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As the 2025 trade show season winds down, contractors and manufacturers alike are taking stock of the major themes that emerged across the HVACR industry’s biggest events — including AHR Expo, International Builders Show, the National HVACR Education Conference, and ACCA Conference & Expo. Midea was proud to participate in each of these gatherings, engaging with contractors, educators, distributors and decision-makers to better understand the challenges and opportunities shaping our industry.
Here are five field-proven trends that HVAC pros can expect in 2025 — and how manufacturers are responding with practical solutions.
1. All-Climate Readiness Is Now Expected
One theme echoed from Florida to Vegas: performance in extreme climates matters more than ever. Whether you’re serving customers in Maine or Arizona, reliable comfort across all seasons is now table stakes. Contractors, builders and specifiers are actively seeking systems that deliver consistent heating at sub-zero temperatures and efficient cooling during record heat waves.
Heat pumps are at the center of this shift, especially as electrification mandates and building decarbonization goals gain momentum in northern states. Cold climate performance is no longer a niche spec — it’s becoming a mainstream requirement.
At Midea, the EVOX All Climate Heat Pump* delivers up to 100% heating output at -15°F/-26°C and continuous operation down to -22°F/-30°C and up to 100% cooling output at 117°F/47°C and continuous operation up to 122°F/50°C. Midea’s forthcoming, next-generation EVOX All Climate Heat Pump is expected to achieve 100% cooling output in temperatures up to 140°F (60°C) and 100% heating output in temperatures down to -31°F (-35°C). Midea systems have already proven themselves in the field as part of DOE’s Cold Climate Heat Pump Challenge (Midea’s 3-ton model achieved 118% of rated capacity heating output at -15 degrees), and the R&D team in Louisville, Kentucky is proud to say they’re helping contractors meet customer expectations for year-round reliability.
Midea EVOX All Climate Heat Pump. (Courtesy of the Midea RAC team)
2. Simpler Installs Are a Must Amid Workforce Strains
It’s no secret: labor shortages are affecting every corner of the HVAC industry, underscoring the need to better communicate the strong earning potential and career advancement opportunities available in the skilled trades. From installation delays to rising service costs, contractors are feeling the strain. That’s why there’s a growing demand for products that are easier and faster to install, train on and maintain.
Speaking with contractors at the various shows, they told us they need:
- Fewer SKUs to stock and carry, but also maximize installation applications
- Equipment that’s retrofit-friendly and flexible
- Systems that minimize callbacks and reduce training complexity
That’s exactly why Midea designed the EVOX G3 system with a proprietary modular block-n-lock air handling unit, which can be installed in six configurations, broken down into manageable sections for tight spaces and adapted for both 115V and 208/230V service — with no structural changes or rewiring needed.
Training remains a critical issue, especially around the shift to A2L refrigerants and inverter-driven equipment. Midea is investing heavily here, providing hands-on training at 12 showroom facilities, including a flagship location in Queens, New York. Midea also regularly donates equipment to trade schools to help instructors bring the latest technologies into the classroom.
3. Smart HVAC Is Becoming the Norm
“Smart” is no longer a buzzword — it’s a baseline. Across every event Midea attended this year, contractors and homeowners alike expressed expectations for systems with Wi-Fi connectivity, mobile apps, and predictive diagnostics.
One example is Midea’s M Station Smart Control — a touchscreen-enabled platform that’s compatible with both 24V and communicating systems, offering:
- Remote access through the Midea app
- Seamless integration with smart home ecosystems
- Over-the-air updates (yes, even performance upgrades like better dehumidification algorithms!)
Additionally, Midea’s iCheck diagnostic tool is like a personal doctor’s appointment for your HVAC system — allowing homeowners to check their system’s health at home and fend off potential service issues before they happen.
Smart HVAC features now directly influence purchasing decisions, especially among younger homeowners and property managers who value remote visibility, automation and energy optimization. For contractors, it also means fewer truck rolls and more satisfied customers.
4. Cost Remains Top of Mind — But Rebates and Policy Help
While interest in energy-efficient upgrades is strong, cost is still a primary concern — especially in the context of inflation, tariffs, and ongoing uncertainty around the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA).
Midea heard repeated questions from contractors about:
- Navigating local and federal incentive programs
- Communicating rebate eligibility to homeowners
- How potential tariffs could affect HVAC pricing in 2025
While tariffs and macroeconomic factors are outside a contractor’s control, partnering with manufacturers that are nimble, transparent and proactive about pricing and policy is key. Midea is continually optimizing its supply chain and designing products that qualify for the broadest array of rebates and credits, including ENERGY STAR and CEE Advanced Tier programs.
Midea also recommends that contractors understand their local utility-led incentive programs, which remain some of the most consistent and best-funded options for offsetting upfront system costs.
5. Compact and Ductless Systems Are on the Rise
With housing costs rising and more people living in multi-family units or aging homes, the demand for flexible, space-saving HVAC systems is growing fast. This trend was evident in product demos, booth traffic, and contractor conversations at every show.
Contractors are increasingly opting for compact, low-footprint systems — like ceiling cassettes, wall mounts and slim ducted AHUs — that integrate easily into existing layouts without structural overhauls.
Midea’s multi-zone systems are a prime example of this trend — allowing up to six indoor units with variable sizing, precise control, and seamless comfort. For contractors, these systems reduce complexity while maximizing flexibility. For builders and architects, they help meet design goals without sacrificing performance.
And for homeowners or renters, they represent a smarter, quieter, and more energy-efficient way to stay comfortable year-round.
Final Thoughts
This year’s trade show season made one thing clear: the HVAC landscape is evolving quickly, and contractors are under pressure to adapt. From all-climate performance and simplified installs to smart tech and flexible system design, the industry is moving toward solutions that are reliable, efficient, and user-friendly for both installers and end users.
Manufacturers like Midea are stepping up with product innovations and workforce investments that support this shift. Whether you’re planning your next project or looking for hands-on product training, we encourage you to explore what’s available through your local distributor or regional showroom. For more information, visit mideacomfort.us.
*In extreme heat, the Midea EVOX All Climate Heat Pump delivers continuous cooling operation in temperatures up to 122°F/50°C, with 100% cooling output in temperatures up to 117°F/47°C. In extreme cold, the Midea EVOX All Climate Heat Pump delivers continuous heating operation in temperatures down to -22°F/-30°C, with 100% heating output in temperatures down to -15°F/-26°C.
By David Rames, Senior Product Manager, Midea.