What’s New in Compressor Technology at the AHR Expo

Recently introduced designs highlight efficiency gains and low-GWP readiness

Copeland KF compressor — Staff photo
**SHOW FLOOR:** Justin Kilgore shows off the new KF scroll compressor from Copeland.

Compressors were very much at the center of innovation at the 2026 AHR Expo. From new designs optimized for low-GWP refrigerants to advancements aimed at efficiency, reliability, and performance, manufacturers showcased compressors that reflect where the industry is headed. The products highlighted below were all introduced within the past year, offering a snapshot of the latest compressor technology now moving into real-world applications.

Copeland

Transcritical CO₂ scroll compressor with dynamic vapor injection (DVI) technology

CO₂ SCROLL: Copeland’s transcritical CO₂ scroll compressor expands the application flexibility for CO₂ refrigeration. (Staff photo)

What HVAC contractors will like about this product: The transcritical CO₂ scroll compressor significantly expands opportunities for CO₂ refrigeration into smaller footprint, distributed systems. This innovative compression technology delivers enhancements in system efficiency and performance while simplifying design complexities. Copeland's solution expands the application flexibility for CO₂ refrigeration, scalable from small-to-large-format stores, designed for use in distributed rack architectures or single-compressor condensing units. These compressors are available in fixed- and variable-speed configurations and all feature DVI technology. DVI technology simplifies operation and system design challenges by eliminating the need for parallel compression, which supports improved efficiencies, applied cost reductions, and reliable refrigeration in all climates.

Available: Now

For more information: www.copeland.com/en-us/products/refrigeration/commercial-refrigeration/co2-solutions/product-portfolio

Copeland

KF variable-speed scroll compressor

KF SCROLL: A2L-optimized platform allows heat pump OEMs to maintain comfort in demanding climates. (Courtesy of Copeland)

What HVAC contractors will like about this product: The KF variable-speed scroll compressor sets new standards for high performance, capacity, and energy efficiency in residential heat pump and air conditioning applications. Its ground-up redesign is built upon legendary Copeland scroll DNA, leveraging low-GWP refrigerants and offering a broad capacity range for next-generation systems. The innovative A2L-optimized platform enables heat pump OEMs to maintain comfort in demanding cold climate heating scenarios while addressing energy efficiency standards.

Available: Now

For more information: www.copeland.com/en-us/products/heating-and-air-conditioning/yav-f-platform

Embraco

Scroll compressor portfolio

SCROLL LINEUP: Embraco’s new scroll compressor lineup expands its reach into air conditioning and heating, as well as broadening its presence in refrigeration. (Staff photo)

What HVAC contractors will like about this product: Expanding its reach for the first time into air conditioning and heating, as well as broadening its presence in refrigeration, Embraco has introduced a new versatile scroll compressor lineup. Designed for commercial and residential use — including cold rooms, ice machines, heat pumps, central ducted air conditioning systems, and rooftop chillers — the portfolio ranges from 1.2 to 35 HP. These solutions support R-410A, R-404A, and sustainable low-GWP options like A2Ls and R-290. Available worldwide, the lineup combines Embraco’s renowned reliability with global regulatory compliance, providing a robust solution for new systems, retrofit projects, or aftermarket replacements.

Available: Now

For more information: https://materials.refrigerationclub.com/lp-scroll-one-brand-all-climates

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Embraco

VLT compressor

VLT COMPRESSOR: Embraco’s new VLT variable-speed compressor is designed for light commercial applications. (Staff photo)

What HVAC contractors will like about this product: The VLT is Embraco’s new variable-speed (inverter) compressor for light commercial applications such as freezers, refrigerators, and bottle coolers. Available in R-290 and R-600a, it stands out for its compactness, ranging from 123 to 151 millimeters in height, while delivering cooling performance equivalent to larger compressors. It is equipped with a bivolt and bi-frequency inverter, offering high energy efficiency, low noise, and resilience to voltage fluctuations.

Available: Now

For more information: www.embraco.com/en/products/vl-series/

LG Electronics Component Solutions

YGH275SAA compressor

COMMERCIAL COMPRESSOR: LG’s YGH275SAA is a 27-ton commercial compressor developed to support HVAC OEMs’ high-efficiency system designs. (Staff photo)

What HVAC contractors will like about this product: The YGH275SAA is a 27-ton commercial compressor developed to support HVAC OEMs’ high-efficiency system designs. The product applies LG’s residential high-efficiency Gen3 compressor mechanism to a commercial capacity platform, offering improved energy performance while maintaining reliability at larger capacities. Its optimized internal design is intended to help OEMs address higher efficiency targets and evolving energy regulations. The compressor is suited for advanced commercial HVAC applications requiring compact system layouts, stable operation, and improved part load performance, supporting the development of next-generation high-efficiency commercial HVAC systems.

Available: Samples available now.

For more information: www.lg.com/global/business/support/resource-download/compressor-motor/

Tecumseh

Spirion scroll compressors

EXPANDED RANGE: Spirion’s expanded range enhances Tecumseh’s commercial refrigeration strength, while adding new models for commercial air conditioning. (Staff photo)

What HVAC contractors will like about this product: Spirion’s expanded range enhances Tecumseh’s commercial refrigeration strength, while adding new models for commercial air conditioning. Spirion reaches up to 10 tons of cooling capacity and supports multiple refrigerants, including R-410A and R-454B, to support ongoing regulation shifts. Spirion also strengthens Tecumseh’s commercial refrigeration portfolio, now offered with R-455A, R-454A, and R-454C, while remaining compatible with R-448A and R-449A.

Available: First quarter 2026

For more information: www.tecumseh.com

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Joanna Turpin is a Senior Editor at The ACHR NEWS. She can be contacted at 248-786-1707 or joannaturpin@achrnews.com. Joanna has been with BNP Media since 1991, first heading up the company’s technical book division before moving over to The ACHR NEWS, where she frequently writes about refrigerants and commercial refrigeration. She obtained her bachelor’s degree in English from the University of Washington and worked on her master’s degree in technical communication at Eastern Michigan University.