About this archived opportunity

Space heating needs in large buildings have historically been met using fossil fuels and combustion-based equipment to generate hydronic hot water. This equipment is generally inexpensive (boilers cost ~$12–$30 per thousand Btu per hour (MBH)), has high turndown or ability to operate efficiently when heating needs are low, and uses an available, reliable resource for fuel. However, combustion of fossil fuels emits criteria air pollutants and greenhouse gas emissions. Fossil gas combustion in commercial buildings is primarily used for space heating, water heating, and cooking, producing nearly 12 million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent in 2018. As California transitions to electrifying space heating sys­tems, heat pumps and heat recovery chillers offer a viable option for traditional airside HVAC applications. However, heat pumps for large commercial buildings have challenges, such as higher first costs compared to fossil gas systems, lower operating efficiency at higher supply temperatures, and limitations operating at low ambient temperatures.