South Africa Air Conditioner (AC) Market Overview, 2028

South Africa's diverse climate encompasses hot and arid regions, temperate coastal areas, and colder high-altitude regions. In the summer months, particularly in cities like Johannesburg and Pretoria, temperatures can soar, leading to a high demand for air conditioning to maintain indoor comfort. Additionally, South Africa experiences periodic heatwaves, making air conditioning essential for health and productivity. With a growing focus on sustainability and energy conservation, there is an increasing demand for energy-efficient air conditioning solutions. Inverter technology, which adjusts compressor speed based on cooling needs, has gained popularity for its ability to reduce energy consumption and lower electricity bills. The adoption of smart and connected air conditioning systems is on the rise. South African consumers are embracing smart technology, enabling them to remotely control and monitor their air conditioners via smartphone apps. These systems offer greater convenience and energy management. Concerns about indoor air quality have become more pronounced, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Air conditioning systems with advanced air purification and filtration features are gaining traction, particularly in commercial and healthcare settings. Given South Africa's abundant sunlight, solar-powered air conditioners are becoming more appealing. These systems harness solar energy to reduce reliance on the electrical grid, offering cost savings and environmental benefits. According to the research report "South Africa Air Conditioner Market Overview, 2028," published by Bonafide Research, the South Africa Air Conditioner market is anticipated to grow at more than 7% CAGR from 2023 to 2028. South Africa's climate includes regions with hot and arid weather, particularly during the summer months. The need for cooling solutions is essential to maintaining indoor comfort and well-being in the face of high temperatures and periodic heatwaves. Rapid urbanisation and construction projects have led to increased demand for air conditioning in residential and commercial buildings. As more people move into urban areas, the need for cooling solutions has grown significantly. South Africa's growing economy has led to increased consumer spending power. As a result, more households and businesses can afford air conditioning systems, driving market growth. Rising energy costs and environmental concerns have prompted a shift towards energy-efficient air conditioning systems. Inverter technology and other energy-saving features are popular choices among consumers looking to reduce electricity consumption and operating costs. Advances in air conditioning technology have led to the development of more efficient and feature-rich systems. Smart and connected air conditioners, which offer remote control and automation capabilities, have gained popularity for their convenience and energy management features. South Africa's abundant sunlight has sparked interest in solar-powered air conditioning systems. These systems harness solar energy to reduce reliance on the electrical grid, offering cost savings and aligning with renewable energy goals.

Based on the product types, they include window AC, portable AC, ductless multi-split AC, packaged AC, floor-mounted AC, central AC, variable refrigerant AC, and others. In South Africa, window AC units have the largest market share. They are relatively easy to install, especially in existing buildings with suitable window openings. This ease of installation reduces installation costs and time, making them an attractive option. In many residential and smaller commercial spaces, window AC units are a space-efficient cooling solution. They do not occupy valuable floor space, which can be a significant advantage in compact living or working areas. Window AC units are efficient at cooling smaller spaces, such as bedrooms, living rooms, and home offices. They can effectively maintain comfortable indoor temperatures in these areas. According to the report, the end users are segmented into residential, commercial, and industrial; among them, commercial is a growing market. South Africa's growing economy has led to increased investment in commercial infrastructure, including office buildings, shopping malls, hotels, and restaurants. These establishments require efficient and reliable air conditioning systems to create comfortable and inviting environments for employees, customers, and guests. The process of urbanisation in South Africa has resulted in the construction of numerous commercial spaces in urban centers. As more people move to cities for employment and lifestyle reasons, the demand for commercial establishments has risen, contributing to the growth of the commercial air conditioner market. The retail sector in South Africa is expanding with the construction of large shopping malls and retail centers. These commercial spaces rely heavily on air conditioning to provide a comfortable shopping experience for customers, which is crucial for attracting foot traffic and enhancing the retail experience. In terms of technology, it is segmented into inverter ACs and non-inverter ACs; among them, the non-inverter ACs will grow with the highest capacity rate. Non-inverter air conditioners are typically more affordable upfront compared to their inverter counterparts. This affordability appeals to cost-conscious consumers, including those in budget-conscious segments of the market. As the market for air conditioners matures, there is a growing need for replacement units in older buildings and homes. Many of these replacements may involve non-inverter units, particularly in cases where consumers are looking for a direct replacement without significant system upgrades. Non-inverter air conditioners are sometimes preferred in small commercial and industrial applications where localised cooling is required. These sectors may contribute to the growth of non-inverter systems. Based on the tonnage types, they include up to 2 tonnes, 2 tonnes to 5 tonnes, 5 tonnes to 10 tonnes, and more than 10 tonnes. Among them, up to 2 tonnes is the leading market, Air conditioners with capacities of up to 2 tonnes are well-suited for cooling individual rooms, such as bedrooms, living rooms, and home offices, which are common in residential settings. These units provide efficient and targeted cooling for smaller living spaces. Up to 2-tonne AC units are generally more affordable compared to larger systems, making them accessible to a broader range of residential consumers, including those with moderate budgets. In terms of the distribution channel, it includes multi-brand stores, exclusive stores, online, and other channels; among them, the online is a growing market. Online retailers often offer a broader selection of air conditioner models, brands, and specifications compared to physical stores. This variety allows consumers to compare and choose products that best match their needs. Online shopping provides convenience, allowing consumers to browse products, read reviews, and make purchases at any time, eliminating the need for travel to physical stores. This is especially appealing for busy individuals. E-commerce websites provide detailed product information, specifications, customer reviews, and ratings, enabling consumers to make informed decisions when selecting an air conditioner. Online sales channels are accessible to consumers across South Africa, including those in remote or less densely populated areas. This extends the reach of air conditioner retailers to a broader customer base.

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Manmayi Raval

Research Consultant

Considered in this report: • Geography: South Africa • Historic year: 2017 • Base year: 2022 • Estimated year: 2023 • Forecast year: 2028 Aspects covered in this report: • South Africa Air Conditioner market Outlook with its value and forecast along with its segments • Various drivers and challenges • On-going trends and developments • Top profiled companies • Strategic recommendation By Product types • Window Ac • Portable Ac • Ductless Multi Split Ac • Packaged Ac • Floor Mounted Ac • Central Ac • Variable Refrigerant Ac • Others

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By Tonnage Types: • Up to 2 Ton • 2 Ton to 5 Ton • 5 Ton to 10 Ton • More Than 10 Ton By Technology • Inverter ACs • Non-Inverter ACs By End Users • Residential • Commercial • Industrial By Distribution Channel • Multi-brand Stores • Exclusive Stores • Online • Other Channels The approach of the report: This report consists of a combined approach of primary as well as secondary research. Initially, secondary research was used to get an understanding of the market and list out the companies that are present in the market. The secondary research consists of third-party sources such as press releases, and annual reports of companies, analyzing the government-generated reports and databases. After gathering the data from secondary sources primary research was conducted by making telephonic interviews with the leading players about how the market is functioning and then conducting trade calls with dealers and distributors of the market. Post this we have started doing primary calls to consumers by equally segmenting consumers into regional aspects, tier aspects, age groups, and gender. Once we have primary data with us we started verifying the details obtained from secondary sources. Intended audience: This report can be useful to industry consultants, manufacturers, suppliers, associations & organizations related to the Air Conditioner industry, government bodies, and other stakeholders to align their market-centric strategies. In addition to marketing & presentations, it will also increase competitive knowledge about the industry.