The world’s first integrated heat pump with CO₂ as refrigerant
COOLHEAT is the first air handling unit that combines heating and cooling in one solution, based on natural refrigerants, operating efficiently all year round. Developed in close collaboration with the Danish Technological Institute and built on seven years of experience with CO₂ as a refrigerant, it is designed to deliver high comfort, significant energy savings, and full compliance with the EU’s stricter F-gas regulation. An important step towards more sustainable and future-proof buildings.
COOLHEAT uses CO₂ (R744) as refrigerant, a natural solution completely free from fluorinated substances and PFAS, with a Global Warming Potential (GWP) of just 1. This means the technology is not subject to the EU’s stricter F-gas regulation or the upcoming restrictions on PFAS containing substances.
The EU F-gas regulation, which is already in force, is gradually phasing out the use of fluorinated refrigerants with high GWP. The first specific bans take effect as early as 2027, when large ventilation and heat pump systems will only be allowed to use refrigerants with a GWP below 150. By 2032, further restrictions will follow for smaller systems. Since CO₂ contains no fluorine, it falls entirely outside the scope of the regulation.
Unlike synthetic refrigerants, CO₂ contains no PFAS, the so called “forever chemicals” that can contaminate groundwater, food and the surrounding environment. PFAS accumulate in nature over time and are suspected of being harmful to both humans and wildlife. This is why Denmark and the EU are already working towards a total ban on PFAS in a wide range of products.
COOLHEAT is a future proof solution that not only complies with upcoming regulations but also takes active responsibility in driving the green transition.
Note: The comparison is based on a 2018 Peugeot 3008 with a CO₂ emission of 119 g/km.
R410A with a GWP of 2088: a leak of 10 kg equals driving 175,462 kilometers, which is about four and a half times around the Earth.
By comparison, a 10 kg leak of CO₂ with a GWP of 1 equals driving only 84 kilometers.
At Unic Air we find this perspective thought provoking. It clearly illustrates how important it is to choose the right refrigerants to reduce global warming and how to act on it in practice.
One of the most significant innovations in COOLHEAT is its ability to adapt to actual operating needs throughout the year. During summer, buildings require a high cooling capacity to maintain a comfortable indoor climate. In some cases, ventilation must change the air up to six times per hour to remove the natural heat load of the building.
In winter, when the main requirement is simply to heat the air to room temperature and ensure a low CO₂ level indoors, the need for air changes is more than halved. At the same time, the building’s heat loss is covered by other heating sources.
To meet these changing demands, COOLHEAT uses two compressors, each designed specifically for its season. In summer, the large compressor is used to move and cool large volumes of air. In winter, the smaller compressor takes over to efficiently produce heat. Together they ensure energy efficient operation all year round, since the heating compressor is dimensioned for the specific situation and therefore smaller.
Before producing heat itself, COOLHEAT always recovers passive heat from the exhaust air. This ensures both low energy consumption and cost efficient operation. Thanks to its high heat recovery efficiency, COOLHEAT can often fully replace the need for district heating on the roof, thereby significantly reducing installation costs.
On August 1 Unic Air launches the new COOLHEAT air handling unit, the result of a development partnership with the Danish Technological Institute that has been ongoing since 2021. The solution has been thoroughly tested by the institute.
This external documentation not only ensures compliance with current regulations, it can also support DGNB certifications at a higher level and demonstrate the building’s contribution to CO₂ reduction.
COOLHEAT is designed for professional building projects where operational efficiency, environmental performance and documentation requirements are essential. With natural cooling technology and a thoroughly tested design, the solution enables ambitious energy targets without compromising comfort, flexibility or performance.
CO₂ (R744) is a natural refrigerant with an extremely low Global Warming Potential (GWP of 1) and completely free from PFAS and fluorinated substances. This means COOLHEAT is not affected by the EU F-gas regulation, which from 2027 and 2032 will restrict the use of traditional HFC and HFO refrigerants. The solution is therefore both future proof and compliant with legislation.
COOLHEAT provides stable ventilation with the right temperature and high air quality all year round. The system maintains a low CO₂ level, minimizes draught and adapts the air changes to actual needs. This creates a healthy and comfortable indoor environment that supports well being, concentration and productivity in offices, schools and institutions.
COOLHEAT uses two specially designed compressors, one for the high cooling demand in summer and one for heating in winter. The system adapts to the actual operating needs, ensuring stable supply air and optimal energy savings all year round.
Yes. COOLHEAT has been tested in collaboration with the Danish Technological Institute, and the external documentation can be used as a basis for DGNB certification. The solution contributes to CO₂ reduction and meets the requirements for environmentally friendly technologies in modern and sustainable buildings.
