Advertise on podcast: The Heat Pump Podcast

Water heating is the second-largest energy use in American homes, and most water heaters still run on decades-old technology. Luke Winston-Almanzar, co-founder and CEO of Reservoir, walks Ed and Eric through the heat pump water heater install problems contractors already know, how predictive controls make recirculation work with a heat pump, and why he thinks 80-gallon tanks are over-recommended. The surprise: Luke found he was using more energy to heat his water than to drive his electric car. Expect to Learn Why water heating is one of the largest and most overlooked energy uses in the home.What goes wrong on heat pump water heater installs, and which problems can be solved at the factory.How predictive controls make recirculation work with a heat pump water heater.Why Luke thinks 80-gallon tanks are over-recommended, and why first-hour rating matters more than tank size.How Reservoir's Party Mode works, and why Luke says it isn't the efficient setting.How Reservoir is working with HVAC and plumbing contractors. Timestamps [00:00] - Episode Preview [02:24] - Introduction to Luke Winston-Almanzar and Reservoir [04:06] - Luke's background and the personal story behind his interest in hot water [07:53] - Why Luke chose water heating as a major climate and energy opportunity [11:14] - Competing with established manufacturers and building the founding team [14:43] - Reservoir's product thesis and the role of predictive intelligence [18:39] - How Party Mode delivers more hot water from a smaller tank [22:53] - Built-in recirculation, remote control faucets, and Legionella protection [25:58] - How Reservoir simplifies installation for contractors [31:37] - Replacing larger tanks and competing with tankless gas systems [35:35] - Reliability, serviceability, testing, and product support [37:38] - Reservoir's growth, funding, team, and early market expansion [40:04] - How Reservoir decides where to focus its innovation [43:37] - Contractor partnerships and the future of Reservoir ------------------------------------------------- Heat pump contractors in Colorado: Ed and Eric are teaching a one-day heat pump training with Power Ahead Colorado on November 5 at the Edgewater Civic Center in Edgewater, CO. Check-in is at 7:30 a.m., and sessions run 8:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Attendees get a year of Amply and a new 11" iPad Pro. Registration is $4,000, paid up front and reimbursed in full by Power Ahead Colorado after you attend, as long as you're registered with the Colorado Contractor Hub. 50 seats, two per company, no refunds. Registration closes October 14. Register 👉 https://bit.ly/4jGTihR ------------------------------------------------- Follow Luke Winston-Almanzar: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lukewinston/Website (Company): https://www.reservoirhome.com/LinkedIn (Company): https://www.linkedin.com/company/reservoirhome/Instagram (Company): https://www.instagram.com/reservoir.home/Facebook (Company): https://www.facebook.com/people/Reservoir-Home/61582870833932/ Follow the Hosts: Ed Smith: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ed-smith-5aa8716Eric Fitz: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ehfitz/Amply Energy Website: https://www.amply.energy/Amply Energy YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@amplyenergyAmply Energy Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/amplyenergyAmply Energy Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amply_energy/

What does it actually take to transform a regional HVAC market — not just by offering heat pump rebates, but by building the workforce, contractor ecosystem, policies, and consumer demand needed to make heat pumps mainstream? In this episode, hosts Ed Smith and Eric Fitz sit down with Robert Spotts and Clay McCombe of the Denver Regional Council of Governments (DRCOG) to unpack Power Ahead Colorado, an ambitious $200 million EPA-funded program focused on accelerating heat pump adoption across the Denver region.  The conversation explores the realities behind market transformation: Colorado's cheap natural gas, cold winters, contractor skepticism, complicated rebate programs, permitting and licensing barriers, and the need for high-quality installations. Robert and Clay also explain how they're working directly with contractors and local governments to remove friction and build a market that can ultimately thrive without depending on rebates.   Expect to Learn Why DRCOG received $200 million in federal funding and how Power Ahead Colorado is approaching heat pump market transformation.How Colorado's cold climate and inexpensive natural gas affect the economics of electrification — and where weatherization, specialized electric rates, and dual-fuel systems fit in.Why some HVAC contractors have historically resisted heat pump and rebate programs, from skepticism about cold-climate performance to administrative burdens and slow rebate payments.How Power Ahead Colorado is addressing installation quality, contractor licensing, rebate stacking, permitting, and contractor support without making participation unnecessarily difficult.Why workforce development and local building policy could prove just as important as rebates in creating a sustainable heat pump market. Timestamps [00:00] - Episode Teaser [03:02] - Meet Robert Spotts and Clay McCombe [05:42] - How a $200 Million Heat Pump Program Came Together [12:26] - What “Market Transformation” Actually Means [14:12] - Making Heat Pumps Work Economically in Colorado [18:08] - Dual-Fuel vs. All-Electric Systems [21:34] - Why Contractors Get Frustrated With Rebate Programs [24:48] - How Contractor Attitudes Toward Heat Pumps Are Changing [28:25] - Balancing Installation Quality With Contractor Friction [34:56] - Building a Better Contractor Marketplace [39:53] - What Success Looks Like by 2029 ------------------------------------------------- Denver contractors — join us November 5. Power Ahead Colorado is sponsoring a one-day Amply training at the Edgewater Civic Center in Edgewater, CO. 8:00 AM to 1:30 PM, taught by Amply co-founders Ed Smith and Eric Fitz. Ed covers how to build a full-stack marketing and sales funnel that makes you stand out as a high-performance heat pump contractor. Eric covers Manual J, Manual S, and designing a system that won't come back to haunt you — then walks the entire Amply workflow with an iPad in your hands. You'll leave with a year of Amply and a new 11" iPad Pro. $4,000 at registration, reimbursed in full by Power Ahead Colorado after you attend, as long as you're registered with the Colorado Contractor Hub. Net cost: $0. 50 seats, maximum 2 per company. Registration closes October 14. Register: https://hubs.ly/Q04yd3Bs0 ------------------------------------------------- Follow the Guests: Robert Spotts: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-spotts-b8b06776/Clay McCombe:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/claymccombe/Website (Company): https://poweraheadcolorado.org/LinkedIn (Company): https://www.linkedin.com/company/power-ahead-colorado/home/Facebook (Company): https://www.facebook.com/people/Power-Ahead-Colorado/61585441558934/Instagram (Company): https://www.instagram.com/poweraheadcolorado Follow the Hosts: Ed Smith: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ed-smith-5aa8716Eric Fitz: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ehfitz/Amply Energy Website: https://www.amply.energy/Amply Energy YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@amplyenergy

