Carrier Global Corporation has reached a significant milestone in the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Commercial Building HVAC Technology Challenge by initiating commercial field trials for its advanced rooftop heat pump technology. This development is part of a broader effort to facilitate widespread adoption in the commercial sector.
“After proving our innovation in the lab, we're thrilled to show how it performs in operating commercial environments. Our engineering and project development teams have created a solution built to perform where it matters most,” stated Heidi Gehring, Managing Director, Light Commercial, Carrier.
She adds, “These field trials are the final step before launching a high-performance product designed to strengthen U.S. commercial buildings.”
DOE Lab Verification Testing
Carrier's new 10-14 ton rooftop heat pump unit has been deployed at a major retailer in upstate New York as part of ongoing trials.
This system set a performance benchmark in its range by completing DOE lab verification, demonstrating 100% heating capacity at 5°F and exceeding 70% capacity at -10°F. The unit meets or surpasses DOE efficiency requirements for commercial HVAC systems.
Testing at Oak Ridge National Laboratory
Carrier's 15-ton rooftop unit is undergoing evaluation at the DOE's Oak Ridge National Laboratory in Tennessee
Additionally, Carrier's 15-ton rooftop unit is undergoing evaluation at the DOE's Oak Ridge National Laboratory in Tennessee.
Upcoming field trials at a Pennsylvania commercial site are expected shortly, with results monitored by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory. These trials are slated to conclude by summer 2027, aligning with the anticipated commercial availability timeline.
Advancing HVAC Technology
The DOE initiative aims to advance the adoption of energy-efficient HVAC solutions that reduce energy consumption and operational expenses, supporting grid stability. It targets two light commercial categories — 10-14 tons and 15-25 tons — with Carrier actively involved in both, underscoring its commitment to innovation and sustainability goals.
Despite independent evaluations by DOE, Oak Ridge, and NREL, Carrier's heat pump systems have consistently met or exceeded performance targets, signaling their readiness for commercial expansion and capability in cold climates.
Carrier Global Corporation, a global pioneer in intelligent climate and energy solutions, today announced a major milestone in the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Commercial Building HVAC Technology Challenge with the launch of commercial field trials for its next-generation rooftop heat pump technology designed for broad commercial adoption.
“After proving our innovation in the lab, we’re thrilled to show how it performs in operating commercial environments. Our engineering and project development teams have created a solution built to perform where it matters most,” said Heidi Gehring, Managing Director, Light Commercial, Carrier. “These field trials are the final step before launching a high-performance product designed to strengthen U.S. commercial buildings.”
DOE lab verification testing
Carrier’s new 10-14-ton rooftop heat pump unit has been installed at a large national retailer in upstate New York as part of ongoing field trials.
The system was the first in its range to complete DOE lab verification testing, setting a performance benchmark for cold-climate commercial rooftop systems by delivering 100% heating capacity at 5°F, more than 70% heating capacity at -10°F and performance that meets or exceeds DOE’s commercial HVAC efficiency thresholds.
DOE’s Oak Ridge National Laboratory
In addition, Carrier’s 15-ton rooftop unit is undergoing testing at the DOE’s Oak Ridge National Laboratory in Tennessee and is expected to begin field trials at a commercial facility in Pennsylvania in the coming weeks.
These trials will be monitored and verified by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory and are expected to conclude in summer 2027. Commercial availability is anticipated in summer 2027.
Adoption of advanced HVAC equipment
The DOE’s Commercial Building HVAC Technology Challenge is designed to accelerate the adoption of advanced HVAC equipment that lowers energy use and operating costs while supporting grid reliability through lower demand.
The program includes two light commercial product categories — 10-14 tons and 15-25 tons — with Carrier participating in both as part of its broader commitment to innovation and helping customers reach their sustainability and cost-saving goals.
Across independent testing conducted by the DOE, Oak Ridge National Laboratory and NREL, Carrier’s rooftop heat pump systems have met or exceeded targets for IVHE, IVHEc and COPs, reinforcing confidence in their readiness for scaled commercial deployment, including strong cold-climate operation.
