Joanna R. Turpin

As industry debates the Technology Transitions rule, EPA’s ER&R rule is already in effect, imposing new leak repair, reclamation, reporting, and automatic leak detection requirements under the AIM Act.

WaterFurnace focused on accelerating geothermal adoption by emphasizing grid resiliency and affordability.

Heatcraft highlighted new refrigeration products, as well as robust training opportunities to help contractors and end users through the refrigerant transition.

Trane expects commercial HVAC sales to remain strong in 2026, while residential sales are projected to be soft in the first quarter before improving in the second half of the year. 

Despite fourth-quarter revenue declines, Lennox expects inventory normalization, pricing discipline, and a stabilization of repair-versus-replacement trends to support a return to growth in 2026. 

Regulations are accelerating low-GWP refrigeration adoption. While CO₂, A2Ls, and propane offer viable paths, each has unique challenges for end users.  

The shift to A2L refrigerants may seem daunting, but with proper tools, training, and safety know-how, contractors can handle the change with confidence.  

The 2026 AHR Expo Innovation Awards recognize 10 standout HVACR products chosen for their innovation, creativity, practical application, and potential market impact. 

Food retailers face growing confusion as evolving EPA AIM Act mandates and differing state rules make refrigerant compliance increasingly complex. 

Manufacturers expect residential sales to remain challenging in 2026, while commercial HVAC demand continues to show strength.