Heat Pump Water Heater: Installation, Decision Guidance, and Load Shifting

Nick Brown is president of Build Smart, an independent energy consultancy specializing in California energy modeling, energy code, and building performance that supports builders and architects in designing energy-efficient buildings. Nick is a Certified Energy Analyst (CEA) for residential and an Associate Energy Analyst (AEA) for nonresidential construction by the California Association of Building Energy Consultants (CABEC). He is a subject matter expert on the Energy Code Ace statewide education team and teaches classes for Southern California Edison on net zero design, all-electric homes, heat pumps, and PV and battery systems. As part of a CalSEED team, Nick is currently researching phase change material applications in HVAC systems. Nick was elected to the Board of Directors of CABEC beginning in 2018. He holds a BA in Economics from Princeton University and an MBA in Manufacturing from the University of Michigan. He remodeled his own home in 2014 in a deep energy retrofit and completed an all-electric netzero carbon ADU above his garage in 2022 that serves as a living lab. Prior to starting Build Smart, he served as president of Merlex Stucco for 15 years, a $15 million Southern California stucco manufacturer.