Why Window ACs Still Dominate in the Philippines: A Regional Perspective Across Southeast Asia, the transition from traditional window air conditioners to more efficient split-type systems have become increasingly evident. Countries such as Thailand, Malaysia and Vietnam have seen rapid uptake of split-type air conditioners, supported by rising household incomes, modernising housing stock and strong policy emphasis on energy-efficient appliances. The Philippines, however, rem

Rongcheng added to Haiyang nuclear district heating network China: Rongcheng has become the third city in Shandong Province to receive district heating from the Haiyang nuclear power plant, according to the State Power Investment Corporation. The Warm Core No 1 project began supplying heat to Rongcheng’s urban area on 15 November. Haiyang and Rushan are already connected to the network. The Haiyang plant first launched its district heating service in November 2020, following

LG appoints new Chief Executive Officer for 2026 South Korea: LG Electronics has announced that Lyu Jae-cheol will become Chief Executive Officer from 1 December. He has been leading the Home Appliance Solution Company, where he oversaw growth through expanded B2B operations, subscription-based services and direct-to-consumer models. In his new role, he will work to extend the company’s home appliance capabilities across the wider organisation to support long-term competitive

LG Electronics Advances Global Heat Pump Innovation Through Consortium Research United States/Norway/China/Saudi Arabia/South Korea: LG Electronics is accelerating the development of high-performance heat pumps through its Global Heat Pump Consortium, focusing on efficiency, reliability, and climate-specific performance across cold-humid to extreme heat regions. Since establishing the Consortium for Advanced Heat Pump Research (CAHR) in Alaska in 2023 with the University of A

Myra Partners with Panasonic to Equip New Shah Alam Development Malaysia: Myra, the residential division of Oriental Interest Bhd, has introduced Myra Senja, a mixed-use project in Shah Alam, alongside signing a memorandum of understanding with Panasonic Malaysia. Under the partnership, Panasonic will supply energy-efficient appliances for the project’s open-market residential units, including inverter air-conditioners, electric water heaters and induction hobs. Larger units

First Flagship Experience Centre India: Sternhagen, has opened its first flagship experience centre in Delhi, marking a significant step in its India growth journey. Conceptualized and engineered through its German subsidiary, the brand was created to fill a gap in artistic, design-driven bathroom products, built using distinctive 3D facets and Quartz a material positioned as more premium than ceramics. The company leverages German-engineered molds, materials, and processes t

Strengthen District Cooling Malaysia: In a major sustainability push, ENGIE and Sunway Property announced the expansion of their joint-venture, ENGIE-Sunway DCS Sdn Bhd, to supply up to ~3,000 refrigeration tonnes of cooling capacity to eight Sunway Education buildings, including new Engineering Annex, Faculty of Engineering & Technology and Graduate Centre. The move will meet up to 60% of the campuses’ peak cooling demand and approximately 75% of their annual cooling require

Expands Into Home Cooling Malaysia: PRISM+ has expanded AC series, its Home & Living range in Malaysia with the introduction of the Luna Ultra, a 5-star rated smart inverter AC available in 1.0HP, 1.5HP and 2.0HP models, designed to cut energy consumption by up to 45% compared to basic non-inverter units and built specifically for local climate conditions. The unit features a corrosion-resistant GoldFin coating, advanced multi-layer filtration, a self-cleaning system, R32 ref

New Efficiency Norms India: Blue Star notes that high inventory levels in the AC industry may ease by December as price-conscious consumers advance purchases ahead of new Bureau of Energy Efficiency norms taking effect in January, which are expected to push AC prices up by 5–7%. While tertiary sales have improved after GST was reduced from 28% to 18%, primary sales from manufacturers to dealers remain subdued. The company sees an opportunity in stricter efficiency requirement

India’s Air Conditioning Industry: From Import Dependence to a Self-Reliant Manufacturing Hub India's air conditioning industry is undergoing a significant transformation. Due to rising consumer demand and government initiatives like the Production Linked Incentive Scheme for Air Conditioning and Components and the Make in India campaign, companies are increasingly prioritizing local manufacturing and expanding their production capacity. India's AC market, once heavily relian

