『Renewing Homes』のカバーアート

Renewing Homes

Renewing Homes

著者: Ben Hildebrandt
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How do we improve existing homes in ways that are durable, practical, and built for long-term performance?

Renewing Homes is a long-form podcast about residential retrofits and the real-world complexity of improving existing homes. Hosted by Ben Hildebrandt, the show features thoughtful conversations with builders, designers, researchers, policymakers, and industry leaders working across Canada and North America.

Episodes explore building science, retrofit strategy, house-as-a-system thinking, workforce challenges, policy, and the practical trade-offs involved in improving homes for comfort, durability, efficiency, and long-term performance.

Whether you work in construction, design, research, or program delivery, Renewing Homes is a space for deeper conversations about what it takes to create better homes through better retrofits.

2026 Ben Hildebrandt
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  • 002 - Beyond the Thermostat: What Makes a Home Comfortable?
    2026/06/08

    Most people think comfort comes down to the number on the thermostat. In reality, it's a lot more complicated than that.

    In this episode, I’m joined by Allison Bailes and Nate Adams to explore what actually makes a home comfortable.

    We discuss thermal comfort, mean radiant temperature, humidity, air movement, HVAC system design, and why two homes set to the same temperature can feel completely different. Along the way, we dig into common misconceptions, practical retrofit strategies, and the relationship between comfort, efficiency, durability, and indoor environmental quality.

    Whether you're a contractor, energy advisor, designer, or simply interested in how homes work, this conversation offers a deeper look at one of the main reasons people choose to retrofit in the first place: creating a home that feels better to live in.

    Key Takeaways:

    • Comfort is about much more than air temperature. Mean radiant temperature, humidity, air movement, clothing, and activity levels all influence how we experience a space.
    • A thermostat only tells part of the story. Two homes at the same temperature can feel very different depending on surface temperatures and how evenly conditions are maintained throughout the home.
    • Comfort and efficiency are often aligned. Improvements that make a home more comfortable frequently deliver benefits in energy use, durability, indoor air quality, and even acoustics.
    • HVAC sizing and system operation matter. Properly sized variable-speed equipment that runs for longer periods can often improve comfort more than many homeowners realize.
    • There is no single solution for every home. Comfort improvements must be balanced against homeowner goals, existing conditions, and budget constraints.
    • Building enclosures and mechanical systems both play a role. The most comfortable homes are typically the result of the enclosure, HVAC system, and occupants all working together.
    • If you're trying to improve comfort, start by understanding the problem. Drafts, cold surfaces, disconnected ducts, poor airflow, oversized equipment, and humidity issues can all produce similar complaints but require very different solutions.

    One quote that captures the spirit of the conversation:

    "Design for people, good buildings follow."

    - Robert Bean

    That idea comes up repeatedly throughout the episode and serves as a useful reminder that comfort isn't just another performance metric, it's ultimately the reason people live in and invest in their homes.


    Chapters:

    00:00 Introduction to Home Comfort and Backgrounds

    03:53 Understanding Home Comfort

    08:05 ASHRAE Standard 55 and Thermal Comfort

    19:24 Common Reasons for Discomfort in Existing Homes

    23:46 Sizing and Operation of HVAC Systems

    28:19 The Importance of Proper Equipment Selection

    33:15 Understanding Duct Leakage and Its Impact

    38:02 The Challenges of Balancing Existing Duct Systems

    46:29 Improving Building Shell for Thermal Comfort

    52:42 Common Misunderstandings in Home Thermal Comfort

    55:41 Where to Start to Learn About Home Comfort?

    56:32 Design for People

    57:22 Indoor Environmental Quality

    58:36 Closing

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    59 分
  • 001 - Every Retrofit Needs a Plan - With Meredith Hamstead and Cindy Gareau
    2026/06/02

    The conversation delves into the significance of the Integrated Design Process (IDP) in residential retrofits, emphasizing its role in project management, planning, and the avoidance of poorly managed and executed projects. The value of IDP in residential renovations is highlighted, along with the quantification of its benefits. The conversation emphasizes the importance of investing in the plan and continuous communication throughout the project. It highlights the need for intentional spending and the impact of failing to plan effectively.

    Takeaways

    • Integrated Design Process (IDP) is crucial for successful residential retrofits
    • IDP facilitates outcomes-focused project management
    • Investing in the plan
    • Continuous communication

    Chapters

    • 00:00 Introduction
    • 00:18 Meet the Guests
    • 02:51 Renovations vs. Retrofits
    • 07:09 Defining the Integrated Design Process - Every Home Needs a Good Plan
    • 18:35 Getting the Right People in the Room
    • 23:55 The Cost of Poor Planning
    • 38:10 Houses are Systems
    • 42:22 Respecting Expertise and Creating Better Outcomes
    • 55:09 A Better Name for IDP
    • 57:04 Closing and Disclaimer

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    57 分
  • 000 - Renewing Homes Trailer
    2026/06/01

    This episode introduces the complexity of residential retrofits and the fragmented nature of conversations in the retrofit industry. It outlines the purpose, goals, content, and format of the podcast, emphasizing a focus on real projects, challenges, and industry growth. The podcast aims to provide valuable insights and perspectives for professionals in the residential retrofit industry.

    Takeaways

    • Residential retrofits are complex
    • The retrofit industry conversations are fragmented and siloed

    Chapters

    • 00:00 Introduction
    • 00:26 Understanding the Complexity of Retrofits
    • 01:10 Silos Across the Industry
    • 02:10 My Background
    • 02:55 The Idea
    • 03:31 What to Expect
    • 05:36 My Goal
    • 06:08 Who is This Podcast For?
    • 06:40 Get Ready!

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    7 分
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