From Zero to Thousands of Heat Pumps
Hotjet CZ was founded in 2006 by Richard Köhler and Frank Houthoofdt — two people who had absolutely no connections in the heat pump industry. No network, no guaranteed contracts, no investor backing. Just a firm belief that heat pumps are the future of heating.
Richard, a graduate of VŠB-TUO (Department of Energy, specializing in Thermal and Nuclear Machinery), brought an engineering mindset and deep understanding of thermodynamics. Frank contributed business acumen and international experience. Today the company is led by Richard Köhler; Frank works at NAVALO, focusing on specialized heat pump projects.
How It Started
We began as heat pump importers. It did not take long to realize that importing means zero control — you cannot influence quality, customize features for individual customers, or deliver service the way you want. So we decided to build our own.
Our first step was a ground-source heat pump — proven technology with predictable performance. But right after that, we set ourselves a bolder challenge: an air-to-water heat pump designed for fully indoor installation. The entire unit sits inside the house, drawing air through grilles in the facade — nothing outside. At the time, most manufacturers relied on split systems with an outdoor unit. We bet on integration and comfort.
It Was Not Always Smooth
Twenty years of business are not just milestones and wins. We have weathered cash-flow crises, bitter cold that exposed weaknesses, our own engineering missteps, and supplier failures. Software bugs, logistics disasters, misunderstandings with customers, business partners, and people close to us.
There were moments when we felt like eagles in flight — and moments right after when we were picking ourselves up from the dirt. But we always got back on our feet. Hundreds of people have passed through the company, each leaving their mark. And we still believe it is worth pressing forward.
The Company Is Founded
Richard Köhler and Frank Houthoofdt launch Hotjet CZ as a heat pump importer. Two people with no industry contacts, but a clear vision.
First In-House Heat Pump
From importer to manufacturer. The first unit works, customers are satisfied. Proof that going our own way makes sense.
Series Production in Bolatice
Manufacturing moves to Bolatice and serial production of air-to-water heat pumps begins.
Entering Foreign Markets
First exports — our heat pumps prove reliable across different climates throughout Europe.
OEM/ODM Manufacturing
We start producing for other brands. Partners choose Hotjet as their manufacturer for our quality and flexibility.
Next-Generation Heat Pumps
Higher efficiency, smarter controls. Evolution, not revolution — but every detail counts.
Inverter Technology and NAVALO
Introduction of inverter-driven compressors. Acquisition of NAVALO for specialized projects.
ISO 9001 and Q Label
Certifications confirming that our internal processes work as they should.
Our Own “Fangate”
A fan housing design flaw risked water ingress in nearly a thousand installations. The German manufacturer stepped up and resolved every single case with us, including those already out of warranty.
New Production Facility
We had outgrown our original premises. The new factory matches our rising demand and ambitions.
Next-Gen Hotjet Mini
Compact dimensions, full-scale performance. A solution for smaller homes and more demanding installations.
Record Year
Nearly 6,000 heat pumps produced — the highest production volume in the company’s history.
ZETXp Certified with R290
Natural propane refrigerant with minimal environmental impact. A future that has already begun at Hotjet.
40 kW Inverter Ground-Source Unit
The most powerful unit in the company’s history. Continued development of the propane product line.
20 Years and a Refrigerant Transition
The shift to R290 and R454C refrigerants continues. Larger air-source heat pumps are in the pipeline. Twenty years on the market — and still moving forward.
Hotjet Today
We run our own R&D and manufacture a complete portfolio of heat pumps — air-to-water, ground-source, and water-to-water — ranging from 3 to 50 kW, for both outdoor and indoor installation. Everything is designed, certified, and built under one roof. We work with partners in Czechia, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Spain, and other countries. Thanks to remote access, we can handle a large share of service calls without dispatching a technician.
In twenty years, a two-person company with zero industry contacts has grown into a manufacturer with thousands of working installations across Europe. And we are still learning and improving.