Central heat pump water heater (“CHPWH”) systems are an emerging technology (or “Technology”) that can supply efficient, electrified domestic hot water to multifamily and commercial buildings with load-shifting capabilities. Standard designs rely on bulky, pressurized hot water storage tanks with...

This study was conducted to address 1) data gaps about how large split CHPWH’s installed in existing multifamily buildings operate in an RtP configuration compared to the industry standard configuration of returning recirculation water to the systems swing tank (RtS) and 2) better understand how to...

A more efficient electric motor design combines synchronous reluctance and permanent magnet motor technologies (“PMSynRM”) and is commercially available from a trusted manufacturer at a relatively small price premium. This motor type was laboratory tested showing efficiency increases of 3% to over...

The 2025 Code Readiness Annual Report summarizes progress in advancing data-driven research to support future energy codes and standards. The program strengthened its role as a bridge between research and regulation, aligning activities with California and national policy priorities. Key...

This project evaluates the energy efficiency (“EE”) and performance benefits of coil cleaning for ductless wall and floor mounted heat pumps, a routine maintenance practice that removes dust and debris from indoor and outdoor coils to maintain system performance. Unlike central heating,...

By shifting HVAC energy demand away from current and future grid peaks, TES can reduce strain on the grid without requiring that building occupant’s compromise their comfort. Long used to provide flexibility for domestic hot water applications, this Code Readiness study confirms the high market...

This project proposes a field demonstration of an emerging technology (“ET”) which is a commercial-ready technology that integrates networked lighting controls with heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (“HVAC”) systems. Using open-source protocols, the ET enables communication between...

The Berkeley Decarb Tool (the “Tool”) is an open-source web platform that helps users evaluate the energy and carbon performance of different heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (“HVAC”) systems and equipment, and hosted by UC Berkeley’s Center for the Built Environment (“CBE”)...

Small food service businesses, such as corner stores and neighborhood bars/restaurants, depend heavily on small refrigeration systems to preserve perishable goods. These systems typically hold less than 50 pounds (“50-lbs”) of refrigerant and are currently unregulated by the state. Presently, many...

Retrofitting multifamily buildings with domestic hot water (“DHW”) recirculation systems to support efficient electrification, load shifting and demand response is challenging due to limited mechanical space, high upfront costs, and performance constraints.This project will validate the performance...