The commercial HVAC industry is experiencing one of its most significant shifts in decades. With environmental regulations tightening, customers demanding greener solutions, and businesses under pressure to reduce operational costs, the stakes have never been higher for choosing the right technology.
At Weatherite, we’ve always believed that innovation shouldn’t wait for regulation it should anticipate it. That’s why we’re proud to introduce a major advancement in sustainable commercial HVAC technology: our new Retail One R290 Package Heat Pump Unit, engineered with an ultra-low Global Warming Potential (GWP) of just 3.
For consultants, contractors, and facilities managers looking to future-proof their assets, this heat pump represents a new era of safety, efficiency, and environmental responsibility.
Why R290 Is the Natural Next Step for Commercial HVAC
The global transition away from high-GWP synthetic refrigerants is accelerating. Legislation across Europe and the UK is becoming increasingly stringent, with conventional refrigerants often exceeding 2,000 in GWP.
R290, a natural refrigerant, offers a GWP of only 3. That means dramatically lower environmental impact, significantly reduced carbon footprint, and a system that aligns perfectly with both current and future regulatory frameworks.
Weatherite’s R290 unit doesn’t just meet today’s standards, it exceeds them. It complies fully with:
- PED 2014/68/EU
- BS EN 378
- ERP Directive
- Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC
This allows consultants and specifiers to choose a solution with absolute confidence that it meets the highest industry requirements in performance, safety, and environmental stewardship.
Designed for Real-World Performance and Advanced Safety
When it comes to commercial environments, performance on paper doesn’t always translate to performance on the ground. That’s why Weatherite’s engineering team created the R290 heat pump with real-world challenges in mind.
Natural refrigerants deliver huge environmental benefits, but they require specialist handling. Our system incorporates a multi-layered safety approach, including:
- Integrated leak detection systems
- Explosion-proof emergency ventilation
- Audible and visual alarm systems
- Pressure protection and shutdown protocols
This ensures safe operation across all conditions — during normal operation, servicing, and even fault conditions.
Unbeatable Efficiency That Drives Down Lifetime Costs
Energy efficiency is no longer a “nice to have” it’s a commercial priority. The R290 heat pump has been engineered for exceptional operational efficiencies that help your customers reduce energy bills year-round.
Key efficiency features include:
- EC Plug Fans, driven by Weatherite’s own proprietary algorithms for optimal airflow
- Enhanced performance even during defrost cycles
- Hydronic system with thermal storage— delivering reliable heating output in cold weather
- Hermetic compressors and EC technology for near-silent operation
These engineering choices deliver high COP values, meaning lower operating costs and faster ROI.
Built for Smart Buildings
Modern facilities demand systems that integrate seamlessly into existing building management infrastructures. The R290 heat pump’s intelligent control platform is fully BMS-compatible, offering:
- Remote performance monitoring
- Real-time system diagnostics
- Predictive maintenance alerts
- Easy integration into multi-unit sites
This isn’t just a heat pump, it’s a smart, connected asset that gives FM teams greater control and visibility than ever before.
Flexible, Customisable and Ready for Any Project
Every site has unique requirements, which is why flexibility and modularity were central to the R290 unit’s design. Weatherite offers:
- Multiple unit sizes and capacities
- Left or right-hand duct connections
- Modular configuration options
- Custom-built design solutions for challenging sites
From supermarkets and retail environments to warehouses, depots, and distribution centres, the R290 system can be tailored to meet a wide variety of commercial and light-industrial applications.
Reducing Risk and Speeding Up Installation
Delays on site are one of the biggest frustrations for contractors and end-users alike. Weatherite eliminates much of this risk through:
- Factory assembly
- Full pre-commissioning
- Factory testing before dispatch
This means fewer surprises, faster installation, reduced site time and labour costs, and a smoother handover process. Coupled with optional high-efficiency heat recovery modules (plate or rotary), the system opens additional value-engineering opportunities for budget-conscious projects.
A Strategic Advantage for HVAC Consultants and Contractors
In a marketplace where clients want solutions that are greener, future-proof, and cost-effective, Weatherite’s R290 heat pump empowers consultants to deliver:
- Compliance with current and upcoming environmental regulations
- Real sustainability gains through ultra-low GWP technology
- Long-term cost savings due to high system efficiency
- Reliable performance backed by decades of engineering excellence
- Flexible design options for diverse building layouts
This is more than simply specifying a new piece of equipment. It’s an opportunity to position your business as a forward-thinking leader in low-carbon HVAC solutions.
Partnering With a Manufacturer You Can Trust
Weatherite has been delivering specialist HVAC solutions for over 50 years. With in-house design, fabrication, testing, installation support, and commissioning expertise, we don’t just manufacture equipment, we deliver complete solutions.
When you choose Weatherite, you’re choosing a partner committed to:
- Innovation
- Sustainability
- Precision engineering
- On-time delivery
- Long-term system reliability
In an industry undergoing rapid transformation, we’re here to help our customers stay ahead sustainably, intelligently, and confidently.
Explore the Future of HVAC Today
The Weatherite R290 Package Heat Pump Unit represents a major step forward for organisations seeking sustainable, efficient, and future-proof heating and cooling solutions.
If you’re working on a project that requires low-carbon technology or if you simply want to understand how R290 could benefit your clients our technical team is ready to help.