In the commercial HVAC world, staying on top of the trends and technological changes can be difficult. However, the team at Fry is on the case, and with our amazing commercial HVAC partners and industry expertise, we can help our clients navigate these trends to keep their HVAC systems up to date with the latest tech, making their buildings more efficient and keeping costs down. So, as the flowers are starting to poke out of the ground, and spring is upon us, let’s dive into some of the commercial HVAC trends we are watching for in 2026.
The move away from R-410A Refrigerant
As of the start of 2026, commercial HVAC units will need to move away from R-410A refrigerant and toward lower-GWP alternatives. Our commercial retail partners have primarily moved to R-32 and R-454B refrigerants. Now, these options are great for the environment and will drop emissions by 70%, but they are also mildly flammable. As a result, the newest HVAC systems will come with advanced leak detection that automatically activates safety protocols to protect your system. This will include high-speed ventilation and other automated processes, which we can not only set up but also test as part of your regular HVAC maintenance services.
Artificial Intelligence & Smart Building System Integration
Artificial intelligence is becoming the norm in everyday life, and our advanced commercial HVAC systems can help make your building more efficient and safer. For instance, some of the more advanced systems will use AI and machine learning to analyze vibrations in your unit, current draw, and performance data to detect component failures before they become a problem and notify you of the need for preventive maintenance. Additionally, platforms like Trane Connect and Daikin Hero Cloud can provide real-time monitoring of multiple systems across multiple locations to optimize your commercial HVAC outputs. Finally, some of the most advanced systems can also utilize a building management system to adapt to the exterior environment and analyze occupancy and utility price functions, allowing your heating and cooling system to become reactive rather than scheduled.
Electrification & Dual-Fuel Technologies
With oil and natural gas prices continuing to climb, more and more people are looking to move to an electrified heating and cooling option here in Toledo, Ohio. We have access to some of the best-performing cold-climate heat pumps, including the LG Therma V and Mitsubishi Ecodan, designed to operate in cooler climates and deliver 100% heating capacity down to 5 degrees. We have also started to see an increase in hybrid and dual-fuel RTUs that switch between heat pumps and a gas furnace depending on efficiency and the outdoor temperatures. Both Carrier and York have RTUs that can deliver these functions.
Data Center & Extreme Cooling
With the rise of data centers and mission-critical cooling needs as more and more companies look to expand their operations, we have seen some truly great technologies emerge to help keep these very hot rooms cool. For instance, for immersion cooling, Baltimore Aircoil Company’s CorTex technology is the crème de la crème. Others have preferred to use coolant distribution units to better cool these vast spaces. Additionally, Daikin and Trane have both launched oil-free magnetic-bearing chillers capable of providing 2,000 to 3,000 tons of cooling, making them ideal for high-density and mission-critical environments.
A New Focus on Indoor Air Quality
Indoor air quality is no longer something that you need to consider second. With demand-controlled ventilation, your heating and cooling system can detect increased carbon dioxide in your environment and adjust ventilation to better suit your specific needs. For instance, this feature will start working when you have increased occupancy in the building, rather than being dependent on scheduling around expected use. We have also seen many technological advances that improve overall air quality within the systems themselves. This includes integrating MERV-13+ filtration with UVC-LED sanitization to eliminate particulates and airborne pathogens, keeping your staff healthy and happy.
Whether you are looking to improve air quality in your building or want a more efficient heating and cooling system to keep costs down, 2026 is a great year to consider a commercial HVAC replacement. With our partnerships with York, Carrier, and Trane, you can enjoy some of the best pricing on commercial heating and cooling in Toledo, Ohio, here at Fry. Call us today and see how our commercial HVAC services can deliver a heating and cooling solution that will radically improve your building’s performance and air quality!