Uzbekistan Introduces Decree to Ensure Sustainable Housing Market and Mortgage Development Uzbekistan: Uzbekistan’s President Shavkat Mirziyoyev has signed a decree “On Measures for the Sustainable Development of the Housing Market and Mortgages” to create a balanced residential construction and housing acquisition system amid economic growth and urbanization. The decree targets doubling annual housing construction to 421,000 units and expanding the mortgage loan portfolio to

Reece Reports 18% Decline in Quarterly EBIT Amid Housing Market Pressures Australia: Plumbing and bathroom products supplier Reece has reported an 18% decline in earnings before interest and tax to USD 129 million for the September quarter, with EBITDA down 8% to USD 222 million compared to the same period last year. The Australian company, which distributes through its branch network and online and has a significant US presence, cited persistent cost pressures and escalating

AC Makers Brace for Q4 Demand Recovery in India Following Monsoon and GST Slowdown India: Room air-conditioner sales were impacted by a prolonged monsoon and muted retail demand, offsetting the GST reduction from 28% to 18%, with companies now targeting a recovery in the Q4 of FY26. Blue Star reported strong sales earlier in the season, but demand later slowed, leaving inventory at around 65 days of sales versus the ideal 45 days. Voltas noted subdued retail offtake due to th

Johnson Controls-Hitachi Reports Wider Quarterly Loss Amid Seasonal Weakness India: Johnson Controls-Hitachi Air Conditioning India Ltd. reported a larger loss in the second quarter of FY26, with its net result declining to INR 399.6 million (USD 4.79 million / EUR 4.54 million) compared with a loss of INR 300.5 million (USD 3.38 million/ EUR 2.95 million) in the same period last year. The company recorded modest growth in quarterly revenue, but demand softened sharply durin

Local Manufacturing Reshapes Demand for Bathroom and Kitchen Products in Thailand Driving Growth and Reducing Import Dependence Thailand’s bathroom and kitchen products market is undergoing a structural transformation driven by the rapid growth of local manufacturing. The market relies on domestic producers that offer affordable, high-quality, and design-oriented products suited to Thai lifestyles and living conditions. Rising incomes, urbanization, and government initiatives

MR DIY Logo THAILAND: The Thai arm of global home goods retailer Mr. DIY expected to raise about US$ 173 million (EUR 150.33 million) from its stock market debut. Following the listing, the company floated 10.9 per cent of its shares to the public. The funds are earmarked for opening an additional 500 stores in Thailand between 2025 and 2027, aiming to build a network of over 1,500 outlets by the end of this period, expanding market share, reducing debt, and strengthening ope

India’s PLI Scheme for White Goods India: The government received commitments worth US$ 215.7 million from 13 companies under the production linked incentive scheme for air conditioner and LED component manufacturing. Over half of the applicants were MSMEs, highlighting their increasing participation in the domestic supply chain. Nine companies will invest US$ 204.7 million in key air conditioner components such as compressors, motors, copper tubes and control assemblies, whi

Voltas India: Voltas posted a 76.3% drop in consolidated net profit to US$ 3.5 million in Q2 FY26, compared to US$ 14.9 million a year earlier. Revenue from operations fell 10.37% to US$ 264.5 million as the cooling business was impacted by a weaker summer season and GST related demand deferment. The company unitary cooling products segment, which includes room air conditioners, declined 23.2% to US$ 136.9 million due to muted retail demand and higher channel inventory follow

Cera Sanitaryware Reports 0.77% Dip in Q2 FY26 Net Profit India: Cera Sanitaryware reported a slight 0.77% dip in net profit for Q2 FY26, with profit after tax at USD 60.5 million compared to USD 60.9 million in the same quarter last year. The company’s net consolidated total income declined by 16.79% to USD 6.8 million, down from USD 8.2 million in the corresponding period of the previous fiscal, according to its BSE filing. Despite the drop, sanitaryware and faucetware segm

Hindware Home Innovation Limited Reports 10% Revenue Growth to USD 101 Million in Q2FY26 India: Hindware Home Innovation Limited (HHIL) announced Q2FY26 revenue of USD 101 million, reflecting a 10% year-over-year increase, with an EBITDA margin of 11%. The company is expanding its consumer appliance division through premium product launches, dealer network growth, brand premiumization, and portfolio expansion in modular furniture and water heaters. HHIL is also undergoing cor