'Window Air Conditioner' Market in Focus... Samsung and LG Announce Entries One After Another

Rapid Market Growth... Samsung and LG Re-enter After Over 10 Years

‘LG Whisen Objet Collection Edge’

Following Samsung Electronics, LG Electronics has also entered the ‘window-type air conditioner’ market. The announcement by these major electronics companies to join the small air conditioner market, which has long been considered the domain of mid-sized and small enterprises, has attracted significant attention in the industry. There is speculation that the window-type air conditioner market could be rapidly reshaped around these two companies, leveraging their overwhelming technological prowess and sleek designs.

According to industry sources on the 27th, LG Electronics recently launched a new window-type air conditioner product, the ‘LG Whisen Objet Collection Edge.’ This is the first product introduced to the market in a full 10 years since LG halted domestic sales in 2012.

The product is characterized by having the air intake positioned at the front, allowing the unit to be installed outside a double-glazed window. This is why it is called a ‘window-frame type’ air conditioner rather than a ‘window-type.’ The design minimizes the air conditioner’s protrusion, enabling the use of blinds or curtains, and features a ‘customized design’ that prevents rain or insects from entering indoors.

Cutting-edge smart technology has also been applied. It includes an ‘AI drying function’ where artificial intelligence (AI) analyzes the product’s usage time to set the optimal internal drying time. Additionally, remote control via the ThinQ app and various convenience features can be added through the appliance service center.

LG Electronics’ window-type air conditioner is also recognized as the most reliable air conditioner by American consumers. The U.S. consumer media outlet Consumer Reports recently announced the ‘most reliable room air conditioners,’ selecting LG Electronics’ product (model LG LW6019ER) as the top product in the small window-type air conditioner category.

2022 Model Window Air Conditioner 'Window Fit'

Prior to LG Electronics, Samsung Electronics re-entered the window-type air conditioner market last year after a 15-year hiatus and on the 16th recently launched the 2022 model window-type air conditioner ‘Window Fit.’

This product features an integrated window installation frame, making installation easier and allowing for excellent space utilization. This year’s new model is the first in the industry to allow customers to choose the type of dedicated frame according to the installation environment. Samsung collaborated with the window brand Younglim Prime Sash to research various installation environments and jointly developed dedicated installation frames.

Smart features that allow consumers to conveniently manage the product have also been added. Noise levels have been reduced to ensure comfortable use.

The reason Samsung Electronics and LG Electronics are re-entering the window-type air conditioner market with ‘new products’ is largely due to the rapid growth of the market in recent years. According to industry data, the domestic window-type air conditioner market, which was about 40,000 units in 2019, exceeded 300,000 units last year. Especially this year, with an unprecedented heatwave forecasted, the growth trend is expected to be even more pronounced. According to Lotte Hi-Mart, sales of window-type air conditioners from the 1st to the 16th of this month increased by 65% compared to the same period last year.

An industry insider said, “The increase in single-person households and the rising demand for individual cooling in each room are cited as reasons for major companies re-entering the market after about 10 years,” adding, “From the perspective of mid-sized and small companies, the entry of large corporations could be positive as it expands the overall market size.”

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.