The Heat Pump Podcast (Amply)

In this episode of the Heat Pump Podcast, Ed interviews Mike Cappuccio, founder and former CEO of N.E.T.R., one of New England's largest heat pump HVAC contractors, and owner of Dominate Ductless, a training and advisory business focused on educating the next generation of heat pump contractors to build profitable businesses. 

Mike describes his journey from employee to entrepreneur, as well as his journey form commercial trucking refrigeration into residential HVAC. In making that transition, Mike went from profitable to unprofitable. That caused him to look long and hard at his business to figure out what had changed and what was wrong. 

While squinting at his business, he found ductless heat pumps while at a Mitsubishi seminar, saw the beauty and profitability of a heat pump-focused operation, and set about revamping his entire business model. The success of that model is what led Mike to found Dominate Ductless -- so he could share those valuable learnings with other heat pump entrepreneurs. Mike shares some of his most important insights from his Dominate Ductless seminars, which are valuable to anyone trying to build a heat pump-focused business. 

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 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. 💯

This episode is a fun experiment for us. At Amply, we LOVE doing ride alongs with our customers. It gives us insight. It gives us energy. It's how our customers turn into our friends. So we tried to capture that experience in a podcast. Ed jumps in the car with Aleisha Stenson, co-founder and co-owner of My Diamond Comfort. 

Before getting into HVAC, Aleisha was in law enforcement and social work. She loved working with kids, but the intensity of working for the Department of Children and Families was exhausting. While out on medical leave for a few weeks, her father brought home a set of CDs from a Weldon Long seminar. She listened to the entire set over the course of several days. Coming out the other side, she knew ductless was the future, and she had a vision for a ductless-only HVAC business. 

That's how My Diamond Comfort -- an exceptional heat pump installer in rural Western Massachusetts -- was born. 

Join us for Aleisha's insights into:  

• Her passion for sales + ductless
• The benefits of a ductless-only business
• What it's like to run a family business
• How to see past what customers say they want and listen to what they need
• Her primary pain points day-to-day and what would make her life easier
• What makes a great distributor and a great manufacturer...

... and more

In this episode of the Heat Pump Podcast, Laura and Joe Wood tell the story of how they went from one person in 2008 to over a hundred 14 years later and a successful exit to private equity. When they finished, they had not one but two premier HVAC brands in the competitive Boston market.

They founded Boston Standard in 2007-2008 to be a standard-setting plumbing + HVAC + electrical brand, and they achieved that. Then, while traveling abroad, they realized that the rest of the world uses heat pumps to provide both heating and cooling. To capitalize on that untapped heat pump opportunity, they founded New England Ductless as a completely separate entity. It was a remarkable experiment that paid off. 

Laura and Joe have unique insights from their experience, having personally managed a traditional HVAC business side-by-side with a heat pump-focused business. Their lessons about the differences between these two companies are essential to anyone building a heat pump business and to anyone looking to grow and scale to 100+ employees. 

Jim Bergmann’s journey through the HVAC industry is one for the books. From riding alongside his dad in the truck to launching industry-leading companies like TruTech Tools and measureQuick, Jim has seen it all. With a storied career as both a teacher and an entrepreneur, Jim has earned his place as one of the most respected voices in the industry.

We were thrilled to sit down with Jim for this podcast episode, not only because of his unmatched technical expertise and his standing in the HVAC world but because of his ability to tell a heck of a story. But perhaps the most interesting part? Jim used to be really skeptical about heat pumps.

As he describes it, he had a “come to Jesus moment” with heat pumps that turned him from a skeptic to a passionate advocate. Now, Jim’s in love with the heat pump in his own home, and in this episode, he shares how that transformation happened. Hearing him break down the technical barriers that once held him back, why he’s now a believer, and what needs to happen to ensure the transition to heat pumps is successful makes this a must-listen for anyone interested in the future of HVAC and the heat pump revolution.

Tune in to hear Jim’s story, his deep technical insights, and what he believes is key to the industry’s successful transition to heat pumps. You won’t want to miss this episode!

Show notes:

• Jim's LinkedIn
• measureQuick
• measureQuick on LinkedIn
• measureQuick on Instagram 
• TruTech Tools

Kevin Brenner started his career as Dr. Brenner, destined to take over the family podiatry business. But he loved to swing a hammer more than he liked being in an office, so he jumped ship and landed in carpentry. His first company, Brenner Builders, started with a $627 job fixing deck stairs. It ended as Westchester County's premier high-end home builder, with an average value of $11M per project and doing $50M a year in revenue. 

Kevin's journey did not end there. He had a passion for high-efficiency homes, so he started Healthy Home on the side, a company focused on whole-home performance contracting with pricing accessible to everyone. In 2017, he closed the doors on Brenner Builders and now focuses entirely on Healthy Home. 

Healthy Home is a mission-driven organization. Kevin has grown his business steadily, adding services, hiring and training his staff, and leaving a wake of happy customers and healthy homes behind him. 

