4 Best Bosch Heat Pumps – Natural Way of Moving Hot Air

By
Carolina Evans
Carolina Evans
Research Writer
Holds a Master’s degree in Engineering and is keen on her own home’s climate. Sometimes we think that Carolina owns every single product she writes about – that’s ho read more
reviewed
Reviewed By
Richard Powell
Richard Powell
Expert Consultant
For 8 years, Richard had been working as an HVAC specialist and AC unit installer since his student years. Now, he’s our main consultant on every technical aspect that may read more
Last updated: August 09, 2023
HVACLifehack.com is reader-supported. We may earn a commission through products purchased using links on this page. Learn more about our process here

More and more people are starting to use the best Bosch heat pumps within their homes, and it is easy to see why. A heat pump can use natural reserves and heat from the ground or air to bring hot or cold air into your home, but if you make the wrong choice on a model of heat pump it may be no more efficient than your current heating method. This is why it is vital to consider the best, and the Bosch brand has a number of different products that could be suitable.

In this guide, we review some of the top Bosch heat pumps and explain how to choose the best for you. We’ve looked at important features including the dimensions and voltage as well as some industry terms and measurements such as the SEER, EER, HSPF (these are all efficiency ratings), BTU, CFM and the coverage area of each of the Bosch heat pumps on the list. Plus, the noise level, measured in decibels. You won’t want to deal with a noisy Bosch central air conditioner or heat pump.

Quick Summary

Top 4 Bosch Heat Pumps Review 2024

?
Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 6129 people in the past 30 days
9.9
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
9.7
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
9.6
Features & Benefits
Product Review
9.8
9.9
Features
  • Dimensions: 7.8 x 32.9 x 11.0 inch – indoor unit, 13.1 x 31.5 x 21.8 inch – outdoor unit
  • Voltage: 230V
  • Seer: 22.5
  • EER: 14.5
  • HSPF: 12
  • BTU: 12000
  • CFM: not specified
  • Coverage area: 550 sq ft
  • Noise level: 55.5/20 dB

The Bosch Thermotechnology Ultra Quiet system is a ductless mini split series that offers energy efficient, flexible and on demand comfort. The system is easy to install and simple to maintain, making it an ideal alternative to traditional HVAC systems. This system focuses on cooling and heating individual rooms with a combination of efficient technologies up to a 25 SEER rating. This ensures that you can feel comfortable without raising your energy bills through the roof.  This system is also ideal for spaces where you would struggle to install conventional HVAC equipment and ductwork, such as renovations, additions or enclosed patios.

You can control the system via the wireless, back lit remote including turbo settings, timer and follow me technology which uses a temperature sensor built directly into the remote. The system has a 9,000 BTU cooling capacity, which is ideal for zones of up to 400 square feet.

    What makes it stand out?
  • What we liked best is the ease of installation. There are three parts in the system with the two main units connected by refrigerant, condensate and electrical lines set through a three inch hole in your exterior wall. This makes installation quite straightforward with the minimum of fuss and disruption. The kit includes all the necessary outdoor and indoor components along with the piping line set.
    Which disadvantages must you keep in mind?
  • The only potential downside is that you may need more than one indoor unit for the desired area, so you would need to source another, as you would not need another outdoor unit.
?
Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 8172 people in the past 30 days
9.8
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
9.3
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
9.3
Features & Benefits
Product Review
9.3
9.8
Features
  • Dimensions: 11.81 x 31.65 x 7.60 inch – indoor unit, 21.81 x 30.50 x 13.11 inch – outdoor unit
  • Voltage: 115V
  • Seer: 20.9
  • EER: 12.5
  • HSPF: 10
  • BTU: 12000
  • CFM: 306/265/200
  • Coverage area: 400 sq ft
  • Noise level: 39/35/28 dB

When you are looking for Bosch central air conditioner reviews you might find this range discussed a lot. The Thermotechnology Ultra-Quiet 12K BTU 115V is very similar to our editor’s choice product, but it uses a 115V power supply, which means you can use it in different areas where there is a different power source. It has similar features in many other respects, but it is cheaper.

This comes with a seven year warranty, and the noise rating is pretty low, with even the loudest readings from this staying under 40 dB. Upgrading from a bosch 18 SEER heat pump? This has a 20.9 SEER rating meaning that it has plenty of efficiency. Easy on the environment and easy on the bank balance.

