And Finally …

Sustainable Solutions: Beyond Refrigerants Altogether. According to an AHR Expo press release, this may be one of the most interesting shifts in the entire Innovation Awards lineup. Blue Frontier’s Dedicated Outdoor Air System (Booth SL3720) moves away from traditional refrigerant cycles entirely, delivering 300% better efficiency, independent control of dry-bulb and dew-point temperatures, and thermal storage capability.

If you work in markets facing aggressive decarbonization timelines, or if you serve customers who want long-term energy stability, this type of system represents the future.

It’s a sign that innovation isn’t just about making traditional systems better. It’s about rethinking the way we cool and dehumidify buildings.

Tools & Instruments: Predictive Maintenance Made Accessible. Here is another AI-based product that could change commercial HVAC predictive maintenance programs. CSG Compressor’s SAMMi (Booth SL3122) is an AI-based monitoring and dispatch system for refrigeration and HVAC equipment. It detects issues early, sends alerts, and can even automate technician dispatching.

Think of it as an accessible on-ramp to predictive maintenance for contractors who aren’t yet using advanced analytics platforms. It supports one of the most powerful business models in today’s market: shifting from reactive to proactive service.

Ventilation: Smarter VFD Control for Motor Arrays. The ACH580 VFD from ABB Motors and Drives (Booth C1707) stands out for its ability to manage up to six EC Titanium motors —reducing installation complexity, improving energy performance, and giving contractors more control over fan arrays.

With electrification, IAQ requirements, and tighter energy codes, VFDs continue to play a central role in commercial HVAC performance. Products that simplify setup and optimize multiple motors at once are exactly what contractors need in the field.

The Future of High-Performance HVAC

From where I sit, this year’s Innovation Award winners tell us a lot about where commercial HVAC is heading:

  • Systems are becoming more integrated and data-driven
  • Cold climate heat pumps and hydronic systems are hitting performance levels once reserved for
  • traditional heating equipment
  • CO₂ and non-refrigerant solutions are expanding quickly
  • AI isn’t replacing techs — it’s amplifying their value
  • IAQ is becoming part of the core equipment package
  • Predictive maintenance and remote monitoring are moving into the mainstream.

Commercial HVAC contractors who adapt to these trends by investing in training, strengthening their diagnostic capabilities, and positioning themselves as high performance experts — will be the ones who thrive over the next decade.

Performance Isn’t Optional

The real story isn’t about awards and recognition. It’s about the direction our industry is taking. We’re entering an era where high performance isn’t optional. Building owners want documentation. They want measured results. They want accountability. And the technologies being recognized this year are giving contractors better tools to deliver exactly that.

If you’re heading to the show, make time to see these systems up close. Talk to the engineers. Ask the questions that matter to real-world performance. Because the contractors who understand this wave of innovation and can translate it into practical, measurable results will own the next chapter of commercial HVAC.

Oh, and if you get a chance, stop by the National Comfort Institute Booth (SL1946) and learn more about the benefits of training and certifying in High-Performance HVAC.

That’s where opportunity lies.

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