Transforming Cold Climate Heating: A Look at Midea’s Innovation in Heat Pump Compressors

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October 6, 2023

As we approach winter months, many homeowners are looking for innovative heating solutions that will carry them comfortably through the cold weather. This is a pivotal time of year for contractors who must be at the forefront of navigating and recommending the best HVAC options, as well as seamless installation practices. Therefore, it is extremely important for those working in the industry to know of and understand the newest, most efficient technology that could potentially decrease their clients’ utility costs and carbon footprint this winter. All of Midea’s heat pump systems, including a forthcoming next-generation system, can ensure homeowners have cost-effective and uninterrupted warmth for harsh winters while solving many pain points for contractors.

Midea’s Evolution of Compressor Technology

In recent years, advancements in compressor technology have revolutionized the way we handle extreme cold climates. In the past, reliance on gas furnaces or auxiliary heat strips was the norm, but recent breakthroughs in compressor technology have electrified a path forward. Compressors are the heart of heating and cooling systems, and their performance greatly influences energy efficiency and comfort. Midea, the world’s largest producer of major appliances and a global air treatment leader, is continuously innovating to enhance compressor technology. Midea improved its rotary compressor, making it a superior choice over previously dominant scroll compressors.

The key to Midea’s compressor success lies in its enhanced vapor injection (EVI) technology, which enables the unit to efficiently extract heat from outside and seamlessly transfer it indoors. Midea’s forthcoming heat pump system features a groundbreaking sequential stage variable speed compressor with saturated vapor injection, where the first cylinder’s suction is an extremely low-temperature refrigerant, and the second cylinder’s suction is the refrigerant discharged from the first cylinder. Vapor with an optimized gas-to-liquid ratio is injected into the connection between these two cylinders, keeping the second cylinder’s suction in a saturated vapor state, which significantly improves heating efficiency under extremely cold climates. Using a revolutionary sequential stage variable speed compressor with saturated vapor injection technology, the heat pump can achieve high-performance heating output at -15°F, higher than the current Advance Tier/ESME industry level. Even in extreme cold conditions as low as -40°F, the compressor will continue to provide substantial heat, minimizing assistance from auxiliary heat strips.

This forthcoming inverter compressor offers a versatile and energy-efficient operation enabled by a variable-speed inverter motor. Inverter compressors adjust their output continuously, matching the specific cooling or heating demands of a space and ensuring precise temperature control with no wasted energy consumption. In contrast, antiquated single-stage compressors can only run at their full power capacity, meaning the compressor works unnecessarily hard (albeit briefly, but turning on and off frequently) to maintain a comfortable indoor environment. This new variable speed technology allows homes to utilize Midea’s heat pumps to withstand extremely cold climates efficiently.

Benefits of Side-Discharge Heat Pumps

Along with high functionality and extreme temperature control, all Midea Residential Air Conditioning heat pump systems feature a side-discharge design. Unlike their vertical discharge counterparts, these units can be installed in spaces with limited vertical clearance and only require eight inches of clearance from the house. This eliminates concerns about discharging air upwards, allowing for placement under a deck or other structure and snugly against a wall. This slim design is also perfect for hanging with approved wall brackets.

Furthermore, Midea’s side discharge units use flair-fittings for indoor and outdoor connections, eliminating the need for open flames typically used in the installation of vertical discharge units. Midea’s communicating system simplifies wiring by requiring only two wires from the indoor unit to the outdoor unit, as opposed to the 5-8 wires needed in non-communicating vertical discharge systems. By utilizing Midea’s communicating system, sensors facilitate three-way communication between the thermostat, air handler, and heat pump based on temperature and other conditions. This feature is a significant innovation improvement, and the flameless approach expedites installation and complies with regulations in counties that prohibit the use of torches indoors. Also, the side-discharge heat pumps operate quietly due to efficient compressor, fan motor and blade designs and runs at lower RPMs. Ultimately, these innovations save contractors and homeowners significant labor and materials costs, making side-discharge heat pumps an enticing and practical choice in the HVAC market this winter.

Incentives Driving Adoption

Consumers and contractors alike should take note of the many incentive programs available at federal, state, and local levels in the transition to more efficient electric heating. The Department of Energy, recognizing the urgency of this shift, offers substantial tax credits through the Inflation Reduction Act of up to $2,000 for those installing qualifying heat pumps in 2023, aligning with increasing city and state mandates that restrict natural gas use in new construction. Additionally, many utility companies are providing rebates to homeowners who make the switch, making the transition to advanced, green-source systems even more enticing. A notable example is Mass Save, which is a collaborative initiative among Massachusetts’ electric and natural gas utilities and energy efficiency service providers that offers a wide range of services, rebates, incentives, training, and information. Its primary aim is to empower individuals and organizations in Massachusetts to reduce energy consumption and environmental impact while also providing financial support and educational resources to achieve these goals. These incentives extend to many of Midea’s products, providing contractors with various attractive options to share with their customers.

Paving the Future of HVAC

As HVAC technology continues to advance and refine, it is imperative that contractors grow with the technology and seek training and information to best serve their customers. While contractor education plays a pivotal role in this transformation, it is equally important for consumers to remain informed about the benefits of heat pumps and available incentives. With these advancements and a commitment to learning, we can pave the way for a more efficient and sustainable future.

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David Rames

Senior Product Manager at Midea America Corp.

David Rames is the Senior Product Manager at Midea America Corp., an ACCA Corporate Partner. Midea creates home appliance innovations that not only perform a function but have a meaningful impact for those who use them.