Lidl Launches Portable Air Conditioner in UK Amid Rising Demand UK: Lidl has introduced a portable 3-in-1 air conditioner in the UK, priced at GBP 149 (USD 202; EUR 173), as demand for cooling products increases during the current heatwave. Available in stores from 25 June, the Tronic unit combines air conditioning, fan and dehumidifier functions, features two fan speeds and is designed for rooms measuring between 30 and 45 cubic metres. The retailer has also launched a wider

Heatwave Drives Surge in Air Conditioning Demand Across the Netherlands Netherlands: Demand for residential air conditioning systems has increased across the Netherlands following a period of extreme heat, with industry association Techniek Nederland reporting that some installation companies have experienced up to a fourfold increase in customer enquiries. While manufacturers continue to have sufficient product availability, installation capacity has become constrained, with

Sri Lanka Bans Imports of HCFC-Based Air Conditioners and Refrigerators Sri Lanka: Sri Lanka has introduced a ban on the import of air conditioners, refrigerators, freezers and ice plants that operate exclusively on hydrochlorofluorocarbon (HCFC) refrigerants, effective from 6 June 2026. The announcement was made in Parliament by Deputy Minister of Economic Development Nishantha Jayaweera during discussions on several legislative measures. The import restrictions form part of

Zehnder to Separate European Ventilation and Radiator Businesses from October 2026 Switzerland: Zehnder announced that it will introduce a new divisional structure from 1 October 2026, separating its European operations into two independently managed businesses: Residential Ventilation Europe and Radiators Europe. Each division will be responsible for its own financial performance. The Light Commercial Ventilation Europe business will also operate independently, while the Nor

German Ventilation Industry Sees Export Support Amid Weak Domestic Demand Germany: Order intake in Germany's air handling technology sector declined by 5% in real terms during 2025 compared with the previous year, as domestic orders fell by 14%. Foreign markets helped offset weaker demand, with international orders increasing by 5%. The sector recorded a stronger start to 2026, with total order intake during the first quarter rising by 22% year-on-year, supported by a 37% inc

UK Heat Pump Installation Growth Slowed in 2025 UK: Heat pump installations in the UK increased by 7% in 2025, compared with growth of 56% in 2024, according to figures published by the country's independent climate advisers. The data formed part of an assessment of the UK's progress in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The slowdown followed the withdrawal of the ECO grant scheme, which had funded heat pump installations for lower-income households. The government continues

A.O. Smith Announces Board Leadership Transition Global: A.O. Smith Corporation announced that Executive Chairman Kevin Wheeler will retire from his role on 1 July 2026. Following his departure, President and Chief Executive Officer Stephen Shafer will assume the position of Chairman of the Board, while Wheeler will continue to serve as a board member. The company stated that the transition follows more than three decades of leadership by Wheeler. A.O. Smith manufactures wate

European Heatwave Drives Rise in Cooling Equipment Demand Europe: Several European countries experienced record temperatures during a heatwave that continued across the region in late June 2026. In France, the national temperature indicator, which measures average daytime and night-time temperatures across 30 monitoring stations, reached 29.8°C on 30 June, the highest level recorded since measurements began in 1947. According to experts, the weather conditions are being drive

Roca Group Returns to Profit in 2025 Spain: Roca Group reported net earnings of EUR 43 million (USD 49.5 million) for 2025, compared with a net loss of EUR 61 million (USD 70.3 million) in 2024. The company stated that the previous year's result was affected by its ongoing divestment process in Russia, where production and commercial activities had been discontinued. The 2025 financial year took place against a backdrop of limited construction activity across several Western

EU Proposes Energy Label Requirement for Air Conditioner Installations EU: The European Commission has proposed new rules requiring installers of air conditioners, boilers and kitchen appliances to provide customers with the official energy performance label of products when issuing installation quotations. The proposal aims to help consumers compare the energy efficiency of appliances before making a purchase, particularly in cases where products are bought directly through

Heatwave Boosts Demand for Air Conditioner Servicing in Malaysia Malaysia: Malaysia's prolonged period of high temperatures has led to increased demand for air conditioner servicing, repairs and energy-efficient cooling solutions. With daytime temperatures reaching between 35°C and 37°C in several parts of the country, installation and maintenance companies have reported a significant rise in service requests, resulting in longer waiting times as technicians face fully booked

DIY Retail Channels Driving Bathroom Product Sales in the Czech Republic The Czech Republic has established itself as one of the most mature do-it-yourself (DIY) retail markets in Central and Eastern Europe, and this channel has emerged as the dominant distribution mechanism for bathroom products across the residential segment. From sanitary ware and taps & mixers to shower enclosures and bathroom furniture, large-format DIY chains have systematically reshaped the procurement