ACHR NEWS

The ACHR NEWS - March 16, 2026

2026 March 16

This issue of The ACHR NEWS is the big post-AHR Expo rundown, taking in depth looks to the new products and trends from every corner of the industry — commercial, components and accessories, compressors, geothermal, indoor air quality, refrigerants and commercial refrigeration, furnaces and boilers, smart controls, residential cooling, software, tools and test instruments, and water heaters. We also ask if space is the final frontier for HVAC, the importance of being a mentor, why CO2 could be the business owner’s refrigerant choice, and what to do before spending time and money chasing AI leads.

Check back throughout the week for additional content.

Cover Story

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Feature Articles

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AquaSnap 30RQM
AHR VEGAS 2026 Post Show

What’s New in Commercial HVAC at the 2026 AHR Expo

New heat pumps and coolers signal the market’s continual shift to efficient, electrified systems
Chris Gray
Chris Gray
March 16, 2026
The 2026 AHR Expo showcased the latest in commercial HVAC products, many of which focus on the growing trend of dual-fuel systems, heat pumps, and chillers for data centers.
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Danfoss Expansion Valve
AHR VEGAS 2026 Post Show

New Components, Parts and Accessories at the 2026 AHR Expo

Products reflect an industry focused on faster installs, higher reliability, and future-ready HVAC systems
Chris Gray
Chris Gray
March 17, 2026
The 2026 AHR Expo had plenty of parts and accessories to check out, including safety switches and valves that prevent failures before they happen, smart technology added to traditionally passive components, and innovations that shorten install times to save on labor.
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Honeywell Whole Home Dehumidifier
AHR VEGAS 2026 Post Show

Smarter IAQ and Ventilation Solutions Debut at AHR Expo

New products emphasize connected humidity control, improved ventilation performance, and contractor-friendly installation
Maria Taylor
Maria Taylor
March 19, 2026
From whole-home dehumidifiers to high-efficiency ERVs, new IAQ products aim to improve comfort while helping contractors meet evolving ventilation codes.
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Honeywell Home Elite Pro
AHR VEGAS 2026 Post Show

Smart Controls on Display at the AHR Expo

Manufacturers showcased thermostats and controls designed to simplify setup and servicing
Joanna Turpin
Joanna R. Turpin
March 23, 2026
New residential and light commercial controls at the AHR Expo highlighted thermostats and solutions that help contractors install faster and service systems more efficiently.
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Midea EVOX PowerCool 1
AHR VEGAS 2026 Post Show

Residential Cooling Systems Take Center Stage at AHR Expo

New ducted and ductless equipment emphasizes higher efficiency, electrification readiness, and flexible installation options
Maria Taylor
Maria Taylor
March 23, 2026
AHR Expo exhibitors introduced residential cooling technologies aimed at improving efficiency, expanding climate performance, and simplifying installs for contractors.
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Brainbox Trane ARIA
AHR VEGAS 2026 Post Show

AI and Automation Take Center Stage at AHR 2026

Latest software innovations help HVAC contractors streamline operations
Hannah Belloli
Hannah Belloli-Oster
March 23, 2026
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.
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Joanna's Point of View
FROSTlines

Is Space the Final Frontier for Data Centers?

Nvidia and Elon Musk say orbital facilities could ease power, water, and cooling constraints
Joanna Turpin
Joanna R. Turpin
March 3, 2026

With residential HVAC slumping, data centers are driving growth — but new chip designs, local resistance, and even space-based alternatives raise questions about whether that boom will last.


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Marchese-image-1.JPG
FROSTlines

 The Importance of Being a Mentor

 Senior HVACR techs should help train the next generation
Joe marchese
Joe Marchese
March 11, 2026

Senior HVACR techs should actively mentor and share their experience to help develop skilled, confident technicians and strengthen the industry’s workforce. 


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Columns

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Newsline

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U.S. Capitl

House Vote Puts Heat Pump Rebates in Jeopardy

Matt Jachman
Matt Jachman
February 27, 2026

One measure approved by the House would revise the rules for setting energy efficiency standards for appliances, and the other would repeal the Home Electrification and Appliance Rebates (HEAR) program, which provides low- and moderate-income homeowners with rebates for installing heat pumps and other qualifying electrical equipment.


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FYI

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FYI - HVAC Briefs

FYI: News Briefs in HVAC - March 16, 2026

March 16, 2026
For your information news briefs from a wide variety of categories within the HVAC industry. Price increases, mergers and acquisitions, award winners, and more are highlighted here each issue.
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