High Efficiency Rooftop Unit (HE RTU) Focus Pilot

The 2024 High Efficiency Rooftop Unit (HE RTU) focus pilot builds off CalNEXT’s existing 2023 RTU focus pilot. The existing HP RTU focus pilot is a midstream pilot aligned with the current efficiency minimums of the current eTRM RTU HP measure packages. The goal of that pilot is to streamline the incentive process and increase measure participation above current levels in the existing SW HVAC program through specific measure engagement and marketing with key market actors and supply chain interviews aimed at identifying additional barriers to entry for HP RTU technology, which encompassed RTU heat pumps of any efficiency and capacity.  The HE RTU focus pilot will first conduct a product characterization to define high efficiency with respect to Heat Pump (HP) RTUs and dedicated outdoor air systems (DOAS) and will then then implement a midstream pilot with the goal of increasing the number of HE RTUs and DOASs stocked and sold by distributors in California. This focus pilot seeks to study the characteristics of HP RTUs that make them most efficient and create the greatest decarbonization impacts. We hypothesize that variable capacity capability will be identified by the market as the biggest efficiency driver but expect other characteristics like energy/heat recovery and controls to also be identified as drivers of system efficiency. Through the exiting RTU focus pilot, we know that at least two manufacturers are already producing and selling variable capacity HP RTUs in the California market with limited uptake. The current FP focuses on any HP at least slightly above code minimum in alignment with existing eTRM entries. This FP looks more to home in on the characteristics of HP RTUs that make them the most efficient, on top of their decarbonization impacts. It is well known that RTU style air conditioners with gas or electric resistance heating make up a large portion of HVAC systems for California’s commercial buildings. As these units age and are replaced, they present a substantial decarbonization opportunity to install heat pumps. By identifying the most efficient RTU and DOAS heat pump systems available in the market and the key characteristics that make them efficient, we will be able to make recommendations that impact future HVAC measure development setting those measures up for success with cost effectiveness and market readiness.