Amply is hiring! We’re looking for an awesome Senior iOS Engineer to join our small but mighty team. If you are anyone you know is interested, check out our job posting to learn more and apply. https://info.amply.energy/sr-mobile-engineer-may-2025 

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Most contractors know about Manual S. Few really use it.

In this episode of The Heat Pump Podcast, Amply co-founder Eric Fitz walks through Manual S in plain English—breaking down what matters, what doesn’t, and how to design heat pump systems that actually deliver comfort all year long.

Using his own home in Portland, Maine as a case study, Eric explains how to interpret extended performance tables, avoid oversizing, and balance real-world tradeoffs like auxiliary heat and low load cycling. The episode also introduces Amply’s free Manual S spreadsheet tool—designed to take the math and guesswork out of equipment selection.

This is a must-listen for anyone who wants to size systems with confidence, especially in cold climates where comfort and efficiency are harder to get right.

Key Learnings:

• Manual S made simple: Four ratios are all you need Eric walks through them step by step.
• Low-load cycling is real: Why oversizing hurts comfort and efficiency.
• Forget label tonnage: It’s all about the actual performance curves.
• Cold-climate trade-offs: How to balance auxiliary heat and seasonal loads.
• New free tool: Amply’s spreadsheet automates the math – grab it here.
• Local expertise wins: Knowing your regional climate and electricity rates gives you a major edge.

Timestamps

[00:00] - Intro & Free Manual S spreadsheet

[01:35] - Meet Eric Fitz & today’s goal: demystify Manual S

[03:48] - What makes heat pump design so hard (and fun!)

[07:00] - Why your Manual J must be aggressive

[10:15] - Comfort first, efficiency second

[20:00] - The 4 Manual S ratios (and how to use them)

[28:15] - Getting the right performance data

[36:00] - Real-world trade-offs: auxiliary heat, cycling, efficiency

[44:30] - Kilowatt hours vs. energy costs: What matters to homeowners

[52:00] - Wrap-up: tools, tradeoffs, and where to go from here

Resources for Smarter Heat Pump Design: 

• NEEP database: https://ashp.neep.org/#!/
• Amply Manual S tool: https://info.amply.energy/heat-pump-manual-s-free-tool
• ACCA Manual S: https://www.acca.org/standards/technical-manuals/manual-s

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/

Amply is hiring! We’re looking for an awesome Senior iOS Engineer to join our small but mighty team. If you are anyone you know is interested, check out our job posting to learn more and apply. https://info.amply.energy/sr-mobile-engineer-may-2025

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In this episode of The Heat Pump Podcast, Amply co-founders Ed Smith and Eric Fitz sit down with Samir Pendse, CEO and co-founder of Coral, an innovative startup simplifying the notoriously complex world of heat pump rebates. With an extensive background in fintech and small-business lending, Samir explains how Coral transforms cumbersome rebate processes into instant savings at the kitchen table, boosting contractor sales and customer satisfaction.

Why This Matters

Rebates are a critical part of the heat pump sales process in many states. Yet, contractors regularly face significant financial risks, paperwork headaches, and unpredictable cash flow when manually managing rebates. Coral tackles these problems head-on, ensuring contractors and homeowners alike benefit immediately without the usual stress or uncertainty.

Key Learnings:

-Turbo Tax for Heat Pump Rebates: Coral uses software to provide a simple, 60-second app experience to quickly and accurately calculate and guarantee rebate amounts right in the home.

-Instant rebates boost sales: Contractors using Coral see up to 15% higher conversion rates.

-Stable state rebates: Utility and state-driven rebates remain robust despite federal IRA program delays.

-Financing is critical: Low-cost loans dramatically increase heat pump affordability for the average homeowner.

-Quality and simplicity: Smart policy design and streamlined technology ensure both accessibility and high-quality installations.

-Streamline with software: Software tools like Coral (and Amply) simplify and accelerate rebate processes and heat pump sizing.

Timestamps

[00:00] - Introduction

[01:21] - Meet Samir Pendse & Coral’s mission

[04:01] - Business model & Value to contractors

[05:16] - Origin story & pivot from software to financing

[09:39] - Real-life rebate pain points Coral is solving

[15:14] - Financing the rebates & making contractors whole

[18:48] - Incentives & the Inflation Reduction Act

[27:19] - Quality assurance & software-enabled simplicity

[36:25] - Final thoughts & Resources for heat pump entrepreneurs

Connect with Samir Pendse:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samirpendse/

Website https://www.startcoral.com/

Email: [email protected]

Company’s Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/startcoral/

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 on 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, Amply co-founder Ed Smith talks with Brent Davidson, founder of the US Heat Pump Summit. Brent’s journey from building climate-tech software to starting one of the most compelling HVAC events in the country is a case study in how community, business strategy, and technical know-how can come together to drive real change.

