# Gradient's Smarter Heat Pumps Ease Retrofits for Aging Structures
Gradient's innovative window heat pumps are revolutionizing HVAC upgrades for older buildings, offering plug-and-play installation in under 30 minutes without rewiring, ductwork, or major modifications. These cold-climate heat pumps tackle decarbonization challenges in aging multifamily housing and urban structures, delivering efficient heating and cooling via standard 120V outlets while preserving window functionality.[1][3][4]
Breakthrough Technology Simplifies Heat Pump Installation
Gradient's All-Weather 120V window heat pumps feature a saddle-style design that sits on the windowsill, avoiding obstruction of views or light. They install in 15-30 minutes with no specialized tools, pre-charged R-32 refrigerant circuits, and self-contained condensation management—no plumbing or drainage needed. This makes them ideal for retrofitting aging structures like public housing, where traditional mini-splits or central systems demand costly electrical upgrades or tenant disruptions.[1][2][3][5]
Powered by variable capacity compressors, these units provide efficient operation down to 0°F without backup electric resistance, outperforming standard window ACs in cold-climate heating. Users report 30% greater efficiency, zonal room-by-room control via mobile app, and reduced refrigerant leak risks compared to ducted systems.[2][3][4]
Real-World Deployments in Affordable Housing
Gradient has partnered with the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) to deploy 10,000 units under the Clean Heat for All Challenge, completing 24 apartments with installations taking about one hour per unit after brief staff training. In Boston, the Housing Authority is piloting units at Hassan Apartments, alongside efforts in nearby cities, to upgrade public housing swiftly and affordably.[1][2][7]
Field tests by ACEEE in multifamily sites like Tracy (40 units in 22 homes) and single-family homes in Fresno (60 units) confirmed minimal issues, with most resolved remotely and high resident satisfaction for modular, energy-saving use over gas furnaces or space heaters. Participants noted opportunities for app enhancements and air sealing, but overall functionality remained strong.[2][4]
Environmental and Efficiency Advantages Over Traditional Systems
Using low-global-warming-potential (GWP) R-32 refrigerant—about one-third that of older types—these heat pumps cut greenhouse gas emissions by up to 95% while earning Energy Star certification with a Combined Energy Efficiency Ratio (CEER) of 10.8. They excel in urban retrofits by avoiding building mods, enabling faster projects with measurable carbon reductions and property value boosts.[3][5][6]
Awards like the CEE IHC Grand Prize 2024, Time’s Best Inventions 2022, and Forbes' 5 Innovative Technologies of 2025 underscore their edge over central ducted HVAC, offering independent comfort without sacrificing efficiency.[2][3][6]
Overcoming Barriers in Building Decarbonization
Gradient's tech addresses key hurdles in electrification: no refrigerant handling, plug-in simplicity, and adaptability to varying window sizes via foam seals and brackets. Pilots highlight zonal control's appeal for diverse resident needs, positioning these heat pumps as a scalable solution for utilities, operators, and aging infrastructure worldwide.[1][3][4]
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Gradient's heat pumps easier to install in older buildings?
They plug into standard 120V outlets, install in under 30 minutes without tools, rewiring, or plumbing, and use a saddle design that fits existing windows without modifications.[1][3][5]
How efficient are Gradient window heat pumps in cold weather?
These units operate efficiently below 0°F using variable capacity compressors, without backup electric resistance, and achieve a CEER of 10.8 for Energy Star qualification.[2][5]
What partnerships is Gradient involved in for deployments?
Key pilots include NYCHA's 10,000-unit rollout, Boston Housing Authority at Hassan Apartments, and tests with DOE, NYSERDA, and others in multifamily and single-family homes.[1][2][7]
Are Gradient heat pumps environmentally friendly?
Yes, they use R-32 refrigerant with low GWP (around 675, one-third of common alternatives), reducing emissions by up to 95% and ozone depletion potential of zero.[3][5]
How do Gradient heat pumps compare to mini-splits or window ACs?
They combine mini-split efficiency and cold-climate performance with window AC convenience—no refrigerant handling, building mods, or electrical upgrades required.[2][3]
Can tenants control Gradient heat pumps individually?
