AHR VEGAS 2026 Post Show
What’s New in Commercial HVAC at the 2026 AHR Expo
New heat pumps and coolers signal the market’s continual shift to efficient, electrified systems

At the 2026 AHR Expo, heat pumps and chillers took center stage as they grow in popularity due to electrification and data center demand. The units highlighted during the show use low-GWP refrigerants or dual-fuel technology, signifying the industry’s ongoing shift toward decarbonization. Keeping installation and spacing in mind, manufacturers emphasized compact designs that still deliver high efficiency, quiet operation, and reliability, all while supporting occupant sensitivity for mission-critical facilities like schools, healthcare, and commercial spaces.
VRF technology is gaining momentum due to built-in controls, zoning, and flexible design. With minimal ductwork and integrated heating and cooling, it offers a less intrusive solution for modern buildings. But as Doug Bougher of LG explains, success with VRF starts with proper training and commissioning.
Bard
Bard Comfort Flex with Inverter Technology
QUIET ENVIRONMENT: Comfort Flex is engineered for learning and working environments, including an interior heat pump with inverter technology that is one of Bard’s quietest units. (Courtesy of Bard)
What HVAC contractors will like about this product: Designed for schools and other occupied spaces, the Comfort Flex is engineered to create optimized learning and working environments. The interior heat pump with inverter technology is one of Bard’s quietest units to date, designed to exceed classroom sound requirements. The unit uses a true inverter compressor to deliver precise temperature and humidity control, ventilation, dehumidification, and energy recovery while achieving energy efficiency. It comes with capacities ranging from 2 to 6 tons and flexible controls that include: standard thermostat compatibility, BACnet, up to MERV 13 filtration, UVC-LED and NPBI, and advanced ventilation technologies (100% economizer, ERV with enthalpy plate exchanger, or 100% Econ+ERV).
Availability: Mid-2027
For more information: bardhvac.com
Carrier
AquaSnap 30RQM Modular Air-Sourced Reversible Heat Pump
CUSTOM SIZING: The AquaSnap 30RQM can be tailored to the unique size and demands of a building. (Staff photo)
What HVAC contractors will like about this product: The 30RQM can be tailored to the unique size and demands of a building, with reliable performance at low ambient temperatures, reducing the need for traditional boiler systems and helping to advance sustainability and electrification goals. The heat pump can generate up to 140°F hot water and operate at ambient temperatures below 0°F.
Availability: Now
For more information: carrier.com/us/en/commercial/chillers/30rqm
Addison
PRAQ Compact DOAS Heat Pump
COMPACT: The PRAQ delivers a compact, packaged heat-pump solution ideal for tight mechanical spaces and retrofit applications. (Courtesy of Addison)
What HVAC contractors will like about this product: The PRAQ delivers a compact, packaged heat-pump solution that simplifies installation while meeting today’s electrification and efficiency demands. Its small footprint makes it ideal for tight mechanical spaces and retrofit applications. With FrostShield technology included as standard, contractors gain low-ambient operation without add-on complexity or field-installed accessories. Factory-engineered options, integrated controls, and service-friendly design reduce install time, minimize callbacks, and help contractors complete projects faster while protecting margins.
Availability: Now
For more information: addison-hvac.com/products/prq-series-compact-doas-hp/
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Cleaver Brooks
ClearAir Air-to-Water Heat Pump
A NEW OPTION: The new ClearAir produces supply water temperatures reaching 175°F (80°C), suited for existing hydronic systems and reducing the need for costly terminal upgrades. (Staff photo)
What HVAC contractors will like about this product: The new ClearAir Air-to-Water Heat Pump gives HVACR contractors a practical way to deliver sustainable, hydronic heating solutions. It produces supply water temperatures reaching 175°F (80°C), well-suited for existing hydronic systems and reducing the need for costly terminal upgrades. That simplifies design, speeds installation, and lowers project risk. The unit integrates with boilers in hybrid systems, giving flexibility to meet performance, budget, and decarbonization goals.
Availability: April 2026
For more information: cleaverbrooks.com/clearair-heat-pump
EVAPCO
eco-Air Series APEX Dry Cooler
REDUCED LAYOUT: The eco-Air Series APEX consumes zero water for heat rejection while reducing the overall installed layout by maximizing the cooling capabilities per unit. (Courtesy of EVAPCO)
What HVAC contractors will like about this product: The eco-Air Series APEX is a high-capacity, factory-assembled dry cooler. It consumes zero water for heat rejection, while reducing the overall installed layout by maximizing the cooling capabilities per unit. Factory-mounted and wired controls for plug-and-play operation. Optimized for maintenance access for increased uptime. Ideal for data center and mission-critical applications.
