The basics to help you understand homes as a system.

Download our FREE ebook and start solving problems like a pro.

👉https://bit.ly/flow-lab-ebook

In this episode of The Flow Lab Podcast, hosts Ben Walker, Co-CEO of RetroTec, and Sam Myers, building science specialist and RetroTec trainer, sit down with Niek-Jan Bink, Director/co-owner at ACIN instrumenten and mastermind behind innovative tools like the Flow Finder Mk2+ and the ADT.

Niek shares his fascinating journey from climate research to engineering HVAC solutions, while uncovering the evolving needs of ventilation systems around the globe. This is a must-listen for HVAC pros, energy auditors, and building scientists curious about the tools shaping better indoor air quality and airtight construction.

• From a handmade aluminum box to a smart, Wi-Fi powered airflow measurement device.
• A new tool that simplifies testing on large-scale housing projects without replacing the blower door.
• Discover how ultrasonic tools are transforming on-site diagnostics, no construction delays required.
• Why do the U.S. and Europe approach airflow, ventilation, and ductwork so differently.
• What Niek learned from experts like Bill Spohn and Colin Genge, and why curiosity is key in HVAC.

[00:00] - How it works with or without the blower door

[01:13] - Meet Niek-Jan Bink and his work with ACIN Instrumenten in the Netherlands

[03:54] - From climate researcher to co-owner of a cutting-edge HVAC company

[06:30] - ACIN’s diverse innovations: from naval valves to plant research

[08:52] - The origin story of the Flow Finder and 1980s ventilation failures

[12:40] - Flow Finder Mk2+ development & challenges

[18:00] - Ultrasonic leak detection tools: what's coming next

[21:37] - Using Flow Finder and ultra graphics in prefab & commercial projects

[28:32] - Breaking down the ADT’s functionality, limitations, and value

[35:56] - Practical ADT case study in a Dutch apartment complex

[44:11] - Achieving ISO 17025 accreditation & improving calibration uncertainty

[47:22] - Flow Finder Mk2+ updates: new motor controller, better efficiency

[52:56] - Extending the flow capacity up to 700 CFM

[55:00] - Future software for hood-specific calibration

[58:44] - U.S. use cases: whole-house ventilation, duct testing, and balancing

[01:03:00] - Advice for young HVAC professionals: stay curious, listen, collaborate

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/niek-jan-bink-18b6203/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/niekjanbink?igsh=MXIyNGFudGVzNWwwNw==

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1BDDSRAX8W/

Website: https://acin.nl/en/

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The basics to help you understand homes as a system.

Download our FREE ebook and start solving problems like a pro.

👉https://bit.ly/flow-lab-ebook

In this episode of The Flow Lab, hosts Ben Walker, Co-CEO of RetroTec, and Sam Myers, building science specialist and RetroTec trainer, are joined by Amit Gupta, the CEO of Aeroseal. Together, they explain the innovative world of air sealing technology, focusing on ductwork and building envelope sealing. The conversation examines into the challenges and breakthroughs in building performance, energy efficiency, and the future of sealing technologies, offering valuable knowledge for professionals in the HVAC and building science sectors.

• The evolution of Aeroseal’s technology from duct sealing to building envelope solutions.
• How the Aeroseal technology works, including its ability to fill air leaks in ducts and buildings.
• Insights into the challenges faced by builders and HVAC professionals in sealing air leaks.
• The environmental and financial benefits of improving air tightness in buildings.
• The potential of the Aeroseal technology to become standard practice in HVAC installations and home construction.

