Session Overview
Central heat pump projects continue to face setbacks and the root cause often lies in controls. From limited experience among designers, contractors, and reps, to poor documentation and weak commissioning, too many factors contribute to underperformance. This session brings together heat pump experts to examine recurring challenges and share proven solutions. Learn how to avoid common pitfalls, strengthen project outcomes, and ensure your heat pump installations deliver on their efficiency promise.
SPEAKERS
Brad White, President, SES Consulting
Brad is President of SES Consulting and a Professional Engineer with over 15 years of experience in energy efficiency, low carbon technologies, and smart building systems. He has demonstrated his passion for the sustainable use of energy throughout his professional career and this continues to be a driving force in his work. Brad works closely with clients to integrate leading edge technologies and energy conservation strategies into existing buildings; these can include fault detection and analytics, electrification of heating systems, and advanced controls. Brad is a Contributing Editor to AutomatedBuildings.com and a member of the City of Vancouver’s Technical Advisory Committee on Existing Multi-Unit Residential and Commercial Buildings.
Dan Gentry, Application Engineer, Trane
Dan Gentry is an Applications Engineer at Trane in La Crosse, WI. He joined Trane in 2018 after 8 years at another local WI based chiller manufacturer. Dan first interned at Trane in the Technology Lab where he worked in the acoustic lab while attending school through 2008. His areas of expertise revolve around chiller plants, heat recovery and heat pump systems, data center chiller plants and their reliable and efficient design and operation. He graduated from Ferris State University in 2011 with a bachelor’s degree in HVAC Engineering Technology. Dan enjoys spending time with his family on the Mississippi river and relaxing time at the family cabin in the UP.
James Murphy, Sales Manager, LONG Building Technologies
James Murphy is a dedicated and accomplished Sales Manager at LONG with 25 years of experience in the industry. Specializing in large commercial and industrial equipment, James has primarily focused on working with consulting engineers. With a degree in Mechanical Engineering from Vanderbilt University, James brings a strong technical background to the sales team. Throughout his career, James has consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership and strategic thinking, achieving numerous milestones and driving significant results. Outside of work, James enjoys spending time with his wife and four children, exploring the mountains and soccer fields of Colorado.
Matthew Smith, Product Specialist, Air Treatment Corporation
Matthew Smith is a senior HVAC technical specialist with more than 20 years of hands-on experience in hydronic systems, modular equipment, and central plant applications. He is currently a Product Specialist at Air Treatment Corporation, supporting high-performance HVAC solutions including modular chillers and heat pumps, hydronic system integration, and advanced control strategies.
Matthew’s background includes field service, factory support, system startup, and design review, with deep experience in modular chiller and heat pump applications. His expertise covers staging and load-sharing logic, pumping and decoupling strategies, and resolving real-world operational challenges. He works closely with engineers, contractors, and owners to develop effective Sequences of Operation, troubleshoot complex hydronic issues, and optimize system performance.
Prior to joining Air Treatment Corporation, Matthew held senior technical roles at Multistack and Trane, where he supported factory startups, led installation and commissioning training, and serviced large-scale chilled water and heat pump systems. His experience spans ammonia and process cooling, traditional comfort HVAC, and modern electrification-focused designs.
Matthew regularly delivers engineering lunch-and-learns and technical training sessions, translating manufacturer application guidance into practical, field-proven solutions. His focus is helping design teams and operators successfully implement modular heat pump and hydronic systems that improve efficiency, resiliency, and long-term performance.
