“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.
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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?
April 15, 2026Episode 8024 min
Healthier Buildings Pulse Check, with IWBI's Jason Hartke
In a challenging environment, healthy buildings advocates are still riding post-pandemic momentum to push indoor air quality initiatives, especially at the state and local level, that will improve occupant health and productivity. Dr. Jason Hartke, EVP of external affairs at the International WELL Building Institute, offers an uplifting update on where such efforts currently stand, both in the U.S. and abroad.
April 4, 2026Episode 794 min
Springtime For A.I., with Rob McManamy
*PODCAST* Whether you like it or not, artificial intelligence is part of this industry now and its impact is being felt more and more each day. Where is your firm on this journey? Listen to HPAC Engineering's latest take on this game-changing technology.
March 19, 2026Episode 786 min
ENERGY STAR Gets a New Home, by Rob McManamy
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced last spring that it was considering ending or privatizing its popular, 30-year-old program for promoting energy efficiency in buildings and products across the U.S. But industry pushed back with so much bipartisan support for maintaining ENERGY STAR as is that Congress decided to keep the program in its FY2026 budget.
This month, however, EPA restarted debate and speculation when it announced that it would be transferring primary administration of the program to the U.S. Department of Energy.
March 2, 2026Episode 7727 min
The A.I. Revolution is Accelerating, with Tech Pioneer Paul Doherty
Engineering technology is now at a "watershed moment," says the Smart Cities guru. Artificial intelligence is already performing more than just administrative tasks at design firms, notes Doherty. The last remaining hurdle may be convincing clients that new designs generated in hours are just as reliable as the ones that used to take weeks to complete.
February 16, 2026Episode 7629 min
BIG Show Recap, with AHR Expo's Nicole Bush
In the wake of our industry's massive turnout in Las Vegas for AHR Expo 2026, we talk to the event's director of marketing about what was new and surprising this year and what attendees and exhibitors can expect to see next fall in Mexico and next January in Chicago.
February 1, 2026Episode 754 min
Farewell Johnny Tundra, Hello Big Picture, with Rob McManamy
This month's editorial essay bids farewell to beloved commissioning engineer, Ron Wilkinson, creator of The Adventures of Johnny Tundra: Cold-Weather Engineer, and perhaps the only film critic who ever focused exclusively on the proper use of HVAC systems in popular movies? (Were the ducts that Bruce Willis was crawling through in Die Hard properly sized?)
But Ron's passing last month, and the glowing tributes to him that have poured in, also gives us opportunity to remember the truly meaningful impact that engineers in this industry can have on each other, as well as the public at large. At the end of the day, the reason most readers got into this industry was to contribute something larger to society.
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