Air circulators are effective at lowering indoor temperatures by circulating the cold air blown from air conditioners. (image: Lotte Himart Co.)
SEOUL, July 2 (Korea Bizwire) — This year’s air conditioning market is seeing new trends emerge as air circulators are outstripping electric fans in sales, and movable or window air conditioners are gaining popularity.
E-Mart Inc., South Korea’s largest discount store chain by sales, announced Wednesday that total air conditioner sales from June 1 to 29 jumped by 84.5 percent compared to the same period last year.
“Customers are scrambling to buy air conditioners because of expectations that this summer will be particularly hot,” said a local source.
Air circulators, products designed to circulate indoor air that have been driving the sales jump, are effective at lowering indoor temperatures by circulating the cold air blown from air conditioners.
Sales of air circulators at E-Mart between January and May jumped by 97.3 percent compared to the same period last year, and by 317.9 percent in June.
Air circulators comprised 57.8 percent of all electric fan sales in May and June, outstripping electric fan sales.
Despite being relatively expensive compared to electric fans, circulators are still popular because of their convenience and space efficiency.
Unlike electric fans that typically offer three power levels, circulators come with up to 26 levels to enable a more elaborate control.
In addition, the smallest electric fans come with a 14-inch head. Circulators are usually between 8 and 10 inches, and are therefore capable of making use of small spaces more effectively.
Kevin Lee (kevinlee@koreabizwire.com)
