Industry Rolls Out New Sustainable Heating Solutions

With high energy prices and a continued will to reduce consumption and lower environmental impact, the HVAC industry is introducing a host of new, sustainable heating solutions to meet market demand.  

Several manufacturers took to the AHR Expo to showcase these greener solutions that were highly-efficiently while also being low-emission. From heat pumps to hybrid systems, the path toward lower-carbon heating is being blazed by high-tech innovation and the introduction of AI into more aspects of the systems.  

 

Sustainability Through Higher Efficiency Standards 

A lot of this sustainability movement in the industry is being driven by more stringent standards, which is a logical first step and, ultimately, that’s going to be a net positive for the consumer.  

“Right now, everything is about high efficiency,” Dave Holdorf, Trainer, Residential, East Region at Taco Comfort Solutions, succinctly put it.  

To help meet energy and climate goals, Taco is tackling one of the nation’s biggest consumers of energy, the pump.  

“When you think of the amount of electricity that’s made in the United States today, 20-to-25% of that is used to run a pump,” Holdorf said.  

A good way to do lower energy usage is to only keep the pump running when needed, and zoning can assist with that.  

With a built-in transformer and relay, Taco Priority Zoning Circulator combines the reliability of the “00” circulator with the convenience and efficiency of a PC board-mounted switching relay package. Each Priority Zoning Circulator has low and high voltage terminal strips for ease of electrical hookup as well as a built-in priority switch. The priority switch allows the installer to choose the zone that requires the most attention and, when activated, run only that circulator. 

To improve efficiency in boiler systems, AERCO’s Benchmark condensing boilers use patented technology like AERtrim O2 Trim and the Edge Controller to optimize combustion and boost system performance.  

“These features help our boilers deliver up to 9% additional efficiency, which means lower energy and utility costs,” Nick Lane, product manager at AERCO, said. “Plus, our CFR boiler, which won the 2025 AHR Innovation Awards in the Heating category, has an innovative design and StackGuard Sensor technology. This allows building management to switch to a high-efficiency boiler system without needing costly infrastructural updates. Cost can often be a big hurdle for building management when upgrading to meet regulations, and the CFR boiler provides a cost-effective solution.” 

For electric solutions, AERO also has the Benchmark E, a zero-emissions electric boiler, and the Sequoia, a high voltage immersed electrode hot water boiler designed for large commercial and industrial applications.  

Navien has also had a focus on high-efficiency solutions, and they’re continuing that legacy with the launch of its new NPF Hydro-furnace. The unit is rated at 97.0% AFUE in all capacities and has a variable capacity range of 15%-100%. 

“The greater capacity operating range means that it will closely match the load of the home throughout the changing seasonal demands,” David Hoskyn, director of Product Management at Navien, Inc., said. “This reduces operating costs while improving comfort for the end user. In addition, all of our NPF units sold in North America are ultra-low NOX, not just units sold into specific markets. This, combined with the higher efficiency, reduces emissions across all markets.” 

Midea’s heating products are designed to exceed the latest efficiency and sustainability standards, David Rames, Senior Product Manager, Midea, noted. One such product is the EVOX All Climate Heat Pump is engineered for all climates, delivering up to 100% heating output at -15°F/-26°C (1.9 COP) and continuous operation down to -40°F/-40°C and up to 100% cooling output at 117°F/47°C and continuous operation up to 149°F/65°C. 

“The complementary modular Midea EVOX G3 block-n-lock air handling unit (AHU) is designed with contractors and customers in mind with simplified installation, and a SEER2 rating of up to 19, delivering year-round energy savings,” Rames said. “The system also features Enhanced Vapor Injection (EVI) technology, which boosts heating capacity and efficiency even in sub-zero temperatures.” 

By utilizing high-efficiency variable speed products with advanced motor and compressor technology, Victor Gomez, CEO Samsung Lennox HVAC North America, said they’re surpassing federal minimums and exceeding industry efficiency standards with AI-driven algorithms.  

“Samsung has a proven history of exceeding industry efficiency standards, and we don’t just aim to meet the bare minimum – we push the envelope with innovative AI-driven algorithms that further enhance efficiency while maintaining the comfort users expect,” Gomez said.  

