Nik Ingle: The Harvest Installation Journey

Nik Ingle, Harvest's Director of Field Operations, is a materials scientist and team leader with a deep background in the development of storage and clean energy technologies. In Part 2 of this interview, Nik explains how Harvest’s technology and contractors work together to support the homeowner’s electrification journey.

‍David: How does Harvest work with the contractor during the installation process?

Nik: For a contractor who hasn’t done many Harvest systems, we usually go out and do a job walk with them. We help them understand where the Harvest Pod should be placed and where the pipes should go. This helps them visualize the installation. Normally, it only takes one installation for them to wrap their heads around it. 

We also consider the space for the tank, exploring options for its placement and orientation.

We’re available by phone or video call to answer any questions. I always tell them not to waste time guessing; give us a quick call. We can show you the diagram or whatever you need. Many contractors take us up on this, calling for a quick question and they’re off working again.

At the end of the installation, we commission the system, ensuring all components are correctly connected and working together. As contractors install more than one system, they quickly learn the process.

We’re now at a point where we can assist remotely and make sure everything is set up correctly. We have installers who can put in the system without us ever needing to go on-site. They can get the system up and running on their own, which is fantastic.

David: Harvest is connected to the cloud and monitors the system remotely. What are the benefits of remote monitoring?

Nik:  One of the most exciting aspects of Harvest is its advanced monitoring system, which is unique among HVAC systems. We collect data from sensors every 64 seconds. This allows us to ensure the system operates smoothly. For instance, when the thermostat calls for heat, we can verify that the blower is running and drawing power and that the pumps are circulating water at the expected flow rate.

If there’s a problem—like the heat pump not drawing power—we get alerts right away. Sometimes it’s something simple, like a flipped breaker. These alerts help us quickly identify and address issues, ensuring the system works efficiently.

Additionally, we use this data to calculate energy efficiency metrics. We track how much electricity the house uses, how much heat is consumed and delivered, and whether the system is meeting the heating demand efficiently.

David: Do you have any favorite installation stories?

Nik: I get excited about every installation because it's taking gas out of somebody's home. Air quality is going to improve. Safety is going to increase. And they're going to be way more comfortable. 

In the end, I love it when I see the installers are happy because they are really proud of the work that they've done. That's why they're in the business. They love building things, constructing things, and being able to stand back and say, "I did this. It's great." 

And the homeowners are happy because it's a big step to change two major infrastructure pieces of your home. A lot of them feel quite proud and are doing it for real reasons around climate change. Seeing them really happy about that, and proud of themselves for taking that change, also gets me excited. 

This interview was lightly edited for clarity and length.