Innovative residential air conditioning design and flexible ducted technology were key talking points at ARBS 2026, with AHIC Australia showcasing new products from Toshiba and Carrier designed to combine performance, efficiency and aesthetics.
AHIC Australia ANZ managing director, Vijay Dravid, said Toshiba’s Haori split system had generated significant interest during the exhibition because of its interchangeable fabric covers, allowing homeowners to better integrate air conditioning systems into interior design themes.
“What we’ve got on the stand are the flagship products of Toshiba and Carrier,” Dravid said.
The Toshiba Haori is a high-wall split system featuring removable and washable fabric covers available in multiple colours and finishes. According to Dravid, customers could even create their own custom fabric coverings to match home décor.
“It’s a really innovative advance for Toshiba, which has always been an innovative company,” he said.
Dravid noted Toshiba’s long-standing reputation for innovation, the company pioneered inverter technology now widely adopted throughout the industry.
The Haori system also incorporates advanced connectivity and energy monitoring features through integrated Wi-Fi functionality. Caione said the technology offered more than simple remote operation.
“It’s possible to switch the unit on in a particular zone, even when you’re some distance away from home,” he said.
“It’ll actually keep a tab on the energy monitoring or the energy usage of the system, so you get some real live updates on how you’re using your equipment.”
Alongside Toshiba’s residential systems, Carrier’s splitable ducted systems were another major focus at the company’s ARBS exhibit. AHIC Australia distributes the Toshiba, Carrier and Totaline residential and light commercial HVAC brands throughout Australia and New Zealand.
Carrier’s range includes high-wall systems from two kilowatts through to 10-kilowatt units, as well as ducted systems, splitable ducted systems and cassette solutions for residential and light commercial applications.
Dravid said the splitable ducted systems offered flexibility for installers and customers, particularly where traditional packaged ducted systems could create installation constraints.
The company also highlighted Toshiba VRF systems incorporating triple rotary compressor technology designed to improve operating efficiency and overall performance.
Despite ongoing market pressures across the residential sector, Dravid said innovation and service remained critical points of difference.
“You have to improve service reliability, and keep a sharp eye on price to ensure value for money,” he said.
AHIC Australia also used the ARBS exhibition to highlight its growing aftermarket consumables business, particularly through the Totaline range of installation and servicing products used widely across the air conditioning industry.
Dravid said the consumables range covered everything from brackets, insulation and piping accessories through to electrical components, controllers, chemicals and maintenance products designed to support both installers and service technicians across residential and commercial applications.
“The aftermarket consumables side of the business is very important to us because it allows us to support the contractor with a complete solution, not just the equipment itself,” Dravid said.
The company said the consumables range continues to expand as contractors increasingly seek reliable one-stop suppliers capable of supporting installation, commissioning and ongoing servicing requirements.
AHI Carrier believes the combination of premium equipment brands and strong aftermarket support provides an important competitive advantage, particularly as the market becomes increasingly focused on long-term serviceability, and whole-of-life system performance.
Dravid said the 2026 ARBS exhibition delivered strong engagement with both existing and prospective customers and signalled that a fundamental change to the way AHI Carrier serves the market is coming.
"It's a game changer for how we show up for customers," he said. "Watch this space."