Engineer IV
Meghan Sylvia
Program consulting, design, implementation, energy services
Applied technology evaluation services
Variable-Capacity Heat Pump Thermostat Configuration Study
As variable-capacity heat pumps become more common in California homes, ensuring they are properly configured is essential for delivering optimal comfort, energy efficiency, and long-term performance. Frontier Energy is conducting a field study to better understand how these systems are installed and configured when paired with third-party thermostats. The research will help improve industry best practices and support future commissioning requirements that maximize system performance for homeowners.
Approach
Variable-capacity heat pumps paired with third-party thermostats can experience reduced performance if control settings or system configurations are not properly optimized. To better understand how these systems are configured in real homes, Frontier Energy is conducting observational field visits throughout California.
Frontier Energy:
- Recruits eligible households with variable-capacity heat pumps and third-party thermostats.
- Documents equipment, thermostat settings, and system configurations during onsite visits.
- Collects field data to better understand current installation practices.
- Evaluates how thermostat configurations may impact heat pump performance.
- Supports research that will inform future commissioning guidance and industry best practices.
- Advances the adoption of high-efficiency heat pump technologies across California.
Project Team