ISH 2025 in Frankfurt wasn’t just another date on the HVAC calendar. It was a clear signal of where the European market is going. With over 150,000 visitors and hundreds of exhibitors, the show put a spotlight on practical innovation: AI-driven building control, smarter hydronic applications, and the growing need for retrofit-ready solutions that address real building demands.
For Polar Air, it confirmed that the demand for intelligent hydronic fan coil systems that are designed to integrate with evolving control platforms and meet the complexity of modern retrofit and new-build environments. These needs are accelerating as the European market expands. Our focus on efficient fan coils built for system-level flexibility is exactly where the market is moving.
Key takeways from #ISH2025
A positive shift in energy and ideas at ISH Frankfurt 2025!
Polar Global attended this year’s ISH show with a clear focus: connect with partners, discover innovation, and explore how AI is shaping the HVAC and energy systems space.
My observations:
- The heat pump industry is making a strong comeback in the European market, aligning with the Polar Air sustainable vision.
- While AI-specific applications are still emerging, many companies continue to invest in advanced centralized control systems, with cloud-based platforms focused on data-driven building optimization being essential. How we use AI in our products, controls and business is something we are focusing on.
- Most importantly, strong relationships and partnerships remain at the heart of future innovation.
Thanks to everyone we met at the show and the interesting insights and conversations that continue to shape the way forward.
ISH proved that flexibility wins. The giants showed scale, but real impact came from smart, application-focused innovation.
My observations:
ISH has really cemented itself as Europe’s go-to HVAC trade show. It has outpaced MCE over the past few years, especially as it expands to a broader international audience.
This year, while there weren’t many headline-grabbing product launches, the show still made one thing clear: progress is happening. Kampmann’s new cassette and Swegon’s 6.6kW highwall were definitely standouts.
What stood out even more, though, was how companies are presenting their tech. There’s a clear move toward showing real-world applications, not just listing features, and that’s a much more useful way to spark real conversations.
Events like this are about more than just hardware. They’re about reconnecting with the industry, catching up with old colleagues, and strengthening partnerships that matter. The friendships are a bonus!
Of course, the big brands made their presence known, Viessmann, Riello, Carrier (all sharing a stand), Vaillant, Midea, Bosch… they had the footprint and the budget to match. But what really came through is how companies like us can win by doing what the giants can’t: stay flexible, move fast, and tailor solutions that actually fit.
HVAC AI is no longer theoretical, it’s delivering real savings and smarter comfort. ISH showed that even smaller players like us can lead the way.
Our observations:
It’s clear that AI is no longer just a buzzword in the HVAC industry. The industry is moving toward smarter, more efficient, and more sustainable systems, and AI is playing a huge part in that shift. What stood out to us is how these technologies are becoming more accessible, not just for the biggest players, but for companies like us too.
We’re already deep into researching and developing ways to integrate AI into our systems. Whether it’s optimizing energy use or improving comfort for building occupants, the opportunities are exciting. And we’re also working to make our systems more inclusive and adaptive, so they’re a step ahead in a rapidly changing market.
One thing that really hit home: AI can take real-time data (things like occupancy patterns and weather) and use it to fine-tune HVAC operation automatically. That means real savings, both in energy and carbon emissions. We saw a great example from a Manhattan office building that used AI to cut HVAC energy use by 15.8%, saving over $42,000 a year. It’s proof that this isn’t theory anymore. It’s working, and it’s ready.
It was inspiring to see just how much focus and energy is being put into AI-driven innovation across the industry. It made us even more confident in the path we’re on.
ISH Frankfurt 2025 was definitely worth the trip! It’s always great to see what new applications there are in the HVAC industry, and I am pretty excited.
My observations:
There were so many interesting innovations, such as new round-shaped cassettes and several new trends moving the future of our field. One thing that really stood out to me was the increasing demand for hydronic applications.
Beyond that, the real highlight for me was meeting with some of our clients and new connections. Nothing beats face-to-face conversations when it comes to exchanging ideas, understanding market needs, and exploring new opportunities. These discussions always give us fresh insights and motivation to keep pushing forward.
Thanks to everyone I had the chance to see. I am looking forward to staying in touch! If we weren’t able to connect this time, let’s try again soon or contact me using our online form.
Attending ISH 2025 was a remarkable experience for me, especially as it was my first time at this event. There’s truly nothing like traveling with colleagues to get to know them better and share such a memorable experience.
My observations:
It provided a fantastic opportunity to meet industry peers and make valuable connections, learn more about HVAC advancements and trends in the European market, listen and learn from my colleagues, and strengthen relationships with our internal team.
As the EU aims to reduce its dependence on fossil fuels and achieve net-zero emissions by 2025, heat pumps are seen as a key product to help meet those climate goals. The lifting of certain restrictions and the stabilization of some energy prices have also contributed to the increased adoption of heat pumps recently.
Smart technologies are on the rise. These systems allow users to control temperature, humidity, and air quality parameters automatically, enhancing comfort and energy efficiency.
Retrofitting and upgrade of existing buildings to modern HVAC systems are key to improving energy efficiency and complying with new regulations. The trick is finding the right products to suit those buildings, and here is where customization is a winner.
One of the key advantages of Polar Air is our ability to customize products and solutions. Our direct collaboration with production teams and customers allows us to tailor our offerings to suit different buildings, applications, and specific needs. This capability is paramount to our success, especially in retrofit situations where bespoke solutions are often required.
Top tips for visiting HVAC exhibitions
- If hiring a car in a foreign country, make sure you have a reliable human navigator. Not one that loves to nap (ahem Koray!) whilst Sat Nav Sally decides to take a break from giving directions!
- Snacks are important, especially for the Sales team. Those guys need fuel to power through. Apparently, cereal bars don’t count as an acceptable snack.
- Don’t overpack your rucksack; it’s a rookie mistake. You’ll be walking around all day, and they get heavy very quickly. Give your shoulders the love they deserve and pack light.
- Sneakers (or, as we British say, trainers) are your friend. Embrace the business casual look by teaming them with jeans and a blazer.
- Stay hydrated. Take advantage of the refreshments offered by exhibitors at their stands. Sharing a coffee with them is a great way to meet new people and keep up to date with the latest industry advances and trends.
- Keep business cards and literature like catalogs handy. The pace during a show can be quick, so having fast access to essential items is a must. Or you can embrace the digital era and turn your business card virtual with QR codes for your connections to scan.
- Are you a 5ft 3″ marketer who needs to get shots of the show without the bobbing heads of all the visitors ruining your image? Invest in a selfie stick and act like a ninja to achieve the visuals you want… as Laura will be doing for our next event!
ISH 2025 showed us that the future of HVAC isn’t just high-tech, it’s high-impact. From AI and smarter building controls to custom hydronic fan coil systems built for complex projects, the path forward is clear: stay agile, stay focused, and stay human by solving real problems. That’s exactly where Polar Air is headed next.
See you at ISH 2027 March 15–19.
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