Ice Air, a global provider of climate control solutions, has been awarded a grant by the Office of Manufacturing and Energy Supply Chain (MESC) within the Department of Energy (DOE) to support the manufacturing needed to meet the anticipated growing demand for electric heat pump HVAC equipment. The notification letter was received on Nov. 15, 2023.
“This is a milestone for our company,” says Ric Nadel, Ice Air founder and CEO. “The advances in heat pump technology enable far greater efficiencies and immediate energy cost-savings. Ice Air is excited to build an American manufacturing resource that will provide customers greater access and will help protect them from supply-chain issues.”
Ice Air designs efficient and durable packaged through-wall systems, Geothermal water source heat pumps for space heating and cooling, and commercial size heat pumps for water heating and cooling. A wide range of markets that rely on this equipment for individual room temperature control include luxury and market-rate rental apartment buildings, affordable housing and hotels and travel lodges. The urgent need for multi-family residences, senior living and healthcare facilities is expected to further increase the booming demand.
“The existing building demand for replacement, through-the-wall systems in New York City alone, is estimated at over 300,000 units,” Tom Glass, Ice Air director of Sales explains. There are limited cost-effective, climate-positive options available. Ice Air is uniquely positioned. By developing and enhancing these products, we will be able to offer the widest range of superior solutions for both new construction, replacements and renovations. I believe that is what caught the attention of the Department of Energy.”
“Getting more American-made electric heat pumps on the market will help families and businesses save money with efficient heating and cooling technology,” said U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer M. Granholm. These investments will create thousands of high-quality, good-paying manufacturing jobs and strengthen America’s energy supply chain, while creating healthier indoor spaces through home-grown clean energy technologies.”
Secretary Granholm, called out Ice Air specifically in the official grant announcement, noted that heating and cooling homes, offices, schools, hospitals, military bases, and other critical facilities drives more than 35% of all U.S. energy consumption. Heat pump technology now can provide year-round comfortable temperatures in all climates with greater efficiency and cost-savings. It can also provides more efficient water heating.
Ice Air’s selection was invoked by President Biden using emergency authority based on climate change, to utilize the Defense Production Act (DPA) to increase domestic production of key clean energy technologies, including electric heat pumps.
“Ice Air has seen its revenue increase significantly from 2019 to 2022 with the development of these new technologies,” Nadel says. “More building designs will require advanced efficiency with this specific equipment and electrified products. Our new facility is a win-win for the environment and America.” The new plant will be located in Spartanburg, South Carolina.
Nadel adds, “Our valued customers saw this happening and backed up our initiative for the grant throughout the summer. Relationships are the driver of success. We are thrilled about how adding this manufacturing capability to our portfolio will benefit current customers and attract new ones.”