Continuous Heatwaves and Tropical Nights, Air Conditioner Sales Surge... Factories Running at Full Capacity

LG Whisen Tower Air Conditioner Production Line
Photo by LG Electronics

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Heung-soon] As the summer heat and tropical nights continue this year, the sales volume of air conditioners by domestic home appliance companies has increased significantly compared to the previous year. With the spread of COVID-19 leading to longer stays at home, it is expected that the annual air conditioner sales volume this year will also increase considerably compared to last year.

According to the industry on the 1st, Samsung Electronics' domestic air conditioner sales from July 1 to 29 increased about 2.5 times compared to the same period last year. This figure excludes Samsung Electronics' window-type air conditioner "Window Fit" released this year. Including the sales volume of the window-type air conditioner, July sales will be even higher. Sales of the top-tier premium product, the "Bespoke Wind-Free Air Conditioner Gallery," also nearly doubled compared to last year.

LG Electronics also reported that sales of LG Whisen air conditioners in July significantly increased compared to the previous year. According to LG Electronics, the company has been operating the air conditioner production line in Changwon, Gyeongnam, at full capacity to meet the growing demand. Additionally, some production lines are planned to operate during the scheduled summer vacation period at the workplace early this month.

The third-largest domestic air conditioner company, Winia Dimchae, also saw a significant increase in sales. According to Winia Dimchae, Winia air conditioner sales from July 1 to 29 increased by 496% compared to the same period last year. Wall-mounted air conditioner sales increased by 666%, stand-type air conditioner sales rose by 317%, and commercial medium-to-large air conditioner sales increased by 276% compared to the previous year.

A Winia Dimchae official said, "Air conditioner sales are expected to steadily increase through August, when tropical nights continue as well as daytime heat waves," adding, "We are fully prepared to ensure there are no disruptions in product supply."

Industry insiders expect that the strong air conditioner sales trend will continue through this month, and due to the prolonged rainy season, domestic air conditioner sales, which were around 2 million units last year, are expected to increase to 2.5 million units this year.