Looking to stand out in the competitive Heat Pump market? Learn from the best with our FREE e-book on in-home heat pump sales. Get it today: https://bit.ly/Top_10Heat_pumpSalestips

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In this episode, Ed Smith and Eric Fitz, co-founders of Amply Energy, speak with Christopher Nichols, COO of HomeWorks Energy, about the challenges and strategies behind scaling a home performance business. Chris shares how HomeWorks Energy grew from 10 people to a 750 person company generating $150 million in revenue all while maintaining a strong focus on energy efficiency, heat pumps, and customer service.

Chris explains how to build a talent machine in the HVAC industry, the importance of training, and the role of technology in scaling operations while maintaining quality. He also shares key lessons from his own career journey, including the mistakes and successes that shaped HomeWorks into the thriving company it is today.

Whether you're in heat pumps, weatherization, home energy efficiency, or just looking to scale a service-based business, this episode is full of valuable tips on growth, leadership, and operational efficiency.

Expect to Learn

• How HomeWorks' focus on "energy efficiency simplified" helped drive its rapid expansion.
• How critical it was to “crack the code on marketing” over and over as the company grew
• The critical role of training in the HVAC industry and why HomeWorks created its own hands-on training program.
• How HomeWorks grew to 750+ employees and $150M revenue without outside investment.
• Lessons learned from building an HVAC team and why expertise matters.
• How HomeWorks leverages software to streamline solution-design, quoting, scoping, and quality control.
• Why HomeWorks still gets 30% of its leads from direct mail in a digital-first world.
• When to partner vs. bring services in-house and why sometimes you have to do it yourself.
• Why factoring in callback costs upfront can improve service quality and team morale.
• The importance of respecting HVAC technicians' expertise when scaling a business.
• Why you can’t be everything to everyone and should focus on mastering a few key services.

In Today’s Episode: 

[01:13] - Introduction

[03:22] - Understanding HomeWorks & Its Mission

[05:48] - Chris Nichols’ Career Path & Early Influences

[09:13] - Scaling HomeWorks & Building a Talent Machine

[14:07] - Adding HVAC Services & Overcoming Initial Challenges 

[10:54] - The Framework for Scaling Multiple Service Lines  

[22:11] - Cracking the Code on Marketing & Lead Generation

[26:33] - Leveraging Technology to Scale Skilled Labor

[31:42] - Streamlining Sales & Comfort Advisor Roles

[32:42] - Key Advice for HVAC Entrepreneurs

[36:49] - The Future of HomeWorks & Industry Expansion

[40:53] - Closing Thoughts & Final Advice

Connect with Christopher Nichols: 

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christopher-nichols-b3819bab/ 
• Website: https://www.homeworksenergy.com/  

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

Looking to stand out in the competitive Heat Pump market? Learn from the best with our FREE e-book and transform your approach to in-home heat pump sales. Get it today: https://bit.ly/Top_10Heat_pumpSalestips

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In this episode of The Heat Pump Podcast, hosts Ed Smith and Eric Fitz sit down with HVAC experts Alex Meaney and Nate Adams to discuss the building science, heat pump sizing, HVAC design, dehumidification, rebates, manufacturer data, the challenges of industry regulations, and a whole lot more. 

Alex and Nate are two of the most experienced and brilliant folks in building performance, home retrofits, and HVAC system design. Alex and Nate come at things from different perspectives, and what unfolds is a fascinating discussion at the bleeding edge of building science., Alex and Nate share valuable knowledge on load calculations, heat pump rebates, efficiency metrics, and the real world challenges of transitioning to all electric homes. They also discuss common mistakes in heat pump installations, the role of data in HVAC advancements, and the limitations of current efficiency standards. Whether you're an HVAC contractor, energy consultant, or homeowner interested in heat pumps, this episode provides thought provoking discussions and actionable insights for navigating the evolving world of heating and cooling.

