Welcome to the OASYS

Panasonic’s new-world environmental control unit promises a more-efficient, less-expensive way to keep indoor air clean and cool.

Anyone who lives or builds houses in a hot environment—think Phoenix or Las Vegas at 1 p.m. in August—knows the limitations of the traditional air conditioning system. There can be problems with uneven airflow, temperature variations, and transfer fan noise level. And let’s not forget about those triple-digit electric bills.

Panasonic Corporation has unveiled the OASYS Residential Central Air Conditioning System, a first-of-its-kind device that combines a mini split A/C, energy recovery ventilator (ERV), and DC motor-driven transfer fans to achieve a roughly 53 percent energy savings compared to conventional systems.

According to a release from the company, OASYS utilizes multiple DC motor-driven transfer fans to help ensure uniform airflow and minimize temperature differences across rooms. It also incorporates advanced air purification to enhance indoor air quality, reduces condensation risks, and mitigates mold growth in underfloor and attic spaces.

Americans spend about 90 percent of their time indoors, where the concentration of some pollutants is often two to five times higher than typical outdoor air. Improving ventilation with outdoor air is one of the fundamental strategies to lowering concentrations of indoor air pollutants—but most home heating and cooling systems do not mechanically bring fresh air into the house, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA).

The release of OASYS coincides with increasing demand for energy efficient solutions to replace gas heating systems in the U.S. It meets the rising expectations for decarbonization and energy-saving technologies.

The average price of electricity to residential customers has increased more than 21 percent since 2020. A more energy-efficient whole home air quality management system, such as OASYS, can help protect homeowners from the impacts of rising energy costs, the U.S. Environmental Protection Administration (EPA) notes.

“OASYS is more than an HVAC system. It’s a holistic air quality management solution to support your family’s comfort and peace-of-mind by delivering cleaner air and consistent temperatures throughout the whole house,” states Naoki Kamo, president of Panasonic Eco Systems of North America. “Homes are where our families flourish. Panasonic has a 100-year history of inventing technologies to support the wellbeing and sustainability of people and society.”

Designed for highly airtight and insulated homes, the OASYS system enhances home durability. Its air circulation minimizes temperature-induced wear on wooden structures and simplifies maintenance by allowing partial component replacements instead of entire system overhauls.

Panasonic plans to integrate OASYS with other energy saving technologies, further optimizing home energy management and advancing its commitment to sustainable innovation in the HVAC industry, the company notes.