Rising Temperatures Drive Demand for Window Air Conditioners in South Korea

Air Conditioners

SOUTH KOREA: With forecasts pointing to an intense summer heatwave, demand for easy-to-install window air conditioners is on the rise. Home appliance companies are responding with new models and advanced features, intensifying market competition.

Compact and easy to install, window ACs are ideal for small spaces and single-person households in studios and offices. Once overshadowed by wall-mounted units, they have surged in popularity, with annual sales growing from 40,000 in 2019 to over 700,000 in 2023.

In response, brands like Cuckoo, Samsung, and LG have expanded their offerings, adding high-end models under premium lines like ‘Bespoke’ and ‘Object Collection’. These units now feature low noise, dehumidification, ventilation, and energy-efficient modes, many meeting grade 1 energy efficiency standards and using up to 20% less electricity than conventional models.

With the Korea Meteorological Administration predicting temperatures 0.5°C to 1.5°C above average and a potential record-breaking number of heatwave days, the home appliance sector expects a sharp uptick in window AC sales this summer.

Source: Korea Meteorological Administration