The air conditioning market - France

The French air-conditioning market, part of the broader thermal and air-conditioning equipment sector, is enjoying significant growth, with a 24% increase in sales. The market faced a sharp slowdown during the Covid-19 pandemic, as revealed by declines of 20% and 27% in March and April 2020 compared with the previous year. Despite this, it appeared to recover rapidly, with August 2020 figures exceeding those of the previous year, although the longevity of this rebound remains uncertain due to the ongoing second wave of the pandemic. Demand for air conditioners in France rose by 34%, largely driven by wall-mounted, ducted and console technologies in the residential sector, and by DRV and chiller technologies in the commercial segment. The market is also responding to the latest trends, with an increasing number of connected and intelligent products on offer. The sector is heavily regulated by European directives on eco-design and energy labeling.

The main market players are multinational manufacturers such as the Vaillant Group and Daikin, as well as distributors and installers such as Saint-Gobain and the Hervé Group. Heat pumps, particularly air-to-air and air-to-water models, have become increasingly popular thanks to repeated heat waves and government support. The construction market had a dismal year in 2020, with a notable drop of over 22% in residential and non-residential housing starts, which could pose problems for future demand in the air-conditioning industry.

Analysis of the French air-conditioning market: Growth, trends and prospects

The French air-conditioning market is experiencing strong growth, particularly in the residential segment, mainly due to the increasing prevalence of wall-mounted systems, "ductable" technologies and console systems. The tertiary sector is also expanding, with technologies such as DRV and chillers gaining ground. A notable market development is the introduction of connected and intelligent air-conditioning products, enabling remote control via smartphones, reflecting the market's adaptation to technological advances. Overall demand for air conditioners in France has surged, illustrating the market's substantial appetite. Despite a period of contraction in sales, the upward trend resumed and continued.

This growth in demand can be attributed to a combination of factors, including recurrent heat waves, which are driving households and businesses to adopt air-conditioning systems, and the technological complexity of installations, which justifies more skilled labor and higher costs. Sales of heating and air-conditioning equipment rose by around 24%, indicating a prosperous sector. The heat pump segment, in particular, has made France a leading European market, with over one million heat pumps installed in 2019 alone, marking significant year-on-year growth of 32%.

Consumer confidence in heat pumps remains strong, with more than eight out of ten respondents expressing complete confidence in the system, signifying a positive outlook for market adoption. Nevertheless, despite the booming market, the air-conditioning industry is subject to the cyclical nature of climatic anomalies, with sales correlating directly with seasonal temperature fluctuations.

In terms of market structure, thermal and air-conditioning installation work is undergoing continuous expansion, with the number of establishments and the number of employees increasing by around 13% and 10% respectively. In particular, around a quarter of the workforce is concentrated in the Paris region, suggesting a correlation between market activity and the economic and demographic weight of the various regions.

Regulatory measures are having a significant impact on the market, with European directives on eco-design and energy labelling setting strict standards for the product offering. Financial incentives, such as the CITE tax reduction for air-to-water heat pumps and reduced VAT rates for ageing homes, also contribute to market dynamics by facilitating consumer purchases.

Sales channels include both direct sales from manufacturers to professionals and indirect sales via distributors.

The key players in the French air-conditioning market are pioneers and innovators: Pioneers and innovators

The French air-conditioning market reveals a wide range of influential companies that have contributed significantly to the growth of the HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) industry. These companies range from versatile manufacturers who have pioneered environmentally-friendly solutions, to distributors and installers who ensure that these innovations reach homes, offices and industries throughout France.

Manufacturers of air conditioning and heat pump solutions:

• Vaillant Group: With a heritage spanning over 140 years, Vaillant Group has established itself as a venerable market leader, offering a wide range of heating, cooling and hot water solutions. It prioritizes energy efficiency and user-centered design, positioning itself as a preferred brand for environmentally conscious consumers.
• Daikin: Renowned for its cutting-edge technology, Daikin is a global force in air conditioning, offering a range of products including air purifiers, heat pumps and commercial cooling units. Its products stand out for their innovation in energy-saving technologies and intelligent control systems.
• Viessman: Specializing in residential and commercial HVAC systems, Viessman stands out for its commitment to sustainable development and high-efficiency products. Its portfolio includes solar energy systems, biomass boilers and state-of-the-art heat pumps.
• Groupe Atlantic: French in origin, Groupe Atlantic has made a name for itself worldwide with its comprehensive range of heating, hot water and ventilation systems. The company is renowned for its tailor-made solutions designed to enhance comfort while optimizing energy consumption.
• Ariston Thermo: Ariston Thermo has become synonymous with thermal comfort, offering reliable, user-friendly heating and hot water solutions that combine performance and ease of use.
• BDR Thermea: A global name in the HVAC sector, BDR Thermea is known for its innovative heating products and services that meet a variety of market needs, from domestic to utility scale.
• Systemair: This company has made a name for itself with ventilation products that focus on indoor air quality and energy efficiency. Its solutions are well suited to commercial buildings, industries and residential applications.
• Lennox International: Committed to creating comfortable, energy-efficient environments, Lennox International manufactures heating and cooling equipment that combines durability and sleek design to meet the needs of a wide range of climates and building types.

Distributors of air-conditioning systems :

• Saint Gobain: A giant in the building materials sector, Saint Gobain is extending its distribution network throughout Europe

Inforamtion

• Number of pages : 30 pages
• Format : Digital and PDF versions
• Last update : 20/08/2022

Summary and extracts

List of charts

• Répartition géographique de la demande de climatiseurs
• Global air conditioning market
• Prévisions de la part des pompes à chaleur dans la consommation d'énergies renouvelables en usage direct dans le résidentiel
• Chiffre d'affaires des travaux d'équipements thermiques et de climatisation
• Demande pour les climatiseurs
• Installations de pompes à chaleur
• Mises en chantier sur les segments du logement neuf et du non résidentiel neuf
• Pour quelle raison est-il important de s'équiper d'une climatisation ?
• Pour quelle raison ne disposez-vous pas de climatiseur ?
• Résultats Google Trends pour le terme "Climatiseur"
• Établissements et effectifs des travaux d'installation d'équipements thermiques et de climatisation
• Évolution du marché tertiaire : DRV
• Évolution du marché tertiaire : Chillers
• Répartition du volume de pompes à chaleur
• Évolution des différents segments de pompes à chaleur
• Indice des prix à la consommation des appareils de chauffage et de la climatisation
• Objectif de développement des réseaux de froid
• Indice de chiffre d'affaires des travaux d'installation d'équipements thermiques et de climatisation