R-Value

Innovative Dehumidification Technologies: What's New in the Market? with Nikki Krueger, Santa Fe

On today’s R-Value podcast, IDI’s Ken Allison welcomes Nikki Kruger from Santa Fe dehumidifiers. As the industry grapples with the challenges of increasingly airtight homes, Nikki sheds light on the latest innovations in dehumidification technology and their role in maintaining healthy, comfortable living spaces.

 

Nikki brings over 20 years of experience in the indoor air quality (IAQ) industry to her role as Director of Marketing & Business Development at Santa Fe Dehumidifiers. A RESNET certified home energy rater and member of various industry committees, including the ACCA Manual Low Load Homes (LLH) Advisory Committee, Nikki is at the forefront of developing effective and sustainable solutions for ventilation and moisture control in buildings. 

 

Ken and Nikki debunk dehumidification myths and reveal surprising insights about current technologies. Nikki's expertise shines as she explains why some popular solutions may not be as effective as commonly believed. As she pointedly states, "Everybody wants to use a technology to dehumidify that's not a dehumidifier... The reality of keeping our mechanical systems separate in order for them to focus and being able to deliver what we actually need is the simplest solution for the HVAC community."

 

In this episode:

• The impact of tighter building envelopes on indoor air quality and the need for mechanical ventilation
• Strategies for managing humidity in energy-efficient homes, including whole-house dehumidifiers
• The importance of proper HVAC system sizing in modern, well-insulated buildings
• Challenges with exhaust-only ventilation systems and the benefits of supply ventilation
• Discussion of dehumidification needs in various climate zones and building types, including Passive Houses
• The role of occupant behavior in managing indoor humidity and comfort
• Sizing considerations for dehumidifiers in different applications, such as crawl spaces and living spaces

Getting The Most Out of Your Material with Derek Fowler, Owens Corning

In the latest episode of the R-Value podcast, IDI’s Chris Fuerst welcomes Derek Fowler from Owens Corning to discuss the critical topic of insulation coverage, emphasizing the importance of proper techniques and equipment settings to help maximize efficiency and profitability in insulation projects. 

Derek is a former insulation installer and insulation business owner, who now works for Owens Corning in their Certified Energy Expert program. As part of the support that the program offers, Derek and the CEE team train installers on all applications of Owens Corning products, including L77,

Derek and Chris share practical tips and insights from their extensive experience in the field. The conversation covers common pitfalls, such as overblown or underinflated jobs, and provides actionable advice on maintaining equipment and ensuring accurate material application. You will gain valuable knowledge on optimizing their insulation processes, including specific guidance on machine settings, the impact of hose conditions, and the importance of monitoring coverage to avoid unnecessary costs. Derek also touches on labor issues in the construction industry, offering advice on managing and retaining a skilled workforce.

Tune in to learn how to enhance your insulation practices and ensure your projects are both efficient and profitable.

In this episode…

• The biggest mistake Derek sees installers make
• The impact of proper insulation coverage on project profitability
• Techniques for optimizing insulation machine settings and hose maintenance
• Strategies for managing labor and retaining skilled employees
• Practical tips for addressing static electricity issues during insulation projects

Unlocking the Power of the 25C Tax Credit with Peter Troast

In the latest episode of the R-Value podcast, IDI’s Ken Allison welcomes Peter Troast, Founder and CEO of Energy Circle.

 

In this episode, Peter and Ken discuss the significant benefits and underutilization of the 25C tax credit for insulation contractors. Peter shares insights on how Energy Circle, in collaboration with the North American Insulation Manufacturers Association (NAMA) and the Insulation Institute, has developed a comprehensive suite of free marketing resources to help contractors capitalize on this opportunity. 

 

Sign up to get these FREE resources today at https://www.25cmeansbusiness.org

 

Ken and Peter explore the challenges contractors face in understanding and applying the tax credit and how the new changes under the Inflation Reduction Act make it more valuable and accessible. Additionally, they delve into the competitive landscape and how leveraging these resources can help contractors stand out and grow their businesses.

