02/05/2026
Johnson Controls announced the high-density, compact YORK YK-HT two-stage economized centrifugal chiller. Engineered for large industrial, pharmaceutical and healthcare campuses, the YK‑HT delivers a wide operating range from a single driveline, operating with condenser leaving fluid temperatures up to 165°F (75°C) and up to 110°F (43°C) of lift. The product will be available for sale beginning in fall 2026.
Johnson Controls’ YORK YK-HT two-stage economized centrifugal chiller
The extended operating range supports efficient closed‑loop heat rejection with dry coolers and enables heat‑pump and heat‑recovery applications. By reusing thermal energy that would otherwise be wasted, these systems can offset more than 35 MMBtu per hour, while lowering carbon emissions and reducing energy costs.
Beyond advanced heat‑rejection performance, the YK‑HT delivers expanded functionality in a single, packaged unit. As a unified heating and cooling platform for large buildings, it can produce 44°F (7°C) chilled water and 140°F (60°C) hot water at the same time, a normal operating condition for heat pumps, while delivering efficiency levels that exceed ASHRAE requirements. This unified feature eliminates the need for cascaded systems, extra electrical infrastructure or major mechanical room redesigns.
By using a single driveline and reducing rotating components by 50%, the YK-HT simplifies installation and service, while improving uptime. With a footprint nearly 30% smaller than most alternatives, the unit is well suited to fit more easily into existing legacy chiller spaces, helping reduce retrofit investment in cost, time and labor.
Other efficiency and performance features include an integrated lubrication system and dual variable geometry diffuser control, flash tank economizer, optional variable speed drives and BESS compatibility. The YK-HT chillers use low-GWP refrigerants R-1234ze and R-515B, and are factory-equipped with Smart Ready connectivity for seamless integration.
YK-HT chillers are tested against the most extreme real-world conditions, ensuring unmatched performance and reliability at the state-of-the-art Johnson Controls Advanced Development and Engineering Center (JADEC) in New Freedom, PA, as well as in Wuxi, China. The chillers are planned for global distribution and will be manufactured in San Antonio, TX, and Wuxi, China, backed by a robust network of resources, including dedicated support teams and fast service and parts delivery.
“Water conservation, energy efficiency and decarbonization are priorities for our customers,” said Aaron Lewis, Vice President and General Manager, Applied Equipment, Johnson Controls. “The YK‑HT expands what is possible by enabling high‑temperature operation in a compact and efficient platform, helping customers move beyond traditional water‑intensive heat rejection and unlock new opportunities for efficient electrified heating. With its expanded operating range, mission‑critical facilities can scale with confidence while advancing sustainability, performance and long‑term operating efficiency.”
About Johnson Controls
Johnson Controls is a global leader in smart, healthy and sustainable buildings. Its mission is to reimagine the performance of buildings to serve people, places and the planet. Building on a proud history of 140 years of innovation, the company delivers the blueprint of the future for industries such as healthcare, schools, data centers, airports, stadiums, manufacturing and beyond through OpenBlue, its comprehensive digital offering. For more information, visit https://www.johnsoncontrols.com.
