The heat waves, increasingly prolonged in time and with higher temperatures, do not stop this summer, and have generated an increase in sales of air conditioners of 18% compared to July last year, endangering the availability of These for this August.
The general secretary of the employers’ association of the electrical appliances sector (FECE), Alfredo Gosálvez, assures in statements to Efe that although in the hot seasons sales increase, the intensive use of these devices currently causes them to break down and have what to replace.
Regarding how many air conditioners will be sold in August and in the remainder of the summer, Gosálvez affirms that the forecasts “are downward since there are few available.” He points out that it must be taken into account that during this month, due to the high temperatures, there will be fewer changes of residence, an activity that increases the sales of this type of device.
In 2022, the air conditioning market in the residential area grew by more than 24% compared to the previous year, and in 2023 it is expected that in some product ranges it will even double the growth of last year, explains the Association of Manufacturers of Air Conditioning Equipment (AFEC).
The energy crisis has led customers to focus more on more efficient technologies. In the case of air conditioners, the sector continues to improve features and performance so that they consume less energy, these being the ones that will increase their sales the most this year, according to AFEC. According to the AFEC calculations made with 2022 rates, air conditioning equipment represents a daily cost of 0.81 euros, lower than that of other household appliances.
On the other hand, the fans will possibly see an increase in demand since they are cheaper and do not need installation, although the employers remember that they do not ensure the basic thermal comfort necessary to guarantee health, especially for the most vulnerable groups, such as the elderly. and kids.
Leroy Merlin acknowledges to Efe having observed growth in air conditioning so far in 2023 due to heat waves like the ones that are being experienced this year, specifically 21% year-on-year.
As regards fixed air conditioning, it registered a growth of 56%, with this type of model experiencing the greatest increase, as was the case, for example, with split units.
In general ventilation, its sales increased by 21%, with the category of ceiling fans and pedestal ventilation being the ones that grew the most with 40.8% and 28%, respectively.
Fixed fans, compared to other years, are one of the most frequently chosen models due to increasingly persistent heat.
MediaMarkt has also registered an increase in demand for this type of device, which for weeks has been among its best sellers, with portable air conditioner models within its top 3 sales.
