Gradient’s heat pumps get new smarts to enable old building retrofits

In urban landscapes like New York City, the prevalence of aging buildings presents a unique challenge. While many of these structures remain structurally sound, they often lack the comfort residents desire, typically swinging between extremes of heat and cold. A number of innovative companies are stepping up to address this issue with advanced horseshoe-shaped heat pumps. Unlike traditional window air conditioners, these units do not obstruct views and possess the capability to both heat and cool spaces. Gradient, a prominent player in this field, has recently unveiled enhancements to its technology. The company’s new Nexus software is designed to connect multiple heat pump units within multifamily residences. Vince Romanin, Gradient's Chief Technology Officer, emphasized the potential of targeting multifamily buildings, stating, "This sector has been largely overlooked, and we can significantly improve user experience here." The startup is particularly focused on retrofitting older buildings in need of HVAC upgrades. Gradient has partnered with the New York City Housing Authority to implement its heat pumps in public housing and has conducted pilot projects in newer affordable housing units in Tracy, California. They are also in discussions with various colleges and universities, many of which house dormitories that were not designed to handle the rising temperatures of autumn. Typically, older buildings operate off a single electric meter, which can lead to excessive usage of heating or cooling by residents. The Nexus system allows building managers to impose limits on energy consumption, ensuring that heating and air conditioning remain efficient without compromising comfort. For instance, when a manager set the heating cap to 78°F, energy usage plummeted by 25% the following day. Romanin pointed out that Gradient's heat pumps offer the most cost-effective solution for aging buildings with outdated boilers—a common issue in New York. Additionally, these units provide air conditioning to spaces previously reliant solely on steam radiators, helping to prepare them for increasingly severe heatwaves. The installation process is remarkably swift; window units can be fitted in mere hours without necessitating electrical upgrades. In older buildings where electrical systems may not support high loads, Nexus can intelligently manage power consumption. Mansi Shah, Gradient's Senior Vice President of Product and Software, noted that this capability can extend to the broader power grid. During peak demand periods, such as hot summer days, Gradient is developing methods to temporarily reduce the load on heat pumps while ensuring resident comfort. By leveraging data from the buildings and feedback from the heat pump sensors, the company aims to identify which units can safely lower their cooling demands. Romanin expressed optimism about the future, stating, "There are many who believe that if we electrify everything, the grid will struggle. However, I firmly believe that it is feasible to electrify our systems while simultaneously enhancing grid efficiency and reducing energy costs."