#014 - The Heat Pump Store

Join us for another scintillating episode of The Energy Collaborative Show. We talk about minions, gas furnaces, the good and evil in building design, football stadiums, and Chris Farley's brother?! Live to dream and dream to live in a cleaner, more energy-efficient world… We talk, you should listen!

Sun of a Beach, what the heck is happening in the Solar Industry these days? For many of our 80 million listeners, adding Solar to your home or commercial building is still one of the best ways to move towards electrification. The Solar industry is making another comeback with help from the Inflation Reduction Act and other local incentives. Listen to our interview with Tyler Dotten of Elemental Energy, a Portland-based solar company, as we uncover everything from cost-saving incentives to upgrading your current system with a battery backup. 

Have you ever wondered if your home is dressed appropriately for the weather? Probably not because that's weird, but maybe you should… Listen to the NWECB crew use the analogy of dressing yourself for the outdoor elements to explain the importance of proper layering in your home's building envelope. Understanding how your home should be dressed is critical to being warm, comfortable, and safe. 

You're Back! The NW Energy Collaborative has been hard at work consulting a sea of green building multi-family projects. After a busy few months, we finally had to come up for some air! This episode introduces Cousin Jimmy, AKA JimBT. It explores how to help developers, architects, and proper managers fund their multi-family development projects through Federal incentives from the Inflation Reduction Act and other loan programs. Listen as contestants play the popular game show "Find The Money" and embark on a journey to build more green, sustainable buildings without breaking the piggy bank.  

Engineer, educator, hydrogen fuel cell expert, loving father, civil war historian and reenactor, building commissioner, space shuttle engineer, and more. Listen to our interview with the President of Northwest Engineering Service Inc.Tom Prevish, as we explore his vast knowledge of the world of energy, science and engineering.

Get ready for some hot talk on the latest episode of our podcast, featuring the owners of the Heat Pump Store! We had a blast chatting with them about everything from job training to owning your own company, and of course, the importance of top-notch customer service. These folks really know their stuff, and they've got the expertise and experience to keep you cool (or warm!) no matter the weather. Plus, they're just plain fun to talk to! 

Electric vehicles, cell phones, tablets, and laptops are all powered by one type of battery, Lithium Ion. Have you ever wondered how these batteries work or where the components came from? What exactly does "lithium ion" mean? Does the word "cobalt" mean anything to you? It should -- we are a society that relies on a global supply chain. Willy C and J Dub dig deep in this episode to learn more about cobalt mining and battery technology in general. Listen up!

Admit it, you've been tempted by those compelling free YouTube Solar ads.  "FREE SOLAR?" Come one people, any time a company uses the words "free", it ain't!  In this episode, Jonathan and Will discuss the pros and cons of the purchasing a solar system for your home. Will, with previous experience working as a Solar Installation Project Manager, and Jonathan a proud owner of a 7.5 kW solar system and also good looking, provide some insight into the questions you should ask before you cut the check. Tune in everybody!

It is winter, people! For those of us who live in the upper half of the United States, its colder than a Yeti's toes in a snowstorm. But you have a warm house to take shelter and keep those toes warm, right? Maybe not?! Considering the majority of the homes in the United States were built before 1970, prior to insulation being mandated by building code, you may need some extra blankets to stay warm in the winter months. Before you call your HVAC guy or add another electric space heater to that bedroom, listen to Jonathan and Will discuss the reasons why its so cold in this house. Learn what you can do about it without breaking the piggy bank. From Insulation and fenestration to air-sealing, the Inflation Reduction Act credits and rebates are here for you to stop burning your money to stay warm! 

Listen to Will and Jonathan as they explore the evolving and challenging topic of mitigating climate change. We interview varying leaders and experts searching for viable perspectives on long-term solutions to this global problem. In this episode, we sit down with local Portlanders, Brian Stewart and Joe Wachunas as they discuss their mission to empower everyone to create a clean energy future. Electrify Now!