Basement Flooding Isn’t Inevitable: How Technology Can Save Your Home
In this episode, host Walt Zerbe sits down with Roy Spencer, Founder of Perma-Seal Basement Systems and Basement Defender, to discuss the critical, yet often overlooked, threat of water damage in homes. Roy shares his 46 years of experience in basement waterproofing, innovations like daily sump pump testing, and why traditional waterproofing methods often fall short. Learn how proactive systems like the Basement Defender can prevent catastrophic basement floods, costly repairs, and insurance headaches. Whether you’ve dealt with water damage before or are hoping to avoid it entirely, this conversation offers essential insights for every homeowner.
--------
58:31
The Science of Light: How Circadian Lighting Enhances Sleep, Mood & Performance
ASHB sits down with Robert Soler, Chief Scientist and Founder of BIOS Lighting, to explore the profound impact of human-centric and circadian lighting on sleep, mood, and overall well-being. With a background in NASA’s research on lighting for astronauts, Robert shares insights into how the right kind of light can boost productivity, enhance focus, and even improve mental health.In this episode, we discuss how modern lighting has distanced us from natural light cycles, the science behind circadian rhythms, and the role of innovative lighting solutions like BIOS’ SkyView in bringing the benefits of natural daylight indoors. Learn why traditional lighting may be disrupting your sleep, what to avoid in your home and workplace, and what the future holds for intelligent lighting systems that adapt to human biology.Tune in for an enlightening conversation on why lighting isn’t just about visibility—it’s about optimizing health and performance.
--------
37:43
A Smarter Approach to Whole Home Protection with Moen
In this episode of the ASHB Smarter Homes & Buildings Podcast, host Walt Zerbe, Senior Director of Technology and Standards at CEDIA, talks with Mason Hall, Vice President of Connected Products Fortune Brands Innovations. The two dive into the latest trends in smart home technology, focusing on smart water solutions and their role in combating water scarcity across the U.S. Mason highlights Moen’s Flo Smart Water Monitor and Shutoff as a key tool in preventing water damage, saving homeowners money, and providing peace of mind. The discussion also explores the impact on the insurance industry and how the Moen Smart Water Network supports sustainable home practices.For more information, visit moen.com and be sure to check out Moen at KBIS 2025, booth N805, from February 25-27.Additionally, for more insights from CEDIA, visit www.cedia.org, and don’t forget to listen to The CEDIA Podcast, available on any player by searching "The CEDIA Podcast."
--------
38:16
The Road to Decarbonization: Strategies for Critical Environments
In this insightful episode of the ASHB Smarter Homes & Buildings Podcast, host Paul O’Malley, Founder of Paul O’Malley Associates, sits down with Dan Diehl, CEO of Aircuity, and Walt King, Managing Director of Thrive Buildings, to delve into their experiences in delivering decarbonization programs for critical environments. They discuss essential topics such as the importance of organizational alignment, the integration of technology in building management systems, the impact of utility rebates, and the strategic approaches to portfolio-level efficiency and sustainability. Listeners will gain valuable insights into optimizing building performance, enhancing safety, and achieving significant energy savings through innovative solutions.
--------
41:01
Beyond Traditional Appraisals & Unseen Liabilities: Rethinking Commercial Real Estate
In this episode of the ASHB Smarter Homes & Buildings Podcast, James Carlini and Darrin Mylet delve into the uncertain future of major U.S. cities like New York, Chicago, and San Francisco as their commercial real estate markets continue to face significant challenges. With increasing vacancies and plummeting property values, the duo argues that traditional property appraisals fail to capture the full scope of liabilities that now weigh heavily on urban commercial spaces. They explore how the pandemic has irrevocably altered the landscape, with many cities facing a downward spiral, and discuss the critical need for 21st-century assessments that take into account factors like technological obsolescence, crime, and the realities of remote work. Carlini and Mylet emphasize that without these updated evaluations, cities and their commercial properties risk sinking further, while also offering insights into potential paths for revitalization.