Carrier Completes Department of Energy's Cold Climate Heat Pump Challenge: Transformative Innovation Set for 2024 Commercial Rollout

Rhea-AI Summary

Carrier (NYSE: CARR) has successfully completed the Department of Energy's (DOE) Cold Climate Heat Pump Challenge for residential applications. The company's Infinity® variable-speed heat pumps with Greenspeed® Intelligence and advanced cold climate technology demonstrated impressive performance, operating at 100% capacity at 0°F and reliably down to -13°F in field trials. These units are set for production in September 2024 at Carrier's Collierville, TN factory.

Key features include:

• 100% rated heating capacity at 5°F
• Bluetooth modules for digital monitoring
• Operating range from -13°F to 125°F
• Use of R-454B refrigerant (Puron Advance™)
• Advanced defrost technology

Consumers may qualify for up to $2,000 in tax credits and $8,000 in state rebates, depending on location and eligibility.

Positive

• Successful completion of DOE's Cold Climate Heat Pump Challenge
• Heat pumps operate at 100% capacity at 0°F and reliably down to -13°F in field trials
• Production of new heat pumps set to begin in September 2024
• Potential for consumers to receive up to $2,000 in tax credits and $8,000 in state rebates
• Advanced features including Bluetooth modules and improved defrost technology
• Aligns with Carrier's commitment to invest $4 billion in sustainable solutions

Negative

• None.

Insights

Energy Technology Expert

Carrier's successful completion of the DOE's Cold Climate Heat Pump Challenge marks a significant technological advancement in the HVAC industry. The new heat pumps, operating at 100% capacity at 0°F and reliably down to -13°F in field trials, represent a leap in energy efficiency for cold climates. This innovation addresses a important market gap, potentially accelerating the adoption of heat pumps in regions previously reliant on less efficient heating methods.

The use of R-454B refrigerant (Puron Advance™) is noteworthy, as it has a lower global warming potential than traditional refrigerants. This aligns with increasing environmental regulations and could position Carrier favorably in markets prioritizing eco-friendly solutions. The advanced defrost feature and wide operating range (-13°F to 125°F) further enhance the product's appeal, potentially reducing energy consumption and maintenance needs.

Financial Analyst

Carrier's investment in cold climate heat pump technology aligns with growing market demand for energy-efficient solutions, driven by both consumer preferences and regulatory incentives. The tax credits up to $2,000 and state rebates up to $8,000 for these units could significantly boost adoption rates, potentially driving sales growth in previously underserved northern markets.

The company's $4 billion commitment to sustainable solutions development signals a strong long-term strategy. This positions Carrier to capitalize on the global shift towards green technologies, potentially enhancing its market share and profit margins. However, investors should monitor the impact of production costs for these advanced units on overall profitability, as well as the company's ability to scale production to meet potential increased demand.

Environmental Policy Analyst

Carrier's achievement in the Cold Climate Heat Pump Challenge aligns with broader policy goals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and increase energy efficiency in buildings. The technology's ability to operate efficiently in extremely cold temperatures could accelerate the transition away from fossil fuel-based heating systems in colder regions, contributing significantly to emissions reduction targets.

The company's goal to help customers avoid more than one gigaton of greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 is ambitious and aligns with global climate action plans. This initiative, coupled with the development of high-efficiency commercial units, positions Carrier as a key player in the decarbonization of building systems. However, the success of these efforts will depend on factors such as grid decarbonization rates and the pace of building retrofits, which vary by region and policy environment.

Consumers in northern regions can use incentives such as rebates and tax credits ranging from around $2,000 - $8,000 depending on location and eligibility to purchase these high-efficiency units.

INDIANAPOLIS, Sept. 12, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- With the successful completion of field trials and laboratory testing, Carrier has achieved the Department of Energy's (DOE) Cold Climate Heat Pump Challenge for residential applications. The first DOE challenge designated cold climate heat pumps are slated for production this month at Carrier's Collierville, T.N. factory. The facility was recently designated as its Center of Excellence for high-efficiency heat pump production to support increased demand. Carrier is a part of Carrier Global Corporation (NYSE: CARR), global leader in intelligent climate and energy solutions.

