When it comes to building energy solutions, it’s easy to fall into the “either/or” mindset. Electric or gas? Traditional or renewable? But at the end of the day, there’s only one true winner that matters: the environment in which we’re living.
That’s why selecting the right energy source for heating, cooling, and domestic hot water shouldn’t be about trends—it should be based on climate conditions, building characteristics, and available infrastructure.
Electric heat pumps play a key role in building decarbonization. They’re clean, efficient, and widely promoted. But they’re not always ideal—particularly in cold climates, retrofit applications, or buildings with high hot water demand or limited electrical capacity. Grid constraints and upgrade costs can further limit feasibility.
Gas Absorption Heat Pumps (GAHPs), such as the Robur GAHP AR Plus or GAHP A Plus offer an energy-efficient alternative powered by natural gas or propane.
What makes GAHPs unique?
They operate using the thermal energy from a gas flame, driving an ammonia-water absorption cycle. This makes GAHPs a resilient, grid-independent solution for year-round comfort.
GAHPs can function in temperatures as low as –40 °F without auxiliary heating, making them well-suited to northern and continental climates. Because they use existing gas infrastructure, GAHPs are ideal for retrofits and or DHW production.
A pilot project by FortisBC involved installing Robur gas absorption heat pumps in commercial buildings to evaluate their performance. In January 2020, the units achieved over 100% efficiency even at 17.6 °F (–8 °C), with gas savings of up to 35% compared to standard boilers. Based on these results, FortisBC launched a full rebate program covering up to 75% of project costs.
The Toronto Atmospheric Fund (TAF) monitored two Robur GAHP units installed at a seniors’ residence in North York. Results included:
These numbers confirm measurable benefits in terms of cost, performance, and emissions.
Between 2017 and 2021, the California Energy Commission’s Natural Gas R&D Program funded a GAHP demonstration in Los Angeles.
As reported in the Gas Absorption Heat Pumps Best Practices Guide:
“This pilot confirmed the possibility of quick paybacks in less complicated retrofits, with gas savings of up to 45%.”
The project included installations in two full-service restaurants and residential settings, confirming GAHPs' adaptability to diverse building types.
Robur’s GAHPs are engineered to be hydrogen-ready, capable of operating with blends of natural gas and hydrogen up to 20%. This makes them future-compatible as utilities across North America begin incorporating hydrogen into existing gas networks.
In a world where grid reliability, climate resilience, and decarbonization are top priorities, GAHPs offer a compelling path forward.
Robur’s GAHPs Plus combines efficiency, flexibility, and sustainability — backed by third-party data and real-world performance across North America.