In this heartfelt episode of the Building HVAC Science Podcast, Eric Kaiser and Bill Spohn welcome Manly Arnason, an HVAC business owner from Brandon, Manitoba, Canada. Manly shares his journey of transformation—from a challenging past to becoming a dedicated tradesperson with a mission to bring integrity and quality to the HVAC industry. Drawing from his experiences running a small business, Manly opens up about the challenges of implementing proper practices in the trades, the importance of continuous education, and the role of community in fostering growth and excellence.

Manly’s story highlights the power of personal and professional change, emphasizing his commitment to commissioning systems properly, adhering to codes, and treating customers with the respect they deserve. The conversation touches on the unique challenges of working in the Canadian climate, the significance of national apprenticeship programs, and the value of building a like-minded community to support others striving to improve their craft. This inspiring episode is a reminder that growth, both personal and professional, begins with a decision to do better.

His business website: https://www.firstcallbrandon.ca/

His business on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/firstcallbrandon

Manly’s email: firstcall2255@gmail.com

This episode was recorded in January 2025.

In this engaging episode of the Building HVAC Science Podcast, hosts Eric Kaiser and Bill Spohn welcome Jason Esteves and Dan Kelly from Seitron Americas. The discussion offers an in-depth look at Seitron’s evolution, its role in the HVAC industry, and the company's dedication to training and customer support. Jason and Dan share their personal journeys, recounting how they started in the industry, their mentorship under the late Ray Biarnes, and their passion for delivering high-quality products and service.

The conversation highlights Seitron’s live-fire training academy, the launch of new products like the BeSafe portable gas monitors and combustion analyzers, and their upcoming refrigeration tools debuting at AHR Expo. The guests emphasize the company's focus on customer feedback, innovation, and a family-oriented culture. Personal anecdotes, such as Jason’s son competing in the Little League World Series and their mutual connection to their soccer coach turned mentor, add a relatable and heartfelt dimension to the episode.

This episode is a must-listen for HVAC professionals eager to learn more about Seitron’s commitment to supporting technicians, innovating in the field, and fostering a sense of community in the industry.

Find Seitron at Booth 5391 at the AHR expo

Seitron’s homepage: https://seitron.com/en_us/

Seitron Products at TruTech Tools: https://trutechtools.com/seitron-americas.html

Jason’s contact info:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-esteves-9690255/

jesteves@seitronamericas.com

Dan’s contact info:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/dan-kelly-b387b873/

dkelly@seitronamericas.com

This episode was recorded in January 2025.

In this engaging episode of the Building HVAC Science Podcast, host Eric Kaiser is joined by Robert Bean, an ASHRAE Distinguished Lecturer and a renowned expert on indoor environmental quality (IEQ). Together, they explore the intricate relationship between architecture, thermal comfort, and HVAC systems. Robert shares insights from his extensive travels, observations of traditional architecture, and key lessons from his work in designing high-performance buildings.

The discussion highlights the critical distinction between energy efficiency and human comfort, emphasizing that discomfort often drives energy use. Robert explains foundational concepts like mean radiant temperature (MRT) and operative temperature and how they profoundly affect perceived comfort. He challenges common industry assumptions, such as relying solely on air temperature for thermal comfort, and advocates for a comprehensive approach that includes radiant, convective, and architectural solutions.

Listeners will gain practical advice on incorporating IEQ principles into design, leveraging tools like the ASHRAE Standard 55 and Robert’s free eBook, Thermal Comfort Principles and Practical Applications for Residential Buildings. The conversation concludes with a call to prioritize human comfort in every aspect of building design and operation.

Get the free eBook mentioned here: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/13843486/

Here is Robert’s LinkedIn profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robertbeanret/

Center for Built Environments Thermal Comfort Tool: https://comfort.cbe.berkeley.edu/

Robert joined us in 2017 for episode #4:

https://www.buildinghvacscience.com/ep4-it-takes-more-than-a-good-hvac-system-to-deliver-comfort/

This episode was recorded in January 2025.