Michelle Robb, Director of Product Planning at Mitsubishi spoke to Alex Ulam about VRF, or air source heat pump technology, and how it can fit into the American built environment context.
Why are VRF heat pumps more prevalent outside the US?
US homes and buildings generally utilize centralized systems that condition an entire house or floor, whereas European and Asian designs utilize a more zoned approach for efficiency due to high energy costs.
Each room in a typical European home has its own piece of equipment. Residents walk into the room and turn it on; they walk out of the room and turn it off. That’s just their mindset due to the high energy cost. It’s a different thought process for the US, although we are in the process of changing as a result of new building codes and energy-efficiency standards.
FULL STORY: Could this heating technology revolutionize the US market?

Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly
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Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

San Francisco Suspends Traffic Calming Amidst Record Deaths
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Defunct Pittsburgh Power Plant to Become Residential Tower
A decommissioned steam heat plant will be redeveloped into almost 100 affordable housing units.

Trump Prompts Restructuring of Transportation Research Board in “Unprecedented Overreach”
The TRB has eliminated more than half of its committees including those focused on climate, equity, and cities.

Amtrak Rolls Out New Orleans to Alabama “Mardi Gras” Train
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