A 15-Ton Rooftop Heat Pump Is Coming For Your Fossil Fuels

The article discusses the growing role of electric heat pumps in decarbonizing commercial buildings, highlighting advancements led by Carrier Global Corporation in the United States. Heat pumps are more efficient and economical than fossil-fueled heating and conventional electric systems, but their adoption was historically limited in colder climates due to efficiency losses. This challenge has been addressed through public-private partnerships initiated by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), including the “Commercial Building HVAC Accelerator” program launched in April 2024, which aims to develop advanced rooftop units (RTUs) that significantly reduce energy use compared to conventional systems, with market-ready products expected by 2027. Carrier has emerged as a leader in this space, becoming the first original equipment manufacturer to complete the DOE’s laboratory validation stage for a new 10-14 ton commercial heat pump. This system meets or exceeds DOE requirements for heating capacity even in very cold temperatures (100% capacity at 5°F and over 70% at -10°F), promising