Daikin AC (Americas), Inc. has launched the new residential solutions sales division to expand distribution and market opportunity for the company's line of energy saving residential products.

According to Daikin President Akinori Atarashi, since 2005, Daikin AC has worked to introduce the company's unique commercial and residential HVAC systems to the North American market.

"As we grow, we must continue to expand our current business," Atarashi says. "The new division will work to complement the existing Daikin AC sales team and distribution to position and promote a portfolio of specialized residential Daikin products aimed at meeting current energy efficient demands and providing innovative solutions for engineers, architects, contractors and utilities."

Initially the new division will focus on the national launch of Altherma™, an “air-to-water heat pump capable of hot water heating (radiant floor, fan coil, etc), providing domestic hot water and chilled water cooling. The product was introduced last year for distribution in several regions and is the first product of its kind available in North America.

Altherma is a viable alternative to hydronic heating systems (primarily fossil fuel burning systems) as well as geothermal systems and often is less expensive because there is no need for costly drilling.

The residential solutions sales division will also encompass new products currently in development and be led by Lee Smith, who has been promoted to assistant vice president, residential solutions. Smith will be responsible for executing the residential solutions strategy in North America.

Smith most recently served as Daikin AC's director of product, engineering and applications. He joined Daikin in 2002 and has held a variety of positions responsible for sales management, engineering, product development, technical support, training, corporate planning and business strategy.

Larry Sutton has been promoted to residential solutions sales manager and will support Smith in the operation and management of Daikin's new residential solutions division. Sutton joined Daikin in 2009 as residential solutions sales and application engineer and supported the initial launch of Altherma.

Before joining Daikin, Larry served in hydronic application, service, engineering, and sales management roles with several large HVAC industry players in the U.S.