 

Tune in to learn how you can effectively use the 25C tax credit to boost your business and stay ahead of the competition!

In this episode…

• Overview of the 25C tax credit and its recent enhancements
• Development and availability of free marketing resources by NAMA and Energy Circle
• Common misconceptions and challenges in utilizing the 25C tax credit
• Strategies for contractors to differentiate themselves in a competitive market
• The importance of long-term planning and customer education in maximizing tax credits

Acoustic Solutions for Contractors: Expert Tips from Owens Corning

In this episode, IDI’s Ken Allison and Owens Corning’s Mark Keenan discuss various aspects of soundproofing and acoustic insulation. Marc, who has been with Owens Corning for 24 years, shares his expertise in sound insulation. 

 

They cover the basics of sound transmission, the importance of resilient channels, and the differences in performance between fiberglass, mineral wool, and cellulose insulation. Keenan emphasizes the need for proper installation and the significance of addressing structural breaks to achieve effective soundproofing.

 

Additionally, they discuss specific scenarios, such as soundproofing for home theaters and music studios, and the challenges of air leakage in wall assemblies. Marc provides insights into the most common soundproofing projects and the best practices for setting realistic expectations for clients.

 

In this episode:

• The role of resilient channels in soundproofing
• Comparing fiberglass, mineral wool, and cellulose insulation for acoustic performance
• Addressing air leakage to improve soundproofing
• Practical advice for soundproofing basements and home theaters
• Setting realistic expectations for soundproofing projects

Tune in to gain valuable knowledge on sound insulation techniques and how to enhance your acoustic projects effectively.

Optimizing Building Efficiency with The Passive House Network and Ken Levenson

In the latest episode of the R-Value podcast, IDI's Ken Allison welcomes special guest Ken Levenson, the executive director of the Passive House Network. The discussion centers on the concept of "Passive House" and its impact on building sustainability and efficiency. Levenson, with his deep experience as an architect and advocate for energy-efficient building, shares insights into how the Passive House standard dramatically reduces energy consumption while enhancing comfort and resilience in building structures.

The episode explores the fundamental principles of Passive House, including the importance of a well-insulated and airtight building envelope that optimizes the structure's thermal performance. Levenson explains how such buildings manage to maintain comfortable indoor environments with minimal energy use, emphasizing the potential for substantial energy savings and enhanced indoor air quality. The conversation also reveals the practical aspects of adopting Passive House standards in new constructions and renovations, discussing the challenges and opportunities that builders and architects might face.

In this episode…

• Fundamentals of Passive House design and its advantages over conventional building practices.
• The role of insulation and airtightness in achieving energy efficiency.
• Comparisons between Passive House and other energy standards like Net Zero.
• The impact of building design on health and environmental sustainability.
• Economic benefits and incentives associated with energy-efficient building practices.

Avoid These MAJOR Pitfalls On Spray Foam Projects with Henri Fennell

This episode of the R-Value Podcast features an insightful conversation with industry veteran Henri Fennell about common issues that can arise with spray foam installations. Fennell shares his extensive experience analyzing spray foam problems and the most frequent causes he encounters, such as improper material handling and processing.

He emphasizes the critical importance of precisely following manufacturer guidelines, especially when it comes to material preconditioning and temperature control. Fennell also provides valuable advice on how to properly inspect spray foam projects, troubleshoot issues, and implement effective remediation strategies when necessary. He shares real-world examples that highlight how improper application techniques or conditions can lead to problems like shrinkage, odors, and indoor air quality concerns. This episode is a must-listen for spray foam installers looking to improve their practices and avoid costly callbacks.

In this episode:

2:37 - The 2 most common problems that result in call backs

6:24 - How to properly do a test shot

8:17 - How much has material handling been a factor in foam that isn’t properly processed?

