AquaSnap® 61AQ Heat Pumps Installed at UK’s First Verified Net Zero Hotel
Radisson Hotel Manchester City Centre has become the first hospitality venue in the UK to install Carrier’s new AquaSnap® 61AQ heat pumps.
Technologies
Radisson Hotel Manchester has become the first UK hospitality venue to install Carrier’s hightemperature, air-to-water AquaSnap® 61AQ heat pump. The 61AQ has been specifically engineered for low-carbon, high-performance heating in commercial buildings.
Four 120 kW units, offering a combined 480 kW of heating capacity, were installed on the hotel’s rooftop by Nationwide Air Conditioning, with the system designed by HVAC consultants [PS] K Design. The solution now serves the entire building, delivering space heating and hot water at temperatures of up to 75°C, even in winter conditions as low as -7°C.
Each unit is equipped with inverter-driven compressors and variable-speed fans, enabling the system to modulate based on demand. This feature significantly improves seasonal efficiency, supports energy savings and reduces wear. The system also includes a legionella prevention cycle, ensuring safe domestic hot water generation.
The new heat pump not only exceeds Ecodesign efficiency standards by up to 30%, but also operates at noise levels 10 dB(A) below regulatory thresholds, which is an important factor in maintaining the hotel’s quiet, premium environment.
In addition, all four units are connected to Carrier’s Abound HVAC Performance platform, providing remote monitoring, diagnostics and predictive maintenance. This digital oversight gives the hotel’s engineering team real-time visibility into system performance, helping to optimise operation, plan service activities and avoid downtime.
The upgrade also involved modifications to the primary circuit, identification of rooftop space for the new plant, and integration into the existing building services without major disruption. While the new system operates at lower flow temperatures, most of the original heat emitters were retained, preserving fit-out and minimising guest impact during installation.
“We use 100% renewable electricity, offer lowcarbon menus, and now have a heating system that enhances our energy efficiency and reduces our carbon footprint — all while maintaining our high standards of guest comfort.”
Simon Pearson, Area Engineering Director – UK and Ireland, Radisson Hotel Group