A coverage area of 400 sq ft makes this ideal for lots of different sizes of spaces, and the BTU of 12000 means plenty of heating and cooling power.

The voltage of this makes it cheaper, too, meaning it is a good budget pick for those who don’t want to spend too much.

What we like: This can be used for homes, extensions and other buildings which don’t have space for ductwork, as it doesn’t need the ductwork system in order to operate.

What could be better: The only downside is that this heat pump is suitable for individual rooms only.

    What do we love it for?
  • 7 year warranty
  • Relatively simple install
  • No need for ductwork
  • 12000 BTU
?
Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 6626 people in the past 30 days
9.6
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
9.5
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
9.5
Features & Benefits
Product Review
9.4
9.6
Features
  • Dimensions: 7.8 x 32.9 x 11 inch – indoor unit, 13.1 x 31.50 x 21.8 inch – outdoor unit
  • Voltage: 230V
  • Seer: 20.5
  • EER: 14.5
  • HSPF: 11
  • BTU: 9000
  • CFM: 271/229/162
  • Coverage area: 400 sq ft
  • Noise level: 39.5/34/25 dB

Though all of the models on this list are relatively quiet in comparison to a lot of the other heat pumps on the market (Bosch heat pumps are exceptional for their low volumes) this is the very best model for those in the market for something that is particularly quiet. The Bosch Thermotechnology Ultra-Quiet 9K BTU 230V can reach up to 39.5 dB, but also goes as low as 25 dB and most of the time, it’s operating at incredibly low volumes.

Like the other models on this list, this doesn’t require ductwork and is a great solution for rooms up to 400 sq ft in size.

The installation is relatively simple and everything needed to get it installed is included. It can cool down to -13 degrees with the 9,000 BTU capacity.

Like the rest of the models on the list it has an exceptional level of environmental certifications, as it has an 11.2 HSPF rating and 25 SEER, which is very high for a Bosch geothermal heat pump.

There are remote settings to ensure you’re getting exactly what you want from your Bosch heat pump and there is a silent mode, timer and a “turbo” speed that can be easily controlled.

What we like: Everything you need to install this model of Bosch heat pump comes in the package with it. It is relatively easy and a small job for the pros. It also has a seven year warranty.

What could be better: Not as much heating and cooling power as the 12,000 BTU model, so it isn’t in first place on our list of the best Bosch heat pumps.

    What stands out?
  • Relatively easy to install
  • Incredibly quiet operation
  • Great efficiency ratings and an Energy Star certificate
?
Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 4804 people in the past 30 days
9.5
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
9.0
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
9.3
Features & Benefits
Product Review
9.0
9.5
Features
  • Dimensions: 11.81 x 31.65 x 7.60 inch – indoor unit, 21.81 x 31.50 x 13.11 inch – outdoor unit
  • Voltage: 230V
  • Seer: 20.7
  • EER: 12.5
  • HSPF: 9.6
  • BTU: 12000
  • CFM: 306/265/200
  • Coverage area: 400 sq ft
  • Noise level: 39.5/35/28 dB

When writing Bosch heat pump reviews for a product that they have described as “ultra-quiet” we need to pay close attention to whether or not it lives up to the name. Luckily, this has a decibel rating at a maximum of 39.5, and often operates at just 28 dB, which is undoubtedly quiet.

It is fairly small in size and is easy to hide if you need to. It works as a heat pump and for those looking for a Bosch air conditioner it also has a 12,000 BTU cooling capacity.

The efficiency ratings are impressive, a 20.7 SEER rating and a 9.6 HSPF rating, plus Energy Star certification to show that this product won’t cost too much to run.

There’s a remote control and plenty of settings that you can use to control your comfort and the efficiency of the unit itself.

In the box you get the indoor air handler and outdoor condensing section, and they come with the required 15 ft line set to connect the units.

What we like: It’s relatively easy to install this, making it a simple job for a pro, and something you may even be able to approach with a “DIY” attitude.

What could be better: Some users have reported issues with the controller board.

    What makes it stand out?
  • Very quiet
  • Pretty easy to set up, even without professional help
  • High efficiency ratings

Things to Consider

Buying a Bosch heat pump is probably relatively new to you. The technology itself has been around a while but if you have bought one before, the chances are that it is still going strong within your home. So, we’re going to assume that people coming here in search of Bosch inverter ducted split air source heat pump reviews or any other sort of Bosch heat pump reviews are relatively new to the brand and the features to look at before you buy a heat pump. Our buying guide is in place to help demystify some of the process and make it easier to find a heat pump that is suitable for your own home and the space you have in mind to use the pump within. This natural way of moving hot air and making it more comfortable within your home is fantastic, but you need to make the right buying decision and understand a few of the features first.