"We looked at this challenge as more than an opportunity to help electrify colder climates, we saw unlimited potential in what our heat pumps could do in even the harshest regions," said Nick Arch, Vice President and General Manager, Residential HVAC Solutions, Carrier. "We're proud of our engineering team, which didn't just meet the challenge criteria but also incorporated new, innovative technologies."

Three Carrier Infinity^® variable-speed heat pumps with Greenspeed^® Intelligence and advanced cold climate technology trial units were installed in Syracuse, N.Y. homes for the 2022-2023 heating and cooling seasons. Under the challenge, the units:

• Operated at 100% capacity at 0 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Operated reliably down to -13 degrees Fahrenheit in the field, while operation down to -23 degrees Fahrenheit was demonstrated in Carrier labs.
• Worked with Carrier's advanced Infinity System Control.

"We knew we wanted to go above and beyond the requirements to build a unit we could truly consider next generation," said Adam Finney, Director of Global Ducted Residential Systems, Carrier. "Incorporating advanced technologies that provide consistent comfort without sacrificing efficiency in frigid temperatures was key to driving adoption. Our new cold climate heat pumps offer a more energy efficient solution that more homeowners across the country can now benefit from."

In addition to meeting the challenge criteria, these units are the first in Carrier's residential ducted heat pump portfolio to provide 100% rated heating capacity at 5 degrees Fahrenheit. Units include Bluetooth modules for digital monitoring and servicing through Carrier's Connected Portal for dealers, have an observed operating range of almost 130 degrees, going up to 125 degrees Fahrenheit and as low as -13 degrees in field trials, and will use Carrier's refrigerant of choice R-454B, known commercially as Puron Advance™. A new feature, advanced defrost, monitors the outdoor coil to detect the presence of frost. It then adjusts the compressor speed to ensure the unit defrosts on time, and once the unit has sensed completion of the frost melt and drain, the defrost mode concludes. Units will qualify for up to $2,000 in income tax credits (nonrefundable) and up to $8,000 in state rebates (subject to income restrictions, programs vary by state), and additional utility credits may be available (programs vary by location).

Carrier's participation in the challenge came on the heels of its ambitious sustainability goals in which Carrier has committed to investing $4 billion in the innovation and development of sustainable solutions, and helping customers avoid more than one gigaton of greenhouse gas emissions by 2030.

In addition to completing the residential Cold Climate Heat Pump Challenge, Carrier is participating in the DOE's Better Buildings Commercial Heat Pump Accelerator and is developing innovative heat pump technologies in higher efficiency light commercial units with reduced life cycle costs for end users.

To learn more about Carrier, visit www.carrier.com/residential.

About Carrier
Founded by the inventor of modern air conditioning, Carrier is a world leader in high-technology heating, air-conditioning and refrigeration solutions. Carrier experts provide sustainable solutions, integrating energy-efficient products, building controls and energy services for residential, commercial, retail, transport and food service customers. Carrier is a part of Carrier Global Corporation, global leader in intelligent climate and energy solutions that matter for people and our planet for generations to come. For more information, visit carrier.com or follow @Carrier on Twitter.

Contact:	Kelsey Taylor
	317-690-7700
	Kelsey.taylor@carrier.com

 

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SOURCE Carrier Global Corporation

FAQ

What is the operating range of Carrier's new cold climate heat pumps?

Carrier's new cold climate heat pumps have an observed operating range from -13°F to 125°F in field trials, covering almost 130 degrees.

When will Carrier (CARR) start production of the new cold climate heat pumps?

Carrier is set to begin production of the new cold climate heat pumps in September 2024 at their Collierville, Tennessee factory.

What financial incentives are available for Carrier's (CARR) new heat pumps?

Consumers may qualify for up to $2,000 in income tax credits and up to $8,000 in state rebates, depending on location and eligibility. Additional utility credits may also be available.

What refrigerant does Carrier (CARR) use in its new cold climate heat pumps?

Carrier's new cold climate heat pumps use R-454B refrigerant, commercially known as Puron Advance™.