Air-to-Water Heat Pumps—Replace Your Boiler!

It is not uncommon for homes built before 1960 to use a gas boiler and baseboard or wall mounted radiators for space heating. Is it possible to convert those homes to efficient heat pumps for heating and cooling? Join us as we dive into air-to-water heat pumps, a solution that is becoming more available as manufacturers are adapting technology that is common in Europe to the specific needs of the American market.

Air-to-water systems can be used for straight gas boiler replacements but also offer advantages that improve home comfort, such as more consistent temperatures, better temperature control, and cooling. Like all heat pumps, these systems operate at much higher efficiency than combustion technology which can translate to lower operating costs. A single outdoor compressor unit can be configured with a variety of indoor emitter options depending on the needs of the home, including baseboard heaters, wall or ceiling panels, hydronic fan coils or radiant floor loops that can provide heating or cooling. They can also deliver domestic hot water heating to eliminate the need for stand-alone water heaters.

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In this manufacturer’s roundtable, we will discuss the benefits of air-to-water space and water heating, as well as potential challenges facing the adoption of this relatively new technology. We will learn from our panelists about the options that are available and answer the following questions and more:

• What is an air-to-water heat pump system, and how does it work?

• What is the difference between air-to-water and air source heat pumps?

• How do they provide cooling?

• What are the comfort benefits of air-to-water heat pumps?

• Can air-to-water heat pumps replace existing gas boiler systems?

• Can they work with existing wall radiators and underfloor systems and pipes?

• Does a heat pump need to supply the same output capacity as a gas boiler?

• Do air-to-water systems work in colder climates?

• How do they deliver domestic hot water?

• How do they compare in price to gas systems or air source systems?

• What models are available in the U.S., and what models are on the horizon?

• Who can install an air-to-water heat pump?

• Are there certain applications where these systems make the most sense?

• Do air-to-water systems deliver grid benefits or other benefits?

Join us on May 20th to learn about this emerging high efficiency technology.

This webinar is part of the Electrify Now “Go Electric!” series developed in partnership with LEARN. Find more Go Electric! webinars with information and tips on other important electrification topics here.

Explore free courses on energy efficiency and electrification with The LEARN Program. LEARN's interactive learning hub covers topics like building design & construction, HVAC and hot water systems, renewable energy, and more as well resources to help you electrify your own home. Start learning today at sandiegolearn.com.

Hosts and Panelists:

Brian Stewart - Brian co-founded Electrify Now to help energy consumers and homeowners learn about the benefits of electrification. He has over 40 years of experience in product design, engineering, manufacturing and sustainability and held many leadership roles at Nike Inc. including Vice President of Sustainable Innovation.

Joe Wachunas - In addition to his work for Electrify Now, Joe is a Program Manager for the New Buildings Institute, managing the Advanced Water Heating Initiative. He is a frequent contributor to CleanTechnica writing articles about topics relating to electrification and clean energy. Joe and his family use their own home to experiment and learn about all electric solutions, solar power and EVs.

Mark Kulik - Senior Product Manager - Mitsubishi Electric – Mark has extensive experience in product management with Mitsubishi Electric Trane, working on the ideation, development and integration of residential mini-split and commercial VRF control products.

Edwin Reek - Director, Water Heating Solutions - Daikin North America – Edwin joined Daikin 3 years ago in the Advanced Products Group. In his current role as Director, Water Heating Solutions, he is leading the development and introduction of hydronic heat pumps in the North American market. With the objective of providing products to decarbonize and electrify typical fossil fuel heating and DHW applications, Edwin and the Daikin team are developing a portfolio of hydronic heat pump solutions. Currently, this includes the Daikin Altherma 3H HT 3-in-1 air-to-water heat pump for heating, cooling, and DHW and the Mega-Q all-electric commercial hot water generation system.

Jim Bashford - National Sales and Training Manager - SpacePak Inc. – As National Sales and Training Manager, Jim shares his experience driving the adoption of air-to-water heat pumps in North America. Drawing from thousands of installations across a wide range of climates and buildings, Jim has gathered insights about system design, application, and common use cases for heating, cooling, and domestic hot water.