Commercial HVAC Specifier Market Research: Gas High Efficiency DOAS

The Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance (NEEA) contracted with OWL Research Partners to conduct market research with commercial HVAC specifiers to inform NEEA’s understanding of the market for gas high-performance HVAC systems. Data collected in summer 2025 explored opportunities and barriers for adding gas to NEEA’s High-Performance HVAC program, characterized the market landscape, and assessed specifiers’ perceptions of system configurations in hypothetical scenarios aligned with the program’s targeted approach. 

The study found that experienced HVAC specifiers are generally more optimistic about the adoption of gas-fueled high-performance HVAC systems by building owners than those with less experience. Additionally, specifiers view the system design concept as viable but noted factors that could affect market potential. Based on these insights, the program’s next steps will focus on educating specifiers and facilities teams, which represent a new audience for the program.