CARD Air-to-Water Heat Pumps: A Cold Climate Solution for High-Efficiency Cooling, Space Heating, and Water Heating - Final Report

Air-to-water heat pump (AWHP) systems are high-performance space heating systems that offer air source heat pump (ASHP) efficiencies to customers with boilers and hydronic distribution systems. CEE studied commercially available AWHP systems in the context of cold climate heating and cooling in Minnesota single-family residential applications for this CARD-funded study. The project identified dozens of AWHP models and configurations that are available for a variety of Minnesota residential applications. For systems field-tested in this study, the AWHPs produced 6,300 to 16,600 kWh and $453 to $1,450 savings per year. The project team recommends aligning this subset of ASHP technology with existing ECO models and programs and advocates for standardized ratings for AWHP systems to promote the technology as a flexible and effective heat pump solution.