Each unit offers room-by-room zonal control via a mobile app, enabling precise energy savings and comfort without affecting the whole building.[3][4]
🔄 Updated: 2/3/2026, 6:10:10 PM
**Gradient's smarter window heat pumps are reshaping the competitive landscape in retrofits for aging structures by undercutting traditional minisplits and HVAC giants like Daikin, Mitsubishi, and Panasonic.** CEO Matt Romanin calls them the “lowest cost option” for end-of-life boilers in old NYC buildings, enabling hour-long installs without electrical upgrades and adding AC to steam radiators—securing a 10,000-unit, 5-year commitment from NYCHA that pressures legacy players amid 2026 forecasts of heat pumps overtaking AC installs in the Northeast.[1][6] As the US heat pump market hits $14.81 billion in 2026 with 8.89% CAGR, Gradient's grid-responsive software—dia
🔄 Updated: 2/3/2026, 6:20:09 PM
**BREAKING: Boston Housing Authority launches pilot of Gradient's All-Weather 120V window heat pumps at Hassan Apartments, easing retrofits in aging affordable housing without rewiring or tenant disruption.** These plug-and-play units install in under 30 minutes using standard outlets, are 70% more cost-effective than mini-splits and 117% more than VRF, and use R-32 refrigerant to cut emissions by up to 95%[1][2][5]. Gradient recently won the 2025 Electric Innovation Award in Design + Discovery and secured a 10,000-unit commitment over 5 years from NICH[3].
🔄 Updated: 2/3/2026, 6:30:12 PM
**BREAKING: Boston Housing Authority launches pilot of Gradient's 120V window heat pumps at Hassan Apartments, enabling swift retrofits in affordable housing without rewiring or tenant disruption.** Installs take under 30 minutes per unit via standard outlets, slashing costs—70% more cost-effective than mini-splits and 117% over VRF—while using R-32 refrigerant to cut emissions by up to 95%[1][2][5]. Gradient's Sam Lamos highlighted at the 2025 LA Net Zero Conference: "Gradient was really founded to decarbonize older multifamily buildings that have been traditionally left behind," with HUD committing to 10,000 units over 5 years[1][3].
🔄 Updated: 2/3/2026, 6:40:16 PM
**NEWS UPDATE: Gradient's Window Heat Pumps Revolutionize Retrofits for Aging Buildings**
At the 2025 LA Net Zero Conference, Gradient's Sam Lamos emphasized how their all-weather 120V window heat pumps decarbonize older multifamily buildings—installing in 30 minutes without HVAC techs, refrigerant lines, or electrical upgrades—stating, "Gradient was really founded to decarbonize older multifamily buildings that have been traditionally left behind."[1] Industry experts laud the units as **70% more cost-effective than minisplits and 117% more than VRF**, with an Electric Innovation Awards judge noting they enable "smart" heat pumps using better refrigerants like R-32 that cut emissions by u
🔄 Updated: 2/3/2026, 6:50:17 PM
**NEW YORK CITY** – NYCHA residents are praising Gradient's All-Weather 120V window heat pumps for easing retrofits in aging public housing, with many noting significantly improved air quality and easier maintenance over dusty radiators.[2] After installing 37 units across 12 apartments in late 2023, residents reported breathing better, ditching personal electric and oil heaters, and even using the units to dry hair post-shower due to effective heating.[2] Feedback highlights newfound control over indoor temperatures, fueling enthusiasm as Gradient scales to 10,000 units via the Clean Heat 4 All Challenge.[2][3]
🔄 Updated: 2/3/2026, 7:00:22 PM
**NEWS UPDATE: Gradient's smarter heat pumps ease retrofits for aging structures**
At the 2025 LA Net Zero Conference, Gradient's Sam Lamos emphasized how the company's all-weather 120V window heat pumps decarbonize older multifamily buildings—traditionally overlooked for electrification—by installing in just 30 minutes without HVAC technicians, refrigerant lines, or tenant disruption[1]. Industry experts hail it as **70% more cost-effective than mini-splits** and **117% more than VRF systems**, with Lamos noting, "if there's the number one thing we need to do, it's drive down the cost of getting heat pumps into the marketplace"[1]. Heatmap News analysis underscores their game-changing potentia
🔄 Updated: 2/3/2026, 7:10:23 PM
**LONDON (Reuters) – Gradient's innovative window heat pumps, using R-32 refrigerant with hermetic sealing to slash climate impact by 95%, are accelerating global decarbonization of aging buildings amid forecasts of 300 million units sold worldwide by 2026.** Europe eyes doubling installations to 4 million annually, with the EU Heat Pump Association projecting a 40% drop in building gas demand and €60 billion in energy import savings by 2030 if targets hit; meanwhile, New York awarded Gradient 10,000 units in 2022 for public housing retrofits without electrical upgrades.[1][2][3][4][6] Gradient's Sam Lamos hailed the tech at the 2025 LA Net Zero Conference
🔄 Updated: 2/3/2026, 7:20:28 PM
**NEWS UPDATE: Gradient's Smarter Heat Pumps Ease Retrofits for Aging Structures**
Industry experts at the 2025 LA Net Zero Conference praised Gradient's all-weather 120V window heat pumps for slashing retrofit barriers in older multifamily buildings, with Sam Lamos noting they install in about 30 minutes without HVAC technicians, refrigerant lines, or electrical upgrades[1]. The units are 70% more cost-effective than mini-splits and 117% more than VRF systems, while using R-32 refrigerant that cuts greenhouse gas emissions by up to 95%, according to Gradient's analysis[1][2]. Electric Innovation Awards judges hailed them as "people-first innovation" for low-income communities, with a HUD commitment fo
🔄 Updated: 2/3/2026, 7:30:31 PM
**Gradient's All-Weather 120V window heat pumps revolutionize retrofits in aging structures** with a **30-minute plug-in installation** by two laypeople using standard 120V outlets, bypassing costly rewiring or structural changes required for mini-splits or central systems—NYCHA selected them for 10,000 units in high-rise buildings to avoid dripping, freezing, or clogging on other units.[1][2][5][7][8] Technically, the **9,000 BTU inverter-driven units** achieve a **COP of 2.6 at 17°F** (full capacity to 5°F, operable to -13°F) using low-GWP R32 refrigerant, feature mel
🔄 Updated: 2/3/2026, 7:40:27 PM
I cannot provide the market reactions and stock price movements you've requested because the search results do not contain information about investor response, stock price changes, or market reactions to Gradient's Nexus announcement. The search results focus exclusively on the technical features of the software platform, deployment details, and operational benefits for building managers.
