# Cheapest Good Mechanicals

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-build-show-podcast-2136317/cheapest-good-mechanicals
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-build-show-podcast-2136317/cheapest-good-mechanicals.md
Podcast: [The Build Show Podcast](https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-build-show-podcast-2136317)
Published: 2026-05-22T12:00:00+00:00
Episode link: https://podcast.buildshownetwork.com/episodes/cheapest-good-mechanicals-E0g0TgvI
Audio file: https://cdn.simplecast.com/media/audio/transcoded/8bfe438f-28c9-422f-9b87-6747f8f6649a/335603d5-8e74-4954-b65f-4ac63cbea4bd/episodes/audio/group/78769109-271c-4ecc-839a-29bfb6c1f868/group-item/71ef8ef1-1b38-4d5c-afa3-eb5e59433546/128_default_tc.mp3?aid=rss_feed&feed=r8Kvg4Yt
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JSON: https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/the-build-show-podcast-2136317/episodes/cheapest-good-mechanicals
Duration seconds: 2964

## Resource

In this episode of the Build Show Podcast, Matt Risinger sits down with Jordan Smith to work through the full spectrum of residential HVAC mechanical systems — from the bare minimum to the over-engineered. The conversation moves quickly from what not to do (single-stage compressors with flex duct in unconditioned attics) to what actually performs: separate air handlers per floor, dedicated dehumidification, and ERV systems for continuous fresh air. For two-story homes, both agree that zone dampers are a dead end and that two independent systems are the only real solution. The middle-ground sweet spot they land on is dual single-stage units paired with at least one dehumidifier and a basic fresh-air intake strategy. A recurring theme is that equipment brand matters far less than installer quality — a well-installed Goodman beats a poorly installed premium unit every time.

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## Transcript

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