Meet Our Diamond Certified Expert Contributor

Daniel Hair: The Science of Comfort

By Caitlyn Stair, Diamond Certified Research Reporter

For Daniel Hair, insulation is about more than regulating the temperature inside a building. It’s a way to improve comfort, support healthier indoor air and help homes operate more efficiently while making a positive impact on the environment.

Daniel entered the insulation industry after moving from Connecticut to California in the mid-1980s. He initially worked for a small company that performed residential energy conservation upgrades that were required under local ordinances. “I did everything from weather-stripping windows and doors to wrapping water heaters and installing attic insulation,” he details.

A chance conversation with a delivery driver encouraged Daniel to change courses and join the Heat and Frost Insulators and Asbestos Workers apprenticeship program. “I had to go to school and work in different aspects of the industry, like industrial and commercial,” he recalls. “In 1992, I officially became a journeyman.”

After nearly 20 years of union experience, Daniel purchased McHale’s Environmental Insulation, Inc. in 2007. Moving into residential insulation required him to adapt the skills he had developed on large commercial buildings to the needs of individual homeowners. Today, he focuses on sales and management while continuing to visit homes and assess their conditions firsthand.

Over the years, Daniel has seen insulation work evolve to include a deeper understanding of building science. Rather than viewing insulation as a stand-alone upgrade, he considers how air sealing, HVAC equipment and other components work together as a complete system. “No single upgrade is going to make a big difference,” he says. “You have to consider all the ways that a house performs to find the results you’re looking for.”

Because every home is different, Daniel takes the time to define unfamiliar terminology for customers and clearly explain how his crews will complete the work. “Most people don’t know a lot about insulation, so it’s important to make sure they understand the process,” he says.

Daniel has spent the past three decades in the East Bay and currently lives in Pacheco, where he appreciates the close proximity to both city activities and nature outings. Outside of work, he enjoys boating, RVing, fishing, hiking, working on classic cars and completing home improvement projects. “I also like spending time with my three daughters, Julia, Gabrielle and Allison,” he adds. “They’re really good girls with good heads on their shoulders.”

When it comes to a guiding philosophy, Daniel believes in following the Golden Rule. “I just try to treat people as I would want to be treated,” he offers. “With my business, [that means] providing customers with high-quality, competitively priced services.”

Ask Me Anything!

Q: Would you rather live somewhere cold or somewhere hot?
A: I like the weather in California. Connecticut has all four seasons—it’s hot and humid in summer and cold and dreary in winter, but spring and fall are beautiful.

Q: If you could time-travel, would you visit the past or the future?
A: The past. I have many good memories, especially from when my kids were little.

Q: If you could immediately travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?
A: Scotland and Finland. I’ve never been to either, even though my dad’s parents are from Scotland and my mom’s parents are from Finland.

Q: Are you an early bird or a night owl?
A: An early bird. My body is conditioned to go to sleep early and get up early.