YORK Launches Dual Fuel Rooftop Units to Help Lower Costs and Increase Reliability

Norman, Okla. - YORK®, a licensed brand of Bosch Home Comfort Group, has launched the Sun™ Pro and Sun™ Choice Dual Fuel Rooftop Units (RTUs), which combine a heat pump with a gas or propane furnace as a supplemental heat source to deliver more efficient heating and cooling year-round, compared to previous models. Ideal for a wide range of light commercial applications, Sun™ Pro and Sun™ Choice Dual Fuel RTUs help building owners in colder climates reduce utility spending and support long-term energy goals while reliably maintaining occupant comfort.

Innovations in heat pump technology have rapidly advanced in recent years, making dual fuel systems a viable solution across many building types and environments, even those that experience colder temperatures. When outdoor temperatures drop below the heat pump's operating range, the system transitions to the furnace as auxiliary backup heating. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, dual fuel heat pump RTUs can reduce energy costs in commercial buildings by up to 50 percent compared to traditional RTUs. The long-term utility cost savings, plus rebates and incentives that offset the upfront system cost, are driving adoption.

"With dual fuel RTUs, building owners in more regions can depend on the optimized efficiency of heat pumps for cooling and heating most of the year and rely on the furnace for heating on the coldest days," said Matthew Schlegel, senior product manager, commercial, Bosch Home Comfort Group. "Built upon the proven YORK® heat pump and furnace platforms, the YORK® Sun™ Pro and Sun™ Choice Dual Fuel RTUs are engineered with embedded intelligence that automatically transitions to the most optimal energy source based on outdoor conditions and customizable settings programmed to the operational goals of the facility."

Innovative controls for ease of use

The seamless transition between fuel sources is automated through innovative controls, which make the Sun™ Pro and Sun™ Choice dual fuel RTUs practical and efficient. The controls enable operators to set a balance point to determine the outside temperature at which the system will transition between heat pump heat and gas heat to maximize comfort and efficiency. The balance point can be customized to prioritize comfort or lower emissions.

System redundancy for long-term reliability

System reliability is significantly enhanced through built-in redundancy and reliability. In addition to controlling the heat source by outdoor temperature setpoint, the RTUs include a backup heat setting that allows the unit to engage either source of heat when there is a lockout or failure with the other source of heat, ensuring at least some heat is provided to the space in all conditions. Optional hot gas reheat (HGRH) helps control humidity, and simplified controls support easy operation. Units also feature a dual-circuit design for refrigerant. In the event of a refrigerant leak or compressor issue on one circuit, the system will continue to operate at 50 percent capacity until it can be serviced.

Technician-friendly features for simplified installation and service

The Sun™ Pro model (6.5-12.5 tons) is designed for easy serviceability with a slide-out blower and hinged panels for tool-less access. The Sun™ Choice model (12.5-25 tons) features a direct-drive plenum fan that improves efficiency, simplifies service, speeds commissioning and expands airflow capability. For most installations, Sun™ Choice units do not require curb adapters, which can significantly reduce installation costs.

Jason Carter, senior product manager, commercial, Bosch Home Comfort Group said, "Our new direct drive plenum fans are a game changer. By eliminating belts and moving to a slide-out design, contractors save time on commissioning and maintenance, while building owners gain a more efficient, reliable system."

Savings calculator for ideal system selection

To help facility managers estimate the financial impact of dual fuel efficiency, Bosch Home Comfort Group developed the YORK® Dual Fuel Heat Pump Operating Cost and Emissions Estimator tool, available in Solution Navigator, an all-in-one app for product selection and literature. The Estimator tool helps customers compare annual costs and emissions for dual fuel systems versus standard AC with gas heat or a standard heat pump. It also estimates outcomes at different balance points.

Pro and Choice Dual Fuel RTUs are available from the YORK®, Johnson Controls, TempMaster®, Luxaire®, Coleman®, Champion®, Fraser-Johnston® and Kenmore® brands as part of the Bosch Home Comfort Group portfolio and brands and are backed by a one-year parts warranty. For more information about YORK® Sun™ Pro and Sun™ Choice Dual Fuel RTUs, please visit https://www.york.com.

YORK® is a registered trademark of Johnson Controls International plc and its affiliated companies. Used under license.