HVAC Residential Market

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On more and more comfort calls, the first complaints are dust, odors, and stale rooms — not the thermostat setting. Contractors who treat filters, ventilation, humidity, and mixing as one system are turning those calls into easy wins.

The R-454B crisis dominated HVACR news this year, but other issues impacted the industry as well. They all set the stage for the year ahead.  

It’s been a challenging year for the HVACR industry, marked by refrigerant shortages, changing EPA regulations, and sluggish replacement sales.

The 2026 AHR Expo Trend Report shows contractors juggling refrigerant shortages, expiring tax credits, rising heat pump demand, AI tools, and a shrinking workforce. 

As homeowners look to stay comfortable and control costs this winter, a new generation of smart thermostats is stepping up. These devices don’t just manage temperature — they use AI, advanced sensors, and contractor-focused tools to simplify installs, prevent callbacks, and keep systems running efficiently.   

In response to the shift toward low-GWP refrigerants, several manufacturers have introduced convertible coils that are designed to operate with multiple refrigerants.