Industry show continues to pull in the crowds

ISH, staged in Frankfurt from 13th to 17th March, remains Europe’s pre-eminent event for the HVAC and sanitation industry, offering an opportunity for some of the sector’s biggest names to showcase their latest products and design ideas to over 150,000 visitors. Here we pick out some of the highlights at this year’s show.

Decarbonisation, the use of renewable energies and greater energy efficiency were the big themes at this year’s ISH, staged for the first time in four years. The exhibition organisers have announced that a total of 153,734 visitors from 154 countries attended the event over the course of five days, making the most of the opportunity to find out about the latest advances in heating technology and bathroom trends.

The show attracted 2025 exhibitors who were able to showcase the latest developments for the heating market, airconditioning and ventilation technology, intelligent home and building automation as well as modern and sustainable bathroom design and innovative installation technology.

Visitors were able to evaluate a number of solutions for achieving climate - protection goals in buildings, the decarbonisation of the heating sector and security of supply. Not surprisingly, heat pumps in various versions, widely viewed in Europe as the key component in the implementation of the energy transition, were prominent on many stands. But many other solutions were also on display, such as CHP installations, fuel - cell heating systems, photovoltaic and solar thermal systems, hydrogen - capable condensing boilers, wood-based systems, such as pellet heating systems, digital solutions, home ventilation with heat recovery and energy-saving automation. Innovative ventilation systems and touch-free fittings, which are gaining in importance in the wake of the pandemic, were also on the agenda, as were new ideas for conserving materials and resources in the bathroom sector.

Vaillant

Eco-friendly heat pumps for all types of buildings were the dominant technology on the Vaillant stand, as well as intelligent energy management and hydrogen-ready boilers.

Another focus area was the services available to its installer customer base, including online support ranging from planning to maintenance and the remote optimisation of heating devices, as well as an extensive learning portal with more than 500 training courses. Across Europe, the Vaillant Group has trained more than 45,000 installers in 2022.

The company announced at the show that it plans to double production capacity with a new heat pump factory in Senica, Slovakia. The new factory, with a floor space of 100,000m2, is designed to deliver 300,000 heat pumps a year. The group, which also manufactures heat pumps in Germany, France and the UK, will thereby double its production capacity to well over 500,000 heat pumps per year.

From 2025, Vaillant says that it will only supply heat pumps with natural refrigerant. The company currently uses the natural refrigerant R290, which does not contain any health-endangering chemicals. The refrigerant is particularly environmentally friendly due to its low global warming potential and allows high flow temperatures. As a result, these heat pumps can provide heating and hot water comfort not only in new buildings but also in older, less insulated existing buildings.

Viessmann

Alternatives to traditional gas and oil systems were also prominent on the Viessmann stand, which took up an impressive 1600m2 of exhibition space. The company took the opportunity to unveil around 60 new highly efficient climate solutions for the first time. Highlights include the Viessmann ‘Invisible’ heating system –described as a huge innovation step. The space-saving solution consists of a heat pump, DHW cylinder and optional home ventilation system, as well as an electricity storage system, designed specifically for new builds. The innovation aims to turns rooms previously used for building equipment and appliances into additional living space.

As well promoting the latest advances in air/water monobloc heat pumps, which all run on the natural R290 refrigerant, Viessmann also promoted the benefit of hybrid systems consisting of heat pumps and gas condensing boilers. The hybrid systems enable easy retrofitting solutions, i.e., the ability to add a heat pump to existing gas or oilfuelled heating systems later on to increase the share of annual heat output attributable to renewable energy sources to more than 70%.

Panasonic Showcasing its wide range of heating and cooling applications, Panasonic’s stand featured key innovations from its Aquarea heat pump range together with interactive features, a tech wall highlighting U-Vacua technology, displays showcasing the inner workings of the units, and new R290 chillers from the company’s expanding range.

Also on show was the Aquarea EcoFleX – a flexible space heating, space cooling, air cleaner and domestic hot water system. The heat pump features the company’s nanoe X technology, which utilises hydroxyl radicals which have the capacity to inhibit five types of pollutants, including certain viruses and bacteria, to clean and deodorise.

Other highlights included Panasonic’s Mini Monobloc. Using R32 refrigerant, it is described as an ideal solution for new build projects. The unit can be easily installed in areas with limited space, or even in larger spaces that require a more aesthetically pleasing and unobtrusive design.

Nibe

Visitors to the NIBE stand were invited to catch up on the company’s latest heat pumps with climate-friendly refrigerants and solutions for energy management, as well as new advances in battery storage for solar power.

Highlights included what the company acclaims as its most efficient ground source heat pump yet – the S1256, which boasts a SCoP of 6.22. The inverter-controlled GSHP is capable of delivering up to 300 litres of hot water without the help of an immersion heater.

The company also unveiled new wireless smart home accessories to work with its S series of heat pumps, making it easier for users to control and monitor their heating system. The smart accessories have been designed to constantly monitor and control the temperature and air quality, using sensors to communicate with the heat pumps, automatically adjusting humidity and CO 2 levels for improved comfort and lower energy consumption.

Resideo

Home comfort and security solutions provider Resideo revealed its latest to help installers and consumers tackle the energy and water management challenges. These range from energy efficient products such as room thermostats and multi - zone controllers, to water leak detectors and lead-free water PRV valves, to new energy efficient gas adaptive and hydrogen-ready products. Product highlights included the Honeywell Home HCC100 multi-zone controller, designed to simplify the installation of underfloor heating and cooling and give users the ability to individually manage up to eight zones/rooms in a home or office. It offers a single, flexible controller, which can integrate into both new and existing installations, supported by the Resideo Pro app to make installations and configuration faster and simpler.