16:30 - Testing for shrinkage issues

26:00 - Henri’s best practices to avoid job site recalls

34:00 - Dealing with spray foam odor issues

45:00 - The importance of purchasing reliable equipment brands

The TRUTH about Spray Foam and Metal Buildings with Rick Duncan, SPFA and John Stahl, Preferred Solutions Inc.

In the latest episode of the R-Value podcast, IDI's Ken Allison welcomes special guests Rick Duncan, Executive Director of the Spray Polyurethane Foam Alliance (SPFA) and John Stahl of the Metal Buildings Initiative to discuss and dispel the myths surrounding the use of spray foam insulation in metal buildings. The conversation focuses on debunking common misconceptions and providing factual information based on research and industry experiences. Duncan and Stahl have put together a task force to conduct studies and share information with contractors about the safe use of spray foam in metal building applications. They share their extensive background in the field, share insights on the compatibility of spray foam with various types of metal buildings, the effects of spray foam on building elements like paint and structure, and the evolving building codes and standards that impact the use of spray foam in the industry.

 

Learn more about the SPFA and get involved today!

 

Throughout the episode, the guests delve into the technical aspects of spray foam application in metal buildings, addressing concerns related to thermal bridging, air leakage, and moisture management. They emphasize the importance of understanding the nuances of different building designs, such as standing seam roofs, and the role of proper installation techniques to ensure effective insulation performance. The discussion also highlights ongoing research and collaborations with metal building manufacturers to optimize the use of spray foam and adapt to changing regulations and environmental considerations.

 

In this episode…

2:45 - John and Rick’s work with SPFA to clarify the compatibility of spray foam with metal buildings

10:00 - What do the studies say about the impact of spray foam on metal building elements (e.g., paint, structure)

15:27 - Should states get started on evolving building codes and standards for insulating metal structures?

22:58 - The next steps for Rick’s SPFA task force

26:18 - How you can help the SPFA get codes changed in your state

38:17 - PFAS and Code Exempt Buildings: The Next Hot Topics for the SPFA

Maximizing Your Business Growth on Angi (formerly Angie's List) with Ryan White

This episode of the R-Value podcast is an exciting listen for any insulation contractor looking to grow their business, but even more so for spray foam contractors! You won’t want to miss out on the great deal offered in this podcast. To learn more and take advantage of this Angi deal, read more below.  

In this episode, IDI's Ken Allison welcomes special guest Ryan White, a Corporate Partnerships expert at Angi. They have an in-depth discussion about how contractors can leverage Angi's platform to enhance their business growth, manage leads effectively, and make the most of digital marketing tools.

The conversation begins with an overview of Angi (formerly Angie's List) and its evolution in the digital marketplace. Ryan White details how Angi has adapted to the changing needs of both contractors and customers, highlighting their focus on real-time leads and quality control improvements. He emphasizes the importance of presenting businesses effectively on the platform, explaining how Angi assists in building detailed profiles and providing ongoing support to their partners.

White also addresses key topics like the distinction between Angie Ads and Angie Leads, the strategic use of zip codes for targeting potential clients, and the nuances of managing and responding to customer reviews. He shares insights into Angi's future direction, including their shift towards a marketplace model, which will enhance customer and contractor interactions by allowing customers to select from a presented list of contractors.

Angi has also provided R-Value listeners with a special offer for joining Angi. Email Ryan at ryan.white@angi.com and sign up by 4/15 and they will waive the fee for 2024, give you an account manager to help you build your Angi page, and give you $600.00 worth of leads for $300.00.

In this episode: 

1:20 - Overview and Evolution of Angi (formerly Angie's List)

5:30 - Angi Ads vs. Angi Leads: Understanding the Difference

9:00 - Angi's Marketplace Model and Future Direction

13:30 - How Angi helps you respond faster to leads

16:30 - Managing Customer Reviews and Lead Quality

20:30 - Lead management on the Angi platform

23:00 - Exclusive Offer for R-Value listeners to Join Angi!

