Northern Michigan University's College of Technology and Occupational Sciences is expanding hands-on learning opportunities for students through a donation of advanced heat pump technology from Mitsubishi Electric. The equipment, presented during a July 16 event at the Jacobetti Complex, makes NMU the first institution in the Upper Peninsula to train students using this type of air-to-water heat pump boiler technology.

The donation will support NMU's HVAC/R (Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration) program by giving students experience with technology that is becoming increasingly common as the industry shifts away from fossil fuel-based systems.

Air-to-water heat pump boilers extract heat from outdoor air and use it to warm water for hydronic heating systems, including radiators and radiant floors, as well as domestic hot water. The systems can also provide cooling, creating an all-in-one solution for residential and commercial buildings. Their energy efficiency, often ranging from 300% to 500%, helps reduce carbon emissions while offering greater comfort, installation flexibility and lower reliance on fossil fuels.

"The benefits of using this particular heat pump technology are the multiple applications that can be utilized for customers, such as radiant heating, domestic hot water production, and comfort heating and cooling," said Ross Christensen, HVAC/R instructor in NMU's College of Technology and Occupational Sciences. "The demand in the HVAC/R industry has been shifting to electric-only HVAC/R technology without the use of fossil fuels. This equipment focuses on that aspect of the industry."

In addition to the equipment donation, Mitsubishi Electric is providing a training seminar for NMU students and local HVAC contractors, helping both groups stay current with emerging technologies. The initiative grew out of conversations with UPPCO and reflects a shared commitment to advancing HVAC education across the region.

"This initiative will help set students and participating contractors apart by giving them direct access to the latest training on innovative technologies," said Ethan Granger, Area Sales Manager - Residential for Mitsubishi Electric Trane HVAC. "They'll walk away with specialized skills and up-to-date expertise, positioning them as leaders in a rapidly evolving field."

Granger said NMU was a natural partner for the initiative.

"Mitsubishi wanted to donate this seminar to NMU because the university has been incredibly receptive to our previous trainings and offers a fantastic facility for both students and contractors," he said. "It's an ideal environment to foster learning and skill development."

Christensen said the new equipment aligns with the program's commitment to exposing students to the latest industry advancements before they enter the workforce.

"This equipment benefits the HVAC/R program by introducing students to cutting-edge heat pump technology that can be applied to real-world installations that they will be installing and servicing once they attain employment as HVAC/R installers or service technicians," Christensen said.

He added that the donation was made possible through long-standing industry partnerships.

"This donation came about because of the outstanding relationships and generosity that we have with many of our local HVAC/R and plumbing vendors," Christensen said.

Specifically, the donation was coordinated by Al Zablocki, territory manager for Michigan's Upper Peninsula and northeast Wisconsin with Design Air, an HVAC/R equipment wholesaler with an office in Iron Mountain and headquarters in Kimberly, Wisconsin, in partnership with Granger and Mitsubishi Electric. Christensen said Design Air has supported NMU's Climate Control program for years through equipment donations, industry seminars and assistance connecting graduates with employers.

As HVAC technology continues to evolve, both Christensen and Granger said exposing students to emerging systems before graduation is critical.

"The NMU Climate Control program strives to introduce our students to cutting-edge technology as it becomes available to us," Christensen said. "This new equipment will do exactly that. A lot of this type of equipment has been introduced by many manufacturers within the last year or so. If we can at least display this technology to our students and get them familiar with the installation and service methods for this equipment, we can give them an advantage over other HVAC/R graduates and apprentices in the industry."

Granger believes that the advantage will only become more valuable in the years ahead.

"Technicians will increasingly need to problem-solve across a spectrum of technologies within a single home or commercial building," he said. "Continued education and hands-on experience will be more important than ever."

To learn more about NMU's HVAC program and the College of Technology and Occupational Sciences, visit nmu.edu/tos