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ProductsHVAC Commercial MarketRefrigerationRefrigerants

AHR VEGAS 2026 Post Show

Refrigerants and Commercial Refrigeration Systems on Display

New offerings reflect ongoing changes in regulations and system design

By Joanna R. Turpin
AGAS Penguin Refrigerants
Staff photo
FRESH OFF THE LINE: Lower-GWP refrigerants, reclaimed options, and redesigned refrigeration equipment highlighted how manufacturers are adapting to new regulations and evolving system designs. (Staff photo)
March 20, 2026
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Image in modal.
AHR-Expo-Icon

New refrigerants and commercial refrigeration equipment each had a strong presence at the AHR Expo, reflecting how the industry is adapting on multiple fronts. From lower-GWP refrigerant options to reclaimed refrigerant programs to newly designed racks, cases, and condensing units, manufacturers highlighted how both the refrigerants themselves and the systems that use them are evolving to meet regulatory and performance demands.

The latest refrigerant phase down didn’t just test equipment — it tested the entire supply chain. With questions still swirling around EPA guidance, contractors are looking for clarity. A Chemours expert breaks down what went wrong, what’s improved, and what comes next.

A-Gas

PENGUIN-certified reclaimed refrigerants, including R-410A, R-134a, R-404A, R-407C, and R-507

PENGUIN-certified reclaimed refrigerants

RECLAIMED REFRIGERANT: Penguin-certified reclaimed refrigerants from A-Gas include R-410A, R-134a, R-404A, R-407C, and R-507. (Courtesy of A-Gas)

What HVAC contractors will like about this product: Certified reclaimed refrigerants now must contain at least 85% reclaimed material as mandated by the AIM Act. Some states, such as California and New York, have additional requirements, but those can be met by certified reclaimed refrigerants. PENGUIN-certified reclaimed refrigerants meet these criteria as they contain at least 85% reclaimed material, are AHRI-700 certified, and have 99.5% minimum purity. Contractors can protect themselves from liabilities by purchasing A-Gas PENGUIN-certified reclaimed refrigerants from their wholesale suppliers today.

Availability: Available from select wholesale suppliers in disposable cylinders. Contact A-Gas for large volumes and refillable cylinders.

For more information: https://www.agas.com/us/resources/penguin-certified-reclaimed-refrigerants/

Arkema

Forane 454B

Arkema Forane 454B

LOW-GWP ALTERNATIVE: Arkema’s Forane 454B delivers a lower-GWP alternative to R-410A, while maintaining similar pressures and temperatures. (Staff photo)

What HVAC contractors will like about this product: Forane 454B delivers a lower-GWP alternative to R -410A while maintaining similar pressures and temperatures, potentially reducing the learning curve during commissioning and troubleshooting. As an A2L refrigerant, it requires updated handling practices, but like Forane 32, it offers a lower GWP than R- 410A. Its R-32/R-1234yf blend provides strong capacity and efficiency, making it a practical, regulation-compliant replacement for new air conditioning and heat pump systems.

Availability: Now

For more information: https://forane.arkema.com/en/product/fluorochemicals/forane454B/

Danfoss

AK-CC25 Pro case controller

AK-CC25 Pro case controller

CASE CONTROLLER: Normand Masse points out the benefits of Danfoss’ AK-CC25 Pro case controller. (Staff photo)

What HVAC contractors will like about this product: This new high-performance controller for plug-in and remote TXV refrigerated display cases provides best-in-class application coverage and advanced functionality that supports high energy efficiency, including variable speed. Its modern interface and built-in Bluetooth give contractors an intuitive operation, easy setup, and seamless integration with ADAP-KOOL tools like the AK-CC Connect app, making commissioning and monitoring smoother than ever. The AK-CC25 is approved for use with A2L and A3 refrigerants, has built-in modbus connectivity, reducing product complexity, minimizing service stock, and allowing seamless tailoring to specific system requirements or retrofit needs.

