Jaga Launches Hybrid Convector for Heating and Cooling at Batibouw 2024

Walking through the historic streets of Chicago’s West Loop last week, I noticed something subtle but significant: the sleek, vertical units mounted on the walls of renovated warehouses-turned-lofts near Randolph Street. They weren’t the bulky radiators of classic, nor the conspicuous window AC units that mar so many facades. Instead, they were slim, almost architectural elements—precisely the kind of discreet climate solution that’s gaining traction as cities like Chicago push harder toward electrification and energy efficiency in both new construction and the vast stock of vintage buildings.

This observation connects directly to news emerging from Belgium, where Jaga, a European manufacturer with decades of expertise in hydronic heating, recently unveiled its Vertilina Hybrid convector at the BATIBOUW trade reveal. The product represents a meaningful evolution in climate technology: a single vertical unit capable of both low-temperature heating and non-condensing cooling, designed specifically for modern heat pump systems. As Rudy Ballegeer of Jaga Academy explained during the launch, “Onze hybrid convector kan verwarmen op lage temperaturen en tegelijk koelen wanneer dat nodig is”—our hybrid convector can heat at low temperatures and cool simultaneously when needed. This capability addresses a critical gap in the market, particularly for retrofit projects where space is at a premium and traditional HVAC ductwork is impractical or prohibitively expensive.

The technical specifications outlined in Jaga’s product documentation reveal why this innovation matters for urban environments. The Vertilina Hybrid delivers heating capacities ranging from 1,771 to 8,922 watts and cooling capacities from 273 to 1,320 watts, all although operating with low water temperatures—a key requirement for maximizing heat pump efficiency. Its slim profile, measuring just 41 centimeters in width with heights variable between 90 and 290 centimeters, allows installation on narrow wall surfaces where horizontal space is limited. Crucially, due to the fact that it provides non-condensing cooling, the unit eliminates the necessitate for condensate drainage systems, simplifying installation in existing buildings. The technology builds directly on Jaga’s long-standing convector expertise, which has formed the core of their product line for years, now enhanced with their Dynamic Boost Hybrid (DBH) system to significantly increase output across all water temperatures.

For Chicago specifically, this technology aligns with several ongoing municipal initiatives. The city’s Climate Action Plan targets a 62% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2040, with building decarbonization as a central pillar. Programs like the Chicago Energy Benchmarking Ordinance, which requires large buildings to track and report energy use, have already driven significant efficiency upgrades in commercial and multifamily properties. Meanwhile, the city’s Sustainable Development Policy encourages adaptive reuse of historic structures—precisely the type of projects where the Vertilina Hybrid’s vertical footprint and minimal installation requirements would be advantageous. Organizations like the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP) have documented how building retrofits represent one of the most cost-effective pathways to emissions reduction, while groups such as Elevate Energy work directly with property owners in neighborhoods like Pilsen and Little Village to implement energy-saving measures that also improve indoor air quality and reduce utility burdens.

The second-order effects of adopting such technology extend beyond individual buildings. Widespread use of efficient hydronic cooling systems like the Vertilina Hybrid could help mitigate Chicago’s urban heat island effect, particularly in densely built neighborhoods where heat-absorbing surfaces exacerbate summer temperatures. Unlike conventional air conditioning that dumps waste heat directly into the urban environment, hydronic systems transfer heat to water loops that can be more efficiently managed—potentially even integrated with district cooling initiatives or geothermal arrays. By enabling effective climate control at lower water temperatures, these units support the broader transition to renewable energy sources, as heat pumps perform optimally when paired with clean electricity grids.

Given my background in urban sustainability reporting, if this trend impacts you as a property owner, facilities manager, or resident in the Chicago area, here are the three types of local professionals you need to consider when evaluating modern hydronic climate solutions:

• Historic Building Mechanical Retrofit Specialists: Look for firms with proven experience working on Chicago’s vintage stock—particularly pre-war brick and timber structures in districts like Old Town, Logan Square, or Hyde Park. The best providers understand how to integrate modern hydronic systems without compromising architectural integrity, navigating challenges like limited wall cavities, landmark preservation requirements, and the need to maintain original aesthetics while upgrading performance. They should demonstrate familiarity with both the Chicago Energy Conservation Code and the specific guidelines of the Commission on Chicago Landmarks.
• Heat Pump System Integrators with Hydronic Expertise: Seek contractors who specialize not just in air-source heat pumps but in designing complete hydronic distribution systems. These professionals should have verifiable experience with low-temperature emitters (like panel radiators or fan coils) and understand how to balance systems for optimal efficiency across both heating and cooling modes. Key credentials include manufacturer-specific training (from companies like Jaga, Uponor, or Viega), NATE certification in hydronics, and a portfolio showing successful projects in multifamily or mixed-use buildings where space constraints dictated innovative solutions.
• Building Performance Analysts Focused on Urban Retrofits: Consider engaging energy auditors or sustainability consultants who use advanced modeling tools to predict how specific climate technologies will perform in Chicago’s variable climate. The most valuable analysts don’t just calculate energy savings—they assess impacts on peak demand, indoor environmental quality, and long-term resilience. Look for professionals affiliated with organizations like the Illinois Green Alliance or holding certifications such as LEED AP or WELL AP, who can provide data-driven recommendations tailored to your building’s specific orientation, occupancy patterns, and exposure to lake-effect weather patterns.

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