 

Decarbonizing Heat

The HVAC industry is continuing its push to get more electric options into the hands of the consumer, all while helping to meet the overarching goals of decarbonization that are still being touted at municipal, state, and federal levels.  

It’s no surprise that the heat pump has emerged as one of the biggest tools for this effort, and the AHR showroom floor was brimming with the newest iterations of the decades-old appliance, which has undergone an enormous transformation in just the last few years.  

Navien introduced its NAZ series air-to-air heat pump, which will be available in the second quarter and offer efficiencies up to 17+ SEER2/8.5+HSPF2 to address the changing markets and incentives that are currently in place.   

“This product will have matching air handlers with accessory electric heat, along with cased coils to pair with the Hydro-furnace for dual fuel applications where needed,” Hoskyn said. “In addition, this year we are launching the NWP500 Heat Pump Water Heater to address fully electric homes for both space heating and hot water.” 

Gomez noted that the newer electrification trends, like heat pumps and chillers, are products that Samsung has believed in for a long time. Samsung’s Variable Speed Heat Pumps provide an eco-friendly alternative to fossil fuels, meeting Energy Star v6.2 and CEE efficiency standards. Their electrification lineup also includes ductless, unitary, multi-split, and VRF units. 

“To further promote electrification in extreme climates, we’re adding the capability to connect a gas furnace to the system in 2025,” Gomez said. “While it might not initially seem like a decarbonization solution, this dual-fuel option enhances electrification while still allowing homeowners peace of mind by enabling a switch to a fossil fuel source during exceptionally cold temperatures. In 2025, we’ll also introduce our new EHS air-to-water heat pump, providing an electrified solution for hydronic space heating and domestic hot water needs in residential applications.” 

For the homeowners looking to transition away from gas while ensuring reliability in extreme climates, Rames said Midea’s EVOX G³’s is dual-fuel capable and its 115v compatible AHU allows a quick and convenient all electric option for gas furnace replacement. 

“Additionally, Midea’s heat pump solutions are eligible for most U.S. and Canadian rebate programs (rebates vary depending on state/region),” Rames added. “By designing products that qualify for rebates and tax incentives, Midea is helping to accelerate heat pump adoption across North America.” 

Holdorf noted that it is difficult to merge the electrification trend with hydronic systems, so Taco is working with its new controls to help facilitate hybrid systems. 

“Meaning now we can do heat pumps that are running electricity, but couple it up with a boiler,” Holdorf said. “Technically, yes, you should be able to heat your house electrically. Realistically, it’s a challenge and a lot more expensive, upfront costs.” 

There are savings to be had electrifying, Holdorf added, but those are usually realized over decades, which isn’t so much driving homeowner preference.  

“Yes, they want to be efficient. They want to use less fuel. There are other ways to do that and become more efficient with controls, with variable speed pumps, modulation, things like that, and microzoning, adding more zones to a house,” Holdorf said. 

On the commercial side, Holdorf said they’re already utilizing a lot of zones, but now it’s making sure that they’re running the most efficient circulators, as well as water temperature. 

For non-heat-pump electrification solutions, AERCO’s Benchmark E electric boilers are zero-emission solutions that help buildings meet stringent decarbonization goals.  

“These boilers can be integrated into hybrid plants, combining electric and gas-fired units to maximize efficiency and reduce carbon footprints,” Lane said. “The hybrid plant feature is also great for situations where the building infrastructure or the grid can’t handle full 100% electrification. Plus, having the ability to mix gas and electricity is beneficial due to fluctuating energy prices, availability of resources, and the need for reliable backup during peak demand periods.” 

 

Helping Contractors Adapt to New Tech 

As much of the newest products today are more complex systems than the conventional HVAC of old, manufacturers are placing more emphasis on making sure contractors are getting the knowledge and training they need to ensure this technology is being utilized to its full potential. Many additional steps are also being taken to ensure these products are easy to install and integrate with all of the high-tech components that are hitting the market.  

Lane said proper operation and maintenance of AERCO’s boilers are key to reliable, long-term performance and maximum ROI, that’s why they’re providing comprehensive, accessible training, tools, and other resources. 

