Research Interests:

Over 20 years at FSEC with extensive experience lecturing, training, and developing training materials and programs, on the topics of energy use, air flows, duct leakage, diagnostic methods, and indoor air quality. Principal investigator for 36 research projects investigating the energy and IAQ effects of duct leakage, unbalanced return air, and uncontrolled air flows in both residential and commercial buildings. Has performed field testing in more than 300 homes and 120 commercial buildings and been instrumental in the design and construction of the Building Science Research and Training Facility at FSEC. Performed tracer gas, blower door, duct leakage, pressure mapping, and AC performance testing in over 500 residential and commercial buildings. Developed innovative diagnostic test methods and protocols for characterization of airflows, building air barriers, and building zone pressure mapping. Carried out pioneering field and lab research identifying the nature, extent, and consequences of duct leakage and other forms of uncontrolled air flow in residences and commercial buildings. Developed and offered 38 intensive 6-day duct diagnosis and repair courses to HVAC contractors, utility personnel, low-income weatherization programs, and building science trainers. Developed a 450-page duct repair training manual and 15-minute training video titled The Pressure is On; Duct Repair for Safer and More Affordable Homes. Took a leading role in developing Designing the Failure Proof Building 10-day training series and more recently the Designing and Maintaining the High-Performance Green Building 5-day training series. As a consultant with Building Diagnostic Solutions, has tested a wide range of residential and commercial buildings for uncontrolled airflows, energy and comfort issues, and moisture problems for more than 80 clients. As a voting member of the Florida Building Commission Mechanical Technical Advisory Committee, ASHRAE TC 6.3 (Central Forced Air Heating and Cooling Systems), ASHRAE SPC 119 (Residential Air Leakage Performance), and ASHRAE SPC 193P (Method of Test for Determining the Air-Leakage Rate of HVAC Equipment), and previous chairman of the ASHRAE Journal/Insights Committee, has actively integrated findings from his research into applicable codes and standards.