Join us for Kevin's insights into:  

• How building envelope work impacts heat pump design
• His mother's reaction when she learned he was leaving medicine
• What good heat pump installs look like
• Why he does NOT sell to customers who want a heat pump to lower their monthly bills
• What the media gets wrong in their heat pump coverage
• The importance of reading the manual (RTFM)
• Why he has started, stopped, and restarted his HVAC division multiple times 
• How culture and mission are the cornerstone of Healthy Home's hiring and training
• ... and more

Show notes:

• Healthy Home
• The smoking hot Chevy HHR
• The Energy Conservatory's True Flow Grid
• The Building Performance Institute
• National Comfort Institute
• HVAC School
• Ty Branaman
• Craig Migliaccio and AC Service Tech Channel

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/

Steve Rogers, head of The Energy Conservatory (TEC), leads one of the most influential companies in HVAC. TEC’s True Flow Grid has transformed how many Amply customers approach home analysis and system design—and in this episode, Steve explains why airflow and duct analysis are crucial for building efficient, high-performance heat pump systems.

Steve is an engineer’s engineer, the kind of person who creates detailed spreadsheets—just for fun—to balance every tradeoff in heat pump selection, from comfort to cost and efficiency. In this episode, he brings that same rigor to topics every HVAC pro needs to know, including:

• Air flow and heat pumps
• Duct placement and why leakage can double the load
• Envelope vs. duct leakage and their impact on performance
• Ducted vs. ductless systems and when each is optimal
• Best-case vs. worst-case scenarios for heat pump installs (and how to avoid costly mistakes)

Listening to Steve is like taking a masterclass from a professor who makes complex concepts easy to understand. If you’re ready to elevate your expertise in heat pump design, this episode is for you. Don’t miss it!

Show notes

• Steve's LinkedIn
• The Energy Conservatory
• The TrueFlow Grid on TruTech Tools
• The National Comfort Institute
• measureQuick
• Bryan Orr's HVAC School
• Kristof Irwin's Building Science Podcast

This week, we welcome a guest who truly needs no introduction: Alex Meaney, founder of MeanHVAC. For many in the industry, Alex has taught us much of what we know about Manuals J, S, D, Zr, and more.

In this episode, we dive straight into the intricacies of Manuals J and S, especially their application to heat pumps. Unlike traditional HVAC systems, heat pumps—capable of both heating and cooling—are far more sensitive to mistakes in system design. With Alex’s expertise, we explore why this is, and how to address these challenges.

Throughout the episode, Alex drops invaluable insights, including:

• “Manual J is the problem, Manual S is the solution, and Manual D is the execution.”
• “Cooling is where everything gets complicated.”
• A clear explanation of why higher SEER ratings mean worse moisture removal
• How and why heat pumps have exponentially increased HVAC design complexity
• An explanation of Adequate Exposure Diversity and why it matters
• How much (or little) you make working in public radio
• And lots more

If you’ve ever wanted to geek out on how heat pumps are reshaping the fundamentals of HVAC system design, this episode is a must-listen! 

Show notes

• Alex Meaney
• MeanHVAC
• Please see our website for the charts and graphs referred to in this podcast: https://info.amply.energy/blog/tag/heat-pump-podcast

Ilija Crnobrnja was an exchange student in Massachusetts waiting tables, learning English, and studying agricultural economics. When he met and married his wife, he realized he needed a new job, so he found himself in the HVAC business. He worked his way through almost every role in HVAC. 

Along the way, his love for building science, customer service, and high efficiency homes was ignited. As you'll hear, Ilija's passion is deep. That passion made him destined to be an entrepreneur. He had to create and build a business to deliver on his vision. 

So he and his partner David refinanced their homes and founded SumZero. In their first 6 months, they made $350. That's it. Today, they are a $9M heat pump installer with incredibly happy customers all over Massachusetts. 

Join us for Ilija's insights into:  

• How building science teaches us to look at the home as a system...
• ... and why HVAC is the engine of that system
• Why heat pumps are the future, and if you build a heat pump business today, you'll enjoy it for decades to come
• His impressive approach to training his team
• Why employee compensation in the HVAC industry needs to be redesigned
• Why you should structure your entire business to focus on delivering a Comfort Consultant's promise to homeowners...
• ... and more

Show notes:

• SumZero Energy Systems
• Ilija's LinkedIn
• Corbett Lunsford and the Building Performance Workshop
• Joe Lstiburek and the BuildingScience.com Corporation
• Matt Risinger and his build channel on YouTube

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

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

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

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/

So far, most of our episodes have focused on HVAC companies. Today, we branch out, interviewing Fortunat Mueller, co-founder and CEO of ReVision Energy. ReVision started out as a solar company, but over time has become an "energy transition company." A major part of their business is installing heat pumps.

