On this episode of The Build Show Podcast, Matt discusses the importance of ventilation with expert Corbett Lunsford, who you may know from his PBS Series Home Diagnosis. They explore the critical role ventilation plays in maintaining healthy indoor air quality and Corbett shares insights into designing effective HVAC systems.
The conversation emphasizes the importance of air circulation, pollution capture, and filtration in residential buildings. They highlight the advantages of using Energy Recovery Ventilators (ERVs) over traditional ventilation methods, particularly in tightly built homes. Corbett explains how ERVs can improve air quality and balance humidity, making homes more comfortable and energy efficient.
Matt shares his personal experience with different ventilation strategies. They discuss practical tips for installing and commissioning ERVs, emphasizing the need for proper ductwork and air balancing. Corbett advises builders to prioritize mechanical ventilation systems that go beyond basic bath fans to ensure whole-house air quality.
The episode also touches on the importance of kitchen exhaust systems and makeup air solutions. Corbett recommends consulting tools like RedCalc for accurate ventilation design and encourages builders to stay informed through educational resources.
Resources:
- RedCalc (Ventilation calculators): https://redcalc.com
- ASHRAE Weather Data App: https://ashrae-medio.info
- Home Diagnosis (PBS series): https://homediagnosis.tv
Find Corbett on the Web:
- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/HomePerformance
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/corbettlunsford/
- Website - https://buildingperformanceworkshop.com
Find Matt and The Build Show on the web:
- Build Show Videos: https://buildshownetwork.com/go/mattrisinger
- Instagram: @risingerbuild and @thebuildshow
- TikTok: @thebuildshow
- YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@buildshow
- Website: https://risingerbuild.com/ and https://buildshownetwork.com/
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Episodes
Build Podcast | Episode 175: Stop Bidding for Free (why every builder needs a pre-construction agreement)
Episode 175
Matt is joined by Risinger Build Executive Project Manager Daniel Glauser to discuss pre-construction service agreements (PSAs), emphasizing the importance of getting paid for the extensive time and effort builders invest before actual construction begins. They explain how PSAs help weed out unserious clients, foster transparent collaboration with architects and homeowners, and ultimately ensure a smoother, more efficient building process.
Build Podcast | Episode 174: How Will Tariffs Impact Builders?
Episode 174
The Build Podcast tackles a very timely and top-of-mind topic: tariffs. This episode dives deep into the current (as of April 28, 2025) and forecasted state of the U.S. housing and remodeling industry, with a spotlight on tariffs, economic uncertainty, and demographic trends. Matt is joined by two experts from Zonda (a leading housing data and insights company) to discuss how global tariffs are expected to raise material costs by up to 9%.
Build Podcast | Episode 173: Ask The Experts (Part 1)
Episode 173
Welcome to the first official “Ask The Experts” edition of Build. Matt answers real questions from builders, architects, and fans of the show. This episode covers a wide range of high-performance building topics that every pro should consider.
Build Podcast | Episode 172: What Makes a Great Project Manager?
Episode 172
What makes a great project manager in the residential construction world? Matt and Risinger Build business partner, Tim Hill, sit down to discuss what they’ve come to define as a GREAT project manager. Drawing on years of experience, they identify five essential qualities: leadership, collaboration, communication, work ethic, and people management.
Build Podcast | Episode 170: Understanding Profitability for Builders, Contractors, and Remodelers
Episode 170
Matt and Tim discuss the challenges of profitability in the construction industry, emphasizing the importance of realistic budgets and aligning with clients and architects to avoid financial losses.
Build Podcast | Episode 169: Mold Prevention & Indoor Air Quality (Part 2)
Episode 169
Matt welcomes Sean Harris back to the studio to continue their discussion indoor air quality improvements for existing homes, focusing on mold prevention, HVAC upgrades, filtration, and dehumidification—especially in hot, humid climates like Texas. Both Matt & Sean encourage homeowners to prioritize practical, science-backed IAQ improvements for a healthier living environment.
Build Podcast | Episode 168: Prairie Sun & Timber
Episode 168
Matt welcomes fellow Build Expert, Travis Brungardt, to discuss the brand-new Build Original Series® Prairie Sun & Timber, which follows Travis as he builds a hybrid high- performance home blending Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs) and traditional framing. Travis outlines the project, noting that the upper level utilizes SIPs for insulation and strength, while the walkout basement level is conventionally framed with ZIP-R9 panels for flexibility.
Build Podcast | Episode 167: Mold Prevention & Indoor Air Quality in New Construction
Episode 167
Matt welcomes indoor air quality (IAQ) expert Sean Harris to explore mold prevention strategies for new construction. They discuss key building science principles, including air sealing, moisture management, and proper dehumidification to prevent mold growth in hot, humid climates like Texas.