The inaugural HVAC All-Star Awards, presented by ACHR NEWS, shook things up and gave the HVAC pros a chance to cast their votes to help spotlight the technology that’s making their jobs easier.
When it comes to residential service, the refrigerant challenge caused more than one headache and has led to a lot of homeowners opting to go with a new R-454B system, rather than repair a unit that’s becoming more and more difficult to service.
This year’s winning unit is being praised for not only its versatility, compatibility, and serviceability, but also its tight footprint, making it a go-to choice for swap-outs and new builds.
The Winner – Rheem Endeavor Line Prestige Series Side-Discharge Universal Heat Pump (RD18AY)
This side-discharge universal heat pump, which launched earlier this year, ranges from 2 to 5 tons and boasts universal install compatibility, a feature that’s already creating buzz amongst contractors.
“Universal installation means that this system can be used with any style of indoor unit,” Tony Young, senior product manager, residential air conditioning at Rheem, said. “You can use it with a traditional setup with an air handler and with a furnace and coil in a dual fuel application. But more importantly, you don’t have to worry about what type of controls the system has in place. You will get variable-speed performance whether you have an intelligent control like Rheem’s EcoNet Control Center or you are using a more basic 24V thermostat, thanks to the Rheem algorithms built into the outdoor unit.”
With higher SEER2, EER2, and HSPF2 ratings, contractors can offer customers energy-efficient systems that provide consistent savings month after month, all while delivering cooling efficiencies up to 19 SEER2 and 13 EER2, and heating efficiencies up to 10 HSPF2.
The RD18AY is built to perform in a range of conditions and is ideal for new home installations, system replacements, or just efficiency upgrades. With a compact design, it fits well in tight spaces, ensuring flexibility in various home layouts. It offers advanced air quality features, making it an excellent choice for homeowners looking to lower energy bills, reduce environmental impact, and improve IAQ.
The RD18AY spent three years in development and will work with nearly any R-454B system. Additionally, its 7mm condenser coil reduces refrigerant requirements by up to 15%, minimizing environmental impact while maintaining superior performance.
Its inverter-driven, variable-speed, twin rotary compressor technology allows for cooling and heating operation between 45% and 100% of capacity to continuously meet the ever-changing needs of homeowners, with a footprint as low as 40.2 inches wide, 16.4 inches deep, and 36.6 inches tall.
Packing so much into such a compact package required a lot of precision engineering, but that was time well spent.
“The main challenge was designing a system that fits into tight spaces, starting at just 19.8 inches wide, while delivering outstanding performance and sound quality,” Young noted. “The engineering team had to optimize airflow, component placement, and acoustic insulation to ensure the unit remains efficient and quiet, operating as low as 50 dB, even in constrained environments.”
The RD18AY is noted as Energy Star’s 2025 “Most Efficient,” meaning it meets strict energy efficiency guidelines. It operates as quietly as 50 dB, incorporating sound-dampening features such as optimized refrigerant tubing, an advanced fan blade design, and an innovative compressor. This ensures that homeowners enjoy an efficient system without disruptive noise.
Its monitoring system can alert users when filters need to be replaced, and it has Bluetooth connectivity, which streamlines installation, diagnostics, and servicing for contractors.
“Contractors are especially excited about the built-in Bluetooth technology,” Young said. “It makes system setup and diagnostics faster and easier, which can significantly cut down service time and lower overall installation costs, making their jobs smoother and more efficient.”
This technology simplifies system setup and troubleshooting, reducing labor time and ensuring faster adjustments for homeowners.
HONORABLE MENTIONS
Trane 15 Single-Stage Heat Pump with WeatherGuard
Built using next-generation R-454B, this residential single-stage heat pump delivers up to 16.5 SEER2 and 8.5 HSPF2 performance and is Energy Star qualified, which translates to homeowners getting up to a 41% increase in energy savings while maintaining comfort, no matter the season.
PERFECT PAIR: The Trane 15 Single-Stage Heat Pump with WeatherGuard offers the flexibility to pair with a furnace in a dual-fuel hybrid system. (Courtesy of Trane)
Available in sizes from 1.5 to 5 tons, the Trane 15 Single-Stage Heat Pump with WeatherGuard offers the flexibility to pair with a furnace in a dual-fuel hybrid system. Key components include the Climatuff compressor, corrosion-resistant Spine Fin coil, and a non-corrosive DuraTuff basepan. The WeatherGuard top, made from durable polycarbonate, shields internal parts from environmental damage.
With the system being single-stage, it has all of the simplicity technicians have come to expect, while offering the performance of a more complex system. This lends to its easy installation and serviceability. It’s also one of the few single-stage units on the market that qualifies for federal tax credits and rebates, helping homeowners make greener upgrades more accessible and affordable.
Each unit undergoes extensive testing to ensure durability, efficiency, and consistent comfort over time, even in demanding conditions.
Armstrong Air and AirEase Pro Series All-Climate Heat Pump
Developed over five years by Allied Air Enterprises, the Armstrong Air and AirEase Pro Series All-Climate Heat Pump A7CP21V delivers up to 21 SEER2 and 10 HSPF2 and maintains heating performance even at 5°F and below—without relying on electric strip heat backups.
CONSTANT COMFORT: The Armstrong Air and AirEase Pro Series All-Climate Heat Pump’s variable-speed compressor ensures energy-efficient, consistent comfort while operating at noise levels more than 50% lower than conventional single-stage units. (Courtesy of Allied Air Enterprises)
Its variable-speed compressor ensures energy-efficient, consistent comfort while operating at noise levels more than 50% lower than conventional single-stage units. The system supports zone-level control when paired with the Comfort Sync A3 Thermostat, which offers remote management, scheduling, diagnostics, and voice control.
The unit’s redesigned Pro Series cabinet features a composite top and base, galvanized steel panels, and optional snow top accessory for added durability. Omniguar Total Corrosion Protection Technology helps withstand sun, snow, sleet, and rain.
For the benefit of technicians, the Precision Service Technology — which includes four removable panels, 45° service ports, isolated controls, and pressure transducer connections with Schrader cores — streamlines installation and service. The A7CP21V is Energy Star Most Efficient-rated and suitable for all North American climates, with compatibility across a wide range of communicating and non-communicating indoor units.
AprilAire 720 Whole-House Fan-Powered Evaporative Humidifier
Delivering 21 gallons per day of humidification, the Model 720 has the highest evaporative capacity in its class, while using 60% less water compared to previous AprilAire models.
WAY LESS WASTE: The AprilAire 720’s integrated recirculation valve increases evaporative efficiency, reduces wastewater by up to 15,000 gallons per year, and ensures no standing water is left after operation. (Courtesy of AprilAire)
Developed over 3.5 years with input from HVAC professionals and homeowners, its integrated recirculation valve increases evaporative efficiency, reduces wastewater by up to 15,000 gallons per year, and ensures no standing water is left after operation. Capable of humidifying homes up to 6,250 square feet, the unit features a reversible fan for left- or right-side installs and accommodates both vertical and horizontal furnace airflow.
The all-in-one HydroCore cartridge combines the water panel, distribution tray, scale control, and feed tube for a one-minute annual replacement. Additional technician-friendly features include a stainless steel strainer with 7x more filtration area, adjustable fan speed for sound control, and redesigned drainage for leak prevention.
Compatible with multiple heat sources and climate zones, the AprilAire 720 is suitable for a broad range of residential applications and upgrades, including direct replacements for AprilAire’s model 700.