AUX Heats Up US Market with SEER 30 and ‘Hello Lisa’ Smart HVAC

SOUTH PLAINFIELD, NJ – January 29, 2026 – As the HVAC industry converges on Las Vegas for the 2026 AHR Expo, global giant AUX is making a significant play for the American residential market. Its U.S. subsidiary, AUX AIR USA, is set to showcase a formidable lineup of high-efficiency innovations, including systems boasting a remarkable SEER 30 performance rating, intuitive ‘Hello Lisa’ voice control, and solutions engineered to tackle the industry's most pressing challenges: a looming refrigerant transition and a persistent skilled labor shortage.

Since entering the U.S. market in late 2024, the company has been methodically laying the groundwork for an aggressive expansion. The upcoming expo, running from February 2-4, will serve as a major platform for AUX to demonstrate how its combination of advanced technology, competitive pricing, and robust support aims to redefine value for both homeowners and contractors across the nation.

Redefining Efficiency and Smart Comfort

At the forefront of AUX's presentation is the announcement of systems achieving SEER 30 performance. The Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) is the industry's yardstick for cooling efficiency, and a rating of 30 places this equipment at the pinnacle of energy conservation. This is particularly significant as the industry fully adapts to the stricter SEER2 testing standards implemented in 2023, which provide a more accurate reflection of real-world performance. While most new systems must meet regional minimums around 13.4 to 14.3 SEER2, AUX's offering represents a leap forward, promising substantial long-term energy savings for consumers.

This level of efficiency, typically found in high-end ductless mini-split systems from established premium brands, signals AUX’s intent to compete not just on price but on top-tier performance. For homeowners, upgrading to such a high-efficiency unit from an older, less efficient model could translate into hundreds of dollars in annual electricity savings, a compelling proposition amid rising energy costs.

Complementing this efficiency is a major push into the smart home arena with the ‘Hello Lisa’ voice control system. Integrated with built-in Wi-Fi, this feature allows homeowners to manage their home climate with simple voice commands, moving beyond traditional remotes and thermostats. While details on integration with broader ecosystems like Amazon Alexa or Google Home are anticipated, the move aligns with a powerful consumer trend toward connected, automated living. This focus on an intuitive user experience, combined with features like the previously announced “I feel function” that uses a remote-based sensor for personalized comfort, illustrates a strategy centered on delivering sophisticated technology in an accessible package.

Navigating a Generational Industry Shift

Perhaps most critically, AUX is positioning itself as a key partner for distributors and contractors navigating the most significant regulatory change in a generation. The American Innovation and Manufacturing (AIM) Act mandates that, as of January 1, 2026, all new residential and light commercial HVAC systems must use refrigerants with a Global Warming Potential (GWP) below 700. This regulation effectively phases out the long-standing industry staple, R-410A.

AUX has proactively embraced R-32, a leading low-GWP replacement that reduces climate impact by nearly 75% compared to its predecessor. While R-32 is classified as an A2L refrigerant, meaning it is mildly flammable, it is a proven and effective alternative. Recognizing the logistical hurdles this transition presents, AUX has taken a decisive step by establishing a nationwide distribution network with warehouses across the U.S. fully stocked with R-32 systems. This move is designed to mitigate supply chain volatility and provide contractors with ready access to compliant equipment, a crucial advantage as the deadline looms.

By ensuring product availability, AUX addresses a major pain point for the industry, which must also contend with new training, certification, and equipment requirements for handling A2L refrigerants. This proactive stocking strategy demonstrates a deep understanding of the operational challenges facing its partners and positions the company as a reliable and forward-thinking supplier.

A Direct Answer to the Skilled Labor Shortage

Beyond regulatory compliance, AUX is tackling the HVAC industry’s chronic skilled labor shortage head-on. A core feature of its new product lines, from multi-zone units to ducted solutions, is a design philosophy centered on single-person installation. By engineering systems that are lighter, simpler to connect, and faster to set up, the company aims to significantly reduce the time and manpower required for each job.

“As the industry faces ongoing labor constraints and navigates the current refrigerant transition, AUX is focused on making high-performance comfort easier to select, install and support,” said John McGaughey, Vice President of Sales for AUX AIR USA. “At AHR, we’re excited to show how our feature-rich systems, paired with dedicated local support, help our partners deliver premium comfort at a competitive price point.”

For contractors, the ability to deploy a single technician for a job that might otherwise require two represents a direct boost to operational efficiency and profitability. It allows them to complete more installations with the same workforce, a powerful advantage in a tight labor market. This practical, problem-solving approach is further reinforced by a robust 12-year extended warranty on registered parts and compressors, offering contractors and their customers peace of mind and underscoring the company's confidence in its product durability.

A Global Powerhouse's Calculated U.S. Expansion

These technological and logistical initiatives are all part of a larger, calculated strategy by AUX to capture a significant share of the U.S. market. Backed by the resources of its parent company—a global leader founded in 1986 with a presence in over 150 countries and 15 manufacturing bases—AUX AIR USA is not a tentative entrant. The company has moved quickly to establish its U.S. headquarters, build out its distribution network, and forge strong relationships with regional partners.

By combining premium features like SEER 30 efficiency and voice control with practical benefits like easy installation and a strong warranty, all while maintaining a competitive price point, AUX is executing a multi-pronged assault on the status quo. The company’s stated long-term plans, which include a potential North American manufacturing facility, signal a deep commitment to becoming a permanent and influential fixture in the American HVAC landscape.