Combined Water and Space Heating
March 19, 2025 • 12pm Pacific
A single heat pump to heat and cool your home and heat your water.
Join us as we dive into combination water and space heating systems, also known as combi heat pumps. Water heating, space heating and space cooling, all using one outdoor unit. By combining these systems into one, there’s ample opportunity for efficiency and cost savings, by sharing the most expensive part of the system. But this brings with it a new level of complexity that has raised questions about its practicality.
We’ll discuss the benefits of combined space and water heating, including the cost efficiency of installing just a single compressor, the energy efficiency of a single system that makes use of smart coordinated heat recovery, and the need for just a single 240V circuit breaker—which helps homeowners avoid costly panel or service upgrades. We’ll also explore potential challenges with combi heat pumps including the more complex systems, higher upfront costs, the ability of hydronic systems to heat in colder climates, and questions about the available workforce to install and maintain equipment.
Available today from a few manufacturers, we expect many companies will have combi heat pumps available in the next few years. Join us as we discuss with our panelists:
What is a combi heat pump, and how does it work?
What is the difference between air to water heat pumps and standard air source heat pumps?
Do air to water systems work in colder climates?
How much does it cost to install a combi heat pump?
How much space is needed to install a combi heat pump?
What models are available in the U.S., and what models are on the horizon?
Who can install a combi heat pump?
What advantages do combi heat pumps have over individual heat pumps for space and water heating?
Are there certain applications where these systems make the most sense?
Do combination systems deliver grid benefits?
Join us on March 19th to learn about this emerging high efficiency technology.
This webinar is part of the Electrify Now “Go Electric!” series developed in partnership with LEARN. Find more Go Electric! webinars with information and tips on other important electrification topics here.
Explore free courses on energy efficiency and electrification with The LEARN Program. LEARN's interactive learning hub covers topics like building design & construction, HVAC and hot water systems, renewable energy, and more as well resources to help you electrify your own home. Start learning today at sandiegolearn.com.
Hosts and Panelist:
Brian Stewart - Brian co-founded Electrify Now to help energy consumers and homeowners learn about the benefits of electrification. He has over 40 years of experience in product design, engineering, manufacturing and sustainability and held many leadership roles at Nike Inc. including Vice President of Sustainable Innovation.
Joe Wachunas - In addition to his work for Electrify Now, Joe is a Program Manager for the New Buildings Institute, managing the Advanced Water Heating Initiative. He is a frequent contributor to CleanTechnica writing articles about topics relating to electrification and clean energy. Joe and his family use their own home to experiment and learn about all electric solutions, solar power and EVs.
Jane Melia, Ph.D. —CEO, Co-founder, Harvest Thermal - Jane co-founded Harvest Thermal, which designed and produced the Harvest system, an all-in-one heat, hot water and AC system with thermal storage. Jane has a Cambridge PhD in fluid dynamics, and is a civil engineer, transformational business leader, mom of three, and low-key climate warrior. With 15 years of leadership at five startups, she knows her way around a boardroom as well.