Heat Pump The German government is planning measures to support the expansion, conversion, and construction of heating networks as part of its transition toward a climate-neutral heating system. District and local heating networks can enable the cost-effective integration of low-carbon heat sources, including geothermal energy, large-scale heat pumps, and waste heat. Heating networks are expected to play an increasingly important role, particularly in urban and densely popula

Australian Bidet Brand Conor Expands Into New Zealand with Full Smart Bathroom Range New Zealand: Australian bidet and smart toilet company Conor Australia is expanding into New Zealand after four years of growth in Australia. Founded in Melbourne in 2022, the company offers non-electric bidet seats, smart electric bidet seats, integrated smart toilets, portable bidets and handheld sprays. Its entire product range is WaterMark-certified, supporting compliance with Australian

UK Heat Pump UK: The UK recorded a record 8,150 applications for heat pump grants in July 2026, following increased government support for households replacing heating oil systems amid the Middle East conflict. Applications rose 81% from June and 112% year on year, exceeding the previous monthly record of 5,328. From July, eligible off-gas-grid households in England and Wales could receive an enhanced US$ 10441.4 (£9,000) grant, compared with the standard US$ 8701.1 (£7,500)

F-Gas Restrictions on High-GWP Split AC UK: Great Britain has updated guidance on its 2025 ban on single split air conditioners containing less than 3 kg of fluorinated greenhouse gases with a GWP of 750 or higher. Refrigerants such as R-407C and R-410A are covered by the prohibition. However, exemptions apply to systems used solely for product cooling, air-to-water split systems and units installed on maritime craft. Previously placed products can still be sold if businesses

Flow Service Partners Strengthens South Florida Commercial HVAC Presence Through Altman Acquisition USA: Flow Service Partners has acquired Altman Air Conditioning, expanding its commercial HVAC and mechanical services platform across South Florida. Founded in 1985, Altman provides commercial air-conditioning, equipment replacement, repairs, mechanical services and maintenance to customers across the region. The acquisition complements Cortez, another Flow company operating i

Bauhaus to End Retail Operations in Norway Norway: Bauhaus will discontinue its retail operations in Norway by the end of 2026, while its online business will continue. Interbauhaus AG said the decision followed an evaluation of its business activities in the country and an assessment of available options. The company stated that, despite efforts since entering the Norwegian market in 2007, it does not see sustainable prospects for operating the business profitably over the l

Iran Faces Growing Economic Strain as U.S. Sanctions and War Hit Trade Iran: Iranian leaders acknowledged the economic toll of the war with the U.S., with the government prioritising inflation, employment, market management, domestic production and reducing dollar dependence, while President Masoud Pezeshkian said foreign trade had fallen nearly 35% due to U.S. sanctions and a naval blockade. Annual inflation reached 66%, although Iran sold about 90 million barrels of oil dur

Midea RAC Partners with NARAP for HVAC Technical Training in Nigeria Nigeria: Midea Residential Air Conditioner Division (Midea RAC) partnered with the Nigerian Association of Refrigeration and Air-conditioning Practitioners (NARAP) at NARAP Day 2026, held in Abia State, Nigeria, on July 23–24, as part of its nationwide technical training initiative launched in May 2026. The program covers HVAC technologies, standardized installation practices, after-sales service, and Midea’

Johnson HVAC Distribution Completes Rebrand and Launches New Website Across 25 Locations U.S.: Johnson HVAC Distribution, formerly known as Johnson Supply, has completed its company-wide rebrand and launched a new website, extending the updated identity across all 25 branch locations serving HVAC contractors and professionals throughout Texas and Louisiana. The independently/employee-owned company, established in 1953, said the rebrand reflects its long-standing focus on HVAC

Aermec to Invest USD 17.4 Million in New Chicago Production Plant as 2026 Turnover Grows 5% Italy: Verona-based HVAC manufacturer Aermec will invest USD 17.4 million to build a 15,000-square-meter production plant in the Chicago area, with operations expected to begin in January 2028 and an initial workforce of 150 employees, while the facility could later expand to 30,000 square meters. The company, which operates in 140 countries, reported its 2026 turnover is currently up

Europe's bathroom furniture market delivered a surprising performance in 2025. While residential construction remained subdued across many countries and housing completions continued to decline in several major markets, demand for bathroom furniture proved more resilient than expected. The latest BRG data suggests that the market is no longer being driven primarily by new build activity. Instead, growth is increasingly being generated by renovation projects, bathroom modernis

Vietnam Reviews Air Conditioner Energy Standards to Improve Efficiency Vietnam: Vietnam has initiated consultations to revise TCVN 7830, the national standard for the energy performance of non-ducted air conditioners. The discussions, organised by the Vietnam National Standards and Quality Institute in collaboration with GIZ Proklima, were held in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City and involved government bodies, academic institutions, industry representatives and certification organ