Availability: Now
For more information: evapco.com/products/closed-circuit-coolers-air-cooled/eawhd-apextm-dry-cooler
Carrier
Carrier Coolant Distribution Unit
MULTI-CHOICE: The CDU product family includes multiple unit sizes ranging from 1.3 to 5 megawatts, catering to a variety of large-scale liquid cooling deployments. (Staff photo)
What HVAC contractors will like about this product: The CDU product family includes multiple unit sizes ranging from 1.3 to 5 megawatts, catering to a variety of large-scale liquid cooling deployments. With fewer mechanical and electrical components for equivalent cooling capacity, the Carrier CDU aims to maximize uptime, simplify maintenance, and reduce installation complexity. The design enables efficient chip-level cooling, improved chiller performance, and low-pressure drops, reducing PUEs for data center operators and maximizing operating range.
Availability: Now
For more information: carrier.com/commercial/en/us/carrier-cdu
Daikin Applied
AWM Air Cooled Magnetic Bearing Chiller
HIGH TEMPS: The AWM’s advanced compressor design, paired with next‑generation fan technology, provides high‑performance cooling even in extreme conditions, operating in environments up to 131°F. (Staff photo)
What HVAC contractors will like about this product: The AWM delivers premium efficiency in a fully packaged, air‑cooled chiller engineered with oil‑free magnetic‑bearing compressors to meet the demands of modern data centers. Its advanced compressor design, paired with next‑generation fan technology, provides high‑performance cooling even in extreme conditions, operating in environments up to 131°F. With a capacity of cooling 400 to 550 tons, it is available in both open or closed loop feed cooling and integrated pump packages. The chiller uses low-GWP R-1234ze and R-454B refrigerants to minimize environmental impact.
Availability: Early 2026
For more information: daikinapplied.com/home
Hitachi
Hitachi air365 Max with R-32 refrigerant
TOP FLOW: The air365 MAx is a top-flow variable refrigerant flow (VRF) commercial heat pump that delivers exceptional comfort and A2L compliance and management. (Staff photo)
What HVAC contractors will like about this product: The Hitachi air365 Max with R-32 refrigerant offers highly efficient, zone-based heating and cooling simultaneously. It is a top-flow variable refrigerant flow (VRF) commercial heat pump that delivers exceptional comfort and A2L compliance and management. With models providing reliable cooling and heating operation from -22°F to 122°F, the system is ideal for building owners across climate regions looking to reduce operational costs with a higher return.
Availability: April 2026
For more information: hitachiaircon.com/us
YORK
YORK Sun Choice Dual Fuel Rooftop Units
SIMPLIFIED INSTALL: The Sun Choice model features a direct-drive plenum fan and often doesn’t require curb adapters, improving efficiency and installs. (Staff photo)
What HVAC contractors will like about this product: YORK Sun Choice Dual Fuel RTUs combines a heat pump with a gas or propane furnace as a backup heat source to deliver efficient heating and cooling and consistent comfort year-round in colder climates. The Sun Choice model (12.5–25 tons) features a direct-drive plenum fan that improves efficiency, simplifies service, speeds commissioning, and expands airflow capability. For most installations, Sun Choice units do not require curb adapters, which can reduce installation costs. Ideal for a wide range of light commercial applications, Sun Choice Dual Fuel RTUs help reduce utility bills and support long-term energy goals.
Availability: Now
For more information: york.com/commercial-equipment/packaged-split-dx/packaged-rooftop-units/15275tchoiceac_ds/york-sun-choice-rooftop-units
Bard
Bard Data Flex with Inverter Technology
FLEXIBLE COOLING: Available in 2- through 6-ton capacities in two nominal chassis with flexible control options, Data Flex includes data center-friendly logic and standard thermostat compatibility. (Staff photo)
What HVAC contractors will like about this product: The Bard Data Flex is an inverter-driven wall-mount air conditioner designed for challenging ambient environments (-40°F up to 131°F). Delivering precise temperature and humidity control with a strong emphasis on energy efficiency. The Data Flex is engineered specifically for data centers, information technology, telecommunication, and equipment cooling applications where uptime, precision, and efficiency are critical. Available in 2- through 6-ton capacities in two nominal chassis with flexible control options, including data center-friendly logic and standard thermostat compatibility. With advanced diagnostics, BACnet, and Modbus, contractors gain an energy-efficient solution they can depend on in extreme environments.
