The week we talk about the OPR or Owner's Project Requirements and the CFR, the Current Facility Requirements. Ultimately they are two side to the same coin, what a owner needs and wants from their facility. It is a buildings playbook, how it is intended to be used and operated. Most people would associate the OPR with being something that is found and required by LEED under the commissioning section. Although this is true, I feel that this document is more than that. An OPR is a documented plan...
Apr 30, 2012•26 min
This week I talk about Building Information Modeling or BIM. What once seemed liked a far fetched idea of drawing a virtual building is now reality and becoming more and more the standard of care for our industry. There are still some big hurdles to cross when it comes to coordination but that may be a gold mine that can put those last few items together. BIM is no longer for only the largest buildings and the most progressive owners, it has now trickled down to the everyday projects for those t...
Apr 23, 2012•40 min
Call them freezestats or low-temperature cut-outs or vapor-filled capillary tubes this week I am talking about the control devices that keep our water coils from freezing. These little devices seem to cause a lot of issues so I thought that I would do a complete podcast episode regarding them. I already have a blog post "A coils best friend" but some people, me included, perfer the audio format for our information. So what are we going to cover in this episode? We will talk about the pieces part...
Apr 16, 2012•26 min
This week I talk gas monitoring with Scott Bissett of Armstrong Monitoring Corporation. Gas monitoring is a key ingredient in the safety of occupants and staff when we are talk about a number of applications. This week we focus primarily on vehicle exhaust and mechanical room exhaust specifically when you are dealing with carbon dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, and various refigerants. I must admit this was a rather lengthy interview but the content is very actionable and will give you a great start i...
Apr 09, 2012•59 min
In this episode of HVAC 360 I share some of my know on commissioning air-handling units. I talk about what to look for during the installation of the unit, as well as some of the basics as far as functional testing of the unit. If you liked this episode let me know or otherwise just pass it on to others who you think might like it. Enjoy! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Apr 02, 2012•46 min
This week I talk with Bob Eckery from EnOcean Inc. to discuss the exciting new technology behind so many energy efficient devices. From light switches to diffusers and valves to occupany sensors this wireless technology is changing the game when it comes to way you can do with traditional devices. If you like what you hear please pass the episode along to a friend. Enjoy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Mar 26, 2012•17 min
This week we talk to Mooki Talby of Advantix Systems about their new products and specifically the unique DuCool product. For the right applications there is a lot of energy savings to be had with these units so check them out and if you like what you see and hear please pass the information on to a collegue. Enjoy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Mar 20, 2012•19 min
Mechanical insulation is the topic this week when we talk to our guest Ron King, Consultant and Past President of the National Insulation Association. Insulation goes beyond "the pink stuff" and for ductwork, piping, and equipment it is probably the biggest unsung hero of the green sustainablility movement. Remember the saying, "The cheapest BTU is the one that you never have to make." If you find this interesting pass it on to your friends. If you want to learn move visit my website at www.buil...
Mar 12, 2012•47 min
On HVAC 360 this week we field a listener request and talk with Paul Torcellini, Principal Engineer with NREL, the National Renewable Energy Laboratories regarding Net-Zero Energy Buildings. This show has a ton of information that I encourage everyone to share. As Paul said, the more that we can share Net-Zero engineering innovations with each other, the quicker the adoption becomes and the less we will feel like we are sticking our necks out over unproven techniques. Enjoy. Hosted on Acast. See...
Mar 05, 2012•55 min
This week we return to the AHR Expo for an interview with Mitch Knapke of Emerson Climate Technologies. We discuss the release of their new product the Copeland Scroll K5 which they report can save refrigeration-related energy consumption 10 percent over current technology. In addition this compressor also includes Emerson's new CoreSense onboard compressor diagnostics which has to make it one of the most technician friendly compressors out on the market today. If you like what you hear please p...
Feb 27, 2012•13 min
In this episode we talk to an Dr. Janet Stout about her recent ASHRAE funded study on non-chemical water treatment devices. These are devices that are put in-line in the condenser water system and have claims that they control as well as standard chemical treatment procedures. Listen to the results of this great study. If you like this pass it along to another. Enjoy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Feb 20, 2012•33 min
HVAC 360 this week talks to Neal Walsh of AeroSeal, who has designed a system and sealant that seals ductwork from the outside. This appears to be a great time and labor saver and also can couple with duct cleaning. This product is marketed for both Residential and Commercial but I keep the focus on the later for our episode. If you find this episode interesting please let me know and pass it along to someone else who might enjoy it. Take Care. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more inf...
Feb 13, 2012•25 min
On HVAC 360 this week I talk to Kevin McNamara VP of LG Commercial Air Conditioning from the floor of the AHR Expo in Chicago 2012. Mr. McNamara talks about the new Multi V III that is on the market as well as other aspects of the company here in the US. If you have any comments about the episode please drop me a line at matt@buildingx.co or if you enjoyed the show please spread the word an share it. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....
