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2 minute read
Widely respected building science expert validates the critical need for proper load calculations and positions Amply as a potential solution in Forbes
Forbes recently published an in-depth article on "Why Bigger Isn't Better When It Comes To HVAC Systems," featuring Amply Energy as "A Smarter Approach" to solving one of the industry's most persistent problems: oversized HVAC systems.
Written by Brynn Cooksey, a well-respected whole home performance contractor, HVAC trainer and coach, the piece examines the widespread issue of improper system sizing and highlights how modern tools are enabling contractors to deliver better results
The Scale of the Sizing Problem
The Forbes article presents sobering statistics about industry-wide sizing issues. According to a U.S. Department of Energy report, improper HVAC installation impacts approximately 65% of systems evaluated, with 31% found to be oversized.
Even more striking, Air Doctors Heating and Cooling's 2021 survey of 3,880 homes found that 98% of systems were oversized by at least 200% of their heating capacity. This isn't a minor technical issue—it's a fundamental design problem affecting nearly every installation.
Why Oversizing Matters
The article expertly explains the real-world consequences of oversized systems that contractors see daily:
- Short cycling that accelerates wear and reduces equipment lifespan
- Poor humidity control from systems that don't run long enough
- Uneven temperatures and comfort complaints
- Higher energy costs from inefficient operation
- Increased service calls from frustrated homeowners
As the piece notes, oversized systems are like installing "a heavy-duty pickup truck engine on the frame of a compact car"—mismatched to the actual need and ultimately harmful.
Load Calculations: The Foundation of Success
Forbes emphasizes what Amply has been built around from day one: "The cornerstone of any successful HVAC retrofit or installation is an accurate load calculation." When the calculation is wrong, everything downstream—equipment selection, duct sizing, airflow balancing—suffers.
This validation from a major business publication confirms what we've been saying: proper design isn't optional, it's essential.
Amply: Making Proper Design Practical
The article positions Amply as the solution to making accurate load calculations practical for everyday contractors. Forbes highlights how "Amply's sales and design copilot enables contractors to generate better proposals faster" with "real-time ACCA Manual J load calculations, 3D floor plans, virtual installs, and polished sales documents."
In interviews with Forbes, co-founders Eric Fitz and Ed Smith addressed the core challenge:
Eric Fitz: "Unfortunately, especially in retrofit situations, it's still quite common for systems to be installed without proper load calculations... The biggest risk is fundamentally getting the design wrong, which often means significantly over- or undersizing the system. A flawless installation can't save a flawed design."
Ed Smith: "We have a lot of empathy for contractors here. They're being asked to do more than ever. Traditional load calc tools are clunky and slow. That's why we built Amply—to make proper design fast, intuitive, and part of the sales process."
Ready to see how Amply makes proper system design fast and intuitive? Watch our demo to discover how leading contractors are delivering better results with the right-sized systems their customers deserve.
