AI innovations drive air conditioning market amid early heatwave

[Courtesy of LG Electronics Inc.]

South Korean air conditioner manufacturers are rushing to attract customers as a heat wave scorches the country earlier than expected. With a forecast of record-breaking temperatures this summer, the home appliance industry expects demand for air conditioners to soar, prompting it to focus on ameliorating energy efficiency using artificial intelligence (AI).

Samsung Electronics Co. and LG Electronics Inc. are expected to record strong sales in 2024. Samsung Electronics reported selling 10,000 air conditioners a day as of June 2024 and sales of AI-equipped Whisen Stand, a stand-type air conditioner made by LG Electronics, increased by more than 80 percent year-on-year during the same month.

Samsung Electronics is highlighting its product’s greater cooling efficiency among other features. Its air conditioner can automatically maintain optimal indoor temperature and enhance cooling efficiency using SmartSync, an integrated connectivity platform. The manufacturer says that the AI-powered mode enables the air conditioner to control power usage before it reaches certain levels, allowing users to save up to 30 percent on their energy usage.

LG Electronics has introduced an innovation that visualizes airflow from air conditioners. The so-called virtual air conditioner’s airflow solution uses AI and 3-dimensional rendering, enabling customers to see airflow directions depending on their houses and furniture arrangements before installation. The solution helps customers determine the most efficient type of air conditioner and the best location for the most efficient indoor cooling.