Why Bosch? Pros and cons

4 Best Bosch Heat Pumps – Natural Way of Moving Hot Air

Bosch is a brand with a rich history. They don’t just make heat pumps, and you might well have seen a variety of other appliances carrying the brand name. Why go for Bosch? Well, it’s often a good idea to go for bigger companies when you make this kind of purchase, as they are likely to have more approved dealers, engineers and longer warranties. Let’s take a quick look at the pros of opting for Bosch:

  • They have a huge range and plenty of quality control on their products, you’re unlikely to get something unreliable.
  • All of their heat pumps come with warranties. All of the models of bosch central air conditioners and related products have warranties, and the models on this list all have seven years of protection on your purchase.
  • Bosch has a network of approved technicians and many people in the industry are familiar with their machines. If something goes wrong in the future, it should be easy to find someone to fix it, or to get your machine serviced.

 

The cons of using Bosch? Well, we could only really find one negative to choosing a heat pump made by this brand. They aren’t the cheapest. If cost is your number one priority then you can potentially go elsewhere and find a cheaper heat pump that does a similar job.

Features to consider before you buy a Bosch heat pump

Features to consider before buying a Bosch heat pump. What are the most important things to think about before you buy a heat pump? How do you know you’re getting something that is going to be suitable for the space you need to heat or cool? The features below are those we have used when comparing different Bosch heat pumps. You might prioritize some of these features over others, it depends on what you specifically are looking for.

Dimensions

You need to consider the dimensions of both the internal and external units, as both will need a place to go. Bosch manufacture some very neat little units, for example, the

Bosch Ultra-Quiet 12K BTU 230V is relatively simple to install and hide away somewhere quite discreet within your home and outside.

Dimensions will probably be much more of a consideration if you are installing your heat pump somewhere small and compact, for instance, if you have a holiday home and it doesn’t have space for ductwork, you might want a small heat pump.

4 Best Bosch Heat Pumps – Natural Way of Moving Hot Air

Voltage

The voltage needs to be matched up with the power supply to ensure that you are providing the correct source of power. For instance, some of the products on the list have a voltage of 230V, whereas others, like the BOSCH Thermotechnology Ultra-Quiet 12K BTU 115V, use 115V.

EER and Seer ratings

It would be hard buying a product like an air conditioner or heat pump if you didn’t have standardized ways of measuring their efficiency. Luckily, this is exactly what we have with both EER and SEER ratings.

Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) is a measurement over the whole season, for instance, how a heating unit performs over the winter. The EER or “Energy Efficiency Ratio” is just a measurement to tell how efficient the air conditioning unit generally is. Don’t worry, you won’t suddenly have to learn loads about these ratings to understand them. The higher the number, the more efficient the unit, it’s really as simple as that.

 

HSPF

SEER and EER are not the only standardized ratings. Heating seasonal performance factor (HSPF) is another term that describes the efficiency of these units, and more specifically it is the ratio of the output of heat (measured in BTUs) to the electricity that is used. It is another indicator of how efficient the unit is. The better it performs on the same energy, the cheaper (and better for the environment) the product is.

BTUs and CFM

Yes, you’ve guessed it, it’s another standardized set of measurements to help you choose! These aren’t as important to assess as the environmental readings, at least not in terms of how much energy will be expended.

A BTU is a measurement regarding heating a pound of water. It’s a bit like the miles per hour rating you might use in your car, for example. It shows how much energy is used to heat the same amount of water.

CFM is all about the air flow, and how quickly air is displaced by a heat pump, whether you are pumping the hot air out of a room or otherwise. CFM stands for Cubic Feet per Minute. The BOSCH Thermotechnology Ultra-Quiet 12K BTU 115V has three different CFMs, depending on the mode you are using, ranging between 306/265/200.

 

Coverage area

4 Best Bosch Heat Pumps – Natural Way of Moving Hot Air

These units are not designed to cover unlimited spaces. People looking for Bosch central air conditioner reviews and heat pump reviews undoubtedly need to consider the coverage area. Say you are looking to heat or cool a space that is 500 sq ft, all three of the Bosch heat pumps on this list are rated at 400 sq ft, which means they might struggle. Anything under 400 sq ft and you are absolutely fine, and will get even heat or cool throughout the space as it has been tested in similar cubic spaces.

