Welcome back to Ding Technology's Home Appliance Buying Tips series, focusing on air conditioning.
In our previous installment, we shared some key points from the "Beginner's Guide to Air Conditioning Purchases." Let's do a quick recap: When selecting an air conditioner, it's essential to consider the usage scenario, room size, and budget. The three crucial factors are type, capacity, and budget.
Type: The most common types are split and console units, which can generally meet the needs of most users. Split units are suitable for smaller living spaces or rooms with limited floor space, while console units are ideal for traditional living rooms, offices, meeting rooms, and similar spaces.
Capacity: This refers to the cooling/heating power of the air conditioner. The higher the capacity, the larger the theoretical coverage area. Split units commonly come in 1 ton, 1.5 ton, and increasingly popular 2-ton options. Console units typically range from 1 to 5 tons, with 2-ton and 3-ton units being common.
Budget: Split units generally start at around $1000, while console units start at $3000 or more. For personal use at home, split units priced above $2000 and console units priced above $4000 are usually more suitable choices. They offer better energy efficiency and reliable performance in terms of features. Online, focus on mid-range products priced between $2000 and $4500.
Type, capacity, and budget are the fundamental aspects to consider when purchasing an air conditioner. Next, we'll discuss how to choose a product that may be even better suited to your needs.
The keyword this time is efficiency and functionality.
Let's start with efficiency.
A while back, Xiao Guo asked, "I've been hearing a lot about these 'new first-level energy efficiency' air conditioners. Does higher energy efficiency mean better performance?"
From a pure energy-saving perspective, theoretically, higher efficiency products are indeed better because they consume less electricity over the same period of use, thus saving users some electricity bills. However, this "better" is not absolute. Moreover, in terms of the current product distribution in the market, the significance of this comparison may not be substantial.
The "new first-level energy efficiency" refers to the terminology that emerged in the market after the publication of the new air conditioner energy efficiency standard GB 21455-2019 "Energy Efficiency Limits and Energy Efficiency Grades for Room Air Conditioners". The standard officially took effect on July 1, 2020. Following this, the previously classified fixed-frequency third-level products were phased out, and the fixed-frequency second-level and first-level products, according to the new energy efficiency standard system, are now referred to as fifth-level and fourth-level energy efficiency products, respectively. The fifth level is termed "market access level," while the fourth level is termed "non-energy-saving product," both of which are considered marginalized products in the market.
According to market data from last year, the sales volume of the previously mentioned "new first-level energy efficiency" products has reached 80%, making it the most popular choice in the air conditioner market.
Furthermore, since the standard has been in effect for over three years, the term "new first-level energy efficiency" is not commonly used at this stage. If online information or offline sales consultations still emphasize "new first-level energy efficiency," it's advisable to seek further information.
As for functionality, Xiao Guo also asked, "Aren't appliances all about integration now? Does more functionality mean a better air conditioner? What kind of functionalities are available?"
Indeed, air conditioners have been extending and evolving their regulation functionalities while integrating functions of other air environment appliances such as purification, sterilization, humidification, dehumidification, and self-cleaning. Air conditioners with diverse functions, provided that each function is reliable, can undoubtedly enhance the user experience and meet various needs. Additionally, they might reduce the need for users to purchase other home appliances, thus saving costs and household space. However, this "better" is still not absolute.
Because the addition of functionalities typically implies an increase in price. Moreover, the effectiveness of some functions is difficult to perceive, making it challenging to determine whether the cost is justified. For instance, it's difficult to measure the effectiveness of sterilization or self-cleaning.
According to Ding Technology, there are three main types of functionalities worth noting: comfortable airflow, powerful air volume, and air exchange.
The first two points enhance the air conditioner's own experience. Comfortable airflow mainly refers to gentle and uniform airflow that doesn't blow directly onto people. Some brands distinguish users such as the elderly or children through sensors or program settings. Powerful air volume means large air output and long air supply distance, a feature already available in many products. Of course, it's best if powerful air volume can be combined with comfortable airflow.
As for air exchange, it means the air conditioner integrates the ability of a fresh air fan to replace indoor air, addressing issues such as stale indoor air and decreased oxygen levels due to long-term confinement in air-conditioned rooms. Currently, fresh air air conditioners are still being continuously upgraded. For example, a key feature highlighted by brands like Hisense is "increased oxygen," aiming to create an indoor air environment similar to a "natural oxygen bar." The Hisense fresh air conditioner, Little Oxygen Bar X5, released during this year's AWE and broadcasted on Xinhua Net, is one such product. (Thanks to more friends for sharing, and please also indicate "Ding Technology").