Feb 06, 2012•17 min
HVAC 360 this week talks to Karl Schneider of FieldAware Software from the floor of the AHR Expo 2012 in Chicago. FieldAware is a new software start-up that improves efficiency and effectiveness of field personnel. With another asset management component being release in March 2012 they are off to a good start with offering a native application that can help small business with the management of their staff. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....
Jan 30, 2012•24 min
In this episode of HVAC 360 I talk about the recent ASHRAE Winter Meeting I attended in Chicago. Specifically I cover the ASHRAE rebranding, their new website, and touch on a couple of the technical sessions that I sat in on. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Jan 26, 2012•16 min
HVAC 360 this week covers the ASHRAE Virtual Conference. I talk with Dennis Wessel, Chair of the Conferences and Expositions Committee at ASHRAE and discuss when the conference came about, how to use it, and some of the other benefits. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Jan 16, 2012•17 min
In this episode of HVAC 360 I talk with Charli Matthews, founder of empoweringpumps.com. Topics covered include the purpose of the site, online versus print media, and what the future holds. Tune in to learn a little about Charli, Enjoy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Jan 09, 2012•31 min
On this episode of HVAC 360 I get a chance to talk with Howard McKew, President of Building Smart Software. Howie has a ton of experience to draw from the various industry jobs he's held and often writes about that experience in his columns in Engineered Systems Magazine. It was truely a please to talk to him and I hope that you enjoy this interview as much as I did. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Jan 02, 2012•58 min
Final episode of the year here folks and I wanted to talk about the basics of HVAC Heat Transfer. I talk about Conduction, Convection, and Radiation, the three modes of heat transfer in a easy to understand format. If you enjoy it pass it along to others. If you have comments and suggestions pass them along to me as well. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Dec 29, 2011•37 min
In this episode I talk with the current President of the Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineering, Andy Ford. As engineering is an international endeavor I wanted to voyage away from North America to give a broader perspective as to British Engineering and its institutions. If you like this episode please pass it forward. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Dec 05, 2011•1 hr 1 min
In this week's HVAC 360 episode we talk with Robert Bean, an indoor environmental quality and energy specialist and ASHRAE distiquished lecturer. We cover topics such as the difference between IEQ and IAQ, what to focus on in design, construction, and operation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Nov 27, 2011•47 min
This week's episode celebrates World Toilet Day and we talk about why toilet room design is important and I offer some tips on improving your design. I strongly encourage designers to develop their own process for toilet room design including questions they can ask the owner so that you can be the best advocate for the owner and deliver a toilet room that fits their needs. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Nov 20, 2011•49 min
This week I talk with Penn State's Professor Bill Bahnfleth about the different options students have when it comes to HVAC and higher education. Specifically we talk about Mechanical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering Technology, and Bill's favorite Architectural Engineering. The last of which is a real laser focused engineering degree that is not found everywhere but is certainly worth listening to. Enjoy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....
Nov 14, 2011•44 min
In this episode I talk to Kenny Tsakanikas, an industry veteran who has made a successful transition from working in the field to running his own construction business to now working in consulting. In his current position he is involved in being both as an Owner's Representative in construction projects and as a building commissioning authority. Enjoy learning a little bit about Kenny and hopefully you can take away some actionable advice. If you find what you hear useful, pass it along to someo...
Nov 07, 2011•43 min
This week we take a look at what every professional needs to have in the trunk of their car or truck when they go to a job site. I talk about some of what people can expect and what they should wear to keep them effective and safe. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Oct 31, 2011•35 min
In this episode I talk about prefunctional checklists for building commissioning in relation to ASHRAE Guideline 0 and the PECI documents. Most commissioning authorities have there own style of checklists but I breakdown the anatomy of these forms to help professionals understand or possibly improve their documents. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Oct 24, 2011•31 min
This week I turn international by interviewing Canadian David Underwood, a professional engineer, a retired owner and an ASHRAE fellow. David shares his journey in engineering and the wisdom that he has picked up along the way. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Oct 17, 2011•36 min
This week we talk to Mark Walter, Founder and Principal at Virtual Cx. The services that Mark's firm provides are primarily focused on commissioning firms who require supplemental services. His building commissioning company is one of the truely innovative firms that I have seen. If you like the episode please feel free to mention it to others. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Oct 10, 2011•46 min
In this episode a talk about what I feel are the key to being a professional engineer: Being professional, growing skills, and learning how to network. And although I focus on engineers on this episode you can really apply these skills to any profession. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Oct 02, 2011•40 min
You may unknowingly be making energy decisions or recommendations based on information that is almost a decade old. Now the U.S. congress has cut CBECS funding and it is now becoming more outdated. Learn what CBECS is and why it is so important in my interview with the Energy Information Agency staff. If this is news to you, please conder passing this along to someone else that you know. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....
Sep 25, 2011•30 min