UL Solutions opened its expanded HVACR Center of Excellence in Plano, Texas, on October 12, 2026, increasing testing capacity for energy-efficient heating and cooling equipment, next-generation refrigerants and AI data center cooling technologies. The facility combines safety, performance, certification and research and development testing in one location.
The expansion adds testing capacity for heat pumps, air conditioners, chillers, variable refrigerant flow (VRF) systems and coolant distribution units (CDUs) used in data centers. New test chambers simulate a wide range of temperature and humidity conditions, from cold climates to desert environments. The chambers accommodate systems with cooling capacities of up to 30 refrigeration tons (approximately 105.5 kW or 360,000 BTU/h), including larger equipment for commercial buildings and data centers.
The center also provides energy consumption measurements, product control testing and performance evaluations under varying operating demands. Testing services address applicable standards from the Air Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI), the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE), the US Department of Energy and ENERGY STAR, as well as certification to international standards.
The expanded facility supports manufacturers developing energy-efficient products and adopting refrigerants with lower potential climate impact. It is part of UL Solutions’ global HVACR testing network, which includes a laboratory in Carugate, Italy, expanded in 2025.
“Our 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.
