Air Cap Creates Air Layer Between Window and Room to Block Cold Air and Trap Escaping Heat
Overall Sales of Underwear Also Increase by 71%
Insulation sheets called 'Bbokbbok-i.' The official name is Air Cap, which has the effect of blocking cold air. Photo by Yonhap News
[Asia Economy Reporter Bang Je-il] As the cold weather sets in and heating costs rise, insulation sheets commonly known as 'Bbokbbok-i' are gaining popularity again.
This product, called 'Air Cap,' is a representative indoor cold-weather item that creates an air layer between the window and the room, blocking cold air and retaining heat escaping outside. According to a 2013 KCL experiment, Air Cap was found to raise indoor temperature by 4.5 degrees Celsius.
The main reason Air Cap is trending again is to reduce heating costs. According to the Korea District Heating Corporation on the 7th, the heat usage fee per 1Mcal (megacalorie) ? a fee charged based on metered heating and hot water usage, hereafter referred to as heat fee ? rose sharply by nearly 40%, from 66.98 won in April to 74.49 won in July, and then to 89.88 won last month.
As heating costs surge like this, products with excellent heating and energy-saving effects, such as Bbokbbok-i, heating tents, and Heattech, which were popular several years ago, are gaining popularity again.
According to Gmarket on the 17th, a survey on the demand for winter heating products to reduce heat usage fees from the 12th of last month to the 13th of this month showed a significant increase in demand compared to the same period last year.
The survey revealed that Bbokbbok-i, which blocks drafts to provide insulation, saw an 80% increase in sales compared to the same period last year. In addition, sales of insulation film (96%), heating tents (93%), door draft stoppers (80%), windproof vinyl and windproof curtains (64%), and insulation sheets (57%) also increased. As the cold season fully begins, sales of thermal underwear and winter home appliances also showed an upward trend.
Overall, sales of thermal underwear increased by 71%. Among them, sales of heated thermal underwear surged by 141%. Heating devices increased by 78% overall, with boilers and heaters rising by 61% and 57%, respectively. Heated foot warmers and hand warmers sold 98% and 70% more, respectively.
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