Running a successful HVAC business takes far more than technical expertise. As companies grow, owners often find themselves buried in paperwork, invoicing, rebates, permits, warranties, and back-office operations that consume 20+ hours every week. In this episode, hosts Ed Smith and Eric Fitz sit down with Furman Haynes, Co-Founder and CEO of WorkHero, to discuss why administration — not installation — is often the biggest barrier to growth for small HVAC businesses. The conversation explores how AI, automation, and experienced office management can help contractors reclaim their time, improve customer experience, and build systems that allow their businesses to scale without sacrificing quality or family life. Furman Haynes is the Co-Founder and CEO of WorkHero, an AI-powered back-office operations platform built specifically for small HVAC contractors. After spending years visiting contractors, riding along on service calls, and learning firsthand how small businesses operate, Furman and his team built WorkHero to eliminate administrative bottlenecks through a combination of experienced HVAC office managers and AI-driven automation.  Expect to Learn Why administrative work is often the biggest growth bottleneck for HVAC companies.The surprising truth about how tech-savvy today's HVAC contractors really are.How AI can automate permits, rebates, warranties, invoicing, and other back-office tasks.Why strong office systems and SOPs determine whether a business scales or stalls.Furman's perspective on private equity, industry consolidation, and keeping HVAC businesses local. Timestamps [00:00] – Introduction [02:07] – Meet Furman Haynes and the mission behind WorkHero [04:02] – What Furman learned from spending years alongside HVAC contractors [08:22] – The 20-hour admin problem and why most contractors hit a growth ceiling [11:26] – Why systems, price books, and job closeout processes matter [15:37] – Common misconceptions about HVAC business owners and technology adoption [17:43] – Private equity, industry consolidation, and keeping HVAC local [21:53] – Why traditional field service software still leaves major gaps [26:45] – Inside WorkHero: combining AI with experienced HVAC office managers [37:18] – Where AI genuinely delivers value today and where the hype exceeds reality [40:33] – Advice for contractors overwhelmed by paperwork and trying to do everything themselves ------------------------------------------------- Interested in learning more about Furman’s approach to helping HVAC companies grow? Visit https://lab.workhero.pro/hvac-admin to see how their administrative support can help independent HVAC contractors overcome the operational bottlenecks that hold their businesses back. ------------------------------------------------- Follow Farman Haynes: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/furmanhaynes/Website (Company): https://www.workhero.pro/LinkedIn (Company): https://www.linkedin.com/company/workherohvac/Facebook (Company): https://www.facebook.com/people/WorkHero/61562122449748/?mibextid=wwXIfrInstagram (Company): https://www.instagram.com/workhero__/YouTube (Company): https://www.youtube.com/@workheropro Industry Pulse Report: https://www.workhero.pro/blog/report Follow the Hosts: Ed Smith: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ed-smith-5aa8716Eric Fitz: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ehfitz/Amply Energy Website: https://www.amply.energy/Amply Energy YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@amplyenergyAmply Energy Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/amplyenergyAmply Energy Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amply_energy/

