Ductless heat pumps represent one of the fastest-growing electrification segments, but unlocking their value as grid resources requires rethinking traditional demand response approaches. Unlike central systems, each mini-split offers smaller, distributed load—often just a fraction of a kilowatt—while also relying on proprietary, inverter-driven controls that limit integration with conventional thermostats.

These systems don’t behave well under blunt DR strategies like simple setbacks, where inefficient recovery can erode both savings and comfort, and they typically require communicating control frameworks that fall outside existing ENERGY STAR and utility marketplace structures. The result is a gap between a rapidly scaling technology, and the tools utilities rely on to manage load.

In this session, we’ll explore how purpose-built ductless controls can bridge that gap—aggregating distributed capacity, preserving system efficiency, and enabling scalable, grid-responsive behavior—while addressing the technical, market, and programmatic barriers that have historically limited ductless participation in demand response.

Speaker: Dan Myers, Flair

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