DOE Names First Partner in Residential Cold Climate Heat Pump Technology Challenge

Lennox International became the first partner in the U.S. Department of Energy’s Residential Cold Climate Heat Pump Technology Challenge to develop a next-generation electric heat pump that can more effectively heat homes in northern climates. Cold climate heat pumps can provide high-efficiency heating in freezing temperatures without producing greenhouse gas emissions and can save families as much as $500 a year on their utility bills.

Lennox International, headquartered in Richardson, Texas, developed the first prototype that achieved the technology challenge’s standards about a year ahead of schedule. The prototype delivers 100% heating at 5 F at double the efficiency, and 70% to 80% heating at -5 F and -10 F. DOE’s Oak Ridge National Laboratory validated the performance and efficiency of the prototype.

Lennox is one of nine manufacturers competing in challenge. Products that meet the CCHP Technology Challenge will undergo trials in cold climate regions over the next two years to demonstrate performance, efficiency and comfort when applied in the field throughout a winter. Deployment and commercialization are planned for 2024. Utility partners will work with DOE to establish consumer incentives to encourage adoption, and state partners will develop education and outreach campaigns to do the same. More than 20 utilities, cooperatives and state agencies have committed to the challenge.