In a crowded HVAC market, differentiation doesn’t necessarily come from adding more trucks, spending more on advertising, or racing through more sales calls. For Derek Aarstad, owner of DNA Heating and Cooling in Richmond, Virginia, it has come from doing almost the opposite: staying intentionally small, testing before guessing, and building a customer experience around evidence and education.  Five years into the business, Derek is the only technician his customers see. His approach centers on measuring airflow, static pressure, duct leakage, and overall system performance before recommending solutions. After attending his first National Comfort Institute Summit, Derek realized there was a name for the work he had already been doing: high-performance HVAC. That realization helped him sharpen DNA’s positioning and communicate why his company operates differently. In this episode, Derek joins Ed Smith to unpack how that philosophy translates into a real HVAC business — from setting boundaries around free estimates and educating homeowners with simple visual evidence, to building a website that actually reflects his personality and generating business without paid advertising.  The results challenge the idea that a testing-first approach has to come at the expense of growth. Derek says DNA has blown past its installation goals this year, while Reddit and word-of-mouth increasingly bring in homeowners who already understand why they want to work with him.   Expect to Learn How Derek discovered his identity as a high performance HVAC contractor and used it to better position DNA Heating and Cooling.How testing before guessing helps Derek differentiate his business while making complex HVAC measurements easy for homeowners to understand.How pulling a random floor register helps Derek quickly show homeowners problems with airflow, installation quality, and ductwork.Why Reddit has become DNA Heating and Cooling’s biggest source of business and why those customers often arrive informed and ready to trust Derek.Why Derek chooses to keep DNA Heating and Cooling intentionally small while still exceeding the installation goals he set for the year. Timestamps [00:00] - Episode Teaser [04:12] - Intentionally Small: The DNA Heating and Cooling Model [07:04] - From the Trades to HVAC Business Ownership [30:49] - Finding the Right Customers and Building a Brand That Feels Like Derek [37:23] - “I Am a High-Performance HVAC Contractor” [41:13] - Making Testing-First HVAC Work Economically [45:55] - Pull a Register: The 30-Second Move That Changes the Conversation [48:01] - Why Reddit Became DNA’s Biggest Lead Source [49:09] - The Real Reward of Building DNA [52:10] - Closing Thoughts: Building a Business That Feels Like You ------------------------------------------------- US Heat Pump Summit Sign up for the US Heat Pump Summit. Join us on September 15–16 in Worcester, Massachusetts, and connect with contractors, manufacturers, and industry leaders shaping the future of HVAC. Register at www.usheatpumpsummit.com and use code AMPLY to save on your ticket.  ------------------------------------------------- Sign up for our training Be the Only Fish in Your Pond: High Performance Sales for High Performance HVAC Contractors. It’s October 22nd at 3pm eastern. In this session, you'll discover the proven sales process top HVAC contractors use to win on trust, value, and expertise, instead of price. https://info.amply.energy/be-the-only-fish-in-your-pond  ------------------------------------------------- Follow Derek Aarstad: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/derek-aarstad-91a328247/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/derek.aarstad/Website (Company): https://dnarva.com/ Follow the Hosts: Ed Smith: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ed-smith-5aa8716Eric Fitz: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ehfitz/Amply Energy Website: https://www.amply.energy/Amply Energy YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@amplyenergy

Bill Spohn is the owner and CEO of TruTech Tools, the host of the Building HVAC Science podcast, and one of the most respected entrepreneurs in HVAC. He's also a board member and advisor for Amply — and someone we've admired for a very long time. Taking TruTech Tools to the brink of a sale. Bill went most of the way through the process — an investment banker, a 50-page confidential information memorandum, a teaser sent to 1,500 firms, a list narrowed to four, full due diligence, a closing date on the calendar. Then, weeks from close, the buyer changed the terms. Bill waited 24 hours and called it off. He walks through what he learned: the difference between financial and strategic buyers, why he kept his team in the dark until due diligence forced the issue, and what it actually cost him.  EOS — the Entrepreneurial Operating System. Bill is the reason Ed read Traction cover to cover. He traces the whole arc: finding the idea of a two-page business plan in 2015, sitting on it for two years, and eventually bringing in an implementer for a full two-year rollout. He explains GWC — gets it, wants it, has the capacity to do it — and how TruTech uses it to hire, evaluate, and coach. Expect to Learn Why measurement and building science are the foundation of better HVAC work.How Bill designed and now lives in a high-performance, net-zero electric home.Lessons learned from almost selling TruTech Tools—and why he ultimately chose a family succession plan.How EOS (Entrepreneurial Operating System) helped create stronger leadership and company culture. Timestamps [00:00] – Teaser [03:41] – Introducing Bill Spohn [08:41] – Bill's engineering background and career journey [11:35] – Discovering building science and the path toward electrification [17:00] – Living inside a net-zero home and lessons learned [23:37] – Heat pump design, commissioning mistakes, and why proper installation matters [27:51] – The inside story of almost selling TruTech Tools [42:18] – How EOS transformed TruTech Tools' leadership, culture, and operations [49:27] – Building strong teams through core values and the GWC hiring framework [55:25] – Better HVAC: creating a community dedicated to continuous learning and better craftsmanship ------------------------------------------------- National Comfort Institute High Performance HVAC Summit We're proud to partner with the National Comfort Institute for the High Performance HVAC Summit, taking place September 1–3 in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. If you're serious about improving your technical expertise and growing your business, this is an event you won't want to miss. Register at www.gotosummit.com and save with code AMPLY2026.  US Heat Pump Summit Building a successful heat pump business starts with learning from the best. Join us at the US Heat Pump Summit on September 15–16 in Worcester, Massachusetts, and connect with contractors, manufacturers, and industry leaders shaping the future of HVAC. Register at www.usheatpumpsummit.com and use code AMPLY to save on your ticket.  ------------------------------------------------- Follow Bill Spohn: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/billspohn/Website (Company): https://trutechtools.com/LinkedIn (Company): https://www.linkedin.com/company/trutech-tools-ltd/ Facebook (Company): https://www.facebook.com/TruTechToolsInstagram (Company): https://www.instagram.com/trutechtools Join The Better HVAC Alliance: Website: https://betterhvac.org/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/betterhvac/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/betterhvac Follow the Hosts: Ed Smith: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ed-smith-5aa8716Eric Fitz: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ehfitz/Amply Energy Website: https://www.amply.energy/Amply Energy YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@amplyenergy

