Carrier Global Corporation has begun commercial field trials of its next‑generation rooftop heat‑pump units, a key step toward a commercial launch slated for summer 2027. The trials, which started in upstate New York with a large national retailer, involve 10‑ to 14‑ton units that have already passed DOE lab verification. The units deliver 100 % heating capacity at 5 °F and more than 70 % at –10 °F, meeting or exceeding the DOE’s commercial HVAC efficiency thresholds for cold‑climate performance.
The 15‑ton unit is currently being tested at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, and Carrier plans additional field trials in Pennsylvania in the coming weeks. The program is part of the U.S. Department of Energy’s Commercial Building HVAC Technology Challenge and will be monitored and verified by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, underscoring the government’s support for advanced, energy‑efficient commercial HVAC solutions.
Carrier’s performance data demonstrate that the new heat pumps can operate efficiently in severe cold, a critical capability for expanding heat‑pump adoption beyond milder regions. By achieving full heating capacity at 5 °F and maintaining substantial capacity at –10 °F, the units satisfy DOE’s stringent cold‑climate criteria and position Carrier to capture a growing market segment that demands electrified, low‑carbon heating solutions.
This field‑trial milestone aligns with Carrier’s broader electrification and digitalization strategy. The company has invested $1.6 billion in sustainable research and development since 2020 and has been actively divesting non‑core assets while acquiring firms that strengthen its intelligent climate portfolio. Successful commercialization of these heat pumps will enhance Carrier’s competitive standing in the commercial HVAC market, particularly in regions where heating efficiency is a key driver of operating costs.
Carrier’s recent financial performance shows strong organic growth in the commercial HVAC segment during Q1 and Q2 2025, while Q3 saw a decline attributed to residential sector weakness and distributor destocking. The field‑trial announcement signals continued focus on high‑performance, cold‑climate solutions and reinforces management’s confidence in the company’s electrification roadmap.
Carrier’s participation in the DOE challenge and the upcoming commercial launch illustrate the company’s commitment to advancing sustainable HVAC technology, positioning it to benefit from federal incentives and the broader industry shift toward electrified building systems.
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