Driven by advancements in refrigerants, controls and system design, modern heat pumps are taking on applications once thought beyond their reach — from food service and healthcare to district energy and industrial processes. This evolution is creating new opportunities for engineers, facility owners and contractors to rethink how buildings are heated, cooled and powered.
A dual-fuel hydronic installation near Lake Michigan demonstrates how hybrid heating systems can improve comfort and efficiency in cold climates.
October 8, 2025
By pairing an air-to-water heat pump with a high-efficiency propane boiler, contractor James Downs helped a Chicagoland homeowner cut fuel costs and reduce environmental impact — without sacrificing performance.