Key Takeaways:

• Why proper heat pump sizing is crucial and how incorrect sizing impacts heating, cooling, and dehumidification.
• The challenges of balancing latent (moisture removal), sensible (cooling), and heating loads in heat pump systems.
• How outdated efficiency metrics like SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) fail to account for real-world performance.
• How rebates can lead to perverse incentives and outcomes. 
• Why the lack of manufacturer performance data is a real risk to homeowner comfort.
• Why over-reliance on computer models can lead to poor HVAC design decisions and how field data should drive future improvements.
• Exciting trends on the horizon for HVAC design.

Episode Breakdown with Timestamps:

[02:34] - Introduction and Guest Overview

[03:09] - Guest Introductions and Backgrounds

[04:20] - Areas of Agreement in HVAC Design

[06:55] - Communicating Equipment and Dehumidification

[10:19] - Problems with Efficiency Ratings (SEER, EER, and Latent Performance)

[18:18] - Temperature vs. Humidity for Comfort

[22:59] - The Debate: Sizing for Heating vs. Cooling

[30:18] - The Impact of Building Infiltration on HVAC Performance

[42:22] - The Future of HVAC System Design

[51:33] - Closing Thoughts and Advice for HVAC Contractors

Connect with the Guests:

1. Alex Meaney

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alex-meaney-62a6a248/ 

Website: https://www.meanhvac.com/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alex.meaney.35 

1. 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/

Looking to stand out in the competitive Heat Pump market? Learn from the best with our FREE e-book and transform your approach to in-home heat pump sales. Get it today: https://bit.ly/Top_10Heat_pumpSalestips

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In this episode of the Heat Pump Podcast, hosts Ed Smith and Eric Fitz, co-founders of Amply Energy, sit down with Mike Gundersen, owner of Compass Heating and Air Conditioning and HVAC dual fuel expert from the Chicago area. Mike shares his journey from the military to leading a successful HVAC business, focusing on doing things the right way.

With extensive experience in the field, including a significant focus on heat pump technology and dual fuel systems, Mike shares his expertise on why heat pumps win on comfort. He discusses the technical aspects of heat pump installations, the benefits of dual-fuel systems, and how he has built his business gradually, focusing on doing the basics right consistently. 

Mike’s expertise is not only in the installation but also in the practical application of heat pump systems in various environments, emphasizing how proper system design can lead to significant improvements in comfort and customer satisfaction – in addition to efficiency savings.

Expect to Learn

• Mike’s journey to building an HVAC company that does things the right way consistently
• The advantages of dual-fuel systems over traditional HVAC setups.
• Why no one should be installing traditional AC units anymore
• Expert advice on the installation and maintenance of heat pump systems.
• Practical advice for entrepreneurs looking to enter the HVAC industry.

Episode Breakdown with Timestamps

[00:32] - Introduction to Mike Gundersen and the Heat Pump Podcast

[01:12] - Mike Gundersen's journey from military service to HVAC expertise

[05:16] - The business model and driving principles of Mike's HVAC company

[15:45] - Exploring dual fuel system advantages

[26:01] - Technological advancements in heat pump systems

[39:30] - Mike discusses resources for continuous learning and improvement in the HVAC field

[42:47] -Closing thoughts

Connect with our guest Mike Gundersen:

👉 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-gundersen-27a10411b/ 

👉 Compass Heating and Air Conditioning Website: https://compassheatingandair.com/ 

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/

In this episode the hosts Ed Smith and Eric Fitz from Amply Energy sit down with Eric Kaiser (aka ELK), a leading voice and trainer in the HVAC space. Known for his dynamic and insightful presentations at virtually any and all HVAC events, ELK shares his journey from growing up around creative energy solutions to becoming the Industry Engagement Manager at TruTech Tools. With a passion for teaching and decades of hands-on experience in HVAC and building performance, Eric offers valuable insight into heat pump performance, system design, and optimizing home comfort.

Whether you're an owner, Comfort Advisor, tech, or even homeowner, this episode has deep knowledge about complexities of heat pump technology, debunking myths, and providing actionable strategies for better performance and comfort.

📚 Expect to Learn

• An overview of ACCA’s residential system design process (Manuals RS, J, Zr, T, S, D and B)
• The nuances of heat pump performance and why load calculations are never perfect.
• How to optimize HVAC systems for comfort, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness.
• The importance of not just equipment sizing and selection, but also air distribution in achieving home comfort.
• How to handle homeowner expectations and the role of rebates in HVAC decisions.
• Practical strategies for managing heat pump defrost cycles and avoiding common installation pitfalls.

