American Honda Motor Co., Inc. and Climate Energy, LLC have collaborated to develop the freewatt™ Micro-sized Combined Heat and Power (Micro-CHP) cogeneration system for homes, which features advanced and highly efficient energy management technologies.

The freewatt™ Micro-CHP system is comprised of an MCHP cogeneration unit developed by Honda, which is paired with a furnace or boiler produced by Climate Energy. This system provides heat for the home with the added benefit of electricity production. The ultra-quiet MCHP unit produces 3.26 kilowatts/hr. (11,000 BTU) of heat and 1.2 kilowatts of electric power. Further, it allows homeowners to reduce their utility bills and curb carbon dioxide emissions while improving overall energy efficiency and comfort. In relation to energy costs, Climate Energy test data has shown that when the freewatt™ Micro-CHP system replaces a typical 80% efficiency home heating system, homeowners can realize an average of 30% in energy cost savings.

The freewatt system produces electric power as a by-product of its heating functionality. The electric power produced displaces electricity that consumers would otherwise purchase from the local electric utility, saving $500 to $1000 per year on their electric bill. An additional unique financial savings benefit of utilizing the freewatt system is realized through the process of net metering. In states where legislated, net metering allows homeowners to literally sell unused electric power back to the power grid in their community, providing additional savings.

In addition, the system produces 30% less carbon dioxide emissions than a conventional heating system with electricity provided from the grid. This allows homeowners to take an active role in the effort to reduce greenhouse gases. Comfort is enhanced due to the system’s ability to provide constant and extremely quiet circulation of heated air. This produces more uniform and comfortable temperatures in the home without running noisy blowers at high speeds.

Currently, the heat and power units are available for sale to customers living in the Northeastern United States in conjunction with select local utility providers. This is due to high heating demand in the region, which allows the system to provide the greatest benefit. The freewatt™ Micro-CHP systems will only be available through certified, trained, and authorized Climate Energy installation professionals.

Climate Energy and Honda plan to gradually expand production and sales of the freewatt™ Micro-CHP system and plan to introduce the system to other U.S. markets in the future.

For more information go to www.freewatt.com.