TLDR

• Verantum uses data to identify HVAC equipment that needs upgrades, while Redaptive finances these improvements with no upfront cost through an energy-as-a-service model.
• Property managers, contractors, and facility operators benefit by speeding up upgrades, accessing larger projects, and shifting to data-driven maintenance and planning.
• The partnership supports efficient retrofits with performance guarantees, leveraging smart controls and sensors, and helps businesses pay from energy savings rather than capital budgets.

On November 2, 2026, Redaptive and Verantum announced a new partnership to help businesses upgrade HVAC systems and controls without upfront capital costs. Verantum’s platform uses asset data to identify risky or inefficient equipment, while Redaptive finances and delivers improvements through an energy-as-a-service model. This approach lets property managers act faster, contractors take on larger retrofit projects, and facility operators plan maintenance based on real equipment conditions. The shift also boosts demand for smarter controls and retrofit-ready gear across the HVAC industry.

Codes, ratings, and incentives that shape financed retrofits

SEER2 rules set the minimum efficiency for many cooling systems. SEER2 stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio 2, which is the current standard rating that varies by region. Any retrofit project must meet or exceed these SEER2 efficiency levels to comply with regulations. You can also combine incentives when available. Utility rebates lower upfront costs by giving you cash back for efficient upgrades. The 179D tax deduction is a federal benefit for commercial buildings that meet energy-saving criteria. It helps reduce your federal taxes based on the efficiency of your retrofit. Finally, expect measurement and verification (M&V) as part of financed projects. M&V means tracking actual energy savings to confirm the retrofit works as promised. Commissioning is also required—it involves thorough testing and fine-tuning to ensure the system operates as designed and delivers peak performance.

Impact by stakeholder: PMs, contractors, operators

Property managers can replace aging HVAC units without waiting for next year’s capital budget. They can bundle upgrades like controls, sensors, and retro-commissioning, which means fine-tuning existing systems to run better. Contractors have new opportunities to pursue multi-site retrofit projects. These often include controls integration and tying into building automation systems (BAS), which centralize control of heating, cooling, and ventilation. Contractors can also offer verified savings plans that prove the upgrade pays off. Facility operators can shift from fixing problems as they occur to condition-based maintenance. This means using data on equipment age, failures, and refrigerant phaseouts—rules that limit certain refrigerants—to plan replacements before breakdowns. Operators can also prepare for peak-season risks by timing upgrades to avoid the busiest periods. This data-driven approach improves reliability and cuts unexpected costs.

How it works: asset intelligence + energy-as-a-service

Asset intelligence starts by mapping your HVAC equipment and identifying risks. It ranks upgrade projects by return on investment (ROI), which means how much money you save compared to what you spend, and payback time, or how long before savings cover costs. Energy-as-a-service (EaaS) lets you pay a monthly fee based on your energy and maintenance savings instead of upfront costs. Some agreements include a performance guarantee, meaning the provider promises specific results or will fix problems at no extra charge. The retrofit kits include smart thermostats, controls, sensors, variable frequency drives (VFDs) that adjust motor speeds for efficiency, and connected rooftop units (RTUs) that can be monitored remotely. These components work together to improve comfort and cut energy use while making upgrades easier to manage.

Action plan: prepare your financed retrofit

Property managers should start by gathering utility bills, maintenance logs, and asset lists for their buildings. These documents provide a clear picture of current equipment and energy use, which helps plan financing and upgrade phases. Next, scheduling a strategy call will guide you through the process and set priorities. Contractors need to create a retrofit bid template that includes metering, measurement and verification (M&V) of savings, and commissioning, which means testing and tuning the system to perform as designed. Adding delivery timelines and startup plans ensures smooth project execution. Facility teams can begin by shortlisting assets based on age, failure history, and hours of use to identify priorities. For those unsure about sizing replacements, fast online tools can size equipment accurately in seconds, making planning simpler and more precise.

Key Takeaways

• The new partnership between Redaptive and Verantum offers a way to finance HVAC and controls upgrades without upfront capital, letting businesses pay from energy savings instead of large initial costs.
• Verantum’s asset-intelligence platform uses data on equipment age, refrigerant type, and seasonal stress to identify risks and prioritize retrofit projects for better planning and budgeting.
• This financing model helps property managers replace aging equipment quickly, contractors win larger retrofit projects, and facility operators shift from reactive repairs to condition-based maintenance using real data.
• The approach supports compliance with efficiency standards like SEER2 and leverages incentives, measurement, and verification to ensure upgrades deliver guaranteed energy and maintenance savings.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the new partnership between Redaptive and Verantum about?

Redaptive and Verantum have teamed up to offer financing for HVAC and controls upgrades. Verantum uses asset data to identify equipment risks and priorities, while Redaptive funds and manages the improvements through an energy-as-a-service model, letting businesses pay from savings instead of upfront costs.

How does asset intelligence help in HVAC retrofit projects?

Asset intelligence collects data on equipment age, refrigerant types, manufacturer, and seasonal stress. This helps rank upgrade projects by return on investment and payback time. It allows property managers and facility operators to plan maintenance and replacements more efficiently.

Who benefits most from this financing model and how?

Property managers can replace old equipment faster without waiting on budgets. Contractors can bid on larger retrofit projects because financing removes the high initial cost barrier. Facility operators get data-driven insights to shift from reactive repairs to planned maintenance.

What types of equipment and upgrades are included in this retrofit financing?

The financing covers HVAC systems, smart controls, sensors, variable frequency drives (VFDs), and connected rooftop units. It also includes commissioning, which means testing and tuning systems to ensure they perform as designed.

Related Topics: HVAC retrofit, HVAC financing, energy-as-a-service, HVAC upgrades, asset intelligence, building retrofit funding, HVAC controls, energy savings, property management HVAC, contractor HVAC solutions, HVAC maintenance, air conditioning upgrades