Samsung Showcases AI-Driven HVAC Innovations at AHR Expo 2026 in Las Vegas
From February 2 to 4, the International Air-Conditioning, Heating, Refrigerating Exposition (AHR Expo) — North America’s largest heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration (HVACR) trade show — took center stage in Las Vegas. Hosted by the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE), the 2026 edition of the Expo brought together more than 1,800 companies from around the globe, providing a platform to highlight the latest technologies, products, and trends shaping the HVACR industry.
Among the leading participants, Samsung Electronics presented its vision for next-generation HVAC solutions through an expansive 350-square-meter booth, emphasizing its commitment to “Enabling Better Living.” The company showcased an integrated lineup of residential and commercial solutions designed to improve energy efficiency, maximize comfort, and enable advanced maintenance capabilities through artificial intelligence.
To better understand Samsung’s strategic approach in HVAC, Samsung Newsroom interviewed Hye-seong Baek, Vice President of the Digital Appliances (DA) Business at Samsung Electronics, who elaborated on the company’s innovations and long-term plans for the North American market.
Strategic Participation in the AHR Expo
Samsung’s presence at the AHR Expo is part of a consistent effort to strengthen its brand in the global HVAC market. Since its debut at the Expo in 2015, Samsung has leveraged the platform to showcase its latest technologies and engage directly with industry partners.
North America is the world’s second-largest HVAC market, representing a critical arena where the most advanced technologies compete,” Baek explained. “Our participation allows us to share Samsung’s differentiated business vision, demonstrate AI-driven solutions, and strengthen mid- to long-term partnerships based on mutual trust.”
Showcasing Advanced HVAC Solutions
At the 2026 Expo, Samsung highlighted its broad product portfolio, spanning both residential and commercial applications. In the commercial segment, the company introduced the DVM S2+, a high-efficiency, large-capacity air-conditioning solution equipped with advanced AI capabilities. This system leverages on-device AI to learn from environmental conditions in real time, minimizing energy consumption while delivering optimal comfort.
For the residential market, Samsung launched Hylex, an inverter-based outdoor unit designed for the North American unitary market. Hylex uses the low global warming potential (GWP) R454B refrigerant and offers high energy efficiency, low operational noise, and a compact design tailored to local consumer preferences.
Samsung also expanded its EHS (Energy & Heat Solutions) lineup with residential air-to-water heat pumps (AWHPs). These systems provide a sustainable alternative to traditional fossil-fuel boilers, delivering efficient heating and hot water supply while reducing environmental impact.
HVAC: A Core Technology and Growth Engine
At CES earlier this year, Samsung emphasized HVAC as a key growth sector. Baek highlighted the industry’s critical role: “HVAC is essential for regulating temperature and humidity across residential, commercial, and industrial spaces. With increasing global attention on climate change and eco-conscious energy use, the HVAC market is poised for stable annual growth of approximately 5%.”
Samsung aims to scale its HVAC services in alignment with smart home and smart city initiatives. By integrating AI technologies and SmartThings, the company seeks to deliver comprehensive solutions, including remote maintenance, energy cost optimization, and seamless connectivity across devices and systems.
Key Trends in the North American HVAC Market
According to Baek, sustainability and high efficiency are the defining trends in the U.S. HVAC sector in 2026. Environmental regulations are increasingly shaping the market, with low-GWP refrigerants becoming mandatory in commercial applications, alongside new standards for design and installation.
These shifts are accelerating the adoption of inverter heat pump systems over traditional fixed-speed air conditioners. In the residential segment, eco-conscious HVAC solutions are gaining traction, while the commercial sector is seeing growing demand for VRF (Variable Refrigerant Flow) systems. Additionally, the rise of AI-driven data centers and high-performance computing has fueled demand for precision cooling systems, creating a specialized segment within commercial HVAC.
AI-based predictive maintenance, IoT-connected sensors, and smart optimization technologies are also emerging as critical differentiators, helping facilities improve energy efficiency while reducing operational costs.
Samsung’s Differentiation in a Competitive Market
The North American HVAC market is highly competitive, with residential systems comprising roughly 70% of sales and commercial solutions accounting for about 30%. In residential markets, Samsung has strengthened its footprint through Samsung Lennox HVAC North America, a joint venture with Lennox, a leading HVAC provider. This partnership allows Samsung to deliver inverter-based ductless systems that combine energy efficiency with regional adaptability.
For commercial applications, Samsung has strategically acquired FläktGroup, Europe’s largest HVAC equipment provider. This collaboration enables Samsung to provide modular, customizable solutions for high-value applications such as data centers and cleanrooms.
What sets Samsung apart is its ability to integrate hyperconnectivity through SmartThings and SmartThings Pro. In residential applications, this offers consumers continuously evolving experiences, while in commercial environments, it facilitates building-wide energy optimization and advanced maintenance capabilities.
Future Goals and Market Expansion
Samsung’s overarching goal is to become a top-tier HVAC player in North America by leveraging technology and product diversity. Building on its strength in the ductless segment, Samsung plans to expand into the centralized, ducted market through synergies with FläktGroup. The integration of Samsung’s chiller technologies and FläktGroup’s expertise will enable optimized solutions for complex applications such as data centers.
Simultaneously, Samsung is committed to sustainability, accelerating the rollout of low-GWP refrigerant products and advancing AI-powered energy-saving technologies. By combining these innovations, Samsung aims to provide North American consumers with a differentiated, integrated energy management experience, addressing the substantial electricity demands of heating and cooling.
Conclusion
Samsung’s participation at the AHR Expo 2026 highlights the company’s commitment to shaping the future of HVAC in North America. By combining advanced AI, energy-efficient technologies, and smart connectivity, Samsung is positioning itself as a leader in both residential and commercial markets. With a clear focus on sustainability, innovation, and consumer-centric solutions, the company is poised to redefine the standards of comfort, efficiency, and intelligence in HVAC systems.
