Each year, the Innovation Awards receive hundreds of submissions from manufacturers putting forward their breakthrough designs for new and never before seen solutions or improvements upon existing products and technologies. Entries are then closely reviewed by a panel of third-party judges made up of distinguished ASHRAE members. Evaluations are based on overall innovative design, creativity of the product or service offered, product or technology in real-world application, as well as overall potential market impact.   

“It is a positive indicator that each year we see more and more manufacturers meeting industry challenges with creativity and innovation,” said Stevens. “The winning products, along with all the finalists, demonstrate HVACR’s preparedness to respond to critical demands and challenges with innovative solutions to support energy efficiency, compliance, cost-efficiency, and an overall improvement to equipment performance.”  

An exciting added benefit of flourishing innovation driving entries to the Innovation Awards is the ability to strengthen the industry through funding attributed to the AHR Expo Workforce Development program. The program, celebrating its fourth year in Vegas, aims to trigger industry growth through experiences geared to inspire future members of the HVACR community. Funds collected from the entry fees are donated to programming at the student level, including field trips to the show, curated introductions to professionals and manufacturers, equipment for hands-on learning in school laboratories, and monetary donations to student programs in the hosting city. We invite you to learn more about workforce development on ahrexpo.com and encourage you to get involved.  

Winners for the 2026 AHR Expo Innovations Awards include: 

BUILDING AUTOMATION 

Winner: Honeywell  

Innovation: Honeywell Connected Solutions

AHR Booth: C1840  

Honeywell’s Connected Solutions suite empowers building owners and service providers with  cloud-based tools for remote monitoring, predictive maintenance, energy optimization, and asset lifecycle management. These applications streamline operations, reduce costs, and enhance sustainability, all through a unified, intuitive platform that transforms traditional building  management into a connected, data-driven experience.  

Finalists include: Boldr, Boldr Mini Split Controller Pro Pack; and eDelta Inc./ eTrapp, eTrapp 

COOLING 

Winner: Daikin Applied Americas Inc.  

Innovation: Magnitude WME-C Quad

AHR Booth: C4916  

Magnitude WME-C Quad is the first dual circuit series counterflow chiller that delivers up to 3,000 tons of capacity using Daikin’s magnetic bearing compressor technology. With four compressors, Daikin’s proven WME oil-free magnetic bearing technology and mission-critical  features like RideThrough and RapidRestore, which offer unmatched part-load efficiency, reliability and uptime. 

Finalists include: BAC (Baltimore Aircoil Company), Immersion Cooling Tank with Cortex Technology; and Gree Electric Appliances, Inc. of Zhuhai, G-Storm Compressor (G-Storm 200Hz Ultra High-speed Compressor)  

HEATING 

Winner: Copeland  

Innovation: Copeland heating-optimized modulating vapor injection portfolio

AHR Booth: C3607    

The Copeland heating-optimized modulating vapor injection portfolio combines innovative two- stage, tandem and variable-speed compression platforms with enhanced vapor injection (EVI)  technologies to deliver maximum flexibility, scalability and performance in achieving the capacity and efficiency requirements of next-generation commercial heat pumps for hot air and water  applications.  

Finalists include: Danfoss, PSG Heating Scroll Compressor; and Trane Trane 17 Multi-Speed Heat Pump with WeatherGuard 

INDOOR AIR QUALITY 

Winner: Sharp Corporation

Innovation: Airest  

AHR Booth: SL1919  

Airest is the world's first mini-split heat pump with built-in MERV 14 certified filters. It captures over 99.9% of dust before it enters the unit. With an airflow reach of 43 feet, Airest cools, heats, and purifies the air simultaneously, all made possible by its uniquely engineered internal structure.  

Finalists include: CASPR Technologies, CASPR Medik; and Friedrich Air Conditioning, FreshAire PTAC  

PLUMBING 

Winner: IDC Fluid Control

Innovation: LeakStop III  

AHR Booth: SL1225  

LeakStop III is a fully automated water leak detection system for homes and small commercial  buildings. The system is built to alarm in the event of a leak detection. When the water flow is  continuous and exceeds a preset and programmable maximum value, the system automatically shuts down.  

