The AHR Expo in Las Vegas was nothing short of massive this year. The energy on the floor was unmistakable, thousands of HVAC professionals, innovators, and industry leaders all in one place, shaping what’s next for the industry.
For us, AHR 2026 was an opportunity to connect directly with established manufacturers, emerging brands, and global players who are actively redefining how HVAC products reach the market.
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Several clear themes stood out.
A Surge of New HVAC Brands Entering the Market
One of the most noticeable trends was the number of new HVAC businesses entering the US market. Many are still early in building distribution networks, learning dealer dynamics, and determining how to position themselves alongside long-established brands.
Speed and penetration matter, but understanding the US dealer landscape is critical to long-term success.
Residential HVAC Momentum Is Returning
Across conversations with major US manufacturers, a consistent message emerged:
the residential HVAC market is gaining momentum again after a flat year.
This shift is influencing product strategies, dealer engagement models, and how brands think about scaling efficiently as demand increases.
Different Go-To-Market Strategies Are Taking Shape
Another interesting contrast came from discussions with APAC manufacturers. Many are pursuing price-driven strategies built around dealer incentives and volume-based contracts.
Meanwhile, established US brands continue to balance:
- Affordability
- Brand trust and reliability
- Long-term dealer relationships
- Product portfolios that support both premium and value segments
These differences suggest either varying levels of familiarity with US dealer behavior, or deliberate choices to prioritize rapid market penetration.
Sustainability And Data-Center HVAC Are Accelerating
Sustainability-focused innovation was prominent across the show floor, with manufacturers highlighting higher-efficiency systems designed to meet evolving environmental standards.
At the same time, many established players are clearly prioritizing data-center-specific HVAC solutions, signaling that 2026 will be a pivotal year for high-density cooling and infrastructure-focused HVAC investment.
Why Dealer Data Matters More Than Ever
Across all of these conversations, one underlying challenge kept surfacing:
the need for better visibility into dealer behavior.
As strategies diversify and competition increases, manufacturers that rely on assumptions or static snapshots risk falling behind. Those that understand dealer behavior over time, across brands, programs, and service lines, are better positioned to compete intelligently.
Take The Next Step
Many of the challenges discussed at AHR 2026 don’t start with technology, they start with data readiness.
Download the 2026 HVAC Dealer Data Readiness Checklist
Use this practical checklist to assess whether your dealer data and insights are ready to support growth, program optimization, and future initiatives.