Eco-Logical split heat pump water heater wins AHR Expo award
USA – Eco-Logical’s Omni Series split-system heat pump water heater has won the heating category of the 2027 AHR Expo Innovation Awards. The winners were announced on 15 October 2026, ahead of the exhibition in Chicago from 25–27 January 2027. The system separates the outdoor heat pump from the indoor hot water cylinder, using refrigerant pipework to connect the two components.
Alternative to integrated heat pump cylinders
Integrated heat pump water heaters typically combine the refrigeration components and hot water cylinder within a single appliance, using surrounding room air or air supplied through external ductwork.
The Omni Series eliminates the need for air ducts to the cylinder, while keeping the compressor, fan and associated condensate production outside the building. The arrangement also offers greater flexibility in cylinder positioning, particularly where indoor space is limited.
Heat is transferred to the stored water through a microchannel condenser wrapped around the cylinder, an arrangement also found in some integrated heat pump water heaters.
Eco-Logical offers two installation options. Its Plumber Pro configuration uses the Eco-Connect pre-charged refrigerant line set with reusable, self-sealing quick-connect fittings, allowing installation without conventional refrigeration tools. A Contractor Pro version accommodates conventional refrigerant pipework installed using standard refrigeration procedures.
Three models with efficiency ratings up to 4.23
The range comprises 120V and 240V models with nominal 50 US gallon (189-litre) cylinders, alongside a 240V version with an 80 US gallon (303-litre) cylinder.
The 240V, 50-gallon model achieves a Uniform Energy Factor (UEF) of 4.23, compared with 3.3 for the 120V version and 4.11 for the larger 80-gallon model.
Both 50-gallon models have a stated heat pump heating capacity of 2.28kW, increasing to 2.82kW for the 80-gallon version. The systems use inverter-driven compressors and can produce water temperatures up to 65°C in heat pump-only operation.
The units use R513A refrigerant, an A1-classified, non-flammable blend with a global warming potential of 573 under the IPCC’s fifth assessment methodology.
According to Eco-Logical, the heat pump can operate at outdoor temperatures down to −15°C, while hybrid operation incorporating electric resistance heating is specified down to approximately −37°C.
The 120V option is intended to simplify replacement installations in US properties where upgrading the electrical supply could otherwise add to installation costs.
Recognition from AHR Expo
Other finalists in the heating category included Copeland, for its variable-capacity heat pump compression portfolio, and Lochinvar, for its Regent commercial tankless water heater.
The annual AHR Expo Innovation Awards recognise equipment and technologies assessed by independent judges from ASHRAE on innovation, practical application and potential industry impact.
The overall Product of the Year winner will be announced during the January exhibition.
