USA — Carrier has embarked on the largest field trial in its 123-year history, testing battery-enabled HVAC systems in partnership with utilities and the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI). The project seeks to measure real-world outcomes in load shifting, demand response, and emissions reduction as the company explores next-generation energy solutions.
The trial, currently underway with selected homeowners across diverse U.S. climates, integrates variable speed heat pumps with battery storage. This pairing transforms HVAC systems from passive energy consumers into active grid resources. The systems can shift energy consumption from peak to off-peak hours, optimize renewable integration by charging during high renewable availability, and provide flexible load capacity to support utility demand response programs.
Turning Homes into Grid Assets
Carrier said the battery-enabled HVAC systems maintain cooling comfort during peak demand while offering utilities a cost-effective tool to defer infrastructure upgrades. The technology supports a Home Energy Management System (HEMS) platform, positioning HVAC as a cornerstone of household energy efficiency.
The company estimates its residential footprint includes more than 30 million installed HVAC units, representing up to 100GW of potential flexible load — more than 10% of total U.S. peak demand. This scale could significantly improve grid reliability and accelerate renewable adoption.
Industry Collaboration
The collaboration with EPRI, a non-profit energy R&D institute, will deliver data to utilities and policymakers to assess the feasibility of large-scale deployment. Results from the field trial are expected to provide insights into both customer experience and system-wide energy benefits.
Carrier’s initiative underscores the HVAC industry’s role in the energy transition, with heating and cooling systems increasingly seen as strategic assets in balancing supply and demand while reducing carbon emissions.
