Bosch is using IFA 2026 in Berlin to highlight growing demand for home cooling, heat pumps and connected climate systems, as rising temperatures and electrification reshape the home comfort market.

The company says heat pumps, air conditioners and air-treatment products were among the fastest-growing parts of its Home Comfort business during the first half of 2026.

While much of the data released by Bosch relates to Europe, the broader trend is relevant to Australia, where demand for cooling, energy efficiency and smarter home climate management continues to influence purchasing decisions across air conditioning and connected-home categories.

Bosch commissioned research across seven European countries and found that only 38 per cent of respondents in Germany were satisfied with the way they currently protect their homes from heat. Around 47 per cent said hot weather was affecting sleep and daily life, while 54 per cent expressed interest in buying an air conditioner.

The company also pointed to continued growth in the German air-conditioning market, with sales of split systems rising from about 260,000 units in 2023 to around 320,000 units in 2025.

Bosch expects demand for heating, ventilation and air-conditioning systems to keep rising as heating and cooling increasingly converge into the same product ecosystems.

One of the major products being shown at IFA is the Bosch Compress 8800i AW heat pump, designed to provide high flow temperatures and heating output for homes replacing older gas or oil systems while retaining existing radiators.

Bosch is also introducing the Climate 6000iP, its first single-split air conditioner designed entirely around R290 refrigerant. The natural refrigerant is attracting greater industry attention because of its comparatively low global warming potential.

Air treatment is another area of focus, with Bosch highlighting its Air 4000 air purifier. The model has received recognition from German consumer testing organisation Stiftung Warentest for its combination of quiet operation and relatively low power consumption.

The shift toward heat pumps remains particularly strong in Germany, where sales increased 40 per cent year-on-year to 194,500 units during the first half of 2026, according to the Federal Association of the German Heating Industry.

Industry forecasts now suggest German heat pump sales could reach around 400,000 units for the full year.

Bosch is also expanding the role of its Smart Home platform within heating and cooling.

Its Smart Radiator Thermostats II [+M] can now work with compatible Bosch and Buderus heat pumps to manage heating demand room by room. The system is designed to reduce unnecessary energy use by generating heat only where it is needed.

During warmer periods, compatible heat pumps can also be used to provide cooling through underfloor heating systems.

Connectivity is becoming standard across Bosch’s heat pump portfolio, with the company saying all of its Home Comfort heat pumps can now be connected. Bosch has shipped more than two million connectable Home Comfort products globally to date.

Artificial intelligence is also moving into installation and servicing.

Buderus, part of Bosch Home Comfort Group, has developed AskBuderus Pro, an AI assistant intended for heating specialists and installers. It can provide technical information covering installation, maintenance, hydraulics, controls and system integration.

Bosch sees AI and digitalisation becoming increasingly important in areas such as energy management, predictive maintenance and more efficient operation of heat pumps.

The company has strengthened its global HVAC position following its acquisition of Johnson Controls’ and Hitachi’s residential and light commercial HVAC businesses, giving Bosch a larger footprint across heating and cooling markets.

For Australia, that broader expansion is significant. Cooling demand is already well established locally, while interest in energy-efficient heating, electrification and smart home control is growing as households look to reduce energy use and manage increasingly extreme temperatures.

Bosch Home Appliances is also using IFA 2026 to showcase new large and small domestic appliances, although the company’s current Home Comfort announcements are more heavily focused on climate, air quality and connected energy management.

Australian pricing and availability for the newly announced Bosch Home Comfort products have not yet been confirmed.