AHR VEGAS 2026 Post Show
AI and Automation Take Center Stage at AHR 2026
Latest software innovations help HVAC contractors streamline operations

At the 2026 AHR Expo, software and AI were impossible to ignore. Manufacturers and platforms showcased tools designed to help contractors run smarter, more efficient businesses — not just buildings. From AI-powered voice agents and conversational assistants to cloud platforms and digital sales tools, this year’s software innovations focused on helping contractors save time, improve customer communication, and make faster, more informed decisions in the field.
Jimmy Thompson, senior sales manager, HVAC, at Podium, talked with us about the role of artificial intelligence in HVACR.
Brainbox AI/Trane
ARIA
AI-BUILDING AGENT: With ARIA, building managers can proactively diagnose issues, troubleshoot, and prioritize maintenance. (Courtesy of Brainbox AI/Trane)
What HVAC contractors will like about this product: HVACR contractors would value ARIA for its AI-powered, conversational interface that delivers actionable insights and recommendations in 14-plus languages. With mobile and desktop access, ARIA helps contractors quickly diagnose issues, troubleshoot systems, and prioritize maintenance tasks. This proactive approach enhances operational efficiency, reduces downtime, and ensures smarter facility management, making contractors more effective and responsive in delivering high-quality service to their clients.
Availability: Now
For more information: https://www.trane.com/commercial/north-america/us/en/products-systems/smart-building-technology/ai-solutions/trane-autonomous-control.html
FieldEdge
HVACBizPro
GOOD, BETTER, BEST: The kitchen table selling tool, HVACBizPro, gives contractors a way to offer their homeowners “good, better, best” options. (Courtesy of FieldEdge)
What HVAC contractors will like about this product: HVACBizPro is a kitchen table selling tool. It provides contractors a way to provide “good, better, best” quotes in the field. HVACBizPro brings in AHRI data, allowing contractors and customers to easily see qualified matchups. It also allows contractors to sell upgrades, IAQ products, and provides all the documentation about the equipment being sold. This allows technicians to efficiently provide a quote to a customer. The software was recently completely redeveloped from top to bottom, streamlining its aesthetics. There is also more functionality, such as being able to present easier mobile-responsive quotes, meaning contractors can increase equipment sales. HVACBizPro integrates with both FieldEdge and ServiceTitan.
Availability: Now
For more information: https://www.entsellingsolutions.com/free-demo/?utm_source=hvac-biz-pro-login&utm_medium=new-customer-button
Johnson Controls
Metasys 15.0
SCALABILITY: Metasys 15.0 be scaled across multiple buildings and site such as healthcare systems, data centers, and large campuses, while increasing uptime and efficiency. (Courtesy of Johnson Controls)
What HVAC contractors will like about this product: The flagship open building management system from Johnson Controls provides unified control across HVAC, chillers, fire, lighting, security, and more. Metasys 15.0 delivers multi-server redundancy for resilience and advances decarbonization through its integrated energy management suite, bringing immediate insights for emissions tracking, benchmarking, and budgeting.
Availability: Now
For more information: https://www.johnsoncontrols.com/building-automation-and-controls/metasys
Looking for quick answers on air conditioning, heating and refrigeration topics? Try Ask ACHR NEWS, our new smart AI search tool. Ask ACHR NEWS
Podium
Larry
LARRY: Larry can give contractors back something cherished: free time. (Courtesy of Podium)
What HVAC contractors will like about this product: Meet Larry, your new industry expert CSR. Podium calls it out-of-the-box AI — meaning when he’s given FAQs and the basic information about the business, Larry is an expert from day one. Built to be an expert in the HVAC, plumbing, and electrical space, Larry can be customized to a contractor’s business needs, with little feedback required. This means faster implementation when compared to onboarding a person or other technologies. From day one, Larry can book jobs and respond to leads within 60 seconds — 24 hours a day, seven days a week, including holidays or even the Super Bowl. This equates to contractors taking back time they can spend on larger priorities. It beats the alternative: asking somebody to carry a pager, or for somebody to answer the phone 24 hours a day.
Availability: Now
For more information: https://www.podium.com/experience/home_services
ServiceTitan
AI Voice Agents
NEVER MISS A CALL: AI Voice Agents allow teams to book more jobs by handling overflow, after-hour calls, and scheduling. (Courtesy of ServiceTitan)
What HVAC contractors will like about this product: ServiceTitan AI Voice Agents help HVAC contractors never miss a call again. As the only voice agent built specifically for the trades, it understands your business, your customers, and your schedule in real time. AI Voice Agents offer accurate timeslots, fees, and job types while speaking naturally and following your playbook for error-free service 24/7. The result is no missed calls, no mistakes, and no waiting. Contractors get more booked jobs, happier customers, and a smarter, more efficient business — with setup taking minutes, not weeks.
Availability: Now as part of Contact Center Pro
For more information: https://www.servicetitan.com/webinar/ai-voice-agent
Trane Technologies
Trane Cloud
REMOTELY SMARTER: With Trane Cloud equipment can be monitored remotely to identify issues before they become emergencies. (Courtesy of Trane Technologies)
What HVAC contractors will like about this product: Win more work and build longer-term customer relationships with Trane Cloud. This secure digital hub helps you move beyond one-time installs into proactive, value-added service. Monitor connected equipment remotely, identify issues before they become emergencies, and deliver smarter maintenance with fewer truck rolls. Trane Cloud also opens the door to recurring revenue through digital services — helping you differentiate your business, increase efficiency, and position yourself as a trusted, technology-forward partner your customers rely on.
Availability: Now
For more information: N/A
Looking for a reprint of this article?
From high-res PDFs to custom plaques, order your copy today!









