Ben Walker and Sam Myers sit down with Jake Bruton to talk blower door testing, airtightness, and why data beats opinions every time. Jake explains why he tests multiple times during a build, what leak paths still surprise teams, and how those checks reduce risk and callbacks. They also get into vetting HVAC contractors for low load homes and why buy-in matters more than bravado. If you are serious about building better, share this with a builder who still “just knows” it’s tight.

Show Notes:
00:00 Data Over Opinions
00:59 Three Test Strategy
03:09 When To Test
05:07 Hidden Leakage Spots
06:19 The 30% Drop
08:57 Solving The Lid
19:16 Vetting HVAC Subs
25:21 Advice For Builders
31:31 Tight Means Tested
38:59 Where To Learn
49:41 Buy The Blower

Connect with:
Jake Bruton
Website: www.aarowbuilding.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jake.bruton

Follow Hosts:
Ben Walker (Co-CEO, Retrotec)
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-walker-4a05901/

Sam Myers (Building Science Specialist & Trainer)
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sam-myers-ms-a9a4a546/

Website: https://retrotec.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/retrotec/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/retrotec/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RetrotecEnergy/

Listen on
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3xMDAhIttUTHWK41DH7KhB

Don’t forget to subscribe for more episodes on airtightness, ventilation strategies, and innovations in building science!

#BuildingScience #AirtightnessTesting #EnergyEfficiency #BuildingPerformance #HVAC #Retrotec #GreenStar #EnergyWaste #HomeImprovement

Ben Walker and Sam Myers sit down with Xavier Walter of the Building Performance Association to talk about the workforce gap, why HVAC contractors need building science partners, and where the industry is headed next. They get into apprenticeship and workforce development, how weatherization and HVAC can work together, and why callbacks drop when contractors solve the whole problem. Plus, a quick run-through of what to expect at the BPA National Conference in Columbus, April 13–16.

And if you want to attend, use this link to register: http://nhpc26.org/flow-lab

Use code NHPC-Flow for a discounted registration rate ($825)

Video Notes:
00:00 Show Intro
01:03 Xavier’s Path In
03:52 BPA Resources
05:07 Workforce Challenges
09:23 HVAC And Weatherization
13:20 Building Science Basics
18:43 Why Attend BPA
21:08 Beyond Residential Work
24:00 Conference Game Plan
28:36 Free Market Shift
33:48 Questions Homeowners Ask
35:35 Pass It Forward

Connect with:
Xavier Walter
https://www.linkedin.com/in/xavier-walter-1164812b/

Follow Hosts:
Ben Walker (Co-CEO, Retrotec)
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-walker-4a05901/

Sam Myers (Building Science Specialist & Trainer)
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sam-myers-ms-a9a4a546/

Website: https://retrotec.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/retrotec/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/retrotec/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RetrotecEnergy/

Listen on
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3xMDAhIttUTHWK41DH7KhB

Don’t forget to subscribe for more episodes on airtightness, ventilation strategies, and innovations in building science!

#BuildingScience #AirtightnessTesting #EnergyEfficiency #BuildingPerformance #HVAC #Retrotec #GreenStar #EnergyWaste #HomeImprovement

Sam Myers and Ben Walker sit down with Joe Medosch to talk about why indoor air quality is personal, and why better HVAC diagnostics matter more than ever. They break down MeasureQuick, direct capture, and the accountability gap that still holds the industry back. You will also hear why “the occupant is the greatest sensor,” plus what wildfire smoke and ventilation mean for real homes. If this helped, share it with a tech or builder who cares about getting it right.

Show Notes:
Introduction and Welcome (0:00)
Retro Tech and Joe's Contributions (1:26)
Challenges in the HVAC Industry (2:43)
Health and Air Quality Focus (4:51)
Measure Quick and HVAC Diagnostics (5:51)
Training and Education in HVAC (17:50)
Occupant-Centric Approach to Building Performance (18:03)
Wildfire Smoke and Indoor Air Quality (19:56)
Future of HVAC and Measure Quick (41:18)
Closing Remarks and Future Collaboration (47:15)

Follow Hosts:
Ben Walker (Co-CEO, Retrotec)
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-walker-4a05901/

Sam Myers (Building Science Specialist & Trainer)
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sam-myers-ms-a9a4a546/

Website: https://retrotec.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/retrotec/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/retrotec/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RetrotecEnergy/

Listen on
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3xMDAhIttUTHWK41DH7KhB

Don’t forget to subscribe for more episodes on airtightness, ventilation strategies, and innovations in building science!

#BuildingScience #AirtightnessTesting #EnergyEfficiency #BuildingPerformance #HVAC #Retrotec #GreenStar #EnergyWaste #HomeImprovement