HVAC’s big shift
By
Kiana Kazemi
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Our co-founders Pierre Delforge and Evan Green were on the ground in Orlando at AHR Expo a few weeks ago. AHR is the biggest HVAC conference in the world, where thousands of manufacturers, engineers, and industry experts gather to talk about all things heating, cooling, and ventilation. It’s where the future of HVAC takes shape, and this year, one trend was impossible to ignore: a shift toward using water to transfer thermal energy into and from the home rather than refrigerants.
For years, air-to-air heat pumps have relied on synthetic refrigerants—many of which come with high global warming potential or safety concerns. But this year at AHR, it’s clear that momentum is building toward a more sustainable approach, namely using water as a heat transfer medium.
Instead of circulating refrigerant throughout the home, monobloc heat pumps keep it sealed safely in the outdoor unit. This setup not only simplifies installation and maintenance but also opens the door to using more climate-friendly refrigerants like propane (R290). While propane is flammable, keeping it outside drastically reduces safety concerns (just like the propane canister for your BBQ), making it a practical and efficient solution for the next generation of heating and cooling.
This is more than just an industry pivot—it’s an opportunity. HVAC manufacturers have a chance to expand their portfolios to include innovative, sustainable solutions that meet evolving market demands. Air-to-water unlock new possibilities—allowing homeowners to store heat efficiently, shift energy use to off-peak hours, and tap into renewable energy when it’s most abundant. Sound familiar?
At Harvest, we’ve been ahead of the curve. Our systems have always used SANCO2—an ultra-efficient air-to-water heat pump that utilizes carbon dioxide, the lowest global warming potential refrigerant available. Harvest delivers heating, cooling, and hot water with a system that’s built for the future—a future that’s safer, clean
So, while AHR is buzzing about what’s next, we’re proud to #humblebrag a bit—we’re already there. And we’re excited to see the industry move in a direction that benefits homeowners, businesses, and the climate. The shift is here—and it’s just getting started.
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