UL Solutions Opens Expanded Plano Facility for Heat Pump and Chiller Testing
Key Facts
- UL Solutions' expanded HVACR testing facility features new test chambers capable of simulating a wide range of temperature and humidity conditions, from cold climates to deserts.
- Testing capacity has increased to evaluate systems with up to 30 tons of cooling, suitable for large commercial and data center applications.
- Services include performance testing, energy consumption measurement, and compliance assessments aligned with industry standards like AHRI, ASHRAE, and ENERGY STAR.
NORTHBROOK, Illinois — UL Solutions has opened an expanded HVACR testing center in Plano, Texas, to address growing demand for advanced equipment testing.
The expanded HVACR Center of Excellence increases testing capacity for energy-efficient heating and cooling equipment, next-generation refrigerants, and data center cooling systems. The facility supports manufacturers developing products for residential and commercial applications.
The expansion adds testing capabilities for heat pumps, air conditioners, chillers, variable refrigerant flow systems, and coolant distribution units used in data centers. These capabilities support product development focused on energy efficiency and refrigerants with lower potential climate impacts.
New test chambers can simulate a broad range of temperature and humidity conditions, from cold climates to desert environments. The chambers can test systems with up to 30 tons of cooling capacity, allowing the facility to evaluate larger equipment used in commercial buildings and data centers.
The center also measures energy consumption, tests product controls and evaluates equipment performance as operating demands change. Its services help manufacturers assess compliance with applicable requirements from the Air Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI), the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE), the U.S. Department of Energy, and ENERGY STAR.
The facility combines safety, performance, certification, and research and development testing at one location. According to UL Solutions, this approach helps manufacturers identify problems earlier and streamline the path toward certification and market access in North America and other global markets.
“The expanded HVACR Center of Excellence strengthens our ability to help manufacturers develop safer products and bring new technologies to markets around the world,” said Jennifer Scanlon, president and CEO of UL Solutions.
The Plano facility is part of UL Solutions’ global HVACR testing network, which includes its Carugate, Italy, laboratory, expanded in 2025.