An Interview with Alex Atkinson, CEO, Super Brothers Plumbing Heating & Air
Can you introduce yourself and tell us about your background in HVAC, plumbing, and home energy systems? What credentials or experience do you bring to the conversation about residential energy efficiency?
My name is Dimitar Dechev, and I’m the CEO of Super Brothers Plumbing, Heating & Air, a residential mechanical and home-energy contractor based in Northern California. For the past decade, my team and I have been working directly with homeowners to upgrade HVAC systems, plumbing, electrical panels, and whole-home energy systems with a strong focus on efficiency and modern electrification.We complete thousands of residential jobs every year, ranging from heat pump HVAC replacements and home repipes to heat pump water heaters, panel upgrades, EV chargers, attic insulation, and blower-door/air-leakage testing. Because we work across plumbing, HVAC, and electrical, we see the full picture of how a home uses energy, where it wastes energy, and what upgrades actually make a measurable difference.Much of our work is tied to California’s rebate and incentive programs, and we help homeowners qualify for and complete projects under initiatives like TECH Clean California, SMUD Go Electric, and other electrification incentives. This gives us real-time insight into what upgrades provide the best return, which systems perform well in real homes, and how to design projects that balance comfort, cost, and long-term energy savings.My experience is very hands-on — everything I know comes from going inside people’s homes every day, solving real problems, and seeing firsthand how different systems interact. That’s the perspective I bring to residential energy-efficiency conversations: what actually works in real houses, for real families, with real budgets.
What led you to specialize in home electrification and energy efficiency work? Was there a particular project or moment in your career that shifted your focus toward helping homeowners reduce their energy consumption?
I didn’t originally plan to specialize in home electrification and energy efficiency — it happened naturally as I watched how quickly the industry was changing and how much homeowners were struggling to keep up. For years, most of our work was traditional HVAC and plumbing. Then California started moving aggressively toward heat pumps, electric water heaters, induction, and tighter energy codes. At first, it felt like a wave that was coming “someday,” but then customers started asking questions we couldn’t ignore: “Why is my gas bill so high?” “Do heat pumps really work here?” “Is it worth switching to all-electric?”There was one project that really shifted my mindset. A family in Sacramento had an old gas furnace, a failing AC, and a water heater that barely worked. Their utility bills were extreme for the size of the home. Instead of just replacing equipment with more gas appliances, we designed a full electrification plan — heat pump HVAC, heat pump water heater, better ductwork, and some basic efficiency upgrades. Their energy use dropped dramatically, the home felt more comfortable, and they qualified for rebates they didn’t even know existed.Seeing the impact on one family changed how I looked at the entire industry. I realized most homeowners simply don’t have access to clear, honest information about electrification, and many contractors don’t explain it well because they’re not trained in it. From that point on, I made it a priority to understand the technology deeply — not just how to install it, but how it affects comfort, long-term costs, and the way a home functions as a system.Today, what motivates me is helping homeowners avoid confusion, avoid bad installations, and get real results. Electrification isn’t just about new equipment — it’s about making homes healthier, safer, quieter, and more efficient. And when you see a homeowner experience those changes firsthand, it’s hard not to become passionate about the work.
You’ve worked on traditional HVAC systems for years. When did you first encounter heat pump technology, and what was your initial impression compared to conventional furnaces and air conditioners?
I first came across heat pump technology early in my career, long before it became the “hot topic” it is today. Back then, most homeowners didn’t take heat pumps seriously, and honestly, neither did a lot of contractors. The common belief was that heat pumps were only useful in mild climates and couldn’t compete with a gas furnace in terms of heating power.My first real experience was during a project for a homeowner whose gas furnace failed in the middle of winter. The budget was tight, and they wanted an option that was efficient but still reliable. The distributor suggested a cold-climate heat pump, and I remember being skeptical. I installed traditional furnaces every day — I knew exactly what they could do. A heat pump felt like a gamble.But once we installed it and I saw how well it performed, especially with the new inverter technology, it changed my perspective. The system delivered steady, comfortable heat without the big temperature swings that come from a furnace blasting hot air. It was quiet, energy-efficient, and surprisingly consistent, even on colder nights.The part that really stood out to me was the homeowner’s reaction. They weren’t talking about “efficiency ratings.” They were talking about comfort — the home felt more balanced and less dry, and the energy bill dropped immediately.That job was the moment I realized heat pumps weren’t just some niche alternative. The technology was evolving faster than the industry’s reputation for it. Over the years, as manufacturers improved cold-climate performance, my initial skepticism faded completely. Today, in many homes, a well-designed heat pump system outperforms the traditional setups I grew up installing.
