps #HVACDesign #BuildingScience #HomePerformance #BuildingPerformance #HVACPerformance #DataDrivenHVAC #SkilledTrades

Send us Fan MailWhat does it actually mean for a building to perform?In this episode of the HVAC ADHD™ Vodcast, Jeremy Begley sits down with Neil Goldman, owner of Less Energy, HERS Rater, Passive House consultant, and Philadelphia's first certified blower door Special Inspector, for a deep dive into testing, verification, and high-performance buildings.A building can meet a standard. It can earn a certification. It can look great on paper.But did anyone verify that it actually performs?Neil and Jeremy explore the relationship between the building envelope and the HVAC system—and why testing becomes even more important as buildings get tighter, mechanical loads get smaller, and ventilation becomes more intentional.We dive into:• Passive House principles and high-performance construction• HERS Ratings and what they tell us about building performance• Blower door testing and airtightness verification• Large-building blower door testing• Energy Star and third-party verification• ERVs, ventilation, and indoor air quality• HVAC sizing for tighter, lower-load buildings• Commissioning and verifying mechanical system performance• Why the building envelope and HVAC system can't be treated separately• The difference between meeting a certification and proving real-world performanceThis episode gets into one of the most important principles in building performance:👉 Don't assume the envelope performs. Test it.👉 Don't assume the HVAC performs. Commission it.👉 Don't assume the ventilation works. Verify it.Whether you're an HVAC contractor, HERS Rater, energy auditor, building performance professional, HVAC designer, commissioning provider, or Passive House professional, this conversation offers a practical look at why measurement and verification have to be part of the process.🔗 Neil Goldman's LinksLes NRG:https://www.blowerdoortestphilly.com/aboutLinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/neil-goldman-2b10a935Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/les.nrg/🎥 WATCHYouTube:https://youtu.be/IxRBubAL5As📲 Follow HVAC ADHD™YouTube:https://zurl.co/wpJHEInstagram:https://zurl.co/zrhQWFacebook:https://zurl.co/mCS5a#HVACADHD #HVACADHDVodcast #JeremyBegley #NeilGoldman #PassiveHouse #HERS #HERSRater #BlowerDoor #BlowerDoorTesting #Airtightness #EnergyStar #BuildingScience #BuildingPerformance #HomePerformance #HVACDesign #HVACPerformance #Commissioning #Ventilation #ERV #IndoorAirQuality #BuildingEnvelope #EnergyEfficiency #HVACTech #HVACTraining #HVACIndustry #HighPerformanceBuilding

Send us Fan MailBuilding Better Multifamily Housing Through HVAC, Building Science & Smarter Development with Jeff CarrollWhat if the biggest opportunity in workforce housing wasn't cutting costs……but building better-performing buildings?In this episode of HVAC ADHD™, Jeremy Begley sits down with Jeff Carroll, President of Tartan Residential, to explore how high-performance HVAC design, airtight construction, commissioning, and energy-efficient building practices are reshaping the future of multifamily development.Jeff shares how his team is challenging the traditional "value engineering" mindset by investing in better building envelopes, properly sized HVAC systems, and performance verification—creating healthier, more comfortable buildings while unlocking additional financing opportunities. Their approach has already led to award-winning workforce housing developments built ahead of schedule, under budget, and designed to perform for decades.In this episode, we discuss:• Why affordable housing shouldn't mean lower-quality housing• How energy efficiency can increase project value and financing options• The hidden costs of oversized HVAC systems in multifamily buildings• Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs) and airtight building envelopes• Why commissioning and third-party verification are critical• Lessons learned from building Net Zero Ready multifamily communities• How developers can shift from minimizing first cost to maximizing long-term performance• The future of workforce housing through building science and high-performance constructionWhether you're an HVAC contractor, building performance professional, engineer, architect, developer, energy consultant, or commissioning provider, this episode is packed with practical insights on designing buildings that perform better for owners and residents alike.🔗 Connect with Jeff CarrollTartan Residential:https://www.tartanresidential.com/ Jeff Carroll Bio:https://www.tartanresidential.com/jeff-carroll/ LinkedIn:linkedin.com/in/jeff-carroll-418823367 📲 Follow HVAC ADHD™YouTube:https://zurl.co/wpJHEInstagram:https://zurl.co/zrhQWFacebook:https://zurl.co/mCS5a#HVACADHD #HVACADHDVodcast #JeremyBegley #JeffCarroll #TartanResidential #WorkforceHousing #MultifamilyHousing #BuildingScience #BuildingPerformance #HVACDesign #HVACIndustry #HVACTech #Commissioning #EnergyEfficiency #NetZeroReady #LoadCalculations #Airflow #SIPConstruction #HomePerformance #ConstructionInnovation #HighPerformanceBuildings #BuildingEnvelope #FutureOfHVAC