⏳ Episode Breakdown with Timestamps ⏳

[00:00:42] - Introduction to the Heat Pump Podcast & Eric Kaiser ("Elk")

[00:01:46] - Eric's Backstory                                                  

[00:05:04] - Transitioning to Training and Industry Engagement

[00:08:01] - The Importance of Homeowner Expectations in HVAC Design

[00:17:33] - Designing for Comfort vs. Energy Efficiency

[00:26:19] - Manual S Explained                                                

[00:32:36] - Heat Pump Performance in Cold Climates & Dehumidification Strategies

[00:44:20] - Managing Defrost Cycles and Electric Heat Backup Efficiently

[01:01:23] - Eric's Recommended Resources & Final Thoughts

[01:02:30] - Conclusion 

Connect with the Guest Eric Kaiser on

👉 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-kaiser-323a1563/ 

👉 TruTech Technology website: https://trutechtools.com/ 

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/

In this episode of the Heat Pump Podcast, co-hosts Ed Smith and Eric Fitz dive into the fascinating world of low-load homes and home electrification with John Semmelhack, a home performance expert and co-owner of The Comfort Squad. They explore the evolving landscape of energy-efficient HVAC systems and discuss practical solutions for retrofitting homes and embracing electrification.

John shares his extensive experience in HVAC system design, energy-efficient building practices, and transitioning homes to full electrification. Whether you're a homeowner, contractor, or energy fan, this episode provides valuable insight into the future of efficient homes, with a particular focus on heat pump systems. 

John Semmelhack is a seasoned professional in home performance and HVAC system design. As the co-owner of The Comfort Squad, a leading contracting firm specializing in energy-efficient solutions in Virginia, John has worked extensively on retrofitting homes, optimizing HVAC systems, and promoting electrification. With over 15 years of experience, his expertise ranges from passive house consulting to designing state-of-the-art heat pump systems. A champion of clean energy, John is passionate about sustainable living and empowering homeowners to embrace efficient, all-electric solutions.

📚 Expect to Learn

• The basics of heat pumps and why they are more than viable for all climates in the U.S.
• Challenges and solutions in retrofitting existing homes with heat pump technology
• How to right-size HVAC systems for maximum efficiency and comfort
• How to slow down a sales process, collect actual data on the home’s loads, and become a “race of one” with a customer
• Why “sizing it tight” and “designing by the book” is not as scary at is it seems once you start collecting actual performance data on HVAC systems
• Why heat pumps are easier and cheaper than most think
• Insight into exciting emerging technologies like air-to-water heat pumps and networked geothermal systems.

⏳ Episode Breakdown with Timestamps ⏳

[00:01:03] - Welcome and Guest Introduction

[00:11:09] - The Path to Electrification

[00:16:09] - Heat Pump Technology: Ducted vs. Ductless Systems

[00:22:58] - Retrofitting Existing Homes

[00:27:40] - John’s Sales Process and Customer Experience

[00:40:07] - Heat Pumps Are Easy and Affordable

[00:49:25] - Cutting-Edge HVAC Technologies

[00:54:05] - Closing Thoughts

Connect with the Guest

👉 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-semmelhack-013b4711/

👉Website: https://www.comfortsquad.us/ 

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/

In this episode of The Heat Pump Podcast, co-hosts Ed Smith and Eric Fitz welcome Silas Hoeppner, a building performance expert and resident “Air Space Archaeologist” at Modern Heating and Air Conditioning. Silas shares his journey from working in his family’s insulation business in Iowa to becoming a leading HVAC consultant. He delves into the importance of airflow, designing efficient heat pump systems, and how connecting emotionally with clients and asking question after question builds trust and enhances the customer experience.

The discussion emphasizes actionable strategies for simplifying technical sales, improving system performance, and overcoming myths about heat pumps. Silas brings a wealth of field-tested insights to inspire HVAC professionals to elevate their craft.

