Air Condition Market Share Analysis
The global air conditioning market is navigating through a landscape shaped by various regulations and legislations designed to foster the development of energy-efficient and environmentally friendly products with low Global Warming Potential (GWP). AC manufacturers worldwide are at the forefront of this transformation, introducing cutting-edge technologies such as Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF), inverter technology, and cooling solutions compliant with R32 standards. These innovations are aimed at ensuring technical compliance with both global and country-specific regulations.
A prominent player in the AC industry, LG Electronics, exemplified this trend in 2015 by expanding its "Multi V IV" VRF air conditioning systems for the U.S. market. The expansion included 38-, 40-, and 42-ton outdoor unit models boasting an Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI)-certified efficiency of up to a 36.0 IEER (Integrated Energy Efficiency Ratio) rating. This move aligned with the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) standards and U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) regulations.
Panasonic Corp. of North America, another major player in the AC market, capitalized on the trend of 'energy star-rated products.' It achieved this by launching new Exterios E wall-mounted heat pumps boasting up to a 23.0 SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio). The ductless product introduced Panasonic's ECONAVI technology, featuring intelligent eco sensors capable of identifying the presence of people in the room and assessing their level of activity or motion. Subsequently, the system automatically adjusts the room temperature to optimize comfort and energy efficiency.
The global trend among AC manufacturers to introduce state-of-the-art, regulation-compliant technologies is poised to drive the future of the global AC market.
As technology advances and efficiency increases, the cost of AC equipment continues to decrease. In the fiercely competitive AC systems market, particularly in Asia and the Middle East, companies often offer equipment at lower prices to gain a competitive edge and boost sales. China, in particular, is anticipated to lead this cost-effective equipment trend, capturing a significant share of the AC market in the foreseeable future.