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AHR Expo 2026: What’s New in Refrigeration and Air Conditioning

AHR Expo 2026: What’s New in Refrigeration and Air Conditioning

From high-pressure CO2 components and propane-ready commercial refrigeration packages to digital controls, leak detection, and data-center cooling hardware, AHR Expo 2026 packs a wide slice of HVACR innovation into one show floor. Taking place February 2–4, 2026 in Las Vegas, this RefIndustry preview maps the exhibitor announcements we received into a clear “technology stack” view—so you can quickly find what matters for your next refrigeration or air-conditioning project.

Mission-critical cooling and data center thermal management

Baltimore Aircoil Company (BAC)

BAC will feature its Nexus modular hybrid cooler and highlight immersion cooling based on CorTex technology, positioned for data center and mission-critical applications. The immersion tank design emphasizes sealed operation (no penetrations below fluid level), redundancy via multiple pumps, and simplified maintenance via a sealed, filter-free configuration. BAC also notes the immersion tank has been certified as part of an Intel Data Center Certified Solution for Immersion Cooling (4th and 5th gen Xeon processors), and will also spotlight aftermarket parts offerings.

BITZER

BITZER will spotlight its CSV series compact screw compressors for continuous data center cooling. The CSV units integrate compressor, motor, oil separator, and frequency inverter into a single component, with the built-in inverter enabling precise temperature control and a wide capacity modulation range for stable operation under varying IT loads (including soft-start and low inrush current). Designed for high condensing temperatures and high seasonal efficiency, the series is positioned to meet data center uptime and energy-performance requirements and can be used, for example, with R134a, R513A, or R1234ze.

Johnson Controls

Johnson Controls plans to present solutions targeting decarbonization and tighter thermal control in mission-critical environments, including data centers. Highlights include Metasys building management system updates (version 15.0), plus OpenBlue energy and predictive analytics positioning for operational optimization. The release also references mission-critical HVAC equipment and controls offerings designed to address water, energy, and space constraints.

Commercial refrigeration and food retail systems

Copeland

Copeland will focus on compression technologies and controls, including its new KF compressor platform (described as variable-capacity and “next-generation” in the release). The company also plans to highlight lower-GWP solutions spanning CO2, R-290, and A2L refrigerants, plus food retail systems that connect compression, case-level solutions, and multi-store controls for deeper operational insight. Copeland notes two AHR Innovation Award-winning products on display, including a transcritical CO2 scroll compressor with dynamic vapor injection (DVI).

Danfoss

Danfoss will show a broad HVACR portfolio, including the Optyma iCO2 condensing unit for transcritical refrigeration and A2L gas sensors. The booth list also includes iC7-HVACR variable speed drives and a PSG heating scroll compressor for high-temperature heating applications up to 1 MW. Danfoss additionally plans contractor-oriented demos via its RefTools mobile app, including a newly announced feature intended to simplify servicing.

Embraco

Embraco will present its “Sync it All” approach, combining compressors, electronic controls, and cloud monitoring, with an emphasis on R-290 (propane) solutions. The release highlights packaged levels “from a basic condensing unit to a complete refrigeration unit,” including options pre-charged with refrigerant to reduce assembly steps and part handling. Exhibits include R-290 condensing units and compressors such as FCM (fixed-speed) and FMF (variable-speed) models.

Heatcraft 

Heatcraft Refrigeration Products, part of Lennox International, will expand its CO2 portfolio with a new 90 bar CO2 low-profile unit cooler designed for walk-in food retail and restaurant applications, plus a preview of a CO2 vertical condensing unit for commercial use. Heatcraft says the 90 bar design reduces potential refrigerant venting versus 45 bar CO2 evaporators, helps maintain charge, and enables faster restarts after outages or maintenance. The company is also previewing a 15 hp CO2 vertical condensing unit, positioned as the first in a new platform for commercial processes and cold storage where large rack systems aren’t required, with availability later in 2026.

High-pressure and system-integration components

NDL Industries

NDL will exhibit CO2 refrigeration components designed for high-pressure applications, including UL-listed CO2 copper fittings rated up to 1,885 PSI (130 bar). The booth lineup can include CO2 service tees intended to allow service valve installation without drilling or expanding fittings, plus CO2 ball valves and check valves rated to 2,030 PSI (140 bar) with CE, CRN, and UL certifications. NDL also plans to introduce new CO2 three-way valves, positioned to increase design flexibility in complex CO2 systems. 

Sanhua

Sanhua will show a portfolio of HVACR components positioned for residential, commercial, and industrial applications, with a focus on system performance, efficiency, and “intelligent system design.” The release lists a broad set of product families (including BPHE and the SEC Series Controller), framing them as building blocks spanning flow control, filtration, electronic expansion, heat exchange, and system management.

Electrified comfort HVAC and heat pump platforms

Daikin

Daikin’s exhibit spans comfort HVAC and applied cooling. On the comfort side, the company will present FIT AURORA cold-climate residential heat pumps using low-GWP R-32 refrigerant (2- and 3-ton models), and NEXIO MAX light commercial inverter rooftops with R-32. The release also highlights cloud-connected HERO Cloud Services intended to remotely monitor and optimize comfort and energy use, alongside next-generation VRV.

