Johnson Controls-Hitachi Air Conditioning unveiled the Hitachi air365 Hybrid dual fuel system, which combines a heat pump and a furnace to provide efficient, cost-effective home comfort year round while lowering carbon emissions.
The air365 Hybrid system’s primary heating and cooling source is an electric Hitachi Mini VRF heat pump, with a unique dual fuel module that connects to a home’s new or existing gas furnace.
“By primarily utilizing electricity, dual fuel heat pump systems are a more sustainable way to heat and cool homes, providing homeowners with a way to effortlessly cut their own carbon emissions and make a positive impact on the environment,” stated David Budzinski, head of Johnson Controls and Johnson Controls-Hitachi Air Conditioning’s global residential and light commercial divisions. “Sustainability is at the heart of everything we do, and the Hitachi air365 Hybrid dual fuel system is proof of our commitment to developing best-in-class solutions that prioritize the environment while delivering superior comfort and lower operating costs.”
Most heat pumps rely on energy-intensive, electric resistance “strip” heating when temperatures are extremely low, which can drastically increase utility costs and strain the electric grid. It’s frequently more sustainable to utilize the furnace as a backup heat source during the coldest days of the year to maximize efficiency and avoid compromising heating effectiveness. A smart sensor checks the exterior temperature when the air365 Hybrid system is in heating mode. When the temperature reaches a point where the heat pump can no longer supply the indoor heating demand efficiently, it automatically switches from the heat pump to the furnace. This allows homeowners to simply optimize efficiency and comfort during the winter.
Electric heat pumps, in addition to lowering energy bills, allow homes to decarbonize their heating and cooling. As a result, there are numerous federal, state, and municipal tax breaks available to encourage homes to convert to energy-efficient heat pumps, which can significantly lower the initial cost of new equipment. Multiple rebates and incentives are available for air365 Hybrid dual fuel systems, including the 25C energy efficient home improvement tax credit enhanced by the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). To maximize payback, homeowners should discuss these opportunities with their contractors.
The Mini VRF heat pump is the industry’s most energy-efficient and cost-effective heat pump. When a Hitachi Mini VRF heat pump is combined with a YORK YP9C Modulating Gas Furnace as part of a dual fuel system, homeowners can save up to two-thirds on utility expenditures when compared to traditional heating systems. The Mini VRF heat pump is offered in three distinct types to better satisfy the needs of a wide range of residential applications, and it provides dependable performance in a wide range of temperatures, including as low as 23 F (-5 C) outside ambient temperature in cooling mode and as low as -4 F (-20 C) in heating mode. All models include a night shift capability, which allows the outside unit to run very quietly, as low as 44 decibels, or 10 decibels quieter than the average residential refrigerator.