In this episode, we dig into what it means to be an energy transition company. Fortunat explains how and why ReVision got into HVAC, and in particular why they focus exclusively on heat pumps. He lays out why solar and heat pumps fit naturally into a single business model, and why ReVision's many offerings perfectly meet the energy transition experience that is most comfortable for homeowners. Few homeowners want to do it all in one go. Instead, they'd rather tackle it piece by piece over the course of many years. 

Fortunat shares a lot, such as:

• How ReVision evolved over time
• How companies are built, not from one big idea, but from countless smaller decisions over years that work together to create something great
• ReVision's focus on training as a competitive advantage when there is a dramatic shortage of tradespeople
• How heat pumps perform in the real world, even in climates as brutal as Maine's
• How heat pump technology has evolved and improved over time
• What an ESOP is and why it's a competitive advantage...
• ... And lots more

Whether you're a solar company thinking about getting into heat pumps -- or if you're an HVAC company wondering how your competition is evolving -- you'll get a lot out of this episode. 

Show notes:

• Revision Energy
• Fortunat Mueller
• NESEA

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

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

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

Peter Troast is the founder and CEO of Energy Circle, a unique and differentiated marketing agency that exclusively works with high performance contractors. 

Early in this episode, Peter shares two important definitions: 

1. Marketing is anything you do that gets the phone to ring with high quality leads
2. High performance contractors are contractors who understand the home as a system, where HVAC is the engine

So in this episode, we focus on one thing: how heat pump contractors can drive more inbound calls. 

Peter walks us through Marketing 101, 201, and 301: 

• Marketing 101 (beginner): how to capture leads through the basics, like a good website and good processes.
• Marketing 201 (intermediate): how to spend advertising dollars to maximum impact on platforms like Google, Facebook, and even Reddit.
• Marketing 301 (advanced): how to create demand through clever content tailored to your unique area and that truly differentiates your company. 

If you're a heat pump contractor looking to get your phone to ring and then beat the competition for bigger tickets and higher margin jobs, this episode is for you. 

Show notes:

• Energy Circle
• Peter's LinkedIn

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

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

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/

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/

Hal Smith followed his passion and ignored his teachers' advice by going to trade school. He founded Halco 40 years ago. By listening to his customers and helping them "fix their old homes" in upstate New York, he gradually added new service offerings. From plumbing and HVAC he added electrical. Then insulation and air sealing. Then Solar and geothermal. Windows and doors. Now basement waterproofing and finishing. 

Through trial and error, hard-earned business savvy, and a relentless focus on doing right by his customers, Hal now runs a $40M end-to-end whole-home performance contracting business with 180+ employees, 100+ trucks, and 10,000 annual service agreements. 

Hal does a lot of heat pumps, which is why we're delighted to have him on the Heat Pump Podcast. But he focuses on the home as a system. That gives him insight into what is required to make heat pumps perform well, even in frigid upstate New York. 

Join us for Hal's technical insight on home performance, his business insight on operating a profitable company, and his entrepreneurial insight into how to come from nothing and build a $40M contracting business with wildly happy customers. 

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

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

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: corbett@buildingperformanceworkshop.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 first episode of the Heat Pump Podcast, Eric Fitz and Ed Smith interview Matt Scott, one of the co-owners of Dave's World. Dave's World is the largest heat pump installer in Maine, which has more cold weather heat pumps installed per capita than any other state in the US. 

Matt tells the remarkable story of how he first stumbled upon the magic of heat pumps, against the odds and against the advice of a distributor. From there, he describes the entrepreneurial journey he and his partners, Dan and Bob, went on to transform Dave's World from a small appliance store in Dover-Foxcroft to one of the largest heat pump-focused businesses in the country.

Matt discusses the challenges they faced, how they overcame them, and some of the special sauce that makes Dave's World a magical place for both their customers and employees. 

Show notes

• Dave's World website
• Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill
• The Upside of Fear and The Power of Consistency by Weldon Long

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

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!

The timing was perfect to interview David Daher because, after 20 years in HVAC, he's on the cusp of launching a brand new heat pump-focused business. With a clear vision and unwavering commitment to achieving it, David doesn’t want just any business—he wants the right one.

David began his journey in the trades in the US military. After returning to civilian life, he quickly entered the HVAC world, eventually starting his own business, and successfully selling it a few years ago. Along the way, he discovered the power of combining building science with heat pump technology. Through this approach, he found he could serve homeowners better.

David is set to launch a highly specialized contracting business focused solely on delivering heat pump solutions to the right clients. He knows exactly who he wants to serve and how his business will stand out in a crowded market. He's setting up his entire business so that he can work with a handful of the right customers each week.

Whether you’re considering launching a heat pump business or you’ve already taken the leap, David’s strategic approach will inspire you. His commitment to staying focused, making tough decisions, and working only with the right customers is a masterclass in business strategy. As he shares his thought process, you’ll discover the power of saying "no" to things that don't fit your vision. 

Show notes:

• https://ductworkpro.com/
• https://www.youtube.com/@visionairyheatingandcooling