“Our training formats are diverse to meet different needs and preferences,” Lane said. “We provide hands-on training and online courses through our 24/7 Learning Management System (LMS) with hundreds of courses, including CEU classes for engineers. We also offer virtual training, Lunch and Learns, webinars, and on-site training at our customers’ locations, directly on their boilers.” 

Many Navien products also communicate seamlessly with each other, which significantly enhances ease of installation and maintenance. This interoperability allows for integrated system management, reducing the complexity of setup and ensuring that all components work together efficiently. It also simplifies troubleshooting and maintenance, as technicians can diagnose and address issues across the entire system from a single interface. This interconnectedness ultimately leads to more reliable performance and maximizes the return on investment for our customers. 

Midea’s heating products are designed with contractor-friendly features to simplify installation and reduce labor costs, Rames said, and they also offer Dr. Smart – a hand-held service tool allows for real-time diagnostics and troubleshooting, reducing downtime and simplifying maintenance. 

For even easier install, the EVOX G3’s modular block-n-lock Air Handling Unit (AHU) can be separated into three pieces, making it easier to transport and install in tight spaces like attics and basements. The multi-position installation configuration means contractors can stock one SKU and install it in six configurations. Additionally, the system’s dual-voltage compatibility (115V & 208/230V) eliminates the need for major electrical modifications, streamlining the retrofit process. 

On the workforce development side, Midea also showcased its collaboration with Orange Technical College, where it donated HVAC equipment to support hands-on training. 

“By providing education on heat pump technology, installation best practices and rebate eligibility, we’re ensuring that both professionals and consumers can confidently transition to energy-efficient solutions,” Rames said, also noting that Midea America Research Center Technical Support Team provided 66 product training sessions across North America in 2024 with 900+ participants.   

Gomez said the key is to demystify these new products for the contractors, so they’re comfortable installing and servicing them.  

Gomez said Samsung also wants to equip contractors with all the knowledge they need to sell the product, since energy efficient lines tend to be a little more expensive than conventional systems, making the ability to convey value propositions important.  

Making products that are easier to install are also an incentive for the contractor, who can install a ductless system in two-to-three hours, where a unitary system might take them a whole week.  

“Which means that now they can make twice or three times more money installing ductless versus conventional,” Gomez said.  

To further assist the contractors, Samsung’s “Smart Things” app is free to install on Apple and Android devices, and its built-in AI tracks system performance and can alert contractors to potential failures. This technology can also help contractors nab service agreements, because it proves to consumers that they know how to monitor their unique system.  

“The SmartThings app connects all your Samsung appliances, HVAC systems, and other compatible devices to your mobile device, so you can easily control things like the temperature, lights, or even your smart fridge from anywhere,” Gomez said. “One of the standout features is SmartThings Energy, which lets you track your energy consumption in real-time. It analyzes your usage patterns and gives you personalized tips to help lower your energy bills. It’s a great way to not only stay on top of your home’s heating and cooling but also make smarter choices to save energy and money.” 

Data produced by the app can also help to show exactly how much savings are being achieved, which will likely spread quickly through a homeowner’s network of friends and family, meaning more potential clients.  

With the HVAC market being so heavily influenced by incentives, Hoskyn said Navien is making sure contractors have the resources to drive sales.  

“We have an incentive locator on our website to allow the customer to quickly view options in their area, along with having a dedicated training team across North American that can speak to options that exist that may be exclusive to their particular market,” Hoskyn said.  

Training has also always been a big focus for Navien, and Hoskyn said they’re going to continue expanding their lineup.  

“We focus heavily on educating the contractor on the installation and service of the product, which by itself makes it easier,” Hoskyn said. “When the contractor understands not just the features and benefits, but also the operational characteristics of the unit, they can be more efficient at every step of the installation, maintenance, and service of the product.” 

Over at Taco, simple things like putting controls on a hinge to make life easier for the contractor is at the core of what they do.  

“They are easier to come off, put it back together, a lot more room inside,” Holdorf said. “And then we made these app driven, which means you can customize it to the job site.” 

“It’s now going to define what the house needs, rather than shoehorning the heating system into the house – now we’re changing the system to match” Holdorf added. “That’s what the app allows us to do, is to get a little further down for the efficiency side and economy of operation.”