• The Heat Pump Podcast

  • By: Amply
  • Podcast

The Heat Pump Podcast

By: Amply
  • Summary

  • The Heat Pump Podcast discusses all things related to heat pumps. We cover: HVAC entrepreneurship, business operations, technology innovations, building science, how policy impacts both contractors and homeowners, and more.

    Our goal is to ensure that the transition to heat pumps for heating and cooling is a win for everyone – homeowners, contractors, and the planet – by sharing insights, learnings, and best practices.

    2024 Amply Energy
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Episodes
  • The Beauty of Dual Fuel Solutions with Mike Gundersen
    Mar 5 2025

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

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

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

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

    Expect to Learn

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

    Episode Breakdown with Timestamps

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

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

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

    [15:45] - Exploring dual fuel system advantages

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

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

    [42:47] -Closing thoughts


    Connect with our guest Mike Gundersen:

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

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


    Follow the Hosts

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

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

    👉 Amply Energy Website: https://www.amply.energy/

    👉 Amply Energy YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@amplyenergy

    👉 Amply Energy Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/amplyenergy

    👉 Amply Energy Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amply_energy/

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    43 mins
  • The Nuances of Heat Pump System Design with Eric Kaiser
    Feb 19 2025

    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/

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    1 hr and 4 mins
  • Using Performance Data to Maximize Efficiency and Electrify Homes with John Semmelhack
    Feb 5 2025
    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 technologyHow to right-size HVAC systems for maximum efficiency and comfortHow to slow down a sales process, collect actual data on the home’s loads, and become a “race of one” with a customerWhy “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 systemsWhy heat pumps are easier and cheaper than most thinkInsight 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/
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    56 mins

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