Commercial Building Heat Pump Campaign | Better Buildings Initiative

High efficiency heat pump and dual-fuel heat pump rooftop units (RTUs) are estimated to reduce energy costs by up to 50% compared with conventional RTUs, but fewer than 15% of commercial buildings in the U.S. currently have heat pumps.

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As part of the Commercial Building Heat Pump Accelerator, the Commercial Building Heat Pump Campaign aims to help commercial building owners and operators reduce operating costs by increasing the adoption of both existing and emerging heat pump technologies. DOE will provide building owners and operators with resources and guidance to deploy heat pump technology to support both site-level and portfolio-level installations. 
 

Other Resources

Heat Pump Rooftop Unit Decision Matrix 
Use this decision tree to help identify what type of heat pump rooftop unit best suits your building's needs.

 

Key Considerations for Adopting Commercial Heat Pump Rooftop Units
This document highlights the key elements to consider for commercial building portfolio owners when deciding whether adopting HP RTUs for a site is the way forward. 
 

Heat Pump RTU Switchover Temperature Guidance
Learn more about the types of heat pump RTUs and considerations for switchover temperatures in this guidance document.

Case Study: Columbia Association Dual Fuel Heat Pump RTUs 
Columbia Association replaced gas heat RTUs with dual fuel heat pump RTUs, which decreased their emissions while maintaining performance. 

Case Study: LAUSD Heat Pump Rooftop Units
To achieve the energy and GHG emissions reduction goals, LAUSD utilizes electric heat pump rooftop and wall-hung units, and other heat pump technologies, as the primary option for space heating and cooling systems for its school and administrative facilities.

As energy costs continue to rise, businesses are starting to prioritize energy-efficiency by finding cost-effective heating and cooling solutions for their facilities. One technology that’s gaining popularity is the heat pump—an innovative system that provides both heating and cooling in one, all while offering great energy efficiency.

Our team at Mazza Mechanical specializes in bringing advanced HVAC solutions like heat pumps to commercial properties, helping facility managers lower operating costs and enhance overall building performance.

What is a Heat Pump & How Does it Work for Commercial Facilities?

A heat pump is a system that moves heat from one place to another instead of generating heat. During colder months, it extracts heat from the air, ground or water outside and transfers it inside the building to warm it. In warmer months, it works in reverse, removing heat from the building and releasing it outside to keep the inside cool.

In commercial settings, heat pumps offer a streamlined solution for both heating and cooling. Instead of using different systems for heating and air conditioning, one heat pump can handle both, making it a more efficient and space-saving option. These systems come in different forms—such as air-source, geothermal (ground-source) and water-source—allowing building owners to choose the best fit for their building’s needs.

Energy Efficiency & Cost Savings

One of the biggest advantages of heat pumps is their energy efficiency. Traditional heating systems, like furnaces and boilers, generate heat by burning fuel, which uses a lot of energy. In contrast, heat pumps simply transfer heat, requiring much less energy to operate.

For large commercial buildings, this can result in massive energy savings. In fact, heat pumps can reduce energy usage by up to 50% compared to conventional HVAC systems. This translates to lower utility bills, which means more money saved over time.

Additionally, people recognize heat pumps for their high efficiency, often providing up to four times the amount of heating or cooling energy they consume. With these energy savings, commercial property owners can improve their bottom line while also contributing to a greener future.

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Heating & Cooling in One System

Another major benefit is that they provide both heating and cooling in one integrated system. For commercial properties, this means less equipment to install, maintain and repair. Facility managers only need to focus on one system, making day-to-day operations easier and more efficient.

This dual functionality also saves space, as there’s no need for separate heating and cooling units. In commercial settings like office buildings, retail centers and industrial facilities, having one system handle both heating and cooling simplifies the building’s layout and reduces clutter.

Environmentally Friendly & Sustainable for Businesses

In addition to saving energy, heat pumps are environmentally friendly. They produce fewer carbon emissions than traditional HVAC systems because they don’t rely on burning fossil fuels. This reduction in emissions makes them a more sustainable choice, helping businesses meet their environmental goals and reduce their carbon footprint.

For companies seeking green building certifications like LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design), installing a heat pump can help meet sustainability criteria. Renewable energy sources, such as solar or wind, can also power heat pumps, further reducing their environmental impact and increasing a facility’s energy independence.

Enhanced Comfort & Indoor Air Quality

Heat pumps offer more than just energy savings—they also improve comfort inside commercial buildings. Heat pumps maintain a consistent temperature and control humidity levels, creating a comfortable indoor environment year-round.

Additionally, heat pumps improve indoor air quality by filtering and circulating air more effectively than traditional systems. This helps reduce allergens, dust and pollutants, creating a healthier space for everyone inside the building.

Low Maintenance & Long Lifespan

Since they have fewer moving parts and don’t rely on fuel combustion, heat pumps are less likely to experience breakdowns or require frequent repairs. This makes them a reliable choice for commercial buildings, reducing the likelihood of unexpected downtime and lowering maintenance costs.

When properly maintained, heat pumps can last up to 15-20 years, providing a long-term heating and cooling solution. Mazza Mechanical offers comprehensive maintenance services to ensure that your heat pump system runs smoothly throughout its lifespan, helping you avoid costly repairs or replacements.

Cost Incentives & Rebates

Beyond the energy savings and reduced maintenance costs, heat pumps can also qualify for various financial incentives. Government programs, local utility companies and even some states offer rebates, tax credits or grants for businesses that install energy-efficient systems like heat pumps. These incentives can help offset the upfront cost of installing a heat pump, making it an even more attractive option for commercial properties.

Adaptability to Different Commercial Climate Conditions

Modern heat pumps are designed to operate efficiently in a variety of climate conditions. Historically, heat pumps worked best in moderate climates, but advances in technology now allow them to function effectively even in extreme temperatures.

For example, cold-climate heat pumps can still extract heat from the air, even when outdoor temperatures drop below freezing. This makes them a reliable option for buildings in colder regions, ensuring comfort during the winter months.

Mazza Mechanical has years of experience providing HVAC solutions for commercial properties. We understand that every commercial building has unique heating and cooling needs, so we offer customized heat pump solutions tailored to your facility.

Heat pumps are an excellent option for commercial facilities looking to reduce energy costs, improve sustainability and enhance indoor comfort. With their energy efficiency, low maintenance requirements and ability to provide both heating and cooling, heat pumps offer long-term value for building owners.