The HVACR industry has been experiencing a labor shortage for decades, and the latest trends aren’t looking great.

A raft of new companies and research groups are researching how to reduce carbon and refrigerant emissions, and the result is a number of promising cooling innovations, which could bring significant changes to the HVAC industry.

From ice machines to reach-ins to controls to components, the Showcase is designed to educate contractors about the new commercial and industrial refrigeration products available, so they can help their customers make the right choice for their application.

Food retailers have identified the top refrigerant leak issues in refrigeration equipment and developed specific equipment specifications that could help mitigate those leaks.

The year started out strong for the HVAC industry, but there are economic headwinds going into the second half of 2022.

Alternatives to R-410A are mildly flammable (A2L) and many state building codes do not yet allow their use in stationary comfort cooling equipment. But that is changing quickly.

Most of the rest of the world has relied on ductless mini-split systems for their heating and cooling needs for decades, but that has not been the case in the U.S. That may be changing with the advent of ducted mini-split systems.

The Refrigeration & Ice Machines category winners include a refrigerant charging scale, evaporative control technology, and a condensing unit.

The HVAC Commercial Equipment category winners include a modular air-to-water heat pump, extra-large press fittings, and boilers with combustion technology.