National Comfort Institute High Performance HVAC Summit We're proud to partner with the National Comfort Institute for the High Performance HVAC Summit, taking place September 1–3 in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. If you're serious about improving your technical expertise and growing your business, this is an event you won't want to miss. Register at www.gotosummit.com and save with code AMPLY2026.  ------------------------------------------------- US Heat Pump Summit Building a successful heat pump business starts with learning from the best. Join us at the US Heat Pump Summit on September 15–16 in Worcester, Massachusetts, and connect with contractors, manufacturers, and industry leaders shaping the future of HVAC. Register at www.usheatpumpsummit.com and use code AMPLY to save on your ticket.  ------------------------------------------------- As heat pump adoption accelerates across North America, contractors have an unprecedented opportunity to grow their businesses — but success depends on more than simply replacing HVAC equipment. In this episode, Ed Smith sits down with Brynn Cooksey, founder of Air Doctors Heating and Cooling and HVAC U, to discuss why building science is the missing piece of successful heat pump installations. Brynn shares how his company transformed into a heat pump-focused business, expanded into multiple states, and why proper design, ductwork evaluation, and homeowner education are essential to delivering outstanding results. They also preview the upcoming U.S. Heat Pump Summit, where Brynn will deliver the keynote and present his session, Navigating the Heat Pump Jungle. Expect to Learn Why poor installation — not heat pump technology — is responsible for many failed projects.How building science transforms heat pump performance and customer satisfaction.The business strategies that helped Air Doctors become a nearly 100% heat pump company.What contractors can expect from the U.S. Heat Pump Summit and why it's different from traditional HVAC conferences.How proper system design, duct evaluation, and customer education create better comfort, lower energy bills, and business growth. Timestamps [00:00] – Introduction [03:09] – Meet Brynn Cooksey [05:34] – Why the U.S. Heat Pump Summit Matters [08:02] – Navigating the Heat Pump Jungle [09:17] – Growing a Multi-State Heat Pump Business [12:23] – Who Should Attend the Summit? [14:30] – Why Brynn Accepted the Keynote Invitation [17:08] – Why Contractors Should Make the Trip [19:08] – Closing Remarks Follow Brynn Cooksey: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/theairdoctor/Website (Company): https://www.airdoctorshvacservice.com/LinkedIn (Company): https://www.linkedin.com/company/airdoctorshvacservice/LinkedIn (Company): https://www.linkedin.com/company/hvac-ubuildingscientists/ Follow the Hosts: Ed Smith: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ed-smith-5aa8716Eric Fitz: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ehfitz/Amply Energy Website: https://www.amply.energy/Amply Energy YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@amplyenergyAmply Energy Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/amplyenergyAmply Energy Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amply_energy/

If you're looking for a better way to size and design HVAC systems, Amply can help. Book a demo with me and I'll walk you through it, or watch a demo online at your own pace. Explore our pricing and get started today. The links are below.  Book a demo with Ed: https://www.amply.energy/talk-to-salesWatch the demo online: https://www.amply.energy/watch-a-demoView Pricing & Buy Now: https://www.amply.energy/pricing ------------------------------------------------- Thinking about using Amply? Before booking a demo, this episode answers the 13 questions contractors ask most often. Ed Smith, co-founder of Amply, explains who the software is built for, what makes it different from traditional Manual J tools, pricing, onboarding, hardware requirements, Manual S support, duct design workflows, offline functionality, integrations, and more.  The goal is to eliminate common questions ahead of time so demo conversations can focus on how contractors can use Amply to improve system design, build homeowner trust, and win more profitable jobs. If you're looking to differentiate your HVAC business through better design, measurement, and homeowner trust — not lower prices — this episode will help you decide whether Amply is the right fit.    Expect to Learn Why Amply was created and who it's designed forWhat makes Amply different from traditional Manual J softwarePricing, onboarding, and hardware requirementsHow Amply handles Manual J, Manual S, and duct design workflowsWhether Amply integrates with existing HVAC software and works offline Timestamps [00:00] – Introduction [01:31] – Why does Amply exist? [03:47] - Question 1: Who Is Amply For? [04:39] - Question 2: What Makes Amply Different? [05:25] - Question 3: Is Amply Only for Heat Pumps? [05:58] - Question 4: What iPad Do I Need? [06:35] - Question 5: What Does Amply Cost? [07:44] - Question 6: What Does Onboarding Look Like? [08:45] - Question 7: Will My Manual J Be Accepted by Utilities, Cities, and Rebate Programs? [09:13] - Question 8: Does Amply Do Manual S? [09:46] - Question 9: What About Manual D Duct Design? [10:31] - Question 10: Does Amply Integrate with My Field Service Software? [11:11] - Question 11: Does Amply Work Without an Internet Connection? [11:14] - Question 12: Can I Use Amply for Commercial Projects? [11:46] - Question 13: How Do I Sign Up? [12:15] - Closing  Follow the Hosts: Ed Smith: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ed-smith-5aa8716Eric Fitz: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ehfitz/Amply Energy Website: https://www.amply.energy/Amply Energy YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@amplyenergyAmply Energy Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/amplyenergyAmply Energy Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amply_energy/