Mitsubishi Electric Trane HVAC US LLC

METUS will show all-electric heat pump technologies and smart controls across residential and commercial applications. The lineup includes ecodan air-to-water systems (hydronic heating/cooling and DHW) and the ecodan Pro CAHV modular air-source heat pump using low-GWP R454C, designed to deliver hot water up to 165°F (74°C). The company also plans to present X-Generation VRF (up to 50 zones, 6–32 tons / ~21–113 kW) and SMART MULTI multi-zone heat pumps (up to 10 tons / ~35 kW), plus updates to digital platforms such as The Comfort app and MitsubishiPro.com.

Air-side technology, heat exchange, and coils

ebm-papst Inc.

ebm-papst will focus on air movement, digital control, and compressor technology. Product highlights include AxiBlade.Perform fans (860 and 950 mm) for chillers/evaporators/condensers, with MODBUS-RTU and cloud connectivity, and the RadiPac 3M impeller paired with a DV214 EC motor for ventilation and data center air handling. The release also highlights NEXAIRA.Systems as a digital platform using AI-driven optimization, and notes CompaNamic HighSpeed turbo compressors positioned for up to 40% energy savings versus conventional systems.

Güntner

Güntner will present adiabatic and hybrid cooling concepts, including its hydroBLU pre-cooling system based on humidification pads. The release positions “High Density” as a hybrid cooling system intended to reduce water waste and pollution, with a product presentation scheduled on Feb. 4 (Theater C). Güntner also references a V-shape VARIO configuration with hydroBLU, framed as reducing water consumption versus conventional water-cooled approaches.

KARYER

KARYER will feature its KR COILS brand and highlight heat exchangers, evaporators, condensers, and heating/cooling coils for refrigeration, air conditioning, and process cooling. The company plans to showcase solutions designed for natural refrigerants (A2L, R744, R290, R600a) and notes its capability to produce customized OEM products with 30 fin geometry alternatives. “We are excited to present our environmentally friendly solutions that prioritize energy efficiency…,” — Serli Sinanoğlu Tümer, Marketing Director, KARYER.

LG Electronics

LG will present next-generation compressor and motor component technologies. The BHA Series – DualJet is positioned as a redesigned reciprocating compressor approach intended to improve real-world efficiency and reduce energy consumption, with built-in protection and diagnostic functions for operating-condition monitoring. LG will also show CurvedSpoke technology for BLDC motors used in residential indoor AC units, described as reducing motor size by ~12% while increasing energy density through magnet placement optimization.

Controls, sensing, and connected monitoring

Delta

Delta will present building automation and HVAC infrastructure solutions, including a digital twin concept (Building Canvas) and controls/software platforms (enteliWEB, enteliCLOUD, enteliSKETCH and LOYTEC). The release also describes data center CDU (Coolant Distribution Unit) offerings aligned with Redfish, and highlights ventilation and air management products such as EC fans and energy recovery ventilation (ERV) systems. “At AHR 2026, we are focused on turning intelligent building concepts into solutions that engineers, integrators, and building owners can actually deploy,” — John Nicholls, President, Delta Intelligent Building Technologies.

MSA Safety

MSA Safety will showcase Bacharach-branded HVACR service and safety instruments, including refrigerant monitoring and gas detection products. The exhibit list includes a next-generation Refrigerant Monitor (multi-gas), the MGS-250 gas detector (RS-485), a portable refrigerant leak detector, and additional tools tied to IAQ and measurement workflows.

Transducers Direct

Transducers Direct will feature wired and wireless pressure/temperature transducers, including the CirrusSense TDWLB-LCC cellular-connected pressure and temperature transducer. The release positions the cellular sensor for 24/7 remote monitoring without a gateway/router/local network, supporting real-time tracking, multi-sensor management, logging/trending, and email/text alerts. 

Infinitum

Infinitum will debut EC Fan Systems combining fan, motor, and variable frequency drive as an integrated unit, positioned for HVAC and mission-critical environments. The company also plans live demonstrations of Active Front End technology intended to mitigate electrical noise and harmonics at the motor. Infinitum will also show its expanded Aircore EC motor portfolio, described as maintaining efficiency across a wide speed range and delivering up to 20% higher efficiency than conventional models (per the company). 

Refrigerants

A-Gas

A-Gas will present refrigerant recovery, reclamation, and supply services positioned to address environmental and regulatory pressures. The release highlights PENGUIN certified reclaimed refrigerants processed to AHRI-700 and framed as a compliant alternative to virgin refrigerants. A-Gas will also promote Rapid Recovery, described as a high-speed recovery service, and plans an educational session on Feb. 2 about getting ahead of refrigerant supply constraints and AIM Act regulations (hosted by HVAC Excellence).

Installation, commissioning, and service tools

NAVAC

NAVAC will stage hands-on tool demonstrations and 2026 product launches aimed at installation, service, and commissioning efficiency. The company lists NEXUS 2 and FLEX 1 digital manifold gauges, plus support tools (including low-loss hoses and a manometer) and updates to its PowerT3 cordless tubing tools. The booth program also includes interactive workflows and live demonstrations intended to let technicians evaluate performance features directly.

Malco Tools

Malco Tools will feature the MalcoEdge refrigeration tool lineup, including hoses designed for leak-resistant connections during evacuation/charging, vacuum pumps positioned for deep/stable evacuation, and a recovery unit intended to support both traditional and lower-GWP refrigerants. The MalcoEdge line also includes manifolds and measuring equipment (including a gas leak detector, digital alarm thermometer, and digital vacuum gauge) aimed at installation, commissioning, maintenance, and troubleshooting workflows.

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