[00:00] - Amit’s Journey to Aeroseal

[00:59] - Introduction

[04:03] - The Technology Behind Aeroseal

[05:15] - How Aeroseal Works

[07:22] - Expanding into Building Envelopes

[10:41] - Challenges in Sealing and Pressure Dynamics

[12:58] - Sealing Commercial Ductwork

[16:01] - Sealing Process for Residential Systems

[19:28] - Tax Incentives for Homeowners

[26:00] - Growth of Aeroseal Worldwide

[21:07] - Advice for Entrepreneurs

[33:00] - Future of Building Technology

Connect with the Guest:

LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/amit-gupta-36abb0/

Website: https://aeroseal.com/

Aeroseal Social media:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AerosealUSA

Twitter: https://x.com/Aeroseal_llc

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aerosealhq/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/aeroseal-llc/

Follow Hosts:

Ben Walker (Co-CEO, Retrotec)

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-walker-4a05901/

Sam Myers (Building Science Specialist & Trainer)

LinkedIn:

The basics to help you understand homes as a system.

Download our FREE ebook and start solving problems like a pro.

👉https://bit.ly/flow-lab-ebook

In this episode of The Flow Lab Podcast, hosts Ben Walker and Sam Myers continue their conversation with Brendan Reid, a pioneer in home performance and HVAC sales. Brendan shares expert knowledge into ductwork efficiency, sales strategies, and the science of customer communication. He explains why smaller HVAC systems often perform better, the role of air sealing, and how to educate homeowners without overwhelming them with technical jargon. Whether you’re an HVAC professional or a building science enthusiast, this episode is packed with valuable takeaways to elevate your skills.

• The Power of Proper Duct Sealing, Why fixing duct leakage before upgrading HVAC systems leads to better efficiency and comfort.
• How to Communicate HVAC Benefits to Homeowners Using relatable analogies to explain airflow, ductwork, and energy efficiency.
• Mastering the Sales Process, Why sales objections should be seen as opportunities and how to use psychology to guide customer decisions.
• Behavioral Science in Sales, How asking the right questions keeps customers engaged and makes technical concepts easier to understand.
• The Future of HVAC Training Brendan’s insights into modern home performance solutions and upcoming sales education initiatives.

[01:14] - Welcome Back to The Flow Lab Podcast

[03:45] - The Importance of Clean Air and Ductwork Efficiency

[06:12] - Using Analogies to Simplify HVAC Concepts

[08:16] - The Psychology of Sales in HVAC

[14:21] - Overcoming Sales Objections in Home Performance

[20:30] - The Evolution of HVAC Testing & Airflow Science

[26:15] - Moving Beyond “Energy Audits” to Customer Comfort

[30:00] - The Power of Customer Education in HVAC Sales

[35:50] - Final Advice for HVAC Professionals

Connect with Brendan Reid:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brendan-reid-5255bbb/

Website Aeroseal: https://aeroseal.com/

Website SellMoreSeals: https://sellmoreseals.com/

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/...

The basics to help you understand homes as a system.

Download our FREE ebook and start solving problems like a pro.

👉https://bit.ly/flow-lab-ebook

In this episode of The Flow Lab, hosts Ben Walker and Sam Myers sit down with Brendan Reid, an industry veteran and founder of Retrotec, to look into the history and evolution of blower door testing, energy auditing, and building performance.

Brendan shares his journey from chimney sweeping in high school to pioneering the blower door industry, detailing the innovations, challenges, and opportunities in building science. With knowledge of the energy efficiency, home performance diagnostics, and airtightness testing, this conversation is a goldmine for HVAC professionals, energy auditors, and anyone passionate about building performance.

• The history and evolution of blower door testing and how it changed the industry.
• Why energy auditing businesses struggle and how to make them more profitable.
• The story of Retrotech's founding and its impact on airtightness testing.
• How technology advancements have improved duct sealing and home performance.
• Sales awareness for contractors looking to sell energy efficiency solutions effectively.

[00:00] - Welcome to The Flow Lab & Episode Introduction

[01:20] - Introduction of Brendan Reid and his Accidental Entrepreneur Journey

[05:19] - Early Days of Energy Auditing & The First Blower Door

[10:32] - Building Science Innovations & Testing Evolution

[17:54] - How Retrotec Started & The Shift to Manufacturing

[22:48] - Challenges in the Home Performance Industry

[32:18] - Advice for Energy Auditors: Thriving Without Government Incentives

[38:38] - The Role of Sales in Home Performance Contracting

[43:24] - Lessons Learned & Reflections on the Industry’s Growth

LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/brendan-reid-5255bbb/

Website Aeroseal: https://aeroseal.com/

Website Sell More Seals: https://sellmoreseals.com/

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:

The basics to help you understand homes as a system.