National Comfort Institute High Performance HVAC Summit We're proud to partner with the National Comfort Institute for the High Performance HVAC Summit, taking place September 1–3 in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. If you're serious about improving your technical expertise and growing your business, this is an event you won't want to miss. Register at www.gotosummit.com and save with code AMPLY2026.  ------------------------------------------------- US Heat Pump Summit Building a successful heat pump business starts with learning from the best. Join us at the US Heat Pump Summit on September 15–16 in Worcester, Massachusetts, and connect with contractors, manufacturers, and industry leaders shaping the future of HVAC. Register at www.usheatpumpsummit.com and use code AMPLY to save on your ticket.  ------------------------------------------------- Support the Podcast If this episode brought you value, the best way to support the podcast is simple: subscribe, leave a 5-star rating, and write a review. It helps more HVAC professionals discover the show and keeps these conversations going. ------------------------------------------------- The transition to electrification is accelerating, and heat pumps are at the center of that change. But while technology and policy often dominate the conversation, Panama Bartholomy argues that the real success of building decarbonization depends on one group: HVAC contractors.  As Founder and Executive Director of the Building Decarbonization Coalition (BDC), Panama discusses why contractors are now the critical link between policy, manufacturers, and homeowners. He explains how incentives, consumer education, contractor training, and smarter policy can make heat pump adoption easier, more profitable, and ultimately more affordable for everyone.  The conversation also explores the future of natural gas infrastructure, rising energy costs, and why preparing for the electrification transition today is essential for HVAC businesses. Expect to Learn Why HVAC contractors are the most important players in the heat pump transitionThe biggest barriers preventing contractors from selling more heat pumps—and how to overcome themHow the Building Decarbonization Coalition is helping contractors grow profitable electrification businessesWhy natural gas is becoming increasingly expensive despite lower fuel usageThe policy and market trends shaping the future of HVAC across the United States Timestamps [00:00] – Introduction [03:35] – Introducing Panama Bartholomy and the Building Decarbonization Coalition [04:16] – BDC's mission: accelerating heat pump adoption through collaboration [06:22] – Panama's journey into energy policy and building decarbonization [10:17] – How the Building Decarbonization Coalition was founded [14:49] – The three pillars of BDC: policy, market transformation, and consumer education [24:37] – The biggest challenges contractors face when adopting heat pumps [30:39] – Why sales training is often the missing piece [33:17] – Why contractors are the linchpin of the heat pump transition [38:25] – The future of natural gas infrastructure and what's next for electrification [50:25] – Where contractors can access BDC resources and stay informed [52:01] – Final thoughts and closing remarks Follow Panama Bartholomy: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/panamabartholomy/Website (Company): https://buildingdecarb.org/LinkedIn (Company): https://www.linkedin.com/company/buildingdecarb/Instagram (Company): https://www.instagram.com/buildingdecarbBluesky (Company): https://bsky.app/profile/buildingdecarb.org Follow the Hosts: Ed Smith: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ed-smith-5aa8716Eric Fitz: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ehfitz/Amply Energy Website: https://www.amply.energy/Amply Energy YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@amplyenergyAmply Energy Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/amplyenergyAmply Energy Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amply_energy/

If you're an HVAC contractor interested in growing your expertise in heat pumps, be sure to check out the High Performance HVAC Summit this September in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. We've been given access to free conference tickets exclusively for our audience. Head to www.usheatpumpsummit.com/exclusive, and complete the short application. If approved, you'll receive a unique code that lets you claim up to two complimentary tickets to the full two-day conference for your company. Availability is limited, so don't wait to apply. Visit the link to apply today. We hope to see you there. ---------------------------------------------------------- Jay Stahlberg started Baystate Energy Services with almost no money, no business degree, and only a few years of HVAC experience — but an obsession with learning and a willingness to outwork everyone around him. In this episode, Jay shares how he built a fast-growing heat pump company from the ground up using social media, networking, building science, and relentless hustle, while navigating startup chaos, scaling challenges, and the realities of modern HVAC entrepreneurship. Expect to Learn How Jay built an HVAC company from the ground up with minimal startup capitalWhy branding, social media, and LinkedIn can be powerful tools for contractorsThe importance of building science and treating every home like a unique puzzleLessons learned from scaling too quickly and “biting off more than you can chew”How continuing education, networking, and software tools can accelerate business growth Timestamps [00:00] – Introduction [03:17] – Introducing Jay Stahlberg [04:17] – Jay’s journey into HVAC and heat pumps [09:56] – Marketing, branding, and LinkedIn success stories [15:36] – Why the company is called Baystate Energy Services [17:58] – Building the business from scratch [26:32] – Understanding Mass Save and home performance contractors [28:40] – The vision for the showroom and future growth [31:12] – The hunger for knowledge and professional development [35:10] – The next phase: systems, service, and scaling [39:21] – Advice for new contractors and entrepreneurs [45:11] – What Jay hopes comes next Follow Jason Stahlberg : LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-stahlberg-a4b5072b5/Website (Company): https://www.baystateenergyservices.com/Facebook (Company): https://www.facebook.com/BaystateEnergyServicesInstagram (Company): https://www.instagram.com/baystate_energy_services/YouTube (Company): https://www.youtube.com/@BaystateEnergyServicesX (Company): https://x.com/Call_BaystateTikTok (Company): https://www.tiktok.com/@baystate_energy_services Follow the Hosts: Ed Smith: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ed-smith-5aa8716Eric Fitz: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ehfitz/Amply Energy Website: https://www.amply.energy/Amply Energy YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@amplyenergyAmply Energy Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/amplyenergyAmply Energy Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amply_energy/