📚 Expect to Learn

⚫ Why airflow is the foundation of high-performing heat pump systems.

⚫ How smaller, well-designed heat pumps outperform oversized systems in modern homes.

⚫ The power of asking questions to uncover customer pain points and build trust.

⚫ Practical tips for simplifying complex HVAC concepts for homeowners.

⚫ Strategies for addressing heat pump misconceptions, especially in cold climates.

⏳ Episode Breakdown with Timestamps ⏳

[00:00:52] - Introduction

[00:01:50] - Silas’ Journey

[00:06:05] - Early Lessons in Comfort and Airflow

[00:10:23] - Diagnosing Comfort Issues

[00:24:54] - Don’t Confuse with Jargon. Understand through Questions.

[00:42:06] - Airflow: The Foundation of HVAC Systems

[00:54:17] - Overcoming Myths About Heat Pumps

[01:06:30] - The Importance of Customer-Centric Design

[01:13:38] - Closing Thoughts

Connect with the Guest Silas Hoeppner on

👉 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/silasjames/ 

👉 Modern Heating and Air Conditioning website: https://modernhvacservices.com/

👉 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/silasjames8758

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/

In this episode of the Heat Pump Podcast, co-hosts Ed Smith and Eric Fitz are joined by Mike Missimer, an HVAC industry veteran and principal owner of MGI Mechanical Services. The conversation dives into how Mike leveraged decades of experience to build a thriving heat pump-focused business during the pandemic. They explore the nuances of starting a business, designing efficient heat pump systems, and managing rapid growth—all while navigating the challenges of running a company at higher altitudes and in a rapidly changing energy landscape.

Mike Missimer is the principal owner of MGI Mechanical Services, an HVAC company specializing in heat pumps and energy-efficient systems. With a career spanning nearly three decades, Mike has been instrumental in advancing building science principles, writing green building codes, and educating the next generation of HVAC professionals. Based in Colorado, he has expanded MGI to a multi-division company with a strong focus on innovation, customer relationships, and industry leadership.

📚 Expect to Learn

⚫ The unique challenges and opportunities of launching an HVAC business during a crisis like the pandemic.

⚫ Insights into Mike’s differentiated, analytical, high-performance in-home sales and design process

⚫ Insights into heat pump design at high altitudes and how environmental factors affect system performance.

⚫ Strategies for educating and training teams to embrace building science principles.

⚫ Lessons on scaling a business sustainably while managing rapid growth and internal restructuring.

⚫ The importance of customer-centric design and communication in differentiating from competitors.

⏳ Episode Breakdown with Timestamps ⏳

[00:00:00] Introduction: Philosophy of HVAC Design

[00:01:52] Meet Mike Missimer

[00:05:15] Launching MGI During COVID-19

[00:10:12] From HVAC Technician to Business Leader

[00:18:11] Economic Realities of Differentiated Design

[00:27:01] Understanding Homeowners’ Needs

[00:38:29] Designing Heat Pumps for High Altitudes

[00:49:34] Overcoming Business Hurdles

[00:56:01] Future Goals for MGI

[01:01:43] Recommended Resources

Connect with our Guest Mike Missimer on

👉 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-missimer-22214158/

👉 MGI Mechanical Services Website: https://www.mgimechanicalservices.com/

👉 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MGIMechanicalServices/

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/

Follow The Heat Pump Podcast now for the latest on heat pump sales, design, and more. 💯

We (Eric and Ed) started the Heat Pump Podcast on a whim. After two years immersed in HVAC, heat pumps, and home electrification, we had a realization: there’s a lot of great HVAC content out there, but heat pump-focused conversations? Surprisingly scarce.

This didn’t sit right with us.

• Aren’t heat pumps the best HVAC equipment on the market today?
• Aren’t their COPs practically magic?
• Aren’t heat pumps the future of HVAC?

So why was the discussion around them so… occasional?

To see if we could change that, we launched the Heat Pump Podcast as an experiment. What’s happened since has blown us away.

