Emissions-reducing residential HVAC dual fuel heat pump system

 The New Hitachi air365 Hybrid system by Johnson Controls-Hitachi Air Conditioning automatically switches between heat pump and furnace operation according to outdoor temperature sensors for a more efficient performance year-round.

The air365 Hybrid dual fuel system by Hitachi integrates a heat pump and furnace to deliver cost-effective and eco-friendly home comfort throughout the year, all while minimising carbon emissions. This system comprises an electric Hitachi Mini VRF heat pump as the primary heating and cooling solution, complemented by an inventive dual-fuel module that can be added to a home’s existing or new gas furnace.

David Budzinski, president of global residential and light commercial at Johnson Controls and Johnson Controls-Hitachi Air Conditioning, said, “By primarily utilising electricity, dual fuel heat pump systems are a more sustainable way to heat and cool homes, providing homeowners with a way to effortlessly cut their carbon emissions and make a positive impact on the environment.” Further, he said, “Sustainability is at the heart of everything we do, and the Hitachi air365 Hybrid dual fuel system proves our commitment to developing best-in-class solutions that prioritise the environment while delivering superior comfort and lower operating costs.”

In extremely cold weather, many heat pumps resort to energy-intensive electric resistance heating, known as “strip” heating. This can lead to significantly higher utility bills and strain the electric grid. To ensure maximum efficiency without compromising heating performance, utilising the furnace as a backup heat source is often more sustainable during the coldest days. When the air365 Hybrid system operates in heating mode, an intelligent sensor constantly monitors the outdoor temperature. If it reaches a point where the heat pump cannot effectively meet the indoor heating requirements, the system automatically switches from the heat pump to the furnace. This allows homeowners to optimise both efficiency and comfort during the winter easily.

In addition to reducing energy costs, electric heat pumps allow homeowners to decarbonise their heating and cooling. air365 Hybrid dual fuel systems can qualify for multiple rebates and incentives, such as the 25C energy-efficient home improvement tax credit expanded by the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). Homeowners should talk to their contractors about these opportunities to maximise payback.

The Mini VRF heat pump leads the industry in energy efficiency and is economical. For example, when pairing a Hitachi Mini VRF heat pump with a YORK® YP9C Modulating Gas Furnace as part of a dual fuel system, homeowners can cut utility costs by up to two-thirds compared to conventional heating systems. The Mini VRF heat pump is available in three different models to meet various residential applications better. It offers reliable performance across a wide range of temperatures – as low as 23 F (-5 C) outdoor ambient temperature in cooling mode and as low as -4 F (-20 C) in heating mode. All models feature night shift, which allows the outdoor unit to operate very quietly, as low as 44 decibels or 10 decibels less than the average household refrigerator.

To learn more, please visit www.hitachiaircon.com/air365hybrid. https://www.johnsoncontrols.com