Mestex releases gas heat pump, showcases at Southeast Show

The Sierra GHP commercial heating, cooling and dehumidification unit from Mestex. Photo courtesy of Mestex.

Mestex, a division of Mestek Inc., released the Sierra gas heat pump (GHP) commercial heating and cooling unit.

The company showcased the Sierra GHP in the Innovation Pavilion at the 2018 National Propane Gas Association Southeastern Convention & International Propane Expo.

Mestex, a group of HVAC manufacturers with a focus on air handling, says the propane-powered mechanical system for the Sierra GHP provides energy-efficient indoor climate management for indoor agricultural facilities, including those that grow cannabis, vegetables and microgreens.

“For commercial indoor agriculture, the availability, quality and consistency of electricity for heating and cooling is often inadequate,” says Sarah Swinford, vice president for engineered sales at Mestek. “The Sierra propane-fueled, industrial-grade HVAC system allows commercial indoor growers to maintain precise temperature, humidity and CO2 levels in both remote and urban areas that have limited infrastructure.”

The company says heating and cooling needs for indoor farming operations have increased a need for propane fuel in both urban and rural markets that have inadequate electricity and no natural gas infrastructure. In these markets, propane sellers are coupling volume pricing with a GHP air-conditioning system, making propane an alternative to upgrading electric utility infrastructure.

The Sierra GHP uses an internal combustion engine to drive mechanical parts of the unit, the company explains. Fueled by natural gas or propane, the Sierra GHP can be used for indoor agricultural applications that rely on heating and cooling, as well as for general commercial, institutional and residential buildings.

“There is uncertainty as to whether growers in this area will ever have access to natural gas lines, so propane is the solution,” says Bill Platz, president of Delta Liquid Energy. “By using propane-powered HVAC systems, our fuel allows these businesses to keep their operation running efficiently at a price that’s competitive with both electric and natural gas utilities.”