22 September 2025
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Four 120kW modular units, providing a combined 480kW of heating capacity, were crane-lifted and installed on the hotel’s rooftop
Radisson Hotel Manchester City Centre has become the first hospitality venue in the UK to install Carrier Commercial HVAC’s new AquaSnap 61AQ heat pumps.
The installation strengthened the Radisson’s position as a Verified Net Zero hotel as the 61AQ has been designed and optimised to operate with natural refrigerant R290, offering ultra-low global warming potential (GWP) and high energy performance.
The hotel had originally planned to install another heat pump model from Carrier’s 61 range. However, with the launch of the 61AQ in February 2025, the hotel revised its specification to take advantage of the system’s enhanced efficiency, low environmental impact and future-ready design to help the hotel strengthen its Net Zero position and further align with the 2040 Net Zero Methodology for Hotels.
Four 120kW modular units, providing a combined 480 kW of heating capacity, were crane-lifted and installed on the hotel’s rooftop. The design was created by consultants [PS]K Design and installed by award-winning contractor Nationwide Air Conditioning.
Smooth transition
Andrew Murfin, Director at [PS]K Design, said: “We have a long-standing relationship with Raddison Hotels and when the opportunity to integrate new cutting-edge, ultra-low carbon technology came about, Raddison were very keen”.
“This project represents one of the first real-world applications of a newly launched R290 air source heat pump, delivered through close collaboration between Radisson, Carrier, [PS]K and Nationwide Air Conditioning,” said Daniel Valente, Head of Projects, Nationwide Air Conditioning.
“Despite a reduction in flow temperatures, existing emitters were mostly retained, minimising disruption while maximising carbon savings. It’s a strong example of how well-coordinated, lower carbon retrofit solutions can be achieved in challenging, live environments.”
“We’ve worked hard to be a Verified Net Zero hotel at our Manchester City Centre location,” said Simon Pearson, Area Engineering Director – UK and Ireland, Radisson Hotel Group. “We use 100% renewable energy, offer low-carbon menus and now have a heating system that enhances our energy efficiency and reduces our carbon footprint while maintaining our high standards for guest comfort.”
Each 61AQ unit features inverter-driven compressors and variable-speed fans, allowing the system to adjust output according to real-time demand – a key advantage for maximising seasonal efficiency and controlling energy use. The heat pump exceeds Ecodesign efficiency standards by up to 30% and operates at sound levels 10 dB(A) below regulatory thresholds, helping ensure quiet, reliable performance in a hospitality environment.
The heat pump is connected to Carrier’s Abound HVAC Performance platform, providing remote visibility, diagnostics and predictive maintenance.