Can you walk us through a specific home electrification project where you helped a homeowner transition from gas appliances to electric systems? What were the biggest challenges, and what surprised the homeowner most about the results?
One of the most memorable electrification projects I worked on was for a family in Sacramento who had lived in their home for almost 20 years. Everything in the house was running on gas — the furnace, the water heater, the stove — and the systems were all aging at the same time. Their monthly bills kept climbing, and they didn’t feel comfortable in the home anymore. Some rooms were freezing, others overheated, and they were dealing with constant repairs. They originally called us just to “replace the water heater,” but during the inspection it became obvious that doing small fixes wouldn’t solve their bigger problems.We walked them through a full electrification plan: a heat pump HVAC system, a heat pump water heater, an induction range, basic duct sealing, and an electrical panel upgrade so the new equipment had proper capacity. The biggest challenge was the panel upgrade — their old panel didn’t have enough amperage for modern electric appliances, and the layout wasn’t ideal. We had to coordinate electrical, plumbing, and HVAC work in a way that didn’t disrupt their daily routine, and we handled all the rebate paperwork because they found it overwhelming.What surprised them the most wasn’t the energy savings — even though those were significant — but the comfort. They told me the house finally felt “even” for the first time. Heat pumps don’t blast hot air the way furnaces do; they maintain steady, clean heat, and that surprised them. They also couldn’t believe how quiet the heat pump was compared to their old outdoor unit. The heat pump water heater was another eye-opener: they assumed it would be slower or weaker, but the performance was better than their old gas tank.The second big surprise was their bills. They expected to save money, but they didn’t expect such a noticeable drop in the first month. With the rebates we applied for, the overall project cost was much lower than what they feared.That project really showed me how powerful electrification can be when it’s planned correctly — not just for efficiency, but for comfort and the way a home actually feels to live in.
Many homeowners are curious about heat pumps but hesitant to make the switch. Based on your hands-on experience installing and servicing them, what’s the most important thing homeowners should understand before deciding if a heat pump is right for their home?
The most important thing homeowners should understand about heat pumps is that the installation matters far more than the equipment brand. Heat pumps are incredible systems when they’re sized correctly, matched to the home, and installed by someone who actually understands airflow and load calculations. When they’re put in the wrong way, they can feel underpowered — and that’s usually what scares people away or leads to bad reviews.A lot of homeowners assume a heat pump is just an “electric version of their furnace,” but the way it delivers comfort is completely different. A gas furnace blasts hot air and then shuts off. A heat pump runs longer at a steady, comfortable temperature. If someone expects the same fast, hot blast as a furnace, they think the heat pump is “weak,” when in reality it’s doing exactly what it’s designed to do.From my experience, the biggest success factor is matching the unit to the home’s needs. I’ve seen heat pumps undersized, oversized, installed with old leaky ductwork, or set up without checking static pressure. When we take the time to do it right — evaluate airflow, seal ducts, upgrade the panel if needed, and choose the correct outdoor unit — the performance surprises people. I’ve had homeowners tell me their house feels more balanced and that the heat pump keeps the temperature incredibly stable.The other thing homeowners should know is that cold-climate technology is not the same as what existed 15 years ago. Modern inverter-driven systems work extremely well even when it’s cold outside. We have installations running in rooms that were impossible to heat before.So if I had to sum it up: a heat pump is a great option for most homes, but only when it’s designed and installed correctly. The technology is solid — the key is choosing the right contractor and having the right expectations about how heat pumps deliver comfort.