Noise level

One of the biggest considerations when buying a heat pump of any description, or an air conditioner or pretty much any home appliance, is the noise level. It is inevitable that they generate some level of noise just by doing their job. Bosch heat pumps are some of the best out there when it comes to keeping the noise levels pretty low. The Bosch Thermotechnology Ultra-Quiet 9K BTU 230V is the quietest and sometimes operates as quietly as 25 dB, which is about as close to silent as you are likely to get from any sort of heat pump you buy. This guide Trusted Source Comparative Examples of Noise Levels - IAC Acoustics This blog post compares examples of noise levels. It is broken down by Noise Source, Decibel Level, and Decibel Effect. www.iacacoustics.com gives you great reference when it comes to decibels and what the ratings mean. 25 dB is barely louder than a whisper!

Certifications

What certifications do you get with your air conditioning unit or heat pump? As there are so many different brands out there, certifications are a great way to know exactly what you are getting when you buy your pump. Energy Star is a big deal, and all of the Bosch heat pumps on our list can boast Energy Star ratings, this means they are recommended as some of the most efficient on the market. This is great for the environment, something we all need to consider for the future, but it is also fantastic for your spending. Appliances like these have become so much cheaper to run over the past 10 or 20 years and Energy Star ratings are a way for you to track which appliances do a good job for the energy consumption they offer. It’s assessed independently so companies can’t just give their own products this certification.

Warranty

When you invest a fairly substantial amount of money buying a heat pump, you won’t want to get something that is going to break down in a couple of years and there is nothing you can do about it. Fortunately, warranties are one of the best things about buying with Bosch, and you can enjoy up to seven years of protection on these heat pumps. This is a great way to protect your purchase and also shows how much confidence the manufacturers have that their products won’t break down on you. A warranty is about so much more than just protection for your money.

FAQ

How should I install the Bosch heat pump?

For most people, installing the product will be something you get an outsider to do, and usually an approved, or registered professional who can approach in a way that you simply wouldn’t be able to. This gives you a bit more peace of mind. If you are particularly good at DIY then you might be tempted to take on installation yourself.

How do I maintain a Bosch heat pump?

A Bosch heat pump needs very little maintenance, and if you don’t know what you are doing then we don’t recommend doing any of this maintenance yourself. A yearly service is a good idea, especially after the first couple of years of owning the heat pump, as this will ensure that any early issues get spotted and dealt with. It’s a bit like owning a car, if you get it regularly serviced and seen to then you shouldn’t have to deal with many issues.

Will the use of such a pump affect my energy bills remarkably?

The impact a heat pump will have on your bills depends on what you are already using, if you are swapping out an old air conditioning unit then the modern heat pumps and HVAC products are likely to be more efficient. If it carries an Energy Star rating then it could even save you money in the long run. If you are in the market for a Bosch heat pump having never used a heat pump before then there will be some additional cost attached in terms of energy, but this is not likely to be huge. These products are more efficient than they have ever been, and if you use them sparingly and on their efficient modes then the price is unlikely to be eye-watering.

Our verdict

The Bosch Ultra-Quiet 12K BTU 230V is our editor’s choice. It has a great balance between being efficient and simple to install, but also powerful, doing a great job of heating and cooling spaces when needed. It has a fantastic SEER rating. We’ve given it a rating of 9.9/10.

At 9.8/10 is the BOSCH Thermotechnology Ultra-Quiet 12K BTU 115V, which is the budget pick due to being a little cheaper, and representing fantastic value for money, it’s one of the best Bosch heat pump options out there and works with 115V power supplies.

The Bosch Thermotechnology Ultra-Quiet 9K BTU 230V is incredibly efficient and incredibly good for power consumption and environmental considerations, but the real clincher is how quiet it is, at as low as 25 dB during operation. We’ve given it a rating of 9.6/10, which would be a little higher if it had just a tiny bit more power. It can still do a good job of heating rooms up to 400 sq ft.

References

1.
Comparative Examples of Noise Levels - IAC Acoustics
This blog post compares examples of noise levels. It is broken down by Noise Source, Decibel Level, and Decibel Effect.
9,9
Total Score
Bosch Thermotechnology Ultra-Quiet 12K BTU 230V - Editor’s Choice
Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

X