Kicking off 2025 training series: A successful first session on heat pump RTUs and ERVs
The first training session on “Heat Pump RTUs and ERVs: How to support customers’ energy goals with efficient RTUs” was held on February 25, 2025, at Midwest Mechanical Solutions (MMS) Training Facility in Golden Valley, MN. This event marked an exciting milestone for the Next Gen Rooftop Unit (RTU) initiative through Minnesota’s Efficient Technology Accelerator, which brought together a multitude of energy professionals to learn about the benefits and building applications of these efficient technologies.
The Next Gen RTU team designed the training to advance the performance of next gen RTUs to meet the growing demand for energy efficient and sustainable building solutions. Through strategic activities and partnerships, the team hopes to advance commercial standards and establish next gen RTUs as the preferred choice in the industry.
Though it’s primarily designed for mechanical contractors, the training welcomed a diverse group of attendees, including program implementers, mechanical engineers, sales professionals, HVAC students, facility teams, and more. The broad participation indicated a growing interest in efficient RTUs and energy recovery ventilators (ERVs) across various energy sectors, while highlighting the importance of energy efficient HVAC solutions in commercial buildings.
"By providing trainings, our team hopes to show contractors, engineers, and building owners that efficient technologies like dual fuel heat pumps and ERVs work in our climate and are ready to be installed in light commercial applications. These technologies are proven. Now we need to get the word out about their benefits."
Leah Guenter, Next Gen RTUs Initiative Manager
Key takeaways from the training
The session covered a range of topics including:
- Introduction to dual fuel heat pump RTUs: Insights into the technology and how it can provide significant energy savings.
- ERVs and heat recovery: How ERVs improve indoor air quality while reducing overall energy waste.
- Cost savings and customer goals: Financial and energy benefits to help building owners meet cost savings, decarbonization, and energy savings.
- Implementation strategies: Ideal building types for heat pump RTUs, planned replacement approaches, and available financial incentives and rebates.
Support from utilities and distributors alike
A highlight of the event was the participation of representatives from Xcel Energy and CenterPoint Energy. The utility representatives provided information on available incentives and program opportunities to help attendees understand how incentives can make heat pump RTUs and ERVs more accessible to building owners.
Gratitude is extended to Midwest Mechanical Solutions for hosting the event and supporting a shared mission on advancing energy efficient HVAC solutions. Their commitment to industry education played a key role in successful training.
Looking ahead
This training is just the beginning. For those who couldn’t attend this first session, more opportunities will be available soon. A companion Part II Session, which will focus on controls for efficient RTUs, is set to take place in fall 2025. To receive the latest news on training opportunities, new resources, and industry insights, sign up for the Next Gen RTU newsletter.
For more information on this program, visit the website
Next Gen RTUs is a statewide program under Minnesota's Efficient Technology Accelerator (ETA), a partnership funded by the state's investor-owned utilities (IOUs), administered by the Minnesota Department of Commerce, Division of Energy Resources (DER), and implemented by Center for Energy and Environment (CEE).