U.S. Department of Energy announces breakthrough in residential cold climate heat pump technology

by Madeline Simmons

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has announced that Lennox, an American heat pump manufacturer, recently became the first partner in its Residential Cold Climate Heat Pump Technology Challenge. Under this program, Lennox is committed to developing a new electric heat pump that will heat homes in colder climates with greater efficiency. By doing so, carbon emissions associated with residential heating will be greatly reduced.

The DOE’s challenge calls on American businesses to make heat pumps more effective, efficient, and more attractive to consumers. Lennox is the first of nine businesses competing in this challenge to partner with the DOE and focus on a new prototype. The DOE is aware of the negative side-effects that inefficient heat pumps can have on both the environment and consumers with space conditioning and water heating accounting for 46% of building emissions and 56% of household energy bills each year. Having a new generation of technology that improves heating efficiency and reduces greenhouse gas emissions can save families up to $500 annually on their utility bills. 

Both the DOE and Lennox are attempting to improve quality of life for consumers while simultaneously working to counteract carbon emissions. Hopefully as time progresses, other businesses will be motivated to offer their assistance and ideas in order to further contribute to this challenge.