Availability: Q3 2026
For more information: bardhvac.com
Carrier
WeatherMaster 48QE Single-Packaged Hybrid Heat Rooftop Units
HYBRID SYSTEM: The WeatherMaster 48QE hybrid system automatically selects the most efficient heat source based on outdoor temperature to ensure occupant comfort. (Staff photo)
What HVAC contractors will like about this product: The 48QE dual fuel units are available from 3-25 nominal tons. The new design utilizes the electric heat pump as the primary heating source in milder conditions and switches to a natural gas furnace for auxiliary heating when temperatures drop significantly. The hybrid system automatically selects the most efficient heat source based on outdoor temperature to ensure occupant comfort. 48QE units can use both electric and gas heat simultaneously or switch between the two heating sources, helping to ensure optimal performance and lower energy consumption. Units can operate as a heat pump, hybrid heat unit, or a gas heat unit.
Availability: Now
For more information: carrier.com/commercial/en/us/products/packaged-outdoor/outdoor-packaged-units/48qe
Mitsubishi Electric
Mitsubishi Electric ecodanPro CAHV
MULTI-USE: The ecodan CAHV uses low-GWP refrigerant R454C to deliver outlet water temperatures up to 165°F, making it suitable for multi-family residences, hospitals, factories, dormitories, hotels, and health centers. (Courtesy of Mitsubishi Electric)
What HVAC contractors will like about this product: The Mitsubishi Electric ecodanPro CAHV is a modular air-source heat pump unit designed for high-efficiency space heating and industrial hot water applications. Utilizing low-GWP refrigerant R454C, the CAHV delivers outlet water temperatures up to 165°F, making it suitable for multi-family residences, hospitals, factories, dormitories, hotels, and health centers. The CAHV’s design allows up to 16 units to be grouped for scalable capacity. Features such as rotation function, wide operating temperature range, and low maintenance requirements ensure reliable performance and energy savings. The CAHV stands out for its eco-friendly operation, safety, and adaptability across diverse heating needs.
Availability: Manufacturer did not provide
For more information: mitsubishicomfort.com
Baltimore AirCoil
Immersion Cooling Tank
BUILT FOR DATA: Powered by patented CorTex technology, the immersion cooling tank delivers efficiency with Power Usage Effectiveness as low as 1.05 for data centers. (Staff photo)
What HVAC contractors will like about this product: This upgraded immersion cooling tank is engineered specifically for high‑performance data centers and AI‑driven workloads. Powered by patented CorTex technology, the tank delivers efficiency with Power Usage Effectiveness as low as 1.05 while providing a flexible, high‑density platform in multiple sizes, including 16RU, 32RU, 38RU, and 48RU, to support both immersion‑ready and retrofitted air‑cooled servers. Its patented leak-free design has no penetrations below the fluid level, ensuring fluid integrity and system reliability. Up to four pumps provide redundancy, while the sealed, filter-free configuration simplifies operation and eliminates routine maintenance for mission-critical environments. The tank uses dielectric fluid to carry heat from servers to the heat exchanger, while externally it supports water or water-glycol mixtures.
Availability: Now
For more information: baltimoreaircoil.com
Daikin Applied
Magnitude WME Quad Magnetic Bearing Chiller
SUSTAINABILITY: The oil-free magnetic bearing compressor of the Magnitude WME Quad Magnetic Bearing Chiller delivers up to 40% energy savings, all in an efficient, compact design. (Staff photo)
What HVAC contractors will like about this product: The Magnitude WME Quad Magnetic Bearing Chiller provides 2,000-3,000 tons of heating and cooling for high-density, always-on environments. Its RideThrough and RapidRestore technology allows for continuous cooling during power disruptions to protect critical operations, including power trip resilience that maintains up to 17 seconds of operation during power loss. The oil-free magnetic bearing compressor delivers up to 40% energy savings, all in an efficient, compact design. Features like its low-GWP refrigerants and electronic expansion valves support both energy efficiency and decarbonization goals, including an inverted operation that allows for condenser entering water temperatures lower than evaporator leaving water, eliminating the need for a waterside economizer.
Availability: Now
For more information: daikinapplied.com/products/chiller-products/magnitude
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