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?

Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program
Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

Ken Jennings Launches Transit Web Series
The Jeopardy champ wants you to ride public transit.

Driving Equity and Clean Air: California Invests in Greener School Transportation
California has awarded $500 million to fund 1,000 zero-emission school buses and chargers for educational agencies as part of its effort to reduce pollution, improve student health, and accelerate the transition to clean transportation.

Congress Moves to End Reconnecting Communities and Related Grants
The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee moved to rescind funding for the Neighborhood Equity and Access program, which funds highway removals, freeway caps, transit projects, pedestrian infrastructure, and more.

From Throughway to Public Space: Taking Back the American Street
How the Covid-19 pandemic taught us new ways to reclaim city streets from cars.
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