Bosch Heat Pump Reviews & Cost 2024

bosch heat pump

When split system Bosch heat pumps hit the market a couple years ago, contractors and savvy homeowners took notice. Immediately.

The reason? Bosch is a worldwide leader in technological innovation, and has been since Robert Bosch founded the “Workshop for Precision Mechanics and Electrical Engineering” in Stuttgart, Germany in 1886. Today Bosch technological leadership is at work in a range of commercial and residential industries.

In this Bosch heat pump review and price guide, the following topics are addressed in detail.

Bosch Heat Pump Features

Bosch’s commitment to premium technology is on full display in these residential split system Bosch heat pumps. Here are key features to compare with those from other heat pump brands – we’ve reviewed all the best heat pump brands.

A good place to begin comparing heat pump brands head to head is under the Heat Pump heading at the top of the page.

1. The Bosch inverter heat pump compressor:

Let’s start with the most important feature that sets these units apart from the crowd. And it’s not a Bosch!

Mitsubishi has made inverter driven compressors for decades for its ductless heat pumps. They are among the best in the world – efficient and reliable. That’s why many brands, like Bosch, use the best available parts rather than trying to “re-invent the wheel.”

Bosch refers to them as Inverter Ducted Split Systems, or IDS. The Bosch inverter heat pump is available in IDS 1.0 and IDS 2.0 versions, discussed in more detail here. Bosch also calls them the Bosch BOVA heat pump (1.0 version) and the Bosch BOVA2.0 heat pump.

Both use the Mitsubishi inverter driven compressor. 230V alternating current (AC current) powers the unit. The AC voltage is converted to DC power, or inverted. This allows for modulating aka variable speed operation.

As a result, the inverter-driven compressors operate at any speed between about 25% and 100%. They speed up or slow down when necessary to precision-tune the amount of cooling and heating they deliver. If you enjoy the technical aspects of your equipment, it is discussed at this point in this video from Bosch Heating and Cooling.

2. Standard and Dual Fuel Operation

Most homeowners in moderate to hot climates choose a standard split system – a heat pump and an air handler.

In regions with sub-freezing weather, you have the option of a dual fuel system. It pairs the heat pump with a Bosch gas furnace. In freezing outdoor temperatures, sensors give data to the control board to seamlessly switch to heating with the furnace. When temperatures rise, the system automatically switches back.

Why is this important? Heat pumps are more efficient than furnaces, so energy costs are lower when it runs. However, since heat pumps don’t function well in freezing weather, the furnace takes over to ensure your home has plenty of heat.

3. Paired Split Systems

You can install just a Bosch heat pump if your current air handler is in good condition.

However, if you’re replacing your entire split system for optimal efficiency and climate control, Bosch makes a couple furnace and air handler options for you to consider. Series 1.0 systems use a constant-torque blower, which isn’t variable. This might cause noticeable warm air blasts at the start of an air conditioning cycle. The IDS 2.0 system air handler and furnace have efficient and variable ECM blower motors.

4. All-aluminum Coils

Like the Goodman AlumaFin7, all Bosch indoor coils are made from aluminum tubing and fins. This eliminates corrosion damage and issues caused by dissimilar metals. There’s more information on copper vs aluminum coils in our Coil Guide.

5. A 10-speed ECM Fan

There’s nothing else like this on the market. It’s not hugely important, but is definitely unique.

Most condensing units have a single-speed fan. A few have 2-stage fans to run more quietly as they disperse heat pumped to the outside of the house and released through the outside coil.

The Bosch BOVA2.0 heat pump condensing unit, the outside unit, has a 10-speed fan that roughly matches the speed of the variable-speed compressor. This allows for effective heat dispersion but also the quietest operation possible. In addition, the fan is electrically commutated or ECM, vs. a permanent split capacitor, or PSC motor. An ECM motor is more efficient, so it is less costly to run.  

Bosch Heat Pump Limitations

There are two issues that caught our attention – one mechanical and one practical. Let’s take them in that order.

1. There are only two sizes of heat pump condensing unit (the outside unit) – 3 tons/36,000 BTUs and 5 tons/55,000 BTUs. Most brands produce heat pumps in 1.5, 2.0, 2.5, 3.0, 3.5, 4.0 and 5.0 tons.

The concern is that a heat pump should be as closely sized to the heating and AC demands of the home as possible.

  • If it is undersized, it won’t do the job and will work too hard, resulting in potential mechanical failure.
  • A unit that is too large might create temperature imbalances and will do a poor job dehumidifying the home in summer.

Bosch seeks to offset these potential problems with air handlers/furnaces and indoor coils sized from 2.0 to 5.0 tons.

