Trane has surpassed DOE requirements for the residential Cold Climate Heat Pump Challenge for high-efficiency heating in freezing temperatures and will begin field trials later this month.

To enforce the transition away from using fossil fuels for space heating purposes, many cities across the U.S. have proposed or enacted regulations that would ban the use of fossil fuels in new homes and buildings.

Different areas have particular needs and also embrace new technology at different speeds.

Developments in zoning capabilites have brought mini splits into the multiroom realm. And it goes without mention that the march of engineering progress has taken ductless systems on the road, into parts of the country where no mini split has ever gone before.

As contractors become better versed on the benefits of ductless technology, they play a key role in educating homeowners as to why duct-free technology may be a better solution in terms of efficiency and design flexibility.

Papers providing an international perspective on the current state of design and best practices for buildings in cold climates will be presented at the 7th International Cold Climate HVAC Conference, Nov. 12-14, 2012, in Calgary, Alberta, Canada.