And the Summit? It’s not just another trade show. It’s two days of contractor-focused training, business insights, and peer-to-peer learning—all built around the future of HVAC.

What you’ll learn

• Why Brent Davidson started a contractor-first summit—and how it grew
• How heat pump conversations differ from solar, and why that matters
• What makes a good installation—and why business structure is key
• How community and peer learning can drive quality at scale
• What to expect from the next Summit in Worcester, MA

What Makes the US Heat Pump Summit Different? 

Brent’s focus is simple: put the right people in the room and spark the right conversation. That means:

• Business and technical content side by side
• Contractor-first agenda—not just utility program talk
• Peer-driven roundtables, not just sales booths
• National trends + regional relevance (hello, cold climate heat pumps)

It’s the only event where the people in the room actually want to talk about Manual J, coefficients of performance, electric strip backups vs. supplemental dehumidification, and customer acquisition in the same breath.

Why This Matters

Heat pumps are gaining ground—but success doesn’t come from equipment alone. It comes from design, training, and business models that reward quality. That’s what the Summit is about.

And Brent? He’s not trying to run yet another conference. He’s trying to help build an industry.

Timestamps 

[00:00] - Introduction

[03:13] - Brent’s background and his career.

[05:11] - Importance of community and storytelling in climate work

[08:01] - Lessons from past events and expectations for the Worcester event.

[14:51] - What does a good heat pump installation look like?

[21:06] - Why were heat pumps chosen as the starting point for the US Electric Home Summit?

[23:26] - Heat pumps prioritized for energy savings, design complexity, and contractor demand.

[27:48] - Recommended resources for learning about building science, electrification, heat pumps, and HVAC

Connect with Brent Davidson: 

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brentdavidson/ 
• Website: https://www.usheatpumpsummit.com/ 
• Company’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/us-heat-pump-summit/ 

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 on 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, we sit down with Brynn Cooksey—founder of Air Doctors Heating and Cooling, HVAC U, and a longtime leader in whole-home performance. Brynn’s journey takes us from his early days as a tech working alongside his father to running one of the most forward-thinking HVAC businesses in the Midwest.

His secret? Don’t play the price game. Play the diagnostics game.

The Power of Building Science

Brynn explains how embracing building science helped his company escape the “race to the bottom”—the box-swapping, lowest-bid dynamic that plagues much of the industry. Instead, his team leads with comfort, efficiency, and trust—delivering measurable, science-backed improvements that customers can see and feel.

At the heart of his process is in-home diagnostics. Think thermal imaging, pressure tests, and duct sizing analysis—not just glossy proposals. Brynn’s philosophy is simple: let the customer “buy” instead of getting sold. Show them what’s wrong, explain why it matters, and guide them to the best solution.

Lessons from the Field

Brynn also shares insights from a heat pump pilot program in Michigan, built in collaboration with Pearl Edison. From dual fuel designs to system sizing and load calculations, he offers a refreshingly honest look at what it takes to electrify the right way.

Key takeaways include:

• 🔬 Diagnostics build trust. Homeowners can’t “unsee” thermal leaks or undersized ducts.
• 🧠 Customer education wins. Teaching homeowners what’s really going on in their homes leads to higher-quality installs—and less price shopping.
• 🌡️ Dual fuel isn’t a compromise. In cold climates, it’s often the smartest step toward electrification.
• 🚫 Bad installs hurt everyone. Oversized or poorly designed systems can lead to $1,500+ utility bills and shattered trust.

Why It Matters

Brynn isn’t just running a profitable business—he’s helping chart a path for HVAC’s future. As incentives expand and heat pump adoption accelerates, we need more contractors who know how to design and install systems that actually deliver.

Timestamps: 

[02:26] - Brynn’s background: Air Doctors, HVAC U, and Pearl Edison

[05:26] - Using building science to escape the race to the bottom

[09:45] - What Pearl Edison does and how it benefits contractors

[13:43] - Why electrification isn’t always the first step

[16:51] - Dual fuel systems as a practical solution in cold climates

[19:14] - The danger of “Heat Pump Cowboys” and bad installs

[23:56] - Making heat pumps profitable for quality contractors

[35:57] - Final thoughts on solving the trust gap and winning customers

Connect with Brynn Cooksey: 

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/theairdoctor/ 
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/surgeonofcomfort/ 
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theairdoctor313/ 
• Article: What we learned running a Home Energy Rebate pilot in Detroit: https://pearledison.substack.com/p/home-energy-rebates 
• Website: https://www.airdoctorshvacservice.com/ 
• Company’s Twitter: https://twitter.com/airdoctorshvac 
• Company’s Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/airdoctorshvac/ 
• Company’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/airdoctorshvac/# 
• Company’s Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/airdoctorshvacservice/ 

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 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 Paul Lambert, founder and CEO of Quilt. Paul shares how Quilt saw a massive opportunity to innovate in HVAC by reimagining heat pumps from top to bottom and building with an integrated “full stack” approach. 