Download our FREE ebook and start solving problems like a pro.

👉https://bit.ly/flow-lab-ebook

In this episode of The Flow Lab, hosts Ben Walker and Sam Myers sit down with Colin Genge, founder of RetroTec and a pioneer in building science and HVAC innovation. They take a look at the origins of blower doors, the evolution of air tightness testing, and the future of energy conservation.

Collin shares fascinating observations of the early days of RetroTech, the challenges of breaking into the market, and how the industry has changed over the years. He also investigates renewable energy, AI, and the future of building performance.

This episode is packed with wisdom for HVAC professionals, building scientists, and anyone interested in energy efficiency and technological advancements.

Collin Genge is a pioneer in building science, best known for founding RetroTech, a leader in air tightness and HVAC testing equipment. With decades of experience, Collin has played a crucial role in shaping energy efficiency standards worldwide. Now retired and living in New Zealand, he continues to analyze renewable energy and disruptive technology.

• The garage startup story of RetroTech and the origins of blower doors.
• How energy conservation and air tightness testing have evolved since the 1980s.
• The impact of government programs and regulations on building performance.
• Why renewable energy and AI are shaping the future of the industry.
• Lessons from decades in business, including the challenges of entrepreneurship.

[00:42] – Introduction [02:04] – How the industry began [02:36] – Collin’s experience with media and industry recognition

[03:22] – Collin’s Life After Retirement

[05:16] – The origins of blower door testing in the 1980s ...

The basics to help you understand homes as a system.

Download our FREE ebook and start solving problems like a pro.

👉https://bit.ly/flow-lab-ebook

Welcome to the very first and special episode of The Flow Lab, where hosts Ben Walker and Sam Myers sit down with Harold Orr, a pioneering figure in building science and energy efficiency. Harold shares the fascinating story behind the invention of the blower door, the groundbreaking Saskatchewan Conservation House, and how these innovations shaped modern air-tightness standards.

With decades of experience, Harold explains the evolution of air leakage testing, the challenges of energy-efficient construction, and the importance of sealing techniques for sustainable buildings. This episode is packed with historical insights and practical knowledge for anyone interested in building science, HVAC, and home energy efficiency.

• How Harold Orr pioneered the development of the blower door and air-tightness testing
• The origins of the Saskatchewan Conservation House and its impact on the Passive House movement
• The evolution of building insulation and air barriers for energy-efficient construction
• Common misconceptions about air-tightness and the myth that "houses need to breathe"
• The "chainsaw retrofit" method for improving insulation in older homes

[00:01:51] – Welcome to The Flow Lab

[00:02:07] – The purpose of The Flow Lab

[00:02:50] – Introduction to Harold Orr

[00:04:40] – How Harold started working in air-tightness and building efficiency

[00:16:30] – The birth of the blower door

[00:22:18] – The Saskatchewan Conservation House

[00:25:34] – How the Passive House movement was influenced by Harold’s work

[00:33:57] – Vapor barriers, air sealing, and insulation techniques for modern construction

[00:38:40] – The "Chainsaw Retrofit" method

[00:46:35] – Do houses really need to "breathe"?

[00:50:17] – Why air-tightness should be a building code requirement

[00:55:37] – Harold’s lasting impact on building science

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/harold-orr-6858a3/

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/

Join the...

Welcome to The Flow Lab Podcast by Retrotec!

This is a project that Ben and Sam have been working on for a while. The goal is to provide education and news on technology advancements in the industry through a new platform.

In each episode, we interview industry leaders and innovators whether they have been in the industry for a while or are up-and-coming pros.

Our first episode drops next week with special guest Harold Orr: Inventor of the blower door.