  • Indoor coil capacities/sizes in tons: 2, 2.5, 3.5, 4 and 5
  • Blower motors: Geared for 2, 3, 4 and 5 tons

For example, if you need 24,000 BTU/hour of cooling, a Bosch dealer will install the 3-ton unit with potential cooling of 36,000 BTU/hour and pair it with a 2-ton, 24,000 BTU/hour indoor coil. Like other brands, Bosch also uses properly sized blower motors in its air handlers and furnaces. If you’re installing a complete system, then the blower in the air handler or furnace will also be geared to proper airflow for a 24,000 BTU system.

Most brands make both more condensing unit sizes and matched indoor coil sizes. We prefer a both/and approach, but if the dealer knows exactly what they are doing in matching equipment, then indoor climate control and comfort should not be badly diminished.

2. Bosch heat pump warranties are just average. The two units have 10-year general parts warranties, just like Carrier, Trane, Lennox and many others. Goodman, Amana, Heil, Day & Night, Rheem/Ruud and a handful of other brands offer superior warranties.

Model Analysis and Recommendation

The Bosch inverter heat pump is new in the last few years. Bosch might produce a wider range of models if these units sell well. But for now, you’re limited to the IDS 1.0 and IDS 2.0 models. Here’s an overview table before deeper analysis.

ModelSEERHSPFSound LevelCompressor
BOVA 2.020.510.556dBInverter/Variable
BOVA 1.018.59.556dBInverter/Variable

Bosch Inverter Ducted Split System 1.0: The original Bosch IDS system has top ratings of 18.5 SEER, 13 EER, 9.5 HSPF. SEER and EER are AC ratings. HSPF is the heating rating. The higher the numbers, the more efficient the unit.

It’s lowest operating sound level is 56 decibels, about average for variable capacity compressors. It is very quiet.  

Bosch Inverter Ducted Split System 2.0: The second generation Bosch inverter heat pump has top ratings of 20.5 SEER, 14 EER and 10.5 HSPF.

Cost is higher, but indoor climate control is superior. This is also a 56dB unit at its quietest.

Bosch Heat Pump Prices by Model

These tables are available for all the brands we’ve reviewed. We keep them updated annually to allow you to compare prices.

In general, Bosch heat pump prices are lower than many competitors. This is because Bosch uses the reliable but affordable Mitsubishi inverter driven compressor.

Here is the Bosch inverter heat pump price by model. The Equipment column includes the Bosch 3-ton heat pump, indoor coil and thermostat. The Installed Cost column includes the equipment including an air handler or furnace installed plus installation supplies.

ModelEquipment PriceInstalled Price
BOVA 1.0$4,010$9,480
BOVA 2.0$4,480$10,680

See costs in your areaEnter Your Zip Code

Bosch Heat Pump Prices by Size

In many of the Heat Pump Brand Reviews on Pick HVAC, we choose an average model to price in all its sizes from 1.5 to 5.0 tons.

Since Bosch only makes two models, we show them both. The lower cost is the BOVA IDS 1.0 Bosch inverter heat pump. The higher number is the Bosch heat pump price for the 2.0 model.

All necessary equipment including the indoor coil, refrigerant line set, air handler or furnace and other supplies are included.

Heap Pump SizeApprox. CoverageEquipmentSystem Installed
3.0 ton1,000 – 1,900 s.f.$4,110 – $4,550$9,410 – $10,840
5.0 ton1,900 – 3,200 s.f.$5,040 – $5,470$11,030 – $11,330

Try this heat pump sizing calculator to get an estimated size for your house.

Contractor’s View

When one of our contractor partners has good insight, we’re happy to pass it along.

Magic Touch Mechanical had this to say about the value of the Bosch IDS 1.0 heat pump. “Don’t be fooled by the lower price. We’ve been all up and through this unit and Bosch’s world famous German engineering is easily apparent. The quality of materials would please even the toughest critic – in fact it already has, it pleased us.” 

That might be a little bit of hype, but Magic Touch sells Lennox and Trane equipment too. They’re not afraid to say that Bosch offers good value compared to the other brands they sell. That’s something we pay attention to. 

Who Installs Bosch Heat Pumps?

Bosch isn’t choosy about who installs its HVAC systems including heat pumps and furnaces. This approach to installation has its pros and cons.

The upside is that the estimates you get will be more competitive when “anyone” can install the equipment vs. when only specially trained installers are allowed to handle the project. For example, American Standard has what it calls Customer Care Dealers that have received specialized American Standard installation training. Their prices are typically higher because they’ve gone through and paid for training, plus they know there is less competition because there are few Customer Care Dealers in most areas. It gives them a competitive advantage in marketing.

Bosch ABCs. An installer can be an Accredited Bosch Contractor, or ABC.

