The Transition to Cold Climate Heat Pumps | EnVisioneering Exchange podcast ep. 68

Danfoss Solutions

2 years ago

Guest Bio

Jeffrey Staub is the director of OEM sales at Danfoss Climate Solutions. He has nearly 30 years of experience in engineering and HVAC applications.

Episode Summary

Host Vic Marinich is joined by Jeffrey Staub, director of OEM sales and Danfoss Climate Solutions, to discuss the technology behind cold climate heat pumps and how the industry can prepare for their adoption.

Main Points

According to AHRI, two million heat pumps have been sold in the U.S. so far in 2024, comprising 42% of total residential HVAC systems. (2:50)
In colder climates, such as the northern U.S., traditional heat pumps usually require an auxiliary heating system, such as electric resistance heaters or a dual fuel gas system, to ensure sufficient heat on cold days. Cold climate heat pumps eliminate the need for an auxiliary system. (3:50)
A growing number of states and municipalities are enacting bans on new natural gas furnaces. Many local jurisdictions are offering rebates for heat pump purchases. The federal government is working with OEMs who are developing heat pumps for colder climates, such as the Cold Climate Heat Pump Challenge in 2021. (5:40)
Cold climate heat pumps are being tested in the field. One to two years post-installation, they have reduced energy consumption 15-20%. (10:15)
Colder ambient temperatures require a higher compressor ratio, which traditional compressors haven’t been able to handle. New technologies, such as variable-speed compressors and vapor and liquid injection, are making that possible. Adding an economizer ensures that the heat pump can provide cooling on hot days efficiently. (11:45)
Installing a cold climate heat pump is a similar process as a traditional heat pump. Contractors have the training and skills to install cold climate heat pumps when they become more widely adopted. Cold climate heat pumps may be slightly larger than a traditional heat pump so contractors need to make sure they size the wiring appropriately. (24:50)
Compared to a gas furnace, a cold climate heat pump could save 15-20% on energy costs. (27:45)
The transition to electric heat in areas where natural gas furnaces are the standard will result in increased demand on the electrical grid. As heat pump adoption increases, the infrastructure needs to be improved in order to support the demand. (33:20)