Trane Technologies (NYSE: TT) completed laboratory testing for its rooftop units in the U.S. Department of Energy's Commercial Building HVAC Technology Challenge, the company announced. The Ireland-based climate technology manufacturer submitted units in both 10-14 ton and 15-25 ton capacity ranges.

The company received recognition as the only manufacturer to exceed the challenge's optional heating capacity and efficiency requirements for Improved Cold Climate Performance on its smaller rooftop unit. The DOE challenge encourages manufacturers to develop rooftop units meeting advanced technology specifications designed to help organizations achieve cost, energy and reliability targets.

According to DOE data referenced in the announcement, energy-efficient rooftop units with vapor compression technology can reduce energy costs by up to 50% compared with conventional rooftop units.

With testing complete, Trane Technologies advanced to field trial installations at two sites in Bensenville, Illinois and Kenosha, Wisconsin. These demonstrations will validate system performance, reliability and energy-saving potential in real-world conditions.

"Being recognized as the only manufacturer to exceed the DOE's optional cold climate performance requirement is a powerful testament to the deep technical expertise and customer-focused innovation that drive our team every day," said Holly Paeper, President, Commercial HVAC Americas, Trane Technologies.

The company previously participated in the DOE's Residential Cold Climate Heat Pump Challenge, where its prototype operated reliably down to minus 23 degrees Fahrenheit. After nearly two years of field trials, that system continues performing in extreme cold conditions while delivering approximately 15% energy savings, according to the press release.