In this episode of Building HVAC Science, Bill Spohn welcomes Josh Koplin, co-founder of Eden (https://e-denhomes.com), to talk about how digital tools are reshaping the HVAC sales experience. Josh shares his unique journey from building power plants in Japan—where he was immersed in a heat pump-centric culture—to co-founding Eden, a company aimed at bringing transparency and ease to HVAC sales through technology.

Eden offers a software-as-a-service (SaaS) platform for HVAC contractors that acts as a 24/7 digital salesperson. It allows homeowners to get instant, customized equipment quotes based on a simplified online load calculation, local weather data, and rebate matching. Contractors retain full pricing control, and the tool is deployed on their websites, helping them capture highly qualified leads.

Josh and Bill explore broader trends in consumer behavior, including how 80% of purchasing decisions are made before contacting a salesperson. They also discuss the rapid emergence of AI-driven search and its implications for contractor visibility online. The conversation closes with Josh’s advice on how contractors can embrace the digital shift and stay competitive by offering the kind of online experience today’s homeowners expect.

“It's like a digital salesperson that never sleeps.” – Josh Koplin

“Consumers are doing the research with or without you—why not be part of their process from the beginning?” – Josh Koplin

“If it’s useful to a human, it’s useful to AI—that’s the content that will get found.” – Josh Koplin

Eden Home: https://www.e-denhomes.com/

Josh’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/josh-koplin-57654230/

This episode was recorded in July 2025.