Carrier Passes Cold-Climate Heat Pump Challenge

INDIANAPOLIS — With the successful completion of field trials and laboratory testing, Carrier has passed the U.S. 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 beginning this month at Carrier’s Collierville, Tennessee, factory. The facility was recently designated Carrier’s Center of Excellence for high-efficiency heat pump production to support increased demand, a press release from Carrier said.

“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 of the residential HVAC division at Carrier. “We’re proud of our engineering team, which didn’t just meet the challenge criteria but also incorporated new, innovative technologies.”

For the challenge, three Carrier Infinity variable-speed heat pumps with Greenspeed Intelligence and advanced cold-climate technology were installed in Syracuse, New York, homes for the 2022-2023 heating and cooling seasons. According to Carrier, the units:

• Operated at 100% capacity at 0°F.

• Operated reliably down to -13°F in the field. Operation down to -23°F 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 at 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.”

These units are the first in Carrier’s residential ducted heat pump portfolio to provide 100% rated heating capacity at 5°F, the press release said. Units include Bluetooth modules for digital monitoring and servicing through Carrier’s Connected Portal for dealers, operate in temperatures up to 125°F and down to -13°F in field trials, and will use Carrier’s refrigerant of choice, R-454B, known as Puron Advance. A new feature monitors the outdoor coil to detect the presence of frost. When frost is detected, 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.

The units will qualify for up to $2,000 in federal income tax credits and up to $8,000 in rebates (subject to income qualifications). Additional utility credits may be available.