“To be recognized as an award winner is a true honor within our industry,” said AHR Expo show manager Mark Stevens in an AHR Expo press release. “We are thrilled to highlight the dedication of manufacturers and team members as they work to create real solutions. The Innovation Awards aim to highlight these companies, professionals and their innovation trajectory and to celebrate those that are pushing the bar.”

The Innovation Awards draw hundreds of manufacturers to enter new products or improvements upon existing products and technologies. All entries are reviewed and the winners selected by a panel of judges who are members of ASHRAE. Evaluations are based on overall innovative design, creativity of the product or service offered, the product’s or technology’s real-world application, and the potential market impact.

In addition to celebrating innovation in HVACR, the Innovation Awards provide a means to strengthen the industry by supporting the AHR Expo Workforce Development program, which aims to inspire future members of the HVACR community. Funds collected from entry fees are donated to programming at the student level, including show field trips, introductions to HVACR professionals, and donations to student programs in the hosting city.

Here’s the slate of the latest Innovation Award winners:

• Building automation: Distech Controls

Distech Controls' Eclypse Facilities, a suite of building automation software, is a game-changer for system integrators, equipment manufacturers, and leading digital partners who can leverage unparalleled openness and interoperability with Eclypse controllers to deliver advanced digital services.

• Cooling: Climate Control Group

Climate Control Group’s EnviroKit is a quick, simple, and budget-friendly solution for restoring vertical stack fan coil unit performance. Sustainably replace aging components in just a few hours per room without drywall demolition.

• Heating: Aerco

Aerco’s CFR is the world’s first stainless steel condensing boiler that can be installed in a Category I vent, making it an ideal solution for the commercial retrofit market. It delivers energy savings, reliable performance, and cost-saving installation flexibility in a compact footprint to comply with local energy mandates.

• Indoor Air Quality: Senva Inc.

The TotalSense air quality sensor from Senva Inc. is the most configurable air quality sensor available with any combination of 10 sensors, including for carbon dioxide (CO₂), carbon monoxide (CO), relative humidity (RH), temperature, occupancy, total volatile organic compounds (TVOC), Ozone (O₃), particulate matter (PM), and barometric pressure.

• Plumbing: Grundfos

The Grundfos HWR is the first high-efficiency, digitally connected circulator for domestic hot water recirculation systems. It is the most efficient circulator available, with a best-in-class energy rating of 215 from the Hydraulic Institute.

• Refrigeration: Danfoss

The Danfoss Bock HGX56 CO₂ T is a transcritical six-cylinder CO₂ compressor with expanded range to enable larger refrigeration and heat pump applications with a smaller footprint, and strong energy efficient performance.

• Software: Radiant Professionals Alliance

The Radiant Professionals Alliance’s (RPA) free interactive Building Efficiency System Tool 6.2 (BEST 6.2), revolutionizes HVAC system efficiency comparison. BEST software is held by Taco (which has control over the content and function thereof).

• Sustainable solutions: LG Electronics U.S.A. Inc.

LG’s Residential Cold Climate Heat Pumps have been developed to combat cold climate challenges, operating down to -31°F. Conventional heat pumps suffer significant degradation in performance when confronted with temperatures below 0°F, making them less reliable and efficient in cold climate regions.

• Tools and Instruments: PassiveLogic

The Sense Nano from PassiveLogic is the first truly wireless sensor, communicating via Bluetooth mesh while extracting its operating energy from the surrounding environment. Goodbye, battery replacements. Installing in 15 seconds, it fits in the palm of the hand. And it packs a punch with seven sensors inside a 45-millimeter diameter ring.

• Ventilation: Rosenburg USA Inc.

Rosenberg has developed 23 models of its I-Series Backward Curved Fans, with impeller diameters ranging from 355 millimeters to 630 millimeters. The high-efficiency, high-volume I-impeller features five backward-curved, hollow-profiled, airfoil section aluminum blades, with efficiency-optimized circumferential diffusers. The new impeller can increase efficiencies up to 11%, while reducing noise levels by more than half compared to older impellers.

In addition to category winners, one overall 2025 Product of the Year winner will be announced and awarded during the next AHR Expo in Orlando in February. This honor is awarded based on exceptional leadership in HVACR innovation.

For more information about the awards, the AHR Expo, and to register for free, please visit ahrexpo.com.