Also on display was the L Series water control products range which helps consumers protect against costly water damage and the need to make home insurance claims. The Resideo L1 WiFi Water Leak & Freeze Detector alerts consumers to leaks or frozen pipes with smartphone notifications, on site alerts and an alarm. While the Resideo Braukmann L5 WiFi Water Leak Shutoff Valve automatically turns off the water supply to the home when a water leak is detected by the attached sensing cable or by a paired Resideo WiFi Water Leak & Freeze Detector.

Taconova

As well as presenting developments across its five areas of expertise – system technology, valves and accessories, area heating systems, hydronic balancing, and pump technology – Taconova unveiled its new TN Comfort System and ‘Plan - Tech - Care’ initiative designed to make planning and installation easier.

Visitors were able to explore the company’s tried-and-tested TacoSetter hydronic balancing products, which ensure heat is efficiently distributed within a building, helping building owners to save energy and reduce operating costs.

Taconova also presented its broad range of circulation pumps, including the glandless circulator pump TacoFlow3 GenS, which is claimed to be one of the smallest on the market.

Visitors to the stand were also able to get an advanced viewing of the company’s new heat interface unit, described as the first fully electronic hybrid device with an interface for integration into a building’s automation system. The unit has a very shallow installation depth and is said to ensure improved drinking water hygiene and increased convenience.

Stiebel Eltron

Split into three different zones, the Stiebel Eltron stand presented new products from the areas of heat pumps, ventilation and domestic hot water preparation, as well as complete system solutions. Products on display included four standardised heat pump sets, each for use in new and existing buildings. The pre-configured system solutions are said to be appropriate for around 80% of applications in detached and semidetached houses and can also be installed in series.

In addition to the heat pump sets, the company promoted a new home station as a further solution for decarbonisation in multi-storey residential buildings, as well as new energy management software which networks the company’s heat pump and PV solar systems to maximise energy savings.

Conex Bänninger

The specialist provider of fittings, valves and accessories showcased its varied jointing solutions with live product demonstrations.

Visitors were able to learn about the company’s >B < MaxiPro range of fittings, designed for pipe jointing in air conditioning and refrigeration applications, and the flame-free >B< Press fitting, described as the ideal solution for heating and plumbing installations.

Available in copper and copper alloy and compatible with a wide range of press tools and jaws, this flame-free range is designed with an innovative 3-point press system (up to 54mm) which ensures a secure, permanent, leak-free joint suitable for multiple applications.

It also provides installers with an unpressed joint indicator feature that assists the identification of unpressed joints.

Other key products on show included the >B< Press Inox, a quick and simple-to-install flame- free fitting, manufactured from stainless steel. It too is designed with the innovative 3-point press system to ensure a leak-free, secure and permanent joint.

Geberit

Showing its latest product innovations and solutions on how sanitary products can be cleverly connected with building services, Geberit provided visitors with an opportunity to view the WC Duofix installation system and Geberit WC system through a flush-out test and installation.

Other products of note are the Acanto WC, which now features a more efficient and quieter flush, and the Sigma70 actuator plate which is designed to provide a focal point in the bathroom thanks to new colours and materials.

The Swiss manufacturer also showcased its digital and intelligent connectivity solutions, with Geberit Connect, a concept that digitally networks various sanitary products.

Hansgrohe

The Black Forest-based Hansgrohe Group unveiled an expanded product portfolio in the areas of furniture, ceramics and mirrors. The premium bathroom brand presented two different bathroom furniture ranges – Xelu and Xevolos – in several variations for enhanced planning flexibility. With matching washbasins (with and without tap hole), the furniture series merges into a single unit. In addition, Hansgrohe’s Xuniva washbasins offer a wide range of other combination options, with different shapes and installation variations.

EluPura is the name of a new toilet range. Featuring two design variations, round or SoftCube, the EluPura uses just 4.5 litres per flush, while the company’s HygieneEffect glaze prevents bacteria from multiplying on the product, and a rimless design helps to make cleaning easier.

The expanded product portfolio, including washbasins, toilets, furniture and mirrors, will be available in the UK from June this year.

Fluidmaster

The focus for the Fluidmaster family of brands at ISH was the efficient and effective movement of water, through intuitive technology and design. Products on show included the water - saving AirGap 6000 toilet cistern fill valve and touchless technology for washrooms, combining user convenience with the opportunity to conserve water and guard against vandalism.

Efficient flushing and filling mechanisms, conserving water by using the right amount of water for the application, and the creation of new technology which enables better water efficiency, all form part of the company’s product offering. The company also took the opportunity to present its Wisa Variotronic height adjustable wallmounted toilet, which has been specially developed for hospitals and healthcare facilities.

Aeon

The manufacturer of innovative stainless steel and aluminium radiators and towel rails introduced a number of new designs for the first time at the show. These included the new Ponte convector radiator, available in five sizes and varying lengths and power outputs, from 1 to 3kW. Made from mild steel, the radiator can be controlled by a smartphone and features antifreeze and open window functions to reduce energy consumption.

Also new is the ShoozDry, a hand finished stainless steel shoe dryer, said to offer a stylish alternative to having wet footwear from hanging around the home. With two models, designed to hold two of four pairs of shoes, it comes with a choice of 16 PVD colour options.

Windhager

Presenting its latest product range for CO2-neutral heat supply for the first time, visitors to the Windhager stand were able to view the company’s new compact pellet boiler – the BioWIN Ultegra. Delivered completely pre - assembled, it is operated exclusively via the company’s app. Windhager is also introducing its new Infinity Plus control system, which is already integrated in the Ultegra. Thanks to the commissioning wizard and simple connection technology, the system has been designed for speedy set up. Other products on show included the AeroWIN Evolution range of heat pumps, which can be used in monobloc design in new buildings as well as existing buildings.