AAON Pushes Boundaries with Next-Generation Alpha Class Heat Pump Technology, Powered by Copeland Innovation

TULSA, Okla., April 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- AAON, Inc. (NASDAQ: AAON) ("AAON" or the "Company"), a leader in high-performance and energy-efficient HVAC solutions, announces significant advancements to its groundbreaking Alpha Class line of commercial air-source heat pumps, introducing three distinct performance tiers that redefine industry capabilities. These innovations were made possible through AAON's strategic partnership with Copeland, leveraging their cutting-edge variable-speed compressors and refrigerant injection technology.

Since launching Alpha Class in October 2023, AAON has continued to innovate beyond its initial achievement of reliable heat pump operation at ambient temperatures as low as zero degrees Fahrenheit. The next generation of Alpha Class now features ECO, PRO and EXTREME Series to meet diverse market demands.

The flagship EXTREME Series represents the most significant advancement, delivering unprecedented ultra-low-ambient performance down to minus 20 degrees Fahrenheit while maintaining 100 percent heating capacity at five degrees—a market first in commercial rooftop heat pumps.

"Alpha Class EXTREME Series represents the most innovative commercial rooftop unit ever created," said Matt Tobolski, COO and President of AAON. "By leveraging partnerships with technology leaders like Copeland, we've achieved what was previously considered impossible in air-source heat pump performance while maintaining our commitments to energy efficiency and sustainability."

EXTREME Series utilizes refrigerant injection technology from longtime partner Copeland to increase mass flow rate and maintain safe compressor operation in extreme environments. AAON engineers developed an intelligent refrigeration system that automatically switches between multiple operating modes to deliver peak efficiency across an extended operating range without significantly increasing building electrical load or equipment footprint.

PRO Series features variable speed compressors that enable operation down to zero degrees, which represented the previous industry benchmark. ECO Series offers AAON's traditional heat pump technology with options for 2-step or digital compressors, delivering industry-leading performance at an exceptional cost-to-value ratio.

This advancement comes as AAON continues its work with partners like Copeland to meet the U.S. Department of Energy's Better Buildings Commercial Building Heat Pump Accelerator challenge, furthering the industry's shift toward electrification and decarbonization. Copeland has been a trusted partner of AAON for over three decades. This long-standing relationship has been critical in advancing HVAC technology to meet evolving industry demands.

"Our collaboration with AAON is grounded in a shared commitment to innovation," said Mark Bills, Copeland Vice President and General Manager of Commercial HVAC. "Together, we're pioneering solutions that not only meet the current challenges but set new standards for the future."

AAON remains committed to prioritizing partnerships like Copeland to continue driving technological innovation in the industry. Together, they are pushing the boundaries of what's possible in commercial HVAC technology.

About AAON
Founded in 1988, AAON is a global leader in HVAC solutions for commercial, industrial and data center indoor environments. The Company's industry-leading approach to designing and manufacturing highly configurable and custom-made equipment to meet exact needs creates a premier ownership experience with greater efficiency, performance and long-term value. Its highly engineered equipment is sold under the AAON and BASX brands. AAON is headquartered in Tulsa, Oklahoma, where its world-class innovation center and testing lab allows AAON engineers to continuously push boundaries and advance the industry. For more information, please visit www.aaon.com.

Contact Information
Jeremy Cavness
Marketing Director
(918) 382-6539
Email: [email protected]

SOURCE AAON