Blower Door Mastery: Techniques and Tips for Contractors with Sam Myers of Retrotec

In this episode of the R-Value podcast, host Ken Allison and special guest Sam Myers from Retrotec discuss the intricacies and importance of blower doors in testing a home's air tightness. They delve into common mistakes made during blower door tests, such as incorrectly matching the fan range to the gauge, and highlights advancements in technology, like digital manometers introduced in the mid-90s, which improved the testing process through color coding and touch screen features for easier identification and use​​​​.

 

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Find more in-depth Blower Door training here:

• https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=q-dbq0MnHfU&list=PL62zv4SHL06onv8MYYOXrEK2kBiK=2&pp=iAQB
• https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=4gYU07iYaKU

 

If you would like to be certified for blower doors, AeroBarrier and IDI sponsor 1-2 classes a year. For more information, reach out to your local rep or the IDI training team.

 

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Sam Myers is a building scientist for Retrotec where he teaches building performance concepts at conferences and training events, conducts field studies, and assists Retrotec with new product designs. He holds a Master’s of Science degree from East Carolina University, is a certified HERS Rater, and is a licensed real estate broker. Sam lives in Wilmington, North Carolina.

 

Ken and Sam also cover the evolution of blower door testing equipment, including the development of high-powered fans for testing leakier buildings and the integration of apps for efficient documentation and reporting of tests. Myers emphasizes the value of blower door tests not only for energy efficiency but also for identifying issues related to comfort, indoor air quality, and even structural defects. These tests have become a critical tool for contractors, especially in retrofitting and custom home building, serving as a quality control measure to monitor the build process and address any air sealing needs​​.

 

Ken shares his own experiences and challenges as a first-timer with blower doors, illustrating the practical aspects of this technology. Sam further discusses the growing popularity and challenges of spray foam insulation in home construction, highlighting the role of blower door tests in identifying installation issues. The episode provides a comprehensive overview of blower door testing, emphasizing its critical role in building performance and the evolving needs of the construction industry​​.

 

In this episode…

 

2:00 - The evolution of air tightness testing

7:00 - Troubleshooting your blower door for beginners

11:39 - Beyond professional calibration: what you can do to keep your measurements reliable

16:00 - The main considerations in testing a retrofit

22:11 - Where are the areas that contractors miss the most in attics and crawl spaces

25:19 - What ACTUALLY motivates someone to fix their structure

This New Tool Will Show Your Customers the Undeniable Impact of the 179D Tax Rebate

We highly recommend watching the video walkthrough of this podcast on our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@IDIDistributors

In the latest episode of the R-Value podcast, IDI’s own Ken Allison welcomes Apollo Energies CEO and President Mark Stout to show off a tool that will help your customers understand how much they could save by taking advantage of the 179D tax incentive. 

Mark and Ken dissect the financial wisdom of insulating and air sealing commercial buildings of any size, revealing what may seem like an expense can actually become a profitable venture for your customers with the 179D tax program. Apollo Energies’ new tool is designed to transform how upgrades are accounted for and valued. The episode guides us through the nuts and bolts of qualifying for tax deductions through energy savings that beat standard requirements, and how to appreciate the nuances of bonus depreciation in the current tax code. Don't miss out on this chance to enhance your business's profitability with the 179D tax rebate - a winning formula for your pocket and the planet.

Get the 179D Incentive Evaluator at https://www.apolloenergiesinc.com/evaluator/index.php

In this episode…

0:00 - Exploring the 179D tax rebate

2:43 - Signing up and logging in to the 179D Evaluator

3:36 - Example of adding upgrades like insulation and LED lighting to a commercial building to improve energy efficiency. Shows how this can lead to tax deductions through the 179D that reduce net project cost.

9:05 - Discussion of how Apollo Energies can do an audit, certify deductions, and manage the upgrades to ensure the project qualifies for the maximum incentives. This provides assurance if audited by the IRS.