Hotel lands first booking for AquaSnap
UK – Radisson Hotel Manchester City Centre has become the first hospitality venue in the UK to install Carrier Commercial HVAC’s new AquaSnap 61AQ heat pumps, strengthening its position as a Verified Net Zero hotel.
The AquaSnap 61AQ has been designed and optimised to operate with natural refrigerant R290, offering ultra-low global warming potential (GWP) and high energy performance.
The hotel had originally planned to install another heat pump model from Carrier’s 61 range. However, with the launch of the 61AQ in February 2025, the hotel revised its specification to take advantage of the system’s enhanced efficiency, low environmental impact and future-ready design to help the hotel strengthen its Net Zero position and further align with the 2040 Net Zero Methodology for Hotels.
Four 120kW modular units, providing a combined 480 kW of heating capacity, were crane-lifted and installed on the hotel’s rooftop. The design was created by consultants [PS]K Design and installed by award-winning contractor Nationwide Air Conditioning.
Strong example
Andrew Murfin, Director at [PS]K Design, said, “We have a long-standing relationship with Raddison Hotels and when the opportunity to integrate new cutting-edge, ultra-low carbon technology came about, Raddison were very keen”.
“This project represents one of the first real-world applications of a newly launched R290 air source heat pump, delivered through close collaboration between Radisson, Carrier, [PS]K and Nationwide Air Conditioning,” said Daniel Valente, Head of Projects, Nationwide Air Conditioning.
“Drawing on our experience delivering decarbonisation retrofits in complex, operational environments, we supported and developed the integration of the design by upgrading the primary circuit, locating space for the new plant and ensuring a smooth transition away from gas. Despite a reduction in flow temperatures, existing emitters were mostly retained, minimising disruption while maximising carbon savings. It’s a strong example of how well-coordinated, lower carbon retrofit solutions can be achieved in challenging, live environments.”
“We’ve worked hard to be a Verified Net Zero hotel at our Manchester City Centre location,” said Simon Pearson, Area Engineering Director – UK and Ireland, Radisson Hotel Group. “We use 100% renewable energy, offer low-carbon menus and now have a heating system that enhances our energy efficiency and reduces our carbon footprint while maintaining our high standards for guest comfort.”
Each 61AQ unit features inverter-driven compressors and variable-speed fans, allowing the system to adjust output according to real-time demand – a key advantage for maximising seasonal efficiency and controlling energy use. The heat pump exceeds Ecodesign efficiency standards by up to 30% and operates at sound levels 10 dB(A) below regulatory thresholds, helping ensure quiet, reliable performance in a hospitality environment.
“Decarbonisation requires innovative solutions. That’s exactly what the AquaSnap 61AQ delivers.”
Andrew Paddock, MD, Carrier Commercial HVAC UK&I and Nordics
The heat pump is connected to Carrier’s Abound HVAC Performance platform, providing remote visibility, diagnostics and predictive maintenance to help ensure uptime and optimise efficiency. This digital layer enables the hotel’s facilities team to track system performance in real time and plan service interventions proactively.
The result is a lower-carbon, higher-efficiency heating system designed to support Radisson Hotel Manchester City Centre’s long-term sustainability ambitions with intelligent, future-ready technology.
