AN OVERVIEW OF NORTH AMERICAN HEAT PUMP MARKETS
The use of heat pumps has grown slowly but steadily in North America. Recent natural gas price increases make the use of heat pumps more attractive. The pending increase in the minimum efficiency mandated by the federal government will result in a smaller variety but higher efficiency units for sale. Coupled with the transition to HFC refrigerants, significant redesign can be expected. There is also an increased recognition of the importance of refrigerant containment during all phases of the equipment life. American industry is working on several initiatives to reduce emissions. North American industry has found that certification programs are vital to ensure that heat pumps perform as specified and are installed and serviced correctly. While vapor compression cycles using fluorocarbon refrigerants will continue to be the technology that is used to provide heat pumping, a variety of other technologies are being evaluated for long term use.