Samsung partners with U.S. lab on extreme-cold heating technology

August 10, 2026 - 09:24

Samsung Electronics has announced a new collaboration with U.S. national laboratories to develop heat-pump systems that can operate reliably in severe winter conditions. The project focuses on improving heating efficiency when outdoor temperatures drop well below freezing, a challenge that has limited the adoption of electric heat pumps in colder regions.

Traditional heat pumps lose performance as the mercury falls, often requiring backup resistive heating that drives up energy costs. Samsung's research aims to address this by testing advanced compressor designs and refrigerant cycles that maintain output even at minus 15 degrees Fahrenheit or lower. The company will work with experts at Oak Ridge National Laboratory and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, both of which have deep experience in building energy systems.

The partnership is part of a broader push by the U.S. Department of Energy to accelerate next-generation heating technology. Samsung says the goal is to produce systems that can replace fossil-fuel furnaces in northern climates without sacrificing comfort or affordability. Early prototypes are expected to undergo field testing in several cold-weather states over the next two years.

Industry analysts note that successful extreme-cold heat pumps could reshape the residential heating market, especially as federal incentives encourage electrification. Samsung has not announced a commercial release date, but the company says it is committed to bringing the technology to market as soon as testing validates its performance.