  • Is there special training? No.
  • Do they have a proven track record of quality workmanship? Not necessarily.

An Accredited Bosch Contractor, or ABC, is one that has signed up with Bosch to get marketing help and other assistance from Bosch in exchange for that contractor “pushing” Bosch products – heat pumps, furnaces, water heaters, thermostats and more. This isn’t always a bad thing, because Bosch products are quite good in quality and performance.

The one perk for the homeowner is that if you use an ABC to install your equipment, the warranty will be 11 years instead of 10. Not a huge benefit.

A better option is to use a free estimating service like our Free Local Quotes. The contractors in the system are pre-screened, licensed and insured. And many of them are certified by NATE, the North American Technician Excellence program that is recognized as the leading certification in the HVAC business. A quick phone call or filling out a brief form is all that’s required to get started.

How to Get the Best Bosch Heat Pump Prices

These tips will help ensure you get a good price plus expert installation.

First, don’t sacrifice quality installation for low cost. If a contractor is cheap, it is likely going to cut costs by cutting corners on installation quality. Or it might have such a bad reputation that it has to “go cheap” to get business.

Secondly, look for rebates from your energy provider. For example, right now most utility companies are offering $150 – $500 or more on the installation of Bosch equipment – or any brand that meets efficiency requirements.

Rebates can be found on Bosch and other brand product pages like this one. Select the Rebate button, and it will show rebates in your area. You might have to type a zip code into the box.

Here are 5 places to find rebates.

https://www.pickhvac.com/faq/5-place-to-get-latest-hvac-tax-credit-and-rebate/

Finally, get written estimates from at least 3 installers that know they are competing for the work. It’s a good way to compare costs for brands. Make sure the equipment is comparable in terms of size and efficiency. Then check reviews on the contractors. Reviews are found on Google, the Better Business Bureau and Yelp.

Choose a qualified contractor with a fair price and good reviews for quality workmanship and customer service.

We’ve also prepared a guide for negotiating a fair price with contractors. You might find it useful.

Bosch Heat Pump Warranty

When you purchase a Bosch heat pump, you receive a warranty that provides coverage for various components, ensuring peace of mind regarding your investment. Bosch offers different warranty lengths depending on the specific model of the heat pump you have installed.

Parts Warranty: Most Bosch heat pumps come with a standard 10-year warranty on parts. This means that if any parts of your heat pump fail due to manufacturing defects within the first 10 years of service, you can have them replaced without any cost for the parts themselves.

Labor Warranty: The labor warranty is typically covered for 1 to 2 years, depending on your installer’s policies. This warranty covers the costs associated with a technician providing service for the repair or replacement of defective parts.

Compressor Warranty: Bosch provides an additional coverage for the compressor, a crucial component of the heat pump system. The compressor warranty extends 10 years from the date of installation.

Heat Exchanger Warranty: If your Bosch heat pump includes a heat exchanger, it is also protected under a specific warranty period. These components are crucial for the system’s efficiency and are typically covered for up to 10 years.

ComponentWarranty Coverage
Parts10 years
Labor1-2 years
Compressor10 years
Heat Exchanger10 years

To ensure your warranty remains valid, you must register your Bosch heat pump within 60 days of installation. Failure to do so may result in a reduced warranty period. Regular maintenance by a certified professional is also recommended to uphold the terms of your warranty. Check your specific warranty documents for detailed information as coverage may vary by model and location.

Bosch Heat Pump Customer Reviews

Here’s a curated summary of customer reviews online for Bosch heat pumps:

Installation:

  • Ease: Customers often report straightforward installation processes.
  • Requirements: Some mention the need for professional installers due to technical complexities.

Performance:

  • Efficiency: There’s general agreement on the heat pumps’ energy efficiency, translating into savings on utility bills.
  • Noise Level: Most users find the operation quiet, a relief for those concerned about disrupting home environments.

Reliability:

  • Longevity: Reviews typically note the product’s durability, offering several years of dependable service.
  • Maintenance: Occasional mentions of needing regular maintenance to sustain optimal functionality appear.

Cost:

  • Initial Expense: Buyers acknowledge higher upfront costs but argue that long-term efficiency savings can offset this.
  • Value: The consensus often highlights good value for the investment due to the product’s overall quality and efficiency.

Customer Support:

  • Responsiveness: Mixed reviews exist on customer service, ranging from highly responsive to needing improvement.
  • Warranty: Satisfactory remarks about the comprehensive warranty provided, ensuring peace of mind.

Written by

Rene has worked 10 years in the HVAC field and now is the Senior Comfort Specialist for PICKHVAC. He holds an HVAC associate degree and EPA & R-410A Certifications.

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