Finalists include: GE Appliances Air & Water Solutions, Smart HQ Wireless Leak Detect System; and Milwaukee Tool, Roll Groover (2927)  

REFRIGERATION 

Winner: Copeland  

Innovation: Copeland transcritical CO2 scroll compressor with dynamic vapor injection technology 

AHR Booth: C3607    

The Copeland transcritical CO2 scroll compressor marks a new era of simplicity, scalability and  sustainability for small-footprint, distributed CO2 refrigeration. Featuring dynamic vapor injection (DVI) technology, which enhances efficiency and simplifies design, the transcritical-rated compressor revolutionizes CO2 refrigeration system designs and applications in North America.  

Finalists Include: DORIN USA, CD700 Range - CO2 Transcritical Compressors; and Quest Climate, M- CoRR (Multi-Coil Refrigeration Recovery)   

SOFTWARE 

Winner: Rebar  

Innovation: Rebar  

AHR Booth: SL2331 

Rebar is the first AI-powered takeoff platform built for HVAC. It reads construction plans, identifies mechanical pages, marks equipment, and generates accurate takeoffs in minutes — cutting hours of  manual work. Purpose-built by industry experts, Rebar helps reps move faster, win more jobs, and  streamline the entire sales process.  

Finalists Include: HVAC Solutions, Inc., AGILE-MEP; and PhaseAlpa, LLC, AlphaTakeoff. 

SUSTAINABLE SOLUTIONS 

Winner: Blue Frontier

Innovation: BF-DOAS  

AHR Booth: SL3720 

Blue Frontier’s technology to cool & dehumidify is an evolution away from refrigerants and the vapor compression cycle. It’s 300% more efficient than current technologies, contains a  dispatchable thermal storage battery and can independently control db and dp, providing superior comfort. The hotter it gets, the more efficient we become.  

Finalists Include: Conifer, Cypress: Rare-Earth-Free IE5+ EC motor for NEMA Frames; and SHARC Energy, SHARC Series (660, 880, 1212 (coming soon)

TOOLS & INSTRUMENTS 

Winner: CSG Compressors (Houston & American Hermetics)

Innovation: SAMMi  

AHR Booth: SL3122  

SAMMi is an AI-powered HVAC monitoring and dispatch system that detects issues before they cause breakdowns. It autonomously alerts and dispatches technicians, saving time, money, and product loss. Easy to install and scalable, SAMMi turns reactive maintenance into smart, seamless prevention.  

Finalists Include: NAVAC Inc., Flex-X Manifold Gauge; and Uniweld Products, Inc., Uniweld SmarTech FUSION Pro Kit  

VENTILATION 

Winner: ABB Motors and Drives  

Innovation: ACH580 Variable Frequency Drives

AHR Booth: C1707  

The ACH580 drive enables seamless control of up to six EC Titanium motors, optimizing energy efficiency, reducing installation complexity, and lowering total cost of ownership. This intelligent fan array solution delivers high performance and simplified permanent magnet motor management for advanced HVAC applications.  

Finalists Include: Honeywell, Critical Spaces Control Drives; and Senva Inc., ECMSet Pro.

Experience Innovation in Vegas  

At the show in February, one overall 2026 Product of the Year winner will be announced. This prestigious honor, selected from the 10 category winners, is awarded based on exceptional  leadership in HVACR innovation.  

“As the industry continues to face workforce challenges alongside rising equipment demand, ever- changing regulations and the need for more innovative solutions, the AHR Expo Innovation Awards will continue to play a critical role in showcasing the pulse of industry advancement,” said Kim Pires, AHR Expo. “Participation in the Awards — and the distinction of being awarded a win — is a key indicator to the wider industry that your company is leading the way for the future of HVACR.”