AHR VEGAS 2026 Post Show
Refrigerants and Commercial Refrigeration Systems on Display
New offerings reflect ongoing changes in regulations and system design

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