What’s the biggest energy efficiency mistake you regularly see in homes during your service calls—something that’s costing homeowners money but could be fixed relatively easily?
The biggest energy efficiency mistake I see in homes—and I see it almost every week—is high water pressure. Most homeowners have no idea their pressure is too high, and it quietly wastes energy, destroys fixtures, and shortens the life of every plumbing and HVAC component in the house.In a lot of homes I service, the pressure is 90–120 PSI when it should be around 60. That extra pressure forces water heaters to work harder, stresses expansion tanks, causes toilets to run, and makes every faucet and valve wear out faster. People replace fixtures constantly without realizing the real problem is the pressure behind them.What makes this mistake so frustrating is how simple it is to fix. A basic pressure test takes less than a minute, and if the pressure is high, adjusting or replacing the PRV (pressure reducing valve) solves it. It’s a small job compared to the long-term savings. After fixing pressure issues, homeowners often notice fewer leaks, quieter plumbing, and lower water usage immediately.Another common issue is leaking or unsealed ductwork. In older homes, 20–30% of the heated or cooled air is literally blowing into the attic. Homeowners run the system longer and blame the equipment, when the real problem is the air never reaches the rooms. Sealing ducts or repairing damaged sections makes a huge difference for comfort and energy bills.But if I had to pick just one mistake that’s costing people money every single month, it’s definitely high water pressure. It puts stress on everything—water heaters, pipes, appliances, HVAC coils—and it’s something most people never think about until something breaks. A simple adjustment makes the whole home more efficient and avoids thousands in preventable repairs.
When you’re evaluating a home for energy efficiency improvements, what are the first three things you look at, and why do those areas matter more than others?
When I evaluate a home for energy-efficiency upgrades, I always start with the same three things because they tell me more about how the home actually performs than anything else: ductwork, water heating, and electrical capacity. These three areas usually determine how well any future upgrades will work.1. Ductwork and airflow This is the first thing I check because even the best equipment in the world won’t perform if the duct system is leaking or undersized. I see homes all the time where 20–30% of the conditioned air never reaches the rooms — it leaks into the attic. Homeowners think they need a bigger HVAC system, when really they just need proper airflow. Good ducts make every upgrade more effective, whether it’s a heat pump, insulation, or a smart thermostat. It’s the foundation of comfort.2. The water heating system Next, I look at how the home heats water, because water heaters are one of the biggest energy users in the house. An old gas tank that runs all day is a huge efficiency drain. I check its age, condition, venting, and capacity. Heat pump water heaters are one of the highest-impact upgrades for energy savings, but you need to know if the space has enough volume and airflow to support one. A bad water heater setup can waste money every single month, even if the rest of the home is efficient.3. Electrical panel and available capacity Before electrification upgrades, I check the panel. Older 100-amp panels can’t always handle heat pumps, EV chargers, induction ranges, or modern appliances. A homeowner might want to electrify, but if the panel is maxed out, every upgrade becomes a problem. Understanding panel capacity early prevents surprises, extra costs, and unsafe setups. It also tells me whether we can install equipment today or need to phase upgrades in.I’ve learned over the years that if these three areas look good — airflow, water heating, and electrical capacity — the rest of the efficiency upgrades fall into place much easier. They’re the “big levers” that determine comfort, cost, and how well the home performs long-term.
How has the plumbing side of your work intersected with electrification and energy efficiency? Are there specific plumbing considerations homeowners should think about when upgrading to systems like heat pump water heaters?
