Sustainability, electrification and smarter residential comfort solutions formed the centrepiece of the ARBS 2026 showcase presented by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Air-conditioners Australia (MHIAA).
There was a broad range of technologies on show aimed at improving energy efficiency, indoor air quality and long-term sustainability across both commercial and residential applications.
The company’s comprehensive product portfolio ranged from large-scale
commercial VRF systems through to residential split systems and air-to-water heat pump technology, reflecting the increasingly diverse demands being placed on the modern building services industry.
Among the highlights was the KXZ3 Series of R32 VRF systems, which the company described as the first large-capacity VRF system in Australia using R32 refrigerant technology.
Officially launched in late 2025, the KXZ3 range covers capacities from 22.4 kW up to 100.5 kW and was developed to meet the growing demand for lower-global warming potential (GWP) refrigerants in large commercial buildings.
According to MHIAA, the KXZ3 Series can reduce equivalent CO2 emissions by up to 70 per cent compared with equivalent R410A systems.
The system is designed for a broad range of commercial applications including offices, hotels, apartment developments and other large-scale projects where both energy efficiency and plant space constraints are becoming increasingly important considerations.
A major talking point surrounding the KXZ3 system was the integration of built-in safety systems to address concerns associated with the use of R32 refrigerant in larger-capacity VRF systems.
As the industry continues shifting towards lower-GWP refrigerants, manufacturers are placing increasing emphasis on refrigerant leak detection, system monitoring and integrated safety controls.
The KXZ3 system also features a compact footprint, helping improve installation flexibility in space-constrained commercial projects where rooftop and plant room space is often limited.
The broader industry trend towards electrification was another key theme at the MHIAA stand, demonstrated by the Q-ton CO2 Air-to-Water Heat Pump system.
The Q-ton system is designed for high-demand commercial hot water applications including hotels, aged care facilities, healthcare projects and larger residential developments where energy-efficient hot water production is becoming increasingly important.
Using CO2 refrigerant technology, the Q-ton system is positioned as an alternative to traditional gas boilers and electric resistant heating systems.
According to MHIAA, the Q-ton system can reduce CO2 emissions by up to 76 per cent compared with gas boiler systems and by up to 74 per cent compared with conventional electric water heating.
The technology is particularly relevant in Victoria and other states where the move away from gas appliances is accelerating demand for efficient electric alternatives.
Residential air-to-water heat pump technology is also becoming increasingly attractive due to rising energy prices and growing pressure on developers and building owners to reduce operational emissions.
Another product that forms part of the company’s broader air-to-water heat pump strategy is the Hydrolution Ezy system.
It has been designed to provide energy-efficient hot water and hydronic heating and cooling for residential and light commercial buildings and reflects the increasing popularity of integrated air-to-water systems within modern building design.
The system allows buildings to use heat pump technology for hydronic heating, cooling and domestic hot water applications while reducing reliance on fossil fuel-based systems.
MHIAA believes demand for air-to-water systems will continue growing as electrification becomes a larger focus across the Australian building sector.
While the commercial systems attracted significant attention, there was plenty of excitement surrounding MHIAA’s upcoming residential split-system range, particularly the new Elouera ZTA Series scheduled for launch in October 2026.
MHIAA Senior Product Manager Diana Dulevski said the new range had been specifically designed to appeal to changing residential design trends while also improving comfort, air quality and energy efficiency.
One of the most noticeable changes is the availability of both white and matte black colour options for indoor and outdoor units – something MHIAA believes will resonate strongly with contemporary home builders and renovators.
“We think it’s going to appeal to a lot of the new builds where they have more contemporary exteriors,” Dulevski said.
The darker colour option is designed to better suit modern architectural styles featuring darker cladding, Colorbond finishes and minimalist exterior aesthetics.
The Elouera ZTA Series also introduces a range of engineering improvements including improved heat exchanger, better energy efficiency, wider operation range and upgraded fan technology.
The units can operate as quietly as 19 decibels, making them particularly suited to bedrooms and quieter residential environments.
The upgraded airflow system can deliver air up to 11 metres across larger spaces, helping improve overall comfort and temperature consistency throughout the room.
MHIAA has also standardised built-in Wi-Fi connectivity across its reverse-cycle split-system range including the Avanti Plus, Avanti and Bronte WF1 and Ciara WFJ, enabling remote control via the Smart M Air app.
The app allows homeowners to remotely manage operating modes, temperatures, timers and energy usage, whether they are at home or away.
“If they’ve gone out on a sunny day and all of a sudden it’s gone cold, they can come home to a nice warm comfort without having the unit running all day,” Dulevski said.
Another major feature of the new Elouera ZTA Series is the integration of an ioniser system designed to generate negative ions that helps deliver their most advanced Clean Air Technology.
“The unit generates negative ions which actively work to remove airborne viruses, bacteria and mould spores,” she said.
The ioniser system works alongside MHIAA’s NOVAShield PM2.5 Filter, Allergen Clear Filter, Anti-microbial fan and Self Clean functions.
Dulevski said the company’s long-standing success in consumer satisfaction and reliability surveys remained a major competitive advantage.
“We’ve been consistently rated well for performance, reliability and customer satisfaction,” she said.
Beyond the technology itself, MHIAA has become one of the more popular social destinations at ARBS by offering complimentary fried chicken and beer to visitors from 4pm each day of the three-day exhibition.
The initiative attracted large crowds to the stand each afternoon and helped create a relaxed networking environment where customers, contractors and suppliers could discuss products and industry developments in a more informal setting.
The company said ARBS remained an important platform to reconnect with customers, showcase innovation and demonstrate the breadth of its offering across residential, commercial and heat pump technologies.
“No matter the customer requirement, whether for a ducted solution, a residential wall split system or even a commercial VRF application, MHIAA offers a solution to meet those needs,” Dulevski said.