Clean-energy experts unveil cutting-edge, money-saving heating technology for Chicago homes


Clean-energy experts unveil cutting-edge, money-saving heating technology for Chicago homes

 Ribbon cutting launches new technology and training of HVAC contractors     

Chicago — Energy experts, today, unveiled cutting-edge technology to heat Chicago’s homes in winter. Representatives from research organizations and HVAC contractors on the forefront of environmental technology were at the Peoples Energy Training Center for an official ribbon cutting on a newly installed, high-tech gas heat pump system.

 Ultra-efficient technology   

The heating system is so efficient it can immediately reduce a home’s carbon emissions by 50%. It’s the lowest-emission home-heating technology available. This ultra-efficiency also means less energy use, which translates to lower heating bills. 

The technology’s other huge advantage is that it’s compatible with existing natural gas hookups. Gas heat pumps are an accessible way to drastically reduce carbon emissions from Chicago houses and apartment buildings — and protect the environment. 

“Gas heat pump technology is an innovative and important part of the pathway to decarbonizing buildings in Chicago,” says Polly Eldringhoff, Peoples Gas — vice president operational performance. “It will bring reliable and actionable decarbonization solutions to Chicago to protect the environment, because the economics of it make sense. This technology is a game changer.” 

How the technology works 

Gas heat pumps extract heat from outside air, combine it with additional heat from an energy source, and then transfer all the heat indoors. That process is effective and efficient all winter, including in extreme cold temperatures when other heat pump technology struggles to provide warmth.

 In addition to natural gas, the heat pumps are compatible with renewable natural gas — which is currently flowing into the Peoples Gas system — and hydrogen, a carbon-free energy source that may be part of Chicago’s energy mix in the near future.   

The newly installed gas heat-pump system will be used to train HVAC professionals on installation and maintenance.

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