Ready to design heat pump systems that really work? Grab our free manual S cold-climate heat pump selection tool. 👉 https://bit.ly/heatpump-manual-s-free-tool If you’re enjoying the Heat Pump Podcast and getting value from conversations like this one, please take a few seconds to leave us a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you listen. ------------------------------------------------- What separates an average HVAC installation from a truly high-performing system? In this episode, David Richardson joins the Heat Pump Podcast to explore the principles behind high-performance HVAC. The conversation covers everything from airflow and static pressure to building science, duct system performance, heat pump design, and homeowner communication.  David Richardson is Vice President of Training at the National Comfort Institute (NCI) and one of the most respected educators in the HVAC industry. With decades of field experience, David has helped thousands of contractors improve system performance through measurement, testing, and verification. Expect to Learn: The equipment is not the system. David's central argument: the box is just one component. The system is what each contractor custom-manufactures on site with the ducts, airflow, and workmanship around it. Same equipment, two installs, two completely different results.The average system delivers about 57% of its capacity into the space where people actually live — not at the equipment, in the room. High-performance work can push that to ~88%. The 88% isn't better equipment; it's attention to detail.Duct location is the biggest lever. After that, duct leakage. David is blunt that leakage inside the conditioned space still counts — if the air isn't reaching the farthest room, those are BTUs you didn't deliver.Heat pumps cut your temperature rise roughly in half. An old furnace might run a 60-degree rise; a heat pump replacing it may run half that or less. Duct losses you got away with behind a furnace start eating real capacity behind a heat pump.Pressure and airflow can both check out while the system still underperforms. Temperature is the measurement that catches it — always verify delivered BTUs, not just readings at the equipment.Don't drown the homeowner in data. When people don't understand what you're telling them, they panic and grab the one thing they do understand: price. Great work loses to the cheap bid because of communication, not competence. Timestamps [00:00] – Introduction to the Episode [01:57] – David Richardson's HVAC Journey [07:42] – Leaving the Family Business for NCI [10:39] – What Does "High-Performance HVAC" Really Mean? [16:07] – The 57% Problem [20:05] – The PATH Framework [26:27] – Why Contractors Skip the Fundamentals [28:57] – Data Discernment vs. Data Drowning [33:23] – Applying High-Performance Principles to Heat Pumps [41:12] – Having Difficult Sizing Conversations [46:43] – Solving the Mystery of the Dusty House [52:23] – Ductless Heat Pumps and High-Performance Contracting [58:05] – Where to Learn More Follow David Richardson: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-richardson-41502112/Website (Company): https://www.nationalcomfortinstitute.com/LinkedIn (Company): https://www.linkedin.com/company/national-comfort-institute/Facebook (Company): https://www.facebook.com/NationalComfortInstituteX (Company): https://x.com/team_nciYouTube (Company): https://www.youtube.com/@NationalComfortInstituteIncNCI Follow the Hosts: Ed Smith: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ed-smith-5aa8716Eric Fitz: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ehfitz/Amply Energy Website: https://www.amply.energy/Amply Energy YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@amplyenergyAmply Energy Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/amplyenergyAmply Energy Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amply_energy/

Ready to design heat pump systems that really work? Grab our free manual S cold-climate heat pump selection tool - the same systematic approach that helps contractors get sizing right the first time. 👉 https://bit.ly/heatpump-manual-s-free-tool ------------------------------------------------- Heat pumps fail homes for one reason more than any other: someone guessed instead of measured. In this episode, Amply co-founder and co-CEO Eric Fitz shares his complete heat pump sizing playbook in a talk recorded at the Building Performance Association's annual conference in Columbus. Eric is a mechanical engineer and a self-described Manual J nerd, and he takes you through the whole chain of system design: how Manual J defines what the home needs, why duct capacity is its own separate check that can make or break a retrofit, and how Manual S picks the right equipment. Along the way he shares the quick field tricks that remove the guesswork — the ten-second flashlight test for low-E glass, the $3 tool for checking wall insulation, and why a thicker filter actually fixes high static pressure. You'll also hear plenty of audience Q&A from the room. Expect to Learn Why accurate Manual J load calculations are the foundation of successful heat pump system design.How infiltration, windows, insulation, and duct leakage dramatically affect heating and cooling loads.Methods for measuring duct capacity and identifying airflow restrictions before equipment selection.How to interpret heat pump performance data, including capacity, COP, latent cooling, and airflow requirements.The tradeoffs between oversized and undersized systems, and how proper sizing improves comfort, efficiency, and indoor air quality. Timestamps [00:00:00] - Episode Teaser [00:04:06] - Heat Pump Design Fundamentals and the ACCA Design Process [00:07:27] - Understanding Load Drivers: Temperature, Windows, and Infiltration [00:14:02] - Window Performance, Low-E Glass, and Shading Effects [00:20:11] - Verifying Insulation and Building Envelope Conditions [00:26:26] - Duct Leakage, Static Pressure, and Measuring Airflow [00:44:48] - Heat Pump Performance Data Explained [00:52:57] - Manual S Sizing Rules and Heat Pump Selection [01:11:07] - Balancing Comfort, Efficiency, Auxiliary Heat, and Real-World Constraints [01:17:05] - There Is No Perfect Heat Pump: Making the Best Choice [01:19:37] - Closing Remarks Follow the Hosts: Ed Smith: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ed-smith-5aa8716Eric Fitz: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ehfitz/Amply Energy Website: https://www.amply.energy/Amply Energy YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@amplyenergyAmply Energy Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/amplyenergyAmply Energy Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amply_energy/

