Updated July, 2025
I gave it over a year before deciding it was time to write my first Bosch air conditioner review. As always, we spent a heck of a lot of time vetting Bosch air conditioners before giving them a shot.
8 years later, we’ve installed over one thousand Bosch variable speed heat pumps in Phoenix, Mesa, Chandler & surrounding cities. The life of an AC unit in Arizona is a rough one and not all brands are up to the task. The Bosch Air Conditioner has proven it’s one of them that can go toe-to-toe with some of the best!
Bosch Air Conditioning – German Engineering at its Finest
Chances are if you know someone with a Bosch appliance, you know they rave about its performance. My first experience with a Bosch appliance was a dishwasher I bought to replace an old Maytag. Keep in mind, I’ve been an appliance technician for 3 decades, so I know a lot about these machines.
Aside from the obvious quality engineering and manufacturing of my Bosch dishwasher, it put the old Maytag to shame performance-wise. Most notably, what struck me was the noise – or lack thereof. I didn’t think my Maytag was that loud until I heard the Bosch running. In fact, it’s hard to tell it is running. Something it shares in common with its air conditioner counterpart.
The Bosch Air Conditioner is Extremely Quiet
I should start by saying the complete lineup of Bosch air conditioning units have variable speed compressors. The reason that’s important with regards to sound is variable speed units by design are the quietest units on the market. The Bosch air conditioner competes with the premium brands’ heavyweights – which are already in a class of their own. It has to compete with two of the quietest and most efficient units on the market:
Trane XV20i & Lennox SL25
That’s a tough class to compete in when you consider both previously claimed either quietest in class (Trane), and most efficient (Lennox). However, not only does Bosch run quietly too, it’s as quiet or quieter than its rivals! Premium models boastingly publish their lowest operating sounds in dB (decibels). Commonly they use phrases like; “operating sound as low as ___ dB.”
Here’s how they stack up:
- Trane XV20i operates as low as 54dB (published sound ratings 54-70dB)
- Lennox SL25 operates as low as 58dB
- Bosch 1.0 operates as low as 56dB
In fairness to all of the brands mentioned, it’s reasonable to say these are all unbelievably quiet AC units!
The Bosch Air Conditioner Compressor is Famously Reliable
If you’re a Magic Touch Mechanical client or just a regular reader, you probably know we install ductless heat pumps. More accurately, we install a lot of ductless units. I’m told we’re one of the largest purchasers of Mitsubishi, Gree, and Bosch ductless air conditioners & heat pumps in all of Phoenix.
I mention that to point out that with thousands of ductless systems installs under our belt, we can measure their reliability. I’ve told you in many articles that Mitsubishi ductless units are far and away the most reliable units we install. Frankly the things are tanks! And, although they keep our installers busy, our service technicians see them more on maintenance visits than repair visits.
I mention the Mitsubishi compressor because the variable speed compressor used in the Bosch air conditioner* uses the same tech. In fact, one of the reasons I even considered giving Bosch a shot was I knew the compressor wouldn’t cause us or our clients grief.
*Technically Bosch variable speed units are heat pumps (both AC & heating), however most people refer to heat pumps as their AC.
Which leads us to manufacture parts & compressor warranty.
Bosch Air Conditioners are Backed by a Great Factory Warranty
When installed by an ABC Contractor (Accredited Bosch Contractor) like Magic Touch Mechanical, you get a 10-Year Compressor, Coil, and Parts warranty.
Comparatively speaking, this warranty is within the same range as both the Lennox and Trane. Note, both competitive brands also require installation by an approved contractor, product registration within 60-days, etc. (or warranty reverts to a lesser period).
Bosch Heat Pumps Win Every Time on Price
How much does a Bosch Air Conditioner cost? The question everyone wants to know is; what about the Bosch air conditioner price? Well, that’s one category Bosch wins by a huge margin. Bosch split heat pumps cost thousands less than their competitors models in the same class. In fact, they cost less than quite a few of the competitions next level down models.
How About Reliability?
Magic Touch Mechanical has installed thousands of Trane, American Standard, and Lennox heat pumps over the last 28 years around Phoenix. For many years both Trane and Lennox were well-known for their reliability and durability. In recent years both have gone through some hard-times, including having faced class-action lawsuits for developing refrigerant leaks. As I’m writing this, Trane just issued a major recall impacting roughly 5,000 units that have the potential to leak natural gas even in the off position. By the numbers, the failure rate of both brands is relatively small compared to the number of machines they manufacture, but it’s worth noting neither are without issues.
