HPAC On The Air

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Oct 2026

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About the show

“On The Air” offers actionable intelligence for engineers working in the commercial, industrial and institutional building sectors. Episodes offer business insight, market data, unique stories, and helpful tips from a variety of respected voices in the multibillion-dollar heating, ventilation, air conditioning, plumbing/piping, refrigeration and building automation/control markets. This podcast is produced by HPAC Engineering magazine, and is hosted by Editor-in-Chief Rob McManamy. Since 1929, HPAC Engineering magazine has been a leading industry indicator, in print and, for the last 20 years, online, as well. Learn more about HPAC Engineering at www.hpac.com.

Listen to episodes

60 recent

October 20, 2026Episode 9030 min

Decarbonizing Existing Buildings, with ASHRAE's Sarah Maston

ASHRAE's new president, engineer Sarah E. Maston, PE, BCxP, LEED AP, has hit the ground running this summer and fall, traveling all over the world to visit international chapters and promote her Presidential theme: "Changing the Game: Retrofitting for Resilience." The outreach also includes a new problem-solving, online game, ' HVAC Hero .' designed to engage aspiring engineering students. Here, Maston joined HPAC On The Air from Germany, pausing to discuss all of these efforts, and more, as well as the growing influence of... you guessed it... artificial intelligence!

September 15, 2026Episode 8926 min

Embracing Change, with ASPE President Bryan Hutton

As Hutton prepares to pass the torch next month at ASPE's annual conference in Oklahoma City, the visionary engineer reflects on two years of exponential change in the industry. "Codes can't keep up with the technology," he notes. But he is "really excited" to see ASPE members, both young and old, rising to the challenges of today.

September 7, 2026Episode 884 min

Remembering September 11, with Rob McManamy

EDITOR'S NOTES: Our New York-born editor recalls being in Washington DC on that fateful morning 25 years ago. He will never forget what he saw or how he felt on 9/11, as history seemed to rewrite itself every hour. This short audio essay also takes a look back on the shocked engineering community's reaction to this world-changing moment.

August 15, 2026Episode 8728 min

Cybersecurity Wake-Up Call: The Sequel, with Nick Espinosa

Online 'security fanatic' Nick Espinosa returns to HPAC On The Air with a sobering and compelling update on the accelerating explosion of AI and machine learning, and what engineers and contractors can do to protect their businesses. Bottom line: Assess your firm's vulnerabilities ASAP. And don't put it off!

August 3, 2026Episode 864 min

In Praise of Problem Solvers, with Rob McManamy

EDITOR'S NOTE: From wildfires and data centers to A.I. and IEQ, engineers have that rare opportunity in today's complex society to actually be part of the solution.

July 1, 2026Episode 8519 min

Revamping Boiler Inspections, with NBBI's Joel Amato

The executive director of the National Board of Boiler and Pressure Vessel Inspectors (NBBI) sits down to tell us how the boiler industry is handling new technologies, pushing for broader certifications and recruiting its next generation of inspectors.

June 16, 2026Episode 8428 min

How Young Engineers View the Future, with ASHRAE's NextGen Leadership

HPAC On The Air welcomes Elise Kiland, Liz Jedrlinic, and Drew Samuels, the top three leaders of Young Engineers in ASHRAE. Join us for this lively discussion of the unprecedented challenges and opportunities now facing our industry's next generation as they navigate truly extraordinary times both nationally and globally.

June 4, 2026Episode 834 min

Celebrating America's 250th as One, with Rob McManamy

As we approach this momentous 4th of July at this extraordinarily fractious time, let us rededicate ourselves to serving this industry, and each other, with "integrity, civility, and courage." And let the problem-solving collaboration that is the hallmark of our industry help ALL of our neighbors to find common ground and common purpose.

May 18, 2026Episode 8229 min

Making Boiler History, with ABMA's Scott Lynch

Lots are going on this spring at the American Boiler Manufacturers Association (ABMA), and President and CEO Scott Lynch returns to 'HPAC On The Air' to update us on all of them. From BOILER Expo 2026, held earlier this spring in Nashville, to ABMA's new online Resource Center and its fascinating new History Timeline, Lynch conveys at least some of the energy driving the growing international organization in 2026.

May 4, 2026Episode 817 min

Anxious Markets Brace for Impact, with Rob McManamy

As global conflicts and domestic political dysfunction continue to roil markets with tariffs, inflation and overall uncertainty, industry economists still see strength and resilience among the chaos. But for how long?