Thermal vs Economic Balance for HVAC Techs to Maximize Heat Pump Performance with Jim Fultz Part 1

In this episode of the HVAC Know It All Podcast, host Gary McCreadie talks with Jim Fultz, National Technical Training Manager at Copeland and a former Emerson trainer. Jim explains the concepts of thermal and economic balance points in heat pump systems, breaking down how each affects system performance and efficiency. He walks through how to calculate these balance points using real examples, showing when a heat pump needs backup heat. Jim also discusses how the Sensi Touch 2 thermostat helps manage these settings by letting users program exact switch-over points. His advice gives techs the tools to improve system setup and avoid costly service calls.

In this episode, Jim Fultz explains the difference between thermal and economical balance points in heat pump systems. He shows how thermal balance is about the heat pump's ability to meet a home's heating load as outdoor temperatures drop, while economical balance relates to energy cost and efficiency. Jim uses real examples to show how to calculate these points and why getting them right matters. He also talks about using tools like the Sensi Touch 2 thermostat to set and control balance points. His tips help contractors design better systems and avoid performance issues during cold weather.

Expect to Learn:

• What thermal and economic balance points mean in heat pump systems.

• How to calculate a balance point using load and capacity data.

• Knowing the thermal balance point helps avoid cold-weather failures.

• How the Sensi Touch 2 thermostat helps control backup heat use.

• Why balance point planning improves system performance and customer comfort.

Episode Highlights:

[00:00] - Intro to Jim Fultz in Part 01

[02:45] - Thermal vs Economical Balance Point Basics

[08:58] - Real-World Dual Fuel Setup and Testing to -9.5°C

[12:40] - Backup Heat Lessons and Understanding Balance Points

[17:40] - Using Sensi Touch 2 to Set and Control Balance Points

This Episode is Kindly Sponsored by:

Master: https://www.master.ca/

Cintas: https://www.cintas.com/

Cool Air Products: https://www.coolairproducts.net/

property.com: https://mccreadie.property.com

SupplyHouse: https://www.supplyhouse.com/tm
Use promo code HKIA5 to get 5% off your first order at Supplyhouse!

Follow the Guest Jim Fultz on:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jimdfultz/

Copeland: https://www.linkedin.com/company/copeland/

Emerson: https://www.linkedin.com/company/emerson/

Website:

Copeland: https://www.copeland.com/global

Emerson: https://www.emerson.com/global 

Follow the Host:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gary-mccreadie-38217a77/

Website: https://www.hvacknowitall.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/HVAC-Know-It-All-2/61569643061429/ 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hvacknowitall1/