AHR Expo 2025: 3 Key Takeaways Making Big Moves in HVAC Estimating

3 min read

February 24, 2025

Events

Key Takeaways

  • Estimators are transitioning into strategic project management roles, driving efficiency and better bid outcomes.
  • The HVAC software market is booming, with the AHR Expo expanding its Software Center next year.
  • 100% automated AI takeoffs are rapidly becoming essential for modern estimating workflows.
  • Beam AI’s booth created a buzz with engaging demos and custom caricature mugs.
  • A global shift toward AI-powered HVAC estimating is reshaping the construction landscape.

Summary

In this short blog, we’ll take a quick look at how AHR Expo 2025 highlighted the HVAC industry’s exciting shift toward smarter, faster workflows. The event put a spotlight on how AI, automation, and digital tools are reshaping everything - from the estimator’s role to fully automated takeoffs - marking the start of a new era of efficiency, accuracy, and global collaboration.

Experience at the AHR Expo 2025

At AHR Expo 2025, HVAC professionals from across the world came together for three action-packed days of innovation and collaboration. Beam AI was at the forefront-showcasing live demos of its AI-based takeoff software and connecting with industry leaders.

  • The focus this year wasn’t just on technology-it was about rethinking how HVAC projects are planned and managed.
  • With estimators evolving, AI tools advancing, and software demand surging, the HVAC sector is truly embracing digital transformation.
  • The event revealed how AI-driven workflows will redefine project execution and collaboration worldwide.

Let’s dive a bit deeper into the key observations:

AHR Expo 2025

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1. Estimators Are Evolving into Project Managers

The role of estimators is expanding beyond manual takeoffs and quantity checks.

  • Estimators aren’t just crunching numbers and doing manual takeoffs anymore. With automation taking care of the repetitive, tedious tasks, they can now manage bids and oversee projects from start to finish.
  • This change frees them up to focus on strategic decisions and driving project success, rather than getting bogged down in spreadsheets.
  • In short, estimators are evolving into true project leaders, not just number crunchers.

Key takeaway:

As estimators take on more strategic roles, the HVAC industry is moving toward smarter, more seamless project delivery.

Estimators Are Evolving into Project Managers - Beam AI

2. Construction Software is Set to Explode

One of the standout moments at AHR Expo was just how vibrant the construction software scene has become. 

  • The Software Center was buzzing with solutions designed to make project planning, scheduling, and estimating easier and smarter.
  • HVAC professionals now have digital tools that speed up workflows, improve accuracy, and make collaboration seamless.
  • With demand for these solutions only growing, next year’s Software Center is set to be even bigger and better.

Key takeaway:

The rapid growth of construction software is empowering HVAC teams to plan better, execute faster, and deliver with precision.

HVAC teams

A Fun Twist: Beam AI’s Caricature Mug Giveaway

  • Beam AI added a creative touch to the Expo experience with personalized caricature mugs, giving over 100 to attendees.
  • The giveaway became a conversation starter and a crowd favorite, drawing visitors to Beam AI’s interactive booth.

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3. Fully Automated AI Takeoffs are a Must-Have

Manual takeoffs are becoming a thing of the past. At AHR 2025, the consensus was clear-AI automation is the future.

  • Beam AI’s fully automated AI takeoffs handle drawings and even addenda changes without human intervention.
  • This means up to 90% less time spent on takeoffs and 30% more bids sent out, directly improving win rates.
  • Teams can focus more on strategic bidding and less on repetitive, manual workflows.

Key takeaway:

Automated AI takeoffs are now essential tools for boosting productivity, accuracy, and bid efficiency in HVAC estimating.

Fully Automated AI Takeoffs are a Must-Have

A Global Shift in HVAC

The digital revolution in HVAC isn’t just happening in North America. Across Australia, Europe, and Latin America, professionals are embracing AI-driven processes to work smarter.

This worldwide excitement shows that the industry is moving together toward data-backed, more efficient project execution.

Final Thoughts 

AHR Expo 2025 made one thing clear: the HVAC industry is transforming fast. With evolving estimator roles, booming software innovation, and automated takeoffs leading the way, the future is bright-and Beam AI is proud to be driving it forward.

Ready to elevate your estimating workflows? Book a personalized demo and see how Beam AI can revolutionize your takeoff process.

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Sushovan Saha

Head of Marketing

About Author

Sushovan is the Head of Marketing at Attentive.ai and leads global marketing strategy & execution for the company's AI-based takeoff platform built for the preconstruction division

About Author

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FAQs

What is an AI takeoff in HVAC estimating?

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An AI takeoff uses artificial intelligence to automatically measure quantities, materials, and layouts from construction drawings-saving hours of manual work and reducing errors.

Why are AI takeoffs becoming essential in HVAC projects?

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AI takeoffs drastically cut estimating time, improve accuracy, and allow contractors to send out more bids-helping them win projects faster.

How is software changing the HVAC estimating process?

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Modern HVAC estimating software integrates takeoff automation, cost databases, and project management features, making the entire preconstruction workflow more efficient.

What trends stood out at AHR Expo 2025 for HVAC professionals?

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The top trends included AI-driven automation, expanding estimator roles, and a surge in construction software adoption-all reshaping how HVAC projects are planned and executed.

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