HVAC School - For Techs, By Techs
Are EVs an Opportunity? - Short #222
· Summarized
Key takeaways
- Electric vehicles (EVs) can benefit from conditioned garages, which help preserve battery performance, particularly in hot climates.
- HVAC contractors should initiate conversations with clients about the advantages of garage conditioning for EV owners.
- Proper insulation and moisture management in garages are crucial when considering conditioning solutions.
- Ethical selling involves offering valuable advice to clients rather than simply upselling services.
Summary
Introduction to EVs and HVAC Opportunities
In this episode of the HVAC School Podcast, Bryan discusses the intersection of electric vehicles (EVs) and HVAC opportunities, particularly the potential benefits of conditioning garages for EV owners. He emphasizes the importance of understanding how high temperatures can affect the health and performance of EV batteries, especially in hot climates. This discussion is sparked by input from Kalos's residential sales lead, Tyler, who suggests that HVAC contractors could offer garage conditioning as an upgrade.
The Importance of Garage Conditioning for EVs
Bryan elaborates on how conditioning a garage can improve the longevity and efficiency of electric vehicles. By maintaining a suitable climate, EVs can preserve battery health, especially when they are charged overnight in garages, which can become hot during the day. Bryan suggests that HVAC contractors should consider approaching clients with EVs about the benefits of garage conditioning, as it can also lead to more comfortable workspace conditions in the garage for the owner.
Solutions for Insulating and Conditioning Garages
The podcast dives into practical solutions for insulating and conditioning garages, particularly in Florida's unique climate. Bryan talks about the applicability of encapsulating attics above garages to enhance the effectiveness of garage conditioning. He discusses different insulation methods such as closed-cell foam and polyiso boards while addressing potential moisture issues and the risks associated with combustion appliances in garages. The conversation stresses the importance of careful planning to maintain a healthy air quality in the home.
Client Communication and Ethical Selling
Bryan advocates for proactive communication between HVAC technicians and clients regarding potential upgrades. He stresses the need to discuss garage conditioning with clients who own EVs as a valuable service that can enhance their vehicle's longevity. He distinguishes between ethical selling and upselling, suggesting that providing clients with thoughtful recommendations can foster productive business relationships.
Sponsors
- Carrier · Carrier provides advanced HVAC solutions for comfort at home and in business.
- Sensi by Klopland · Sensi smart thermostats help you save on energy costs while keeping your home comfortable.
- Pro Contractor Branding · Pro Contractor Branding offers branding solutions specifically tailored for contractors and trade professionals.
- Navac · Navac is committed to innovative tools and equipment for the HVAC/R industry.
- Refrigeration Technologies · Refrigeration Technologies sells products to professionals in the HVAC/R industry to enhance performance and efficiency.
Show notes
In this short podcast, Bryan talks about electric vehicles and whether EVs present an opportunity for HVAC technicians. The residential sales lead at Kalos recently mentioned that keeping an EV in a conditioned garage is advantageous, and it's an upgrade we can offer our customers.
In hot weather, EV battery performance and health can be degraded. On top of that, the vehicle consumes power when the vehicle gets hot so that the A/C can control the climate inside the car and preserve the interior. Most people also charge their electric vehicles in the garage at night, so it would stand to reason that conditioning the garage can yield energy savings and improve vehicle longevity. Attic encapsulation above the garage is also an option to limit warm, moist attic air from leaking into the garage; HVAC upgrades can include using closed-cell foam to encapsulate the attic and install a dehumidifier in there.
Conditioning a garage requires you to think about insulation. In our market (Florida), block walls don't insulate very well. Even when we can't do very much with the walls, we can usually use some polyiso boards inside the garage. However, we could get some moisture challenges, and carbon monoxide could be an issue if combustion appliances are in the garage (like furnaces, water heaters, or gas-powered cars). We can recommend using heat pump water heaters, and we should quote a low-level CO monitor in cases when garages have a CO risk.
It's important to make sure the garage remains separate from the rest of the house even when we do these upgrades. Keeping the garage separate helps prevent chemicals from getting into the airstream, especially yard chemicals or cleaners.
Have a question that you want us to answer on the podcast? Submit your questions at https://www.speakpipe.com/hvacschool.
Purchase your tickets or learn more about the 6th Annual HVACR Training Symposium at https://hvacrschool.com/symposium.
Subscribe to our podcast on your iPhone or Android.
Subscribe to our YouTube channel.
Check out our handy calculators here or on the HVAC School Mobile App for Apple and Android.
Follow this show on AudioBrevity and new episodes get summarized for you. Create a free account