Great potential

Stiftung Warentest has tested air-source heat pumps for the first time, the Federal Statistical Office reports that almost two thirds of residential buildings constructed in 2023 will be heated with heat pumps, and the appliances for the home have also recently been awarded the ‘Blue Angel’ by the Federal Environment Agency: Heat pumps are on the rise. These efficient and economical heating systems are now also available in DIY stores. The management consultancy Titze from Neuss has now published an independent market analysis for the first time, because ‘it is a highly interesting market’.

The Rhinelanders have made a name for themselves with over 40 published studies for the bathroom and sanitation market. According to Managing Director Winfried Titze, previous studies on heat pumps have only been carried out by manufacturers' associations. The new study answers key questions about the future of the heat pump market, including political influences, market trends up to 2030, price developments and the role of online trade. ‘We invested five months in this study.’ The potential for replacing inefficient heating systems in the top 10 European countries is particularly emphasised.

Although heat pumps are mainly sold via the plumbing trade, there are exceptions: ‘And they are growing much faster than other sales channels, one of which is the DIY market,’ explains Winfried Titze. Bauhaus now has a large portfolio - and not just in Germany. ‘Much more exciting is the clear presence of one of the most important European DIY chains: Leroy Merlin. They sell everywhere, in France, Spain, Italy and Poland.’ Castorama, on the other hand, sells heat pumps in Poland, but not in France. ‘Obi also hardly has any heat pumps in its home country, but it does in Poland and Italy.’

Online retailers are also spitting in the established players' soup. ‘There are some specialists for heating systems and providers of complete packages that deliver and install much faster than the sanitary industry, including Thermondo, Enpal and 1.5 Grad.’

How exactly are German DIY store operators doing when it comes to heat pumps? We spoke to Winfried Titze about this market.

Can you say which German DIY store chains are particularly active in heat pump sales?

The most noticeable is certainly the commitment of Bauhaus, which also sells complete heat pumps from Vaillant and some other suppliers such as…