My first helper was my daughter
My first trainee was my Daughter, just turned 13 and happy to help dad. She was so helpful, saving me days of effort in those early months of building Just Heat Pumps. However, I noticed more than just a young helper. She was growing and learning very fast, probably due to neuroplasticity and a real hunger for knowledge and learning. Our conversations went much further than how to run copper line-sets or to use a level or drill properly. We connected the work we were doing, installing heat pumps, with measurable reductions in pollution, enhanced home comfort, and mitigating risks of failure. Just a couple of years of helping dad at work, was enough to strengthen a child’s confidence that work is important and working on heat pumps is helps communities large and small. Combined with her incredible work ethic, two years later she has developed an incredible sense of self-confidence and purpose.
Life skills and tools mastery
Opportunities to learn how to work with tools like wrenches, screwdrivers, and tubing cutters are well received at early ages. Kids experiences with tools are incredibly valuable, whether assisting setting a level and sturdy placement for a heat pump or simply measuring temperatures at various points. The first times kids encounter tools and get to work with their hands can leave a big impression. While adults can learn basic hand tool skills later on, kids just pick them up so fast, and are fortunate to have muscle memory for life. Learning how basic tools are used to complete a variety of jobs equips them with practical knowledge they can apply in everyday situations. If you are thinking of a gift for your kids, get them an awesome looking toolbox and a starter tool kit. Then show them how to use those odd shaped instruments on a small project.
Technical and practical education
As a professor, I can attest that heat pumps beautifully blend physics, engineering, and environmental science into a fairly simple, sometimes elegant appliance built to deliver comfort. Working with tools to help build or repair parts allows kids to establish several essential building block concepts in real-world applications. These types of learning experiences are the stuff that inspires great kids to reach for their potential. One tool that has been well received by my kids is the infrared thermometer. It’s easy to use design and wide applicability to measure temperature has invited many conversations about thermodynamics, heat and cooling. And the laser pointer makes a great cat toy!
How pollution can be solved
Teaching kids about heat pumps fundamentally leads to the need to reduce air pollution and the air we breathe. Air quality in Cities and urban areas impacts health measurably, while emissions spread globally. By learning how electrification of heating and cooling can reduce pollution at home and in your town, kids learn to connect the dots from small local technology solutions to broad impact and deep meaning. Hands-on activities, like testing temperatures of your ducts, looking at utility bill energy consumption, and experimenting with your thermostat settings can bring these ideas home, literally and empower your kids to think big.
Money matters
Schools don’t teach financial health. It’s up to parents and families to provide guidance and financial advice for kids. Heating and cooling buildings cost on average one third of monthly energy bills. Heating in cool states like Colorado can run up winter energy bills to very high levels. I’ve met families living in modest homes but with energy bills over $500 a month! These kids are exactly in the right place to learn about heating and cooling costs, how heat pumps can save money, and to connect those topics with financial skills such as saving and investing.
Family and community strength
Exploring heat pumps as a family or as a community fosters teamwork and shared purpose. Parents, mentors and HVAC contractors can inspire kids with a variety of projects and take advantage of fun moments while teaching life long skills. Understanding how heat pumps contribute to improved air quality can provide kids with a key building block and ability to connect with their communities. Inspiring indeed!