Want to win on trust, not price? Download our Trust Checklist and see exactly how top HVAC companies build authority and close higher-quality deals. 👉 https://bit.ly/the-heatpump-trust-checklist ------------------------------------------------- In this episode of the Heat Pump Podcast, host Ed Smith sits down with Paul Bojko, owner of A-Guy Heating & Air, to explore what it really takes to build and scale a heat pump–focused HVAC business. Paul shares his journey from military service and mechanical work to launching his own company and ultimately specializing in ductless heat pump systems. He breaks down how focusing on a niche, investing in branding, and embracing non-traditional marketing strategies helped transform his business. The conversation dives into the realities of running an HVAC company, from early struggles and burnout to building a team, improving processes, and shifting from technician to business owner. Paul also explains why proper system design and load calculations are critical, and how many contractors still get it wrong. They also explore how content creation, social media, and even radio partnerships are becoming powerful tools for growth in today’s HVAC landscape. Expect to Learn In a market with only 50–60 mini split contractors, niching down beats competing with every HVAC truck in town.The mechanical install is the easy part — sizing the system right is the work most contractors skip.Chicago homes with 120,000 BTU furnaces keep coming back needing 50,000 or less. Believe the numbers once you've measured enough of them.Right-sizing will cost you some jobs. Stand behind the number anyway — offer to re-run it, but don't cave to "bigger is better.""Traditional" marketing is now Google and Facebook ads. Sponsoring a local radio host was Paul's fastest-working channel.Teaching at a community college doubles as a months-long job interview — two of Paul's hires came through it.Your brand isn't an afterthought. A memorable name and mascot made A-Guy identifiable in a sea of look-alike contractors. Timestamps [00:00] – Introduction to the Episode [02:02] – Paul Bojko’s background [07:45] – Transition into HVAC and discovering ductless systems [11:09] – Mentorship, training, and early business insights [14:37] – Key changes that drove business growth [17:38] – Marketing strategies and standing out in HVAC [26:36] – Hiring Through Education [30:10] – Content creation and building a modern brand [34:04] – System design, load calculations, and customer education [45:14] – Advice for Contractors and Future Heat Pump Specialists  Follow Paul Bojko: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-bojko-b9a156230/ Website (Company): https://a-guy.com/ Facebook (Company): https://www.facebook.com/aguyheating/ YouTube (Company): www.youtube.com/@aguyheating Follow the Hosts: Ed Smith: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ed-smith-5aa8716Eric Fitz: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ehfitz/Amply Energy Website: https://www.amply.energy/Amply Energy YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@amplyenergyAmply Energy Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/amplyenergyAmply Energy Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amply_energy/

🎓Join Eric Fitz's latest training: How to Design a Heat Pump System That Will Not Come Back to Haunt You Eric has given this training a few times now, and it's been a huge hit. Our friends at Mitsubishi are hosting a webinar for it — open to anyone. What he'll cover: → Key Manual J assumptions and how to verify them in the home quickly → How to apply advanced Manual S procedures the right way for variable speed systems → When to use strip heat, dual fuel, or no supplemental at all — and how that relates to duct capacity → Hidden operating cost traps in different regions and how to avoid them → How targeted envelope improvements can reduce HVAC headaches and what to prioritize first → Real-world case studies showing how high-performance heat pump design can be simple, scalable, and profitableJune 18th | 2:00 PM Eastern Register here: https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/6ec444f2-e2ec-4a23-8777-5ed05506a7b4@ebe4b5fd-e854-4d4b-a3e3-e9981654a6d4  ------------------------------------------------- In this episode of the Heat Pump Podcast, hosts Ed Smith and Eric Fitz sit down with Dr. Jane Melia, co-founder and Chief Revenue Officer of Harvest Thermal, to explore a new approach to home electrification: combining high-efficiency heat pumps with smart thermal storage. As electrification accelerates, heating and hot water, which account for the majority of a home’s energy use, are becoming central to the conversation about grid flexibility, energy costs, and system performance. Jane shares how Harvest’s “smart thermal battery” system shifts energy use to the most efficient and affordable times, helping homeowners lower bills while reducing strain on the electrical grid. The conversation also dives into how this technology emerged from Jane’s own home retrofit, the role contractors play in scaling innovative solutions, and why load shifting may become one of the most important strategies in the future of residential HVAC. Expect to Learn How smart thermal batteries work alongside heat pumpsWhy heating and hot water represent the biggest energy opportunity in homesHow load shifting can reduce both homeowner energy bills and grid demandThe origin story behind Harvest Thermal and the real-world problem that sparked the ideaWhy electrification needs smarter energy timing, not just more efficient equipmentHow innovative HVAC technologies are creating new opportunities for contractorsWhat the future of grid-aware home energy systems could look like Timestamps [00:00] – Episode teaser: Rethinking home energy use and load shifting [03:36] – Meet Dr. Jane Melia and the story behind Harvest Thermal [08:17] – The problem with traditional heating systems and energy timing [09:38] – What a “smart thermal battery” actually does [13:04] – How load shifting benefits homeowners and the electrical grid [15:05] – Real-world performance: lowering bills while electrifying homes [22:57] – Why contractors are key to scaling new HVAC technologies [42:05] – The future of grid-aware heating and home energy systems [44:53] – A key resource for contractors growing a heat pump business Follow Jane Melia: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/janemelia/Website (Company): https://www.harvest-thermal.com/LinkedIn (Company): https://www.linkedin.com/company/harvest-thermal/Facebook (Company): https://www.facebook.com/harvestthermal/YouTube (Company): https://www.youtube.com/@HarvestThermal2023Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jane.harvest/Instagram (Company): https://www.instagram.com/harvestthermal/?hl=en  Follow the Hosts: Ed Smith: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ed-smith-5aa8716Eric Fitz: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ehfitz/Amply Energy Website: https://www.amply.energy/Amply Energy YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@amplyenergyAmply Energy Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/amplyenergyAmply Energy Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amply_energy/