Beijer Ref Acquires Majority Stake in Lithuania’s Refra Sweden/Lithuania: Sweden-based Beijer Ref has agreed to acquire a 90% stake in Lithuania-based Refra, with an option to purchase the remaining shares. Refra, established in 1994 and headquartered in Vilnius, manufactures heating and cooling systems using natural refrigerants such as carbon dioxide and propane, and reports annual turnover of approximately SEK 500 million (USD 53 million/EUR 49 million). The company will c

Carrier Considers New Manufacturing Plant in Fort Worth USA: United States-based Carrier Global Corp. is evaluating plans to establish a new manufacturing plant in Fort Worth, Texas, with an estimated investment of USD 433 million (EUR 399 million). The proposed facility would be located in a 1.2 million square-foot building under development in the northern part of the city. The project is being considered as part of efforts to meet growing demand for data centre cooling sys

Croatia Introduces Subsidies for Solar Systems and Heat Pumps Croatia will begin offering subsidies for photovoltaic systems, battery storage and heat pumps in single-family homes from 2 September 2026, with a total allocation of EUR 36 million (USD 39 million). The programme, administered by the Environmental Protection and Energy Efficiency Fund, is open to individual homeowners who are registered occupants of the property. Applications must be submitted through the nationa

EU Introduces New Compliance Requirement for Smart Toilets European Union: A new compliance requirement for smart toilets entering the European market took effect on 5 August 2026 following an amendment published in the Official Journal of the European Union on 4 August. Under the requirement, smart toilets placed on the EU market must undergo type testing of the water isolation module in accordance with EN 1717:2023 and obtain a declaration of conformity issued by an EU Noti

AXOR to Introduce Selective Distribution System in Four European Markets Europe: AXOR will introduce a selective distribution system in Germany, Austria, the Czech Republic and Slovakia from 1 January 2027. The system will apply quality standards across its sales channels and is intended to establish requirements for the distribution of AXOR products in these markets. AXOR is part of the Hansgrohe Group and supplies products including faucets, showers, accessories and install

Germany’s Barrier Reduction Funding Programme Exhausts 2026 Budget Germany: Funding under Germany’s barrier reduction programme for 2026 was exhausted on 30 July, according to the Federal Ministry of Construction. Since 8 April, 21,400 applications covering around 26,800 residential units and EUR 46.1 million (USD 53.7 million) in funding had been approved, while further applications remain under processing. The programme supports measures such as installing floor-to-ceiling

Rising Costs Shift Homeowners Towards Repairs and Maintenance USA: Angi’s 2026 State of Home Spending Pulse shows that rising material and labour costs are prompting US homeowners to postpone discretionary home improvement projects and prioritise essential repairs and maintenance. 92% of homeowners who recently hired a professional completed projects at or above budget, with 43% exceeding their original estimates. Affordability is also influencing decisions, with 59% saying c

Türkiye boasts a substantial industrial base, a well-established supplier network, and enduring export connections with Europe. The country's HVACR exports rose from $7.1 billion in 2024 to $7.4 billion in 2025, positioning Türkiye as one of the largest manufacturing hubs for split air conditioners catering to the European market. Its geographical location offers a distinct advantage. Products can be delivered to European distributors via established road and short-sea routes

Delhi Master Plan 2047 Targets 40 Lakh New Homes and Expanded Metro Network New Delhi: The Master Plan for Delhi (MPD) 2047 has been unveiled, with plans to construct around 30–40 lakh homes and expand the metro rail network to 695 km by 2047. Union Housing and Urban Affairs Minister Manohar Lal said Delhi’s population is projected to reach 3.20 crore, increasing pressure on urban infrastructure. The plan also includes six new Regional Rapid Transit System corridors and furth

Shanghai Eases Property Measures to Support Housing Demand China: Shanghai will ease several property-related measures from Friday, including mortgage, housing provident funds and purchase subsidy policies, as authorities seek to support housing demand. For second homes purchased outside the city’s outer ring expressway, the minimum down payment for commercial mortgages will be reduced to 15%, from 20% previously. The measures form part of a broader adjustment to housing poli

Kermi Duschdesign Appoints Karsten Denker as Managing Director Germany: Karsten Denker will become Managing Director for Sales and Marketing at Kermi Duschdesign in August 2026. He has been responsible for the company’s international business since August 2025 and will take on additional responsibility for sales in Germany and Austria, internal sales and service, marketing and product management. Denker has more than 25 years of management experience, including roles at Linde

Danfoss Reports 15% Organic Growth in First Half of 2026 Global: Danfoss reported 15% organic growth in the first half of 2026, with sales reaching EUR 5.3 billion (USD 6.2 billion). Growth and order intake increased across its three business segments, while operational EBITA rose 44% to EUR 813 million (USD 948 million), resulting in an operating margin of 15.3%, up 3.5 percentage points from the same period last year. Cash flow increased to EUR 164 million (USD 191 million)