An SPHP is an all-in-one HVAC unit providing both heating and cooling in a single cabinet. It avoids long refrigerant runs and typically uses two 8″ round through-the-wall openings and are wall-mounted for simplified installation. Example: Ice Air’s variable-speed iCool XC.
They electrify heating/cooling—reducing operational carbon emissions. Paired with cleaner electricity (solar, wind, hydro), buildings cut their carbon footprint and align with net-zero 2050 targets and local policies.
SPHPs must meet central system standards under AHRI 210/240 (DOE). Ratings are SEER2 (cooling) and HSPF2 (heating), not legacy EER/COP. Ice Air’s iCool XC is fully compliant.
Risks include building non-compliance, loss of incentives, and legal exposure. Ice Air products are tested/certified to AHRI 210/240 for compliance.
They maintain compressor operation at low ambient (e.g., ≤17°F) and continue heating. Data shows heating even at 5°F, with a small electric heater supplement if needed. No “hard cutoff” temperature for compressor operation.
Defrost cycles clear outdoor coil frost and typically last ~2–3 minutes (≤4). Units maintain setpoint through modulation—unlike older technology where defrost could run 15–30 minutes.
Yes. SPHP: up to ~40 CFM OA per unit; PTHP: up to ~60 CFM per unit. The iCool XC brings OA through the same wall opening, simplifying design/cost.
Standard OA filter is typically MERV 3–4 (up to MERV 8). MERV 13 adds significant pressure drop; Ice Air can evaluate project-specific needs.
Often yes, indoors—thanks to compressor isolation and cabinet insulation. PTHPs may block exterior noise better via sleeve, but occupant-perceived indoor sound is typically lower with SPHPs. Ice Air publishes sound data per model.
They modulate output to track demand: low speed near setpoint (efficiency/quiet), higher speed for quick pull-down/up. Improves comfort, humidity control, and energy performance. See iCool XC.
Typically two round 8″ openings (covered by two rounds or one horizontal louver). The unit mounts on a bracket aligned with penetrations; a bottom bolt tightens against the wall to reduce leakage/vibration.
Route condensate to an internal building drain (PVC common). External routing with heat tape adds complexity/risk of freezing—generally not recommended.
Yes—via Ice Air’s patented Power Metering Switch. Cooling mode draws from tenant panel; heating mode draws from owner panel. Ideal for affordable housing and LL97 strategies.
Terminal SPHP/PTHP: R-32. Central/DHW heat pumps: R-454B. Both align with current EPA rules and offer low GWP.
~13°F (ASHRAE). Select units to meet the room’s heating load at this temperature (compressor + any electric supplement).
Yes—if sized correctly. High loads (large glazing/multiple exposures/weak envelope) may require multiple terminals or a higher-capacity PTHP. Load calculation is essential.
Not directly, but Ice Air provides custom sheet-metal transition plenums to adapt the sleeve to two round ducts with proper insulation and air sealing.
20–22 ga sheet metal (avoid foam-only); two 8″ duct takeoffs; insulated and airtight; include a drain if required.
No. The iCool XC Style A brings filtered OA directly through the unit without a rear ERV module, saving space and cost.
Typically 10–15 years; with proper maintenance, many last 15–20 years. (Commodity PTACs/window units often 3–7 years.)
- Replace indoor air filters periodically
- Clean coils annually
- Inspect fresh-air filters
- Check condensate drains
- Keep controls configured per guidance
Example data:
- 22°F: ~6,600 BTU/h (compressor) + ~3,400 BTU/h (1 kW electric) ≈ 10,000 BTU/h total
- 5°F: ~5,600 BTU/h (compressor) + ~3,400 BTU/h (1 kW electric) ≈ 9,000 BTU/h total
Grid peak is typically in summer (cooling). Winter electrification adds load but remains below summer peak in most regions; utilities are planning for long-term growth and offer incentives.
- Wall penetrations & exterior louvers/perf panels
- Electrical panel capacity & circuits
- Internal condensate routing
- Seismic/wind loading, as required
Yes: the SPXC can be ducted to serve multiple rooms (e.g., 2–3 BR units) from a single terminal.
- AHRI/DOE compliance data (SEER2/HSPF2)
- Low ambient performance tables
- Dimensions & penetration templates
- Controls/thermostat options
- Sound & airflow information
Don’t match boiler capacity. Calculate room-by-room loads (orientation, glazing, infiltration, internal gains). Select units to meet the heating load at winter design temperature; verify cooling/ventilation/acoustics.
Wall-mounted slim cabinets with concealed line cord routing; flexible placement height for airflow and visual integration.
Yes—a paper template is included. Many general contractors fabricate a sheet-metal jig for repeatable alignment across floors.
Send floor plans, room dimensions, envelope assumptions, and preliminary loads. Ice Air assists with model selection, layout, and energy modeling. Contact the Ice Air team.
- Compliance leadership (AHRI 210/240; DOE)
- Cold-climate performance
- Direct OA capability without rear ERV modules
- Patented Power Metering Switch (tenant vs. owner billing)
- Passive House options (RSXC)
- Complete electrified line (terminal + central/DHW)
- Tools: eModeler, LL97 AI Bot
- U.S.-based engineering support
Yes—designed for current DOE/EPA/LL97 requirements and aligned with future refrigerant/emissions roadmaps.
Use Ice Air’s eModeler to model energy, emissions, LL97 penalty avoidance, and payback with incentives.
Contact Ice Air with preliminary plans and load assumptions for model selection, budgetary pricing, and incentive strategy.