🎓Join Eric Fitz's latest training: How to Design a Heat Pump System That Will Not Come Back to Haunt You Eric has given this training a few times now, and it's been a huge hit. Our friends at Mitsubishi are hosting a webinar for it — open to anyone. What he'll cover: → Key Manual J assumptions and how to verify them in the home quickly → How to apply advanced Manual S procedures the right way for variable speed systems → When to use strip heat, dual fuel, or no supplemental at all — and how that relates to duct capacity → Hidden operating cost traps in different regions and how to avoid them → How targeted envelope improvements can reduce HVAC headaches and what to prioritize first → Real-world case studies showing how high-performance heat pump design can be simple, scalable, and profitableJune 18th | 2:00 PM Eastern Register here: https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/6ec444f2-e2ec-4a23-8777-5ed05506a7b4@ebe4b5fd-e854-4d4b-a3e3-e9981654a6d4  ---------------------------------------------------------- Kit Wu and Hannan Rhodes came from outside the HVAC industry, gathered dozens of real heat pump quotes for the same house, and published the results. In this episode, they break down where installation dollars actually go, what PE consolidation means for homeowners shopping for quotes, and why the best contractors are often the worst at communicating their value. Expect to Learn: How Manatee Energy is using technology to streamline HVAC installationsThe role of Laminar Collective in researching heat pump pricing and installationsHow transparency in pricing can benefit homeowners and contractorsInsights into the challenges and innovations in the HVAC industryThe importance of system design and efficiency in heat pump installations Timestamps: [00:00] – Episode Teaser [03:02] – Introduction to Laminar Collective and Manatee Energy [04:44] – The Story Behind Laminar Collective and Manatee Energy [07:46] – Insights from Heat Pump Pricing Research [13:28] – Reddit Reactions, Contractor Pushback & Homeowner Transparency [18:11] – Transparency Matters More Than Low Prices [31:34] – Why They Started Manatee Energy [33:17] – Overcoming the Challenges of Heat Pump Installations [37:04] – The Future of HVAC: Remote Diagnostics & Smarter Systems [40:22] – What’s Next for Laminar Collective & Manatee Energy  Follow Kit Wu & Hannan Rhodes: LinkedIn (Kit Wu): https://www.linkedin.com/in/ykitwu/ LinkedIn (Hannan): https://www.linkedin.com/in/hannanrhodes/ Website (Company): https://laminarcollective.com/ Website (Company): https://manatee.energy/ LinkedIn (Company): https://www.linkedin.com/company/laminar-collective/ Substack Publication: https://laminarcollective.substack.com/  Follow the Hosts: Ed Smith: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ed-smith-5aa8716Eric Fitz: https://www.linkedin.com/in:/ehfitz/Amply Energy Website: https://www.amply.energy/Amply Energy YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@amplyenergyAmply Energy Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/amplyenergyAmply Energy Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amply_energy/

Ready to design heat pump systems that really work? Grab our free manual S cold-climate heat pump selection tool - the same systematic approach that helps contractors get sizing right the first time. 👉 https://bit.ly/heatpump-manual-s-free-tool  ------------------------------------------------- Want to win on trust, not price? Download our Trust Checklist and see exactly how top HVAC companies build authority and close higher-quality deals. 👉 https://bit.ly/the-heatpump-trust-checklist ------------------------------------------------- In this episode of the Heat Pump Podcast, hosts Ed Smith and Eric Fitz are joined by Wes Davis, Director of Technical Services, and Brian Feenie, President of Shift Logic and Chief Encouragement Officer of ACCA QI, to discuss the critical yet often overlooked process of heat pump commissioning. They dive into the importance of doing it right from the start, the challenges faced by contractors in the field, and how using the right tools can ensure long-term performance and customer satisfaction. The conversation also covers best practices, tools for verification, and how to avoid costly callbacks. Wes Davis is the Director of Technical Services at ACCA and has years of experience working in HVAC and heat pump systems, focusing on proper installation and commissioning. Brian Feenie is the President of Shift Logic, Chief Encouragement Officer of ACCA QI, and a leader in HVAC business development, committed to promoting the use of diagnostic tools and quality commissioning. Expect to Learn: The difference between startup and commissioning in heat pump systemsThe role of duct leakage and airflow in system performanceThe impact of using diagnostic tools like Measure Quick and ACCA QIWhy accurate commissioning can drastically reduce callbacks and improve customer satisfactionWhere MeasureQuick + ACCA QI certificates work for heat pumps today, and where they don't yet Timestamps: [00:00] – Teaser[02:19] – Episode Introduction[03:07] – Defining Commissioning vs. Startup[06:48] – The Importance of Duct Leakage and Airflow Testing[10:12] – Poor Practices & Fake Reporting[18:33] – Tools and Technology for Accurate Commissioning (Featuring Measure Quick)[26:33] – Verifying System Performance During Cold Weather [36:57] – The Case for Having a Second Commissioning Visit[40:45] – Solutions for Improving the HVAC Industry’s Commissioning Standards[56:11] – Final Thoughts on Commissioning and Setting Industry Standards Resources Mentioned: ACCA QI Certification: https://www.acca.org/qa/prove-itMeasure Quick: https://www.youtube.com/@measureQuickJim Bergmann on evacuation: https://youtu.be/QJTFESe2VhM?si=jvYEfmMaqBfK3ZBj Follow Wes Davis & Brian Feenie: LinkedIn (Wes): https://www.linkedin.com/in/wesdavisacca/ LinkedIn (Brian): https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-feenie-72a27225/ Website (Company): https://www.acca.org/home LinkedIn (Company): https://www.linkedin.com/company/accausa/ YouTube (Company): https://www.youtube.com/@accamerica Facebook (Company): https://www.facebook.com/accontractors Twitter (Company): https://x.com/accausa Instagram (Company): https://www.instagram.com/acca_usa/  Follow the Hosts: Ed Smith: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ed-smith-5aa8716Eric Fitz: https://www.linkedin.com/in:/ehfitz/Amply Energy Website: https://www.amply.energy/Amply Energy YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@amplyenergyAmply Energy Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/amplyenergyAmply Energy Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amply_energy/