Of the thousand + Bosch Variable Speed units we’ve installed in the last 8 years, I’d say the failure rate is comparable to other “best brands”. We’ve seen component failures and coil leaks in Bosch the same way we have from Trane, Lennox, Carrier, Goodman, and the rest. However, unlike some other brands on that list, our local support from Bosch has remained on point. That’s important because a brand’s local support and parts availability ultimately shapes the end user (you) experience with the brand.
Now that it’s been 8 years, it’s fair to say Bosch has earned the right to claim they’re reliable and stand the test of time. Considering the average useful life of an outdoor condenser is 10-12 years in Phoenix (per most manufacturers) many of the first ones we installed are now seniors – and still going strong.
Bosch Packaged Heat Pump (Bosch IDP) – Variable Speed!
Bosch beat all the big boys to market with the very 1st Variable Speed Packaged Heat Pump. We’ve heard rumors about other brands working on their own for years, but until we see them it’s all talk. Bosch variable speed rooftop package heat pumps hit the market 6 years ago and took the Phoenix market by storm. Prior to the Bosch IDP variable speed technology wasn’t available to homeowners with rooftop units.
- The good: All the same tech in the split systems are utilized in the rooftop units. They were the most efficient packaged heat pump on the market in 2019 when they first came out – and they still are in 2025.
- The bad: Unlike Bosch split systems, these are the most expensive packaged heat pumps on the market in Arizona. To be fair, nothing else is in the same class. Every other manufacturer’s top package unit including Lennox & Trane is, at best; two-stage, not variable speed.
Stand Out Features of the Bosch Variable Speed Packaged Heat Pump
- Highest efficiency in its class– rated at 19 SEER2, 9.0 HSPF2
From July 2019 through July 2025 (today), the Bosch Packaged Heat Pump remains the most efficient rooftop unit in its class on the market.
- Fully modulating Inverter Drive precisely matches the heating/cooling load
No other residential rooftop heat pump unit on the market today has the ability to offer “precise” cooling and heating to this level.
- Inverter Compressor (25% – 110% capacity), modulation in 1% increments
Otherwise known as a variable speed compressor, the Bosch IDP is the only V.S. rooftop heat pump on the market at the present time. Most premium brands offer up to a two-stage compressor at the moment.
- Two stage x13 ECM blower for enhanced humidity control and quiet operation
The two speed x13 ECM (Electronically Commutated Motor) is found in many of today’s premium A/C & heating units. It is sometimes mistakenly labeled as a variable speed motor. While that’s true in a sense, this motor actually automatically adjusts its airflow to a desired CFM (Cubic Feet per Minute).
- 10 speed ECM outdoor blower for premium efficiency and whisper quiet operation
They’re not kidding when they say “quiet!” Most outdoor condenser fan motors have one speed – ON. The Bosch Variable Speed Pack has 10 speeds adding to its ultra-high efficiency ratings.
- Can be installed as either a rooftop unit or ground unit depending on the application and home design.
Phoenix, Mesa, Tempe, Scottsdale, and Chandler have many neighborhoods with rooftop packaged heat pumps. Bosch is the first to bring variable speed compressor technology as an option. This unit can also be installed in a ground-mount application commonly found in manufactured homes and historical homes.
Bosch Package Heat Pump – Most Efficient Unit Today
- ENERGY STAR rated
The packaged heat pump is Energy Star rated, as you might expect from the most efficient unit in its class,
- Compatible with the Bosch Connected Control (BCC) Thermostats & aftermarket thermostats.
Unlike most premium communicating heat pumps on the market, the Bosch IDP does not require a proprietary thermostat. The major benefit to the end user is cost savings. Proprietary thermostats are usually expensive as the manufacturers have a captive audience.
Bosch also holds the title for 6 years running for the quietest packaged heat pump on the market with sound levels as low as 60dBA
PRO TIP: Utility company SRP AC Rebates! Bosch Heat Pumps qualify for the best AC rebates available in Arizona. SRP AC Rebates are much higher than APS AC Rebates and this model gets up to $1,125 in rebates. Better yet, that’s $1,125 per unit not per household – a huge bonus for homes with multiple AC systems.
Review Summary
So, how do we sum up our Bosch Air Conditioner Review?
We’ve been accused of being too hard on some brands and models including brands we represent. However, we just report the facts and the feedback we get from our clients, installers, and service technicians. Since we sell many brands each having dozens of models it’s inevitable we’ll have both positive and negative feedback to report. Some models we give glowing reviews because that’s what our clients give them, others not so much.
As for the Bosch Variable Speed Heat Pump, we have had nothing shy of outstanding feedback. Clients, installers, and service technicians have all been impressed with the Bosch air conditioner. Over a thousand units installed is a large sampling, and over the course of 8 years, we’ve seen great performance from this brand.
Verdict: The Bosch Variable Speed Heat Pump / Air Conditioner gets two thumbs up from Magic Touch Mechanical!
