These 3 Air Conditioner Brands Are Actually Owned By Bosch

The history of the air conditioner began with an engineer from upstate New York. Today, the appliance has become a very common item, with 9 out of 10 U.S. households owning one. The German company Bosch is one of the biggest names in the industry. It's known in American homes primarily for dishwashers and power tools, but has since extended its reach much further into heating and cooling. The Bosch Home Comfort Group now lists Buderus, Hitachi Cooling and Heating, and York among its global HVAC brands, alongside Bosch itself. 

However, the three brands aren't interchangeable when it comes to air conditioning units. Buderus makes air conditioners, but is best known for heating systems. Hitachi offers ductless wall mount and mini-split systems, and York spans residential equipment. HVAC units can do a lot for your home, and those differences might matter to a buyer looking for a new air conditioner as seasons get warmer.

Buderus is known for its wide range of boilers, heat pumps, hot-water equipment, air conditioners, solar heating products, and controls. These elements are all designed to work together across a building. Its focus is wider than simply cooling a home.

Hitachi sells air conditioners for homes and businesses. Its range includes systems for single rooms, several rooms, ceiling units, and larger buildings. For example, the U.S. M400 system connects one outdoor unit to as many as five indoor units. This allows different rooms to be cooled without having air ducts throughout the home.

York sells several types of heating and cooling equipment. Its range includes standard central air conditioners, heat pumps, and systems that do not need air ducts. This brand is focused on serving residential homes and smaller commercial properties.

Buderus' range is broader than basic air conditioners. It has a strong presence in Germany and is sold predominantly throughout Europe. So, it probably best suits buyers outside the U.S. who want heating, cooling, and hot-water products designed as parts of a wider, integrated system. 

Hitachi may suit people who want to control the temperature in each room separately or who live in a home without air ducts. Its multi-split systems are designed for small to mid-sized properties. Hitachi also offers models that can be hidden in the ceiling instead of being fitted to a wall. You might need to do some research before deciding what mini-split system makes sense for you. A contractor should calculate how much heating or cooling power the home needs.

York could be a good place to start for homeowners who already have ducts and want a standard central air conditioner. A York heat pump may appeal to someone who wants one system for year-round use, since it cools the home in warm weather and reverses its operation to provide heat in cold weather. In fact, many homeowners are turning to heat pumps as energy bills get more expensive.