IRVING, United States, 13 September 2023: Johnson Controls-Hitachi Air Conditioning announced the launch of the Hitachi air365 Hybrid dual fuel system, which combines a heat pump and furnace to provide efficient, economical home comfort year-round while reducing carbon emissions. The air365 Hybrid system, Johnson Controls-Hitachi Air Conditioning said, features an electric Hitachi Mini VRF heat pump as the primary heating and cooling source and an innovative dual fuel module that attaches to a home’s new or existing gas furnace.

David Budzinski, President, Global Residential and Light Commercial at Johnson Controls and Johnson Controls-Hitachi Air Conditioning, said: “By primarily utilising electricity, dual fuel heat pump systems are a more sustainable way to heat and cool homes, providing homeowners with a way to effortlessly cut their carbon emissions and make a positive impact on the environment. Moreover, sustainability is at the heart of everything we do, and the Hitachi air365 Hybrid dual fuel system is proof of our commitment to developing best-in-class solutions that prioritise the environment while delivering superior comfort and lower operating costs.”

Johnson Controls-Hitachi Air Conditioning said when temperatures are extremely low, most heat pumps rely on energy-intensive, electric resistance “strip” heating, which can significantly increase utility costs and strain the electric grid. The company added to maximise efficiency and not compromise heating performance; it’s often more sustainable to use the furnace as a backup heat source during the coldest days of the year. When the air365 Hybrid system is in heating mode, a smart sensor monitors the outdoor temperature, and if it reaches a temperature where the heat pump cannot efficiently meet the indoor heating demand, it automatically switches from the heat pump to the furnace, the company said.  The company added that this makes it possible for homeowners to easily optimise efficiency and comfort throughout the winter.

In addition to reducing energy costs, the company said, electric heat pumps make it possible for homeowners to decarbonise their heating and cooling. As a result, the company added,  there are many federal, state and local tax incentives which encourage homeowners to upgrade to energy-efficient heat pumps that can significantly reduce the upfront cost of new equipment. Furthermore, the company said air365 Hybrid dual fuel systems can qualify for multiple rebates and incentives, such as the 25C energy efficient home improvement tax credit expanded by the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA).