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Breakthrough heat pump delivers when mercury drops

For decades, the air source heat pump offered an energy-efficient, environmentally friendly option for home heating and cooling—one that was best suited to milder climates.

Until now. A new concept in heat pumps may turn air-source technology into the hottest thing in cold climates. The cold climate heat pump stages the air source system with components that allow it to deliver more heat as the outdoor air gets colder, instead of less as conventional air-source units do.

Nyle Special Products, Bangor, Maine, designed the super-efficient heat pump with smart controls, primary two-stage compressor, booster compressor and economizer (heat plate exchanger). The Johnson Controls Metasys control compares outdoor temperature with the building’s demand to produce only as much heat as is necessary, saving electricity and money.

Midwestern utilities put heat pump to test
CCHP technology has only been in existence about six years, and available commercially for less than two. “It’s exciting to be involved with a new technology,” said Don Mordal, president of Preferred Energy Solutions, Inc., CCHP distributor for the Midwest.

Mordal has been spreading the word about the new heating system in Minnesota and the Dakotas. “Electricians, HVAC technicians, homebuilders and homeowners all show up at the presentations, but most of the participants are from utilities,” he said. “Utilities have shown a lot of guarded interest.”

Great River Energy invited Mordal to give a presentation to its technical advisory committee, a twice-yearly meeting where member co-ops can learn about new, energy-saving equipments and strategies. The CCHP is covered under Great River’s rebate program for energy efficient heating and cooling systems. The incentive is based on the Energy Star program which requires a minimum SEER rating of 13 for split-system, central air conditioners and air-source heat pumps. CCHPs rate 16 to 18.

The CCHP’s performance approaches geothermal systems. Replacing a conventional electric heating system with a cold climate heat pump can reduce operating costs 30 to 40 percent. “I get maybe a call a week from members about the new kind of heat pump,” said Key Account Representative Steve Kosbab for Great River Energy.

Kosbab is familiar with CCHPs because one has heated his home for the past three years. “The manufacturers claim that the heat pump works to 30º below zero. I don’t know about that but it did an excellent job last winter when it was minus 18º,” Kosbab said. “I have a backup gas furnace, but the heat pump is my primary heat source.”

CCHP offers alternative to ground source system
The relatively compact cold climate heat pump is slightly larger than an evaporative cooler and, unlike its ground-source relative, is installed above ground. The cost of the unit is comparable to a geoexchange system, but with no need to dig wells, installation is less expensive. “It’s a great alternative to ground source, especially for homeowners who don’t have the property to accommodate the loops,” said Marketing Manager Marshal Albright of Cass County Electric Cooperative.

Albright installed a beta test CCHP in his new home in 2002. The Fargo, N.D., co-op has used Albright’s system to learn more about the CCHP’s reliability, performance and maintenance. “Initially, there were some technical issues, and questions about the distributor network,” Albright recalled.

The manufacturer redesigned the latest units to improve durability, reliability, noise reduction and efficiency. “I’d say it’s ready to go now,” observed the marketing manager.

More contractors needed to get heat pumps into use
Getting the product to market and proving long-term reliability are two of the biggest challenges facing any new technology, and so it is with CCHPs. Contractors are aware of the new heat pumps and are curious, but it takes time to build a good distributor base, noted Kosbab. “Many HVAC contractors just don’t know how to sell heat pumps,” he said, “and it’s sad because they are missing out on providing savings and comfort to their customers.”

He added that some of Great River’s member co-ops have been taking contractors under their wings and familiarizing them with the new technology. Both Kosbab and Albright stressed the need for the CCHP to be installed properly.

The smart controls and environmentally-safe R-410 refrigerant that set the heat pump apart require special training, but not special certification, Mordal pointed out. “If a contractor is familiar with R-410 and heat pumps, then they will be able to handle the CCHP with very little training,” he said. “Our company provides training to contractors, usually on referrals from the power companies.”

“Don has been working to get people comfortable with the technology,” agreed Albright. “If more contractors had training, it would help the CCHP take off.”

Most CCHPs are in use in New England and the northern Midwest. Minnesota boasts 10 units and in North and South Dakota, there are 7 operational CCHPs, mostly residential. Chelan County, Wash., Public Utility District is testing one at Wenatchee Community College.

Currently, there are no CCHP dealers in Western’s service territory. Mordal advised utilities and individuals interested in CCHPs to look for a local contractor who is qualified to work with R-410 refrigerant and experienced with heat pumps and he will assist them in the CCHP training.