What We’ve Learned

After 7 months, 15 episodes, a rapid rise in listeners, and great feedback from heat pump-focused entrepreneurs, we took a moment to reflect. In this latest episode, we compare notes and share the biggest lessons we’ve learned along the way. Such as: 

1. We love it. Turns out, we’d do this even if no one listened. Every episode has been an incredible learning experience.

2. There are way more heat pump-focused entrepreneurs than we imagined!

3. Designing for heat pump systems is way harder than conventional equipment

4. You can't make up for bad design

5. Focusing on heat pumps creates a winning business

6. Heat pumps. Are. More. Comfortable. Period. 

Tune in to the episode for our top 10 lessons from the Heat Pump Podcast Season 1!

A Heartfelt Thanks

To our incredible guests: thank you for taking a chance on two heat-pump-obsessed entrepreneurs with a niche podcast idea. Your time and insights have made every episode richer.

What’s Next?

We’re just getting started. With more episodes planned for 2025, we’re excited to keep growing the conversation around heat pumps, HVAC innovation, and building science.

🎧 Tune in to this special reflection episode and join us on the journey!

What if you could do to construction what Amazon did to retail? Or what Uber did to taxis? 

Mark Kasdorf has an ambitious vision to do just that, and his journey starts with heat pumps.

Mark is the founder and CEO of Forge, a venture-backed, mission-driven startup tackling one of America’s biggest challenges: the skilled labor shortage in the trades. Forge’s secret? Recruiting great talent, training them quickly, and empowering them to lead their own crews fast. Really fast.

In just 18 months, Forge went from installing its first heat pump to running over 10 crews across New England—all through organic growth, no acquisitions That’s a pace unheard of in the HVAC space, where reaching 10+ crews can take years.

Mark describes HVAC as the “goldilocks trade”—challenging enough to require specialized training, but more scalable than electrical or plumbing, which require more licensing. Within HVAC, Forge is laser-focused on heat pumps, a decision that reflects the size of the market, profitability, and growth prospects.

In this podcast episode, Mark shares fascinating insights into:

• Forge’s rapid journey from one crew to many.

• His roadmap for scaling to $10M, $100M, and beyond.

• Why the trades can't be “gigified” and what that means for the construction industry.

• Lessons learned from other startups’ failures to disrupt the trades.

• What makes Forge both similar to and different from a traditional heat pump company.

Whether you’re curious about how venture capitalists see the HVAC industry, or you want a fresh perspective on heat pumps, this episode is a must-listen.

Listen now to hear why Mark believes HVAC is the ultimate trade and why heat pumps are at the center of it all.

Show notes:

• Mark's LinkedIn
• ForgeCo

Adam Mufich is a multi-generation HVAC entrepreneur and now trainer for the National Comfort Institute. What does Adam like to do in his free time? Talk about HVAC.

Adam first caught our attention with his HVAC School article Good COP - Bad COP. He impressed us again with his presentation at the NCI Summit "How to Properly Design with Today's Heat Pumps." We highly recommend both.

On this podcast, Adam dives into his educational journey, sharing how he finally stopped delaying his learning and dove in feet first. He started down the rabbit hole with a Manual J class by Alex Meaney and reading Nate Adams' book. As he went deeper and deeper, one of his first big realizations was: properly done load calculations can be nerve-wracking (at first) when you see how much smaller they are than expected.

What makes this episode particularly fun is Adam’s story of applying his newfound knowledge to his own home. He installed a Daikin SkyAir heat pump and then tackled infiltration by meticulously hand caulking his roof, leak by leak. As a result of his efforts, he significantly reduced his home’s load. Taking it a step further, and with advice from Roman Baugh, Adam reprogrammed his Daikin SkyAir to function as a 1.5-ton heat pump instead of its original 3-ton capacity.

The results? Even at half capacity, the system performed beautifully.

This podcast episode strikes a perfect balance between theory and practice, offering invaluable insights for contractors looking to improve heat pump performance. Whether you’re just starting your HVAC learning journey or looking for actionable tips, this episode is packed with inspiration and expertise.

Show notes

• Adam's LinkedIn
• National Comfort Institute
• Good COP - Bad COP
• Daikin SkyAir
• Alex Meaney
• Nate Adams' book