How Ventilation Mistakes in Tight Homes Lead to Energy Loss and Poor Air Quality - Gord & Ian Part 1

In this episode of the HVAC Know It All Podcast, host Gary McCreadie is joined by Gord Cooke, President at Building Knowledge Canada, and Ian Walker, Sales & Marketing Manager at Aeroseal, to talk about air sealing technology and how it improves building performance. They explain how AeroBarrier works to reduce air leakage and why airtight homes need proper mechanical ventilation. The conversation covers common concerns about sealing homes too tightly, the role of HVAC systems in fresh air control, and how ventilation systems like ERVs help maintain comfort. Gary, Gord, and Ian also share real job site examples, costs, and how better air sealing can improve energy efficiency and system sizing.

In this conversation, Gord and Ian explain how AeroBarrier is used to seal air leaks in homes and improve building performance. They describe how the system uses pressure and a misted sealant to find and close gaps, while stressing the need for proper ventilation to maintain air quality. Gord, Ian, and Gary discuss common concerns about making homes too tight and explain why controlled ventilation is important. They also cover real job site examples, costs, and how reducing air leakage can improve comfort, energy use, and HVAC system sizing.

Expect to Learn:

• How AeroBarrier works to seal air leaks using pressure and a misted sealant.

• How building science and HVAC systems work together in modern homes.

• How proper ventilation keeps air quality safe in airtight homes.

• How ERV systems and exhaust fans help control fresh air and moisture.

• How reducing air leakage can improve comfort, energy use, and system sizing.

Episode Highlights:

[00:00] - Sponsor Ad: Factory Direct Filters

[00:42] - Intro to Gord Cooke and Ian Walker in Part 1

[02:20] - Introducing Aero Barrier technology and on-site demo

[03:40] - Ian explains how Aero Barrier works (blower door, positive pressure, sealant mist)

[05:17] - Debunking "sealing too tight" myth - build tight, ventilate right

[09:32] - Summary: Tight homes are fine if mechanical ventilation is present

[12:35] - Cost range = 0.80 – 1.50 per square foot

[14:14] - Recommendation of ERV + source control for best ventilation

[16:46] - Ventilation controls (CO₂, humidity)

[19:37] - Real-world results: 14 ACH down to ~4 ACH, 55–60% leakage reduction

This Episode is Kindly Sponsored by:

Cintas: https://www.cintas.com/hvacknowitall

Cool Air Products: https://www.coolairproducts.net/

Factory Direct Filters: https://www.factorydirectfilters.com/

SupplyHouse: https://www.supplyhouse.com/tm
Use promo code HKIA5 to get 5% off your first order at Supplyhouse!

Follow the Guests Gord Cooke and Ian Walker on:

LinkedIn - Gord Cooke: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gord-cooke-4b9b3433

LinkedIn - Ian Walker: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ian-walker-930954101/

LinkedIn - Building Knowledge Canada: https://www.linkedin.com/company/building-knowledge-canada-inc./

LinkedIn - Ian Walker: https://www.linkedin.com/company/aeroseal-llc/

Follow the Host on:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gary-mccreadie-38217a77/

LinkedIn - HVAC Know It All Inc.: https://www.linkedin.com/company/hvac-know-it-all-inc

Website: https://www.hvacknowitall.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/HVAC-Know-It-All-2/61569643061429/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hvacknowitall1/

Follow the Podcast on:

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HVACKnowItAll

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6LCBJGw0EHG03rdWHxUMce

Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hvac-know-it-all-podcast/id1359253455