Eight HVAC manufacturers recently passed federal tests to show they hold up very well in cold weather.

The Energy Department said its Cold Climate Heat Pump Challenge tested the heat pumps for energy efficiency and improved performance in weather as cold as -15 degrees. This challenge is part of the effort to develop cold climate heat pumps especially equipped for northern climes like New York.

Bosch, Carrier, Daikin, Johnson Controls, Lennox, Midea, Rheem, and Trane Technologies all participated in the challenge.

They successfully completed prototype testing at Oak Ridge National Laboratory and other facilities in 2022 and 2023, with some units operating at temperatures as low as –15°F (–26°C) while still meeting efficiency requirements. In addition, a year’s worth of tests were conducted at various areas of the northern United States, where sub-zero temperatures are not uncommon.

By comparison, New York City’s recorded temperatures haven’t dropped below zero since Feb. 14, 2016, making for a very chilly Valentine’s Day that year.

In addition, efforts are underway to develop rooftop heat pump units to serve commercial buildings. They are part of the government’s effort to reduce harmful carbon emissions.