Want to build the future of heat pump software? We're hiring a software engineer to help contractors measure homes faster and design systems more accurately. Check out our open role. https://info.amply.energy/sr-mobile-engineer-may-2025

----------------------------------------------------------

Join the best heat pump contractors at the US Heat Pump Summit

November 18-19, 2025 | DCU Center, Worcester, MA

The annual gathering of top contractors advancing their work with heat pumps. Get world-class business and technical training from industry leaders, plus direct access to regulators, rebate providers, and energy experts shaping the future of our industry.

Get 10% off registration with code AMPLY

https://bit.ly/us-heatpump-summit

 ----------------------------------------------------------

In this episode of the Heat Pump Podcast, hosts Ed Smith and Eric Fitz are joined by Nate Adams, a renowned expert in building science and home performance. Known as the "House Whisperer," Nate brings years of experience in optimizing HVAC systems to improve comfort and energy efficiency. He shares his perspectives on the challenges and opportunities in the field of electrification for residential homes. The conversation centers around practical approaches to sizing HVAC systems, the importance of feedback loops for understanding system performance, and the role of electrification in creating more sustainable and comfortable homes.

Key Takeaways:

• The importance of sizing HVAC systems correctly to improve both comfort and energy efficiency.
• How heat pumps offer a superior experience compared to conventional heating and cooling systems.
• Why many HVAC systems are often oversized and how this negatively impacts comfort.
• The value of monitoring system performance and gathering real-world data to optimize HVAC solutions.
• A comprehensive look at Manual J calculations, the issues with input data, and why “being aggressive” with inputs is the way to size systems correctly.

Timestamps:

[00:00] - Introduction to Nate Adams

[03:34] - The House Whisperer's Approach

[06:14] - Nate's HVAC Career Path

[12:46] - Electrification and Heat Pumps

[17:57] - The Debate on Heat Pumps and Furnaces

[21:34] - The Misconception of Manual J

[24:53] - Understanding Manual J Calculations

[32:23] - Feedback Loops for Better Comfort

[36:34] - Aggressive Sizing for Comfort

[45:28] - The Challenge of Scaling HVAC Solutions

[57:00] - Closing Thoughts

Follow Nate Adams:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/natethehousewhisperer/ 
• Website: https://www.natethehousewhisperer.com/ 
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/natethehousewhisperer/?igsh=bXNyeTAwNGkybWk4#

Follow the Hosts:

• Ed Smith: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ed-smith-5aa8716
• Eric Fitz: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ehfitz/
• Amply Energy Website: https://www.amply.energy/
• Amply Energy YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@amplyenergy
• Amply Energy Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/amplyenergy
• Amply Energy Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amply_energy/