In this episode of Heat Pumped, host Shreyas Sudhakar sits down with Nate Adams, sometimes called the “Father of Electrify Everything.” Nate brings decades of experience in home performance, electrification, and HVAC design. Known for his no-BS pragmatism and fierce advocacy for building science, Nate shares his journey—from pulling his first gas meter in 2014 to becoming a national thought leader in the heat pump movement.
Together, they unpack:
Why Nate thinks one-way air conditioners are “intellectually stupid” and why a heat pump (or “two-way AC”) should be the default option in almost every home.
The human—not technical—barriers to full home electrification, including HVAC contractor culture, politicization of heat pumps, and market inertia.
Why hybrids (heat pumps + furnaces) are a critical stepping stone for decarbonization in cold climates, especially in the Midwest.
Nate’s approach to designing comfortable, quiet, energy-efficient homes, and the secrets to making heat pumps work even in leaky, 100-year-old houses.
The importance of feedback loops, data monitoring, and right-sizing to get the best out of HVAC systems.
The real cost of electrification, and why smarter installs—not cheaper ones—are the key to value.
The “Cooler Act,” Nate’s proposed policy to phase out air conditioners in favor of heat pumps by incentivizing manufacturers and distributors.
If you’re a homeowner, HVAC pro, or policymaker looking for clear-eyed advice on electrification that cuts through the hype, this one’s for you. Nate is equal parts engineer, educator, and provocateur—and he’s not afraid to challenge sacred cows.
Key Quote:
"We're politicizing reverse gear. Air conditioners are dumb—you're throwing away functionality for no reason." — Nate Adams
📚 Mentioned:
Nate’s work: Energy Smart Ohio, Electrify Everything Facebook Group
Shreyas’s newsletter: heatpumped.org
Where to find Nate:
Twitter / LinkedIn / BlueSky: @EnergySmartWV
Popular Podcasts
Las Culturistas with Matt Rogers and Bowen Yang
Ding dong! Join your culture consultants, Matt Rogers and Bowen Yang, on an unforgettable journey into the beating heart of CULTURE. Alongside sizzling special guests, they GET INTO the hottest pop-culture moments of the day and the formative cultural experiences that turned them into Culturistas. Produced by the Big Money Players Network and iHeartRadio.
On Purpose with Jay Shetty
I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com