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of the HVAC ADHD™ Vodcast, Jeremy Begley sits down with Chris Panteli, co-founder of Linkify, to explore one of the biggest shifts happening in contractor marketing today: AI-powered search and digital authority.As platforms like ChatGPT, Claude, Grok, and Perplexity become the first stop for customer questions, simply ranking on Google is no longer enough. Chris explains how HVAC contractors and home service businesses can improve their visibility by building authority, earning media coverage, and creating trust signals that both search engines and AI models recognize.Whether you're a contractor looking to generate more leads or a business owner trying to future-proof your marketing strategy, this episode provides practical advice you can start applying today.We dive deep into:• Why AI search is changing how customers find HVAC companies • The difference between buying backlinks and earning media coverage • How journalists find industry experts for major publications • Why LinkedIn and personal branding matter more than ever • Building trust with Google, ChatGPT, Claude, Grok, and Perplexity • Digital PR strategies that HVAC contractors can use today • Why authority—not just keywords—is becoming the future of SEO • How to position yourself as the expert AI recommendsThis episode also explores a powerful idea that's reshaping contractor marketing:👉 The companies that build trust will outperform the companies that simply build websites.👉 Authority is becoming the new SEO.If you're an HVAC contractor, home performance professional, marketer, or business owner looking to stay ahead of AI-driven search, this conversation is packed with actionable insights you won't want to miss.🔗 Chris Panteli's LinksWebsite: https://www.linkify.ai/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-panteli/X:https://x.com/Linkifi_Market Movers Podcasthttps://marketmoverspod.com/📲 Follow HVAC ADHD™YouTube: https://zurl.co/wpJHEInstagram: https://zurl.co/zrhQWFacebook: https://zurl.co/mCS5a#HVACADHD #HVACADHDVodcast #Season2 #JeremyBegley #ChrisPanteli #Linkify #HVACMarketing #SEO #AISEO #DigitalPR #Backlinks #GoogleSEO #ChatGPT #ClaudeAI #Grok #Perplexity #ContractorMarketing #PersonalBranding #BuildingAuthority #HVACBusiness #HomePerformance #BuildingScience #MarketingStrategy #LocalSEO #AIMarketing #FutureOfHVAC

Send us Fan MailManual J is evolving—and so is the future of HVAC.In this episode of the HVAC ADHD™ Vodcast, Jeremy Begley sits down with Wes Davis of the Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA) to discuss one of the most significant updates to HVAC design standards in years.From Manual J revisions and field survey requirements to APIs, commissioning, and Quality Installation (QI), this conversation explores how better data is reshaping the way HVAC professionals design, install, and verify high-performance systems. We dive deep into:• The upcoming Manual J revisions and what contractors need to know • Why field surveys and accurate data collection matter more than ever • LIDAR technology, APIs, and the future of HVAC software • Garbage in, garbage out: why design starts with quality inputs • ACCA's Quality Installation (QI) initiative and verified performance • Commissioning, airflow, static pressure, and system verification • Heat pumps, load calculations, and proper HVAC design • Why better standards create better contractors—and better customer outcomesThis episode also explores one of the biggest ideas shaping modern HVAC:👉 The future belongs to contractors who measure, verify, and design with data. 👉 Guesswork is giving way to performance-based HVAC.Whether you're an HVAC contractor, system designer, energy auditor, building performance professional, commissioning specialist, educator, or technician, this episode delivers practical insights into the standards and technologies that will define the next generation of HVAC.🔗 Wes Davis' LinksLinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/wesdavisacca/ ACCA:https://www.acca.org/people/wes-davis 📲 Follow HVAC ADHD™YouTube: https://zurl.co/PGkT5Instagram: https://zurl.co/iAkZZFacebook: https://zurl.co/dAylILinkedIn: https://zurl.co/xJlXx#HVACADHDVodcast #HVACADHD #Season2 #JeremyBegley #WesDavis #ACCA #ManualJ #ManualD #LoadCalculations #HVACDesign #Commissioning #QualityInstallation #BuildingScience #HomePerformance #HeatPump #Airflow #StaticPressure #HVACTech #HVACTraining #HVACIndustry #ContractorTraining #EnergyEfficiency #HVACBusiness #FutureOfHVAC

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of the HVAC ADHD™ Vodcast, Jeremy Begley sits down with Brad Cooper—Advanced HVAC Instructor at Arkansas State University-Beebe, former HVAC contractor, industry educator, and contributor to HVAC School—to discuss one of the biggest challenges facing the HVAC industry today:Developing the next generation of technicians.Brad brings decades of experience from both the classroom and the field, offering a unique perspective on workforce development, HVAC education, apprenticeships, and the skills modern technicians need to succeed.From load calculations and commissioning to MeasureQuick and diagnostic technology, this conversation explores how contractors can move beyond reactive training and build technicians who understand systems, testing, and performance.We dive deep into:• Why HVAC education must evolve to meet modern industry demands• The gap between classroom instruction and field experience• How apprenticeships help solve workforce challenges• Why load calculations remain one of HVAC's most overlooked skills• The role of MeasureQuick and modern diagnostics in technician development• The true cost of callbacks and poor commissioning• Airflow, static pressure, and system performance fundamentals• Building technicians who think critically instead of relying on shortcuts• Why contractors must invest in training for long-term success• Leaving the HVAC industry better than you found itThis episode also explores a central idea shaping the future of HVAC:👉 Great technicians aren't born—they're developed.👉 The companies that prioritize training, testing, mentorship, and continuous improvement will lead the next generation of the industry.Whether you're an HVAC contractor, technician, installer, service manager, educator, trade school student, or building performance professional, this episode offers practical insights for improving technical skills, reducing callbacks, and building stronger teams.🔗 Brad Cooper's LinksLinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/brad-cooper-cmhe-hvacreducator/Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/hvacreducator/🔗 Follow HVAC ADHD™YouTube:https://zurl.co/PGkT5Instagram:https://zurl.co/iAkZZFacebook:https://zurl.co/dAylILinkedIn:https://zurl.co/xJlXx#HVACADHDVodcast #HVACADHD #Season2 #BradCooper #JeremyBegley #HVACEducation #HVACTraining #HVACTech #MeasureQuick #LoadCalculations #ManualJ #Commissioning #Airflow #StaticPressure #BuildingScience #HomePerformance #HVACIndustry #TradeSchool #Apprenticeship #WorkforceDevelopment #ContractorTraining