Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, Refrigeration, and Water Heating

DOE-funded research drives next-generation solutions in heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC), refrigeration, and water heating technologies. The energy devoted to heating and cooling buildings accounts for around 35% of all energy consumption, the largest share attributable to any end use. However, many of the most efficient solutions are too expensive to be the preferred solution, which means they never make it into buildings. To ensure these innovations have their intended impact and lower the energy burden for American families and businesses, DOE aims to reduce the all-in installed cost of HVAC, water heating, and refrigeration equipment by 50% within a decade. 

DOE focuses on a broad range of solutions to achieve this goal, including flexible dual-fuel systems, cold climate heat pumps that maintain performance and efficiency in the coldest regions, and next-generation refrigerants. Additional work is focused on controls, sensors, and fault detection systems for optimized equipment performance and safety. 

Continuous engagement with industry stakeholders in the HVAC, water heating, and refrigeration sectors helps to shape research, development, and demonstration opportunities for development of innovative HVAC, water heating, and refrigeration solutions (e.g., heat pumps, heat pump water heaters, refrigerants, component technologies) that can reduce operating costs and energy consumption for consumers while improving resilience and comfort. 

DOE’s integrated approach to drive industry progress includes analysis of technical, market, and policy drivers; development of analytical tools, collaborative RD&D, and stakeholder engagement to gather input.