Heat Pumps can be the next AC: A study

Heat pumps can do everything an air conditioner (AC) can and more. So why replace old ACs with the same old AC technology when heat pumps can do better? This idea is quickly moving from concept to reality as a new variable speed heat pump (VSHP) product class emerges. Variable speed heat pumps (VSHPs) are now available for the residential heating market that can be installed directly as central air conditioner (CAC) replacements. With this new product category, homeowners no longer need to replace both their CAC and furnace at the same time to enjoy efficient VSHP technologies. Potential benefits of these new VSHPs include wide applicability, lower upfront costs that increase accessibility, and improved efficiency over standard ACs. In this webinar, we will share results from a recent field study of more than 30 heat pumps installed as AC replacements in IL. We will cover the basics of this product category, discuss best practices, and review feedback from the participating project homeowners. Applying the lessons learned from this field study could help cost effectively accelerate the displacement of outdated ACs in favor of beneficial heat pumps for all. Homeowners, designers, contractors, and others can learn about this exciting new heat pump technology.

Also one of our speakers has personally removed their AC and paired it with their existing gas furnace and will share their results of this.

Continuing Education Units (CEUS) submitted 1 hour in*

• Green Business Certification Inc. (GBCI)
• Building Performance Institute (BPI) NonWholeHouse
• Submitted for American Institute of Architects - AIA (HSW)
• Certified Green Professional (NARI & CGP)
• Certified GreenHome Professional (CGHP) Pillar(s): Energy, Health
• American Institute of Building Designers (AIBD)
• State Architect / Builder License may be applicable
• Building Science Institute (BSI) Verifier
• Passive House Consultant US (CPHC)

Lessons Learned

1. Understand the market and technologies for converting air conditioner replacements to heat pump installations.
2. Identify key differences between heat pump and air conditioner installations, including controls and thermostat requirements.
3. Discuss factors that best predict heat pump performance when installed as an air conditioner replacement.
4. Review feedback from customers' experience with heat pumps installed as air conditioner replacements.

Need CEUS?
Take the Quiz here:
greenhomeinstitute.thinkific.com/courses/heat-pump…

Speakers:

Samantha Hill,Research Engineer II, Center for Energy and Environment

Samantha is on a mission to use technology for the greater good. As a mechanical engineer who earned her doctorate from the University of Minnesota, Samantha has focused her career on putting innovative ideas to the test. Today, she works as a research engineer at the Center for Energy and Environment where she is evaluating heat pump technologies for cold climates. Samantha is managing several field studies to measure real-world heat pump performance when installed as air conditioner replacements or in air-to-water heating applications.

Kevin DeMaster is Sr. Mgr. of Utilities and Electrification with Mitsubishi Electric. In this role, he advances education and support to Utilities, Implementers, State Energy Offices, and entities focused on efficiency and decarbonization strategies for residential and commercial buildings using industry leading advanced heat pump technology. All-Climate Mini-split and VRF (variable refrigerant flow) heat pumps excel using the efficiencies of inverter (variable speed) compressors which sets this technology apart to deliver all-climate comfort and unmatched efficiency.

Since 2014 Kevin has been bringing his 15 years of his prior energy efficiency experience running utility programs as an implementer along with his practical experience as an energy manager at a large WI school district. This background has made him successful in supporting all heat pump related pilots, education, and programs.