EP219 Thermentor: Rethinking Load Calcs with Real Energy Data with Max Reichlin (May 2025)

"We're not guessing what's inside the walls—we're measuring how homes really use energy."

Max Reichlin

In this episode of the Building HVAC Science Podcast, Eric Kaiser and Bill Spohn sit down with Max Reichlin from Clean Power Research to explore a groundbreaking HVAC tool: Thermentor. Designed to bridge the gap between estimated and actual residential energy loads, Thermentor leverages real energy usage data to perform virtual energy audits. The goal? More accurate, faster, and accessible load calculations that empower contractors and homeowners alike—particularly when considering heat pumps, dual fuel systems, or just right-sizing equipment.

Max shares the origin story of Thermentor, explains how the tool works, and discusses its current deployment across a handful of U.S. states, with more to come. He also outlines future plans, including better integration with real-time thermostat data and improved incentive visibility. Listeners will gain insight into how traditional Manual J calculations may overshoot actual needs, and why tools like Thermentor could reshape how we approach home comfort and efficiency.

Whether you're an HVAC pro or a curious homeowner, this episode delivers valuable context on where HVAC technology is headed—and how data-driven tools are making that future a little smarter.

 

Max's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maxreichlin/

Thermentor website: https://www.thermentor.com/

Thermentor White Papers: https://www.thermentor.com/how-does-it-work/#white-papers

 

 

This episode was recorded in May 2025.