Reflections from AHR 2026

50 Years of Evolution and the Path Forward

Attending the AHR Expo in Las Vegas last week was a powerful reminder of why I’ve stayed in the HVAC and energy industry for over five decades. From my early days as an entry-level technician to serving as a national energy manager for major telecommunications infrastructure, I have seen this industry reinvent itself time and again.

Walking the floor this year, the energy was palpable. It is clear that we aren't just selling "boxes" anymore; we are providing critical infrastructure for health, efficiency, and sustainability. Here are my key takeaways from the show:

1. The Pursuit of Total Comfort: IEQ and IAQ

The conversation has shifted from simple temperature control to Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ). Facility owners are no longer just looking at the thermostat; they are looking at the "total comfort" of the occupant. This includes a massive industry-wide push for higher fresh air makeup requirements. Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) is no longer a niche add-on; it is a central pillar of building design.

2. The Rise of Inverters and Ductless Solutions

It is exciting to see Ductless and Multi-zone solutions finally becoming mainstream in the USA. Designers are increasingly leaning on these systems for their superior reliability and efficiency. This is bolstered by the fact that nearly every manufacturer, domestic and foreign, is now showcasing inverter technology. The diversity of design options this provides is a win for both the engineer and the end-user.

3. The "Missing Link" in Equipment Longevity: Corrosion Protection

With so much innovation on display, one area still feels like an afterthought: Corrosion Protection.

In a marketplace with hundreds of choices, manufacturers are constantly looking for an "edge" to grow market share. While many have embraced precoated fin stock (often identified by those blue, green, or gold tints), we need to be honest about its limitations.

While precoated fins are better than no protection at all, the manufacturing process—punching, cutting, and stamping—leaves raw, untreated edges. This often negates the standard 1,000-hour salt fog ratings and gives customers a false sense of security.

Setting the Gold Standard at AHR and Beyond

To truly set themselves apart, manufacturers should look toward full encapsulation. Solutions like CoilSafe can be applied at the factory or in the aftermarket to coat the entire fin pack and exposed copper.

When you compare the standard 1,000-hour rating of precoated fins to CoilSafe’s 6,000-hour ASTM B117 rating (and 24,000 hours of direct marine exposure per ASTM G50), the difference in lifecycle value is staggering. In my 50 years of experience, protecting the investment is just as important as the technology inside it.

The HVAC industry is in a state of constant, beautiful evolution. Staying educated and aware of these shifts isn't just a professional requirement; it's an opportunity. I left Las Vegas feeling incredibly optimistic about our ability to create better, longer-lasting environments for everyone.