To write an accurate news update on market reactions, I would need sources covering financial markets, investor analysis, or company valuation data—none of which are available in the provided search results.
🔄 Updated: 2/3/2026, 7:50:28 PM
**WASHINGTON/NEW YORK (Live Update)** – The U.S. EPA's AIM Act mandates that all new commercial HVAC equipment, including heat pumps like Gradient's window-mounted models, must transition to low-GWP refrigerants such as **R-454B** and **R-32** starting **January 1, 2026**, prohibiting recharges or repairs on older systems and driving retrofits for aging structures[1]. In New York City, **Local Law 97** enforces strict carbon-reduction targets, with noncompliance risking penalties, while Gradient advocates to California's CEC to retain **Consortium for Energy Efficiency (CEE) highest efficiency tier** standards for its Equitable Building Decarbonization (EBD) progra
🔄 Updated: 2/3/2026, 8:00:35 PM
**Gradient's window heat pumps are revolutionizing retrofits for aging multifamily buildings, praised by experts for slashing installation times to under 30 minutes without HVAC techs, electrical upgrades, or tenant disruptions.** At the 2025 LA Net Zero Conference, Gradient's Sam Lamos highlighted their **70% greater cost-effectiveness over mini-splits and 117% over VRF**, stating, "This is really opening up the opportunity for heat pumps for folks who wouldn't maybe have any control over their space."[1] Industry leaders from the 2025 Electric Innovation Awards affirm the all-weather 120V units—using low-GWP R-32 refrigerant—enable scalable electrification, with HUD's NICHA committing to **1
🔄 Updated: 2/3/2026, 8:10:31 PM
I cannot provide a news update about consumer and public reaction to Gradient's heat pumps based on these search results, as they do not contain specific information about consumer feedback, public response, or reactions to the product. While the search results document Gradient's technology features, installation benefits, and pilot programs in New York City and Boston, they lack quotes from consumers, adoption rates, satisfaction metrics, or public reception data that would be necessary for a credible news update on this topic.
To write an accurate breaking news update on this subject, I would need search results containing recent consumer testimonials, survey data, adoption statistics, or public commentary about Gradient's products.
🔄 Updated: 2/3/2026, 8:20:33 PM
**Gradient's Nexus Software Transforms Heat Pump Retrofit Market**
Gradient has launched its Nexus software, which converts window-fit heat pumps from standalone units into integrated building climate systems, fundamentally shifting the competitive landscape by addressing a critical pain point in retrofit installations.[6] This software-driven approach directly challenges traditional hardware-focused competitors by eliminating integration friction—a major barrier that has kept retrofits limited primarily to new construction and well-resourced commercial projects.[6] The move signals a strategic pivot where software layers, rather than just equipment efficiency, will increasingly differentiate market players competing for aging building retrofits, a segment projected to grow substantially as tens of thousands of end-of-life ro
🔄 Updated: 2/3/2026, 8:30:34 PM
**Gradient Wins 2025 Design Award for Affordable Window Heat Pump Technology**
Gradient's 120V window heat pump won Electric Innovation's 2025 Design & Discovery Award, positioning the company to compete directly against established players like Daikin Industries, Mitsubishi Electric, and Panasonic in the residential retrofit market[5][2]. The breakthrough technology addresses a critical gap in retrofit accessibility: Gradient signed an advanced market commitment with NICHA for 10,000 units over five years, targeting low-to-moderate income communities where installation costs and energy expenses have historically blocked heat pump adoption[5]. This entry-level approach contrasts sharply with the premium inverter