Looking for quick answers on air conditioning, heating and refrigeration topics? Try Ask ACHR NEWS, our new smart AI search tool. Ask ACHR NEWS →

Availability: February 2026

For more information: https://store.danfoss.com/us/en_US/Climate-Solutions-for-cooling/Electronic-controls/Evaporator-and-room-control/AK-CC25-Pro/Case-room-controller-%28TXV%29%2C-AK-CC25-Pro/p/084B4022

Heatcraft

Fractional HP small indoor condensing unit

Heatcraft Condensing Unit

CONDENSING UNITS: David Bolanos discusses the benefits of Heatcraft’s fractional horsepower condensing units. (Staff photo)

What HVAC contractors will like about this product: These fractional horsepower condensing units are designed to make service replacements faster and easier for contractors. Standard features include a filter drier, sight glass, shut-off valves, and a factory-installed power cord whip, helping reduce install time and downtime. Offered in low- and medium-temperature models, they can accommodate R-134a, R-404A, R-448A/449A, R-407C, R-450, and R-513, providing flexibility across applications. These units are now available to extend equipment life with less complexity.

Availability: Now

For more information: www.heatcraftrpd.com/products/compressorized/air-cooled/fractional-hp-horizontal-air-discharge/

KeepRite

90 bar (1,300 psi) CO2 evaporators

KeepRite CO2 evaporator

UPPING THE BAR: KeepRite’s CO2 evaporators are now available in 90 bar configurations. (Courtesy of KeepRite)

What HVAC contractors will like about this product: These CO2 evaporators are now available in 90 bar (1,300 psi) configurations, offering efficiency, reliability, and durability. A variety of styles and capacities help contractors select the right model for the application, including: 90 bar AWEF-exempt models; 45 bar AWEF-compliant models; EC motors with patented SmartSpeed technology; high-efficiency and high-strength fan guards (patented honeycomb design provides industry-leading throw); new fan blade design, which provides quieter operation without sacrificing performance; and single- and multi-fan configurations.

Availability: Now

For more information: k-rp.com/evaps

Solstice

Solstice refrigerants for data center cooling applications

Solstice Refrigeration

SOLSTICE SOLUTIONS: Jeff Dormo discussed the latest refrigerant solutions from Solstice. (Staff photo)

What HVAC contractors will like about this product: Low-GWP Solstice refrigerants can be applied in data center cooling architectures, including room and precision air conditioning and liquid cooling approaches. A broad portfolio of refrigerants such as Solstice zd (R-1233zd), Solstice ze, (R-1234ze), Solstice 513A (R-513A), Solstice 454B (R-454B), and Solstice N15 (R-515B) enable energy-efficient uniform cooling, improved heat rejection, and reduced pumping power across both air-cooled and liquid-cooled designs. These applications help data center operators reduce energy use, operating costs, and environmental impact while meeting mission-critical cooling demands.

Available: Now

For more information: www.solstice.com/us/en/applications/air-conditioning-refrigeration-and-heating/data-centers

Solstice

Solstice refrigerants for heat pump applications

Solstice Refrigeration

REFRIGERANT OPTIONS: Solstice refrigerants are being used in refrigeration equipment, as well as in high-efficiency chillers and heat pumps. (Staff photo)

What HVAC contractors will like about this product: Solstice refrigerants are being used in high-efficiency chillers and heat pumps designed to deliver reliable heating and cooling while meeting lower emissions requirements. In these systems, Solstice ze (R-1234ze) and Solstice zd (R-1233zd) are popular ultra-low GWP refrigerants that support electrification, heat recovery, and improved energy efficiency, helping contractors design systems that reduce operating costs and environmental impact. These applications reflect how HVAC systems are evolving beyond traditional cooling to integrated heating, cooling, and heat-recovery solutions.

Available: Now

For more information: www.solstice.com/us/en/products/air-conditioning-refrigeration-and-heating/solstice-hfos/solstice-ze-r-1234ze and www.solstice.com/us/en/products/air-conditioning-refrigeration-and-heating/solstice-hfos/solstice-zd-r-1233zd

KEYWORDS: AHR Expo AHR Expo 2026 AHR Expo products Events in the HVACR Industry

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Tn joanna 2017
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.

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