Paul discusses the inspiration behind Quilt, how his background in Silicon Valley shaped the company’s approach, and why vertical integration is key to optimizing comfort and efficiency for homeowners. He also explains why the shift from a direct-to-consumer model to working with contractors is the next crucial step in scaling Quilt’s impact.

Whether you're an HVAC professional, a heat pump enthusiast, an entrepreneur or someone interested in the energy transition, this episode is packed with insights on product innovation, business strategy, and the future of HVAC hardware, software, and the overall heat pump experience.

Expect to Learn:

• How Quilt designed the most efficient two zone ductless heat pump on the market.
• The role of aesthetics in HVAC and why design matters to consumers.
• Why Quilt chose a vertical integration approach similar to Apple.
• The lessons learned from launching a startup in the HVAC industry.
• Why heat pumps are like the electric vehicles of HVAC – they just work better. 
• How Quilt is partnering with contractors to expand across the U.S.
• The unique software-driven optimizations that improve efficiency and comfort.
• Why Paul believes the energy transition is the defining opportunity of our time.
• How interested contractors can become Quilt dealers..

In Today’s Episode: 

[00:00] - Introduction

[01:12] - The Origins of Quilt & Paul Lambert’s Background

[03:21] - Why Quilt Chose to Develop a Ductless Heat Pump

[06:02] - Why Paul founded Quilt 

[14:18] - The Role of Aesthetics in Consumer Adoption

[21:04] - Scaling Quilt’s Distribution and Training New Partners

[29:33] - Shift from direct consumer to Business-to-Business. 

[35:12] - Expanding Quilt geographically with the help of partners 

[40:31] - Closing Thoughts & Final Advice

Connect with Paul Lambert: 

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulrolandlambert/ 
• Website: https://www.Quilt.com 
• Twitter: https://x.com/prlambert?lang=en 
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/paulitex/ 
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/paulrlambert/ 
• Company’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/Quilthome/ 
• Company’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meetQuilt/ 

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 on 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 welcome Corbett Lunsford, a building science expert and host of the PBS show Home Diagnosis, to discuss the importance of scientific approaches in HVAC, the power of testing, and how to navigate the industry with confidence.

Corbett shares insights on tools like blower doors, RED Calc and his own psychrometric wheel. With years of experience in building science, he brings a fresh perspective on how proper testing and measurement can significantly improve HVAC performance and efficiency.

This episode is packed with valuable information for HVAC professionals, contractors, and anyone passionate about building science. Tune in to gain expert knowledge that can help you refine your approach, deliver more comfort to homeowners, and better explain your solution to your customers.

Expect to Learn:

• Airtight homes are essential for comfort, efficiency, and health – don’t fear tight construction, just ventilate properly.
• Homeowners are increasingly well-informed, and HVAC pros should be ready to engage with curious, educated clients.
• Building performance starts with the enclosure; HVAC systems must be designed with the current and future envelope in mind.
• Testing tools like blower doors are critical to uncover hidden issues and verify system performance.
• Proper HVAC installations begin with proper design. “The box” is nothing without accurate Manuals J, S, D, and understanding room behavior. 
• Fast rebate programs without proper testing risk widespread system failures. 

Episode Breakdown: 

[00:00] - Introduction of the episode.

[01:17] - Corbett’s Background 

[04:34] - The Importance of Testing in HVAC 

[06:52] - Essential Tools for Building Performance Analysis 

[13:44] - Common Industry Misconceptions 

[17:07] - The building envelope comes first; HVAC must work with it, not around it.

[22:57] - Blower door and pressure tests reveal issues you can’t see.

[32:13] - Great installations begin with smart HVAC design.

[46:37] - The Role of Consumer Education

[50:03] - Closing Remarks and Where to Connect with Corbett

[50:59] - Free Resources and Tools for HVAC Professionals

Connect with Corbett Lunsford: 

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/corbettlunsford/ 
• Website: https://buildingperformanceworkshop.com/ 
• Website: https://www.pbs.org/show/home-diagnosis/ 
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GraceandCorbettLunsford/ 
• Company’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/homeperformance/ 
• Email: [email protected] 

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 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/ 

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👉 Ed Smith: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ed-smith-5aa8716

👉 Eric Fitz: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ehfitz/

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