The plumbing side of my work actually plays a much bigger role in electrification than most homeowners expect. When people think about “electrifying,” they usually picture HVAC systems or panel upgrades, but plumbing is right in the middle of it — especially when it comes to heat pump water heaters and how the home distributes hot water.The first plumbing consideration I look at is space and airflow. A heat pump water heater isn’t just a drop-in replacement for a gas tank. It needs enough room to pull air, enough volume, and the right place to exhaust cold air. In tight closets or small garages, we often need to add ducting or move the unit to a better spot. That’s all plumbing work before the electrician even shows up.The second thing is condensate management. Heat pump water heaters create condensate just like air conditioners. If the home doesn’t already have a drain line or a good way to route water safely, we have to build one. I’ve seen units installed without proper drainage, and homeowners end up with leaks, mold, or a pan overflowing. A simple drain line or a small pump solves the problem, but it needs to be planned correctly.Another intersection is water quality and pressure. High water pressure (which I see constantly) shortens the life of every appliance — especially modern electric water heaters with more sensitive components. If pressure is above 80 PSI, I always adjust or replace the PRV. Hard water is another issue. A heat pump water heater will last much longer with filtration or softening, and homeowners are usually shocked when I show them the scale buildup in their old tank.Finally, plumbing layout matters for efficiency and comfort. If the water heater is far from the bathrooms or kitchen, electrification might mean adding a recirculation pump or changing how the hot water loop is set up. Heat pump water heaters recover differently than gas units, so tight families with high usage need the right size tank and possibly a mixing valve to maintain consistent temperature.In short, electrification isn’t just an electrical upgrade — plumbing is often the foundation that makes the new systems reliable, safe, and actually efficient.
If a homeowner came to you today saying they want to make their home more energy efficient but have a limited budget, what would be your top recommendation for where to start, and why does that particular upgrade deliver the best return on investment?
When a homeowner tells me they want to make their home more energy efficient but the budget is tight, I always start with the upgrades that give the biggest return for the lowest cost. The number one place I recommend starting is the water heater—specifically replacing an old gas tank with a heat pump water heater. Out of all the efficiency improvements we do, this one consistently delivers the best combination of long-term savings, rebates, and daily comfort.Why? Because water heating is one of the biggest energy users in a home. An old gas tank keeps heating water all day whether you need it or not. A heat pump water heater uses a fraction of the energy, and homeowners usually see the difference on their utility bill immediately. In many cases, the rebates cover a large portion of the cost, which makes the upgrade even more accessible.What most homeowners don’t realize is how much an inefficient water heater impacts the whole house. When it’s aging or oversized, it drives up energy use month after month. Replacing it brings the quickest “visible savings,” and it sets the home up for future electrification if they want to go further later.If the water heater is newer or the home has other issues, my next recommendation is to invest in duct sealing and pressure balancing. This is a relatively affordable upgrade that solves a huge number of comfort and efficiency problems. Leaky ducts waste massive amounts of conditioned air—sometimes 20–30%. Fixing that instantly improves the performance of any HVAC system, even an older one. You feel it right away: more even temperatures, better airflow, and the system doesn’t have to run as long.From years of doing this work, I’ve learned that it’s not always about the “flashy” upgrades. The best returns usually come from the basics—hot water, airflow, and sealing the home. Starting with the water heater or ductwork gives homeowners real results without blowing the budget, and it builds a foundation they can expand on when they’re ready for bigger projects.
Thanks for sharing your knowledge and expertise. Is there anything else you’d like to add?
The only thing I’d add is that energy efficiency doesn’t have to be overwhelming or expensive. A lot of homeowners think they need to overhaul their entire house to see real results, but most of the impact comes from simple, well-planned steps. I’ve been in so many homes where one or two smart upgrades completely changed the comfort and the monthly bills.The other thing I’ve learned over the years is that every home is different. What works perfectly for one family might not make sense for another. That’s why I always encourage people to start with an honest assessment of how their home performs right now—airflow, water heating, ductwork, pressure, and electrical capacity. Once you know the starting point, the path forward becomes much clearer and a lot less stressful.Most importantly, homeowners shouldn’t feel pressured into making big decisions quickly. The best results come from taking the time to understand the options and choosing upgrades that fit the home, the climate, and the family’s habits. If you do that, you get comfort, efficiency, and reliability all at the same time.
