INDUSTRY REPORT
We see a clear trend across all age groups that a more sustainable lifestyle is playing an increasingly important role . In addition to the environmental aspect , financial savings through better energy efficiency is also a strong factor in choosing an appliance
fresh air supply and balanced exhaust air flow to maintain neutral pressure throughout the home .
LG Electronics ( LG ) presented its latest heating , ventilation and airconditioning ( HVAC ) solutions at Mostra Convegno Expocomfort ( MCE ) 2024 in Milan , Italy , this March . LG ’ s booth showcased the company ’ s energy-efficient HVAC solutions for home and business , including the new DUALCOOL™ residential air conditioner indoor unit , residential heat pump solutions and commercial hydronic solutions employing low- Global Warming Potential ( GWP ) refrigerants .
LG ’ s air conditioner is equipped with a comfort-enhancing Soft Air™ function , which provides customised and indirect breeze , and an innovative DUAL Vane™ system , sending warm or cool air in multiple directions that is designed to deliver rapid temperature control . Engineered for the European market , the DUALCOOL leverages the DUAL Inverter Heat Pump Compressor™ that is designed to deliver efficient heating and cooling . Another feature designed to reduce energy consumption is the kW Manager™ , which lets users set electricityusage targets and monitor the air conditioner ’ s estimated electricity usage via the ThinQ™ app .
DUALCOOL also features a Human Detecting Sensor that automatically puts the air conditioner in energy-saving mode if no-one is detected in the room . The Window Open Detecting feature can prevent energy waste as well , activating energy-saving mode if the temperature in the room suddenly rises or falls . The Auto Cleaning™ feature automatically dries the DUALCOOL ’ s interior , boosting hygiene by removing any moisture and preventing mould from forming . The Freeze Cleaning™ feature defrosts the heat exchanger to wash away bacteria , dust , debris and odour-causing contaminants .
A photo of the LG DUALCOOL air conditioner set up in a living room .
Bosch heat pump production in Aveiro .
In conclusion
“ We see a clear trend across all age groups that a more sustainable lifestyle is playing an increasingly important role . In addition to the environmental aspect , financial savings through better energy efficiency is also a strong factor in choosing an appliance ,” explained Alexander Dehmel , Head of CSM Germany & Austria at GfK ( research analysts ), who also spoke at Electrolux Group ’ s international media conference at IFA 2023 in Berlin .
“ The industry ’ s commitment to sustainability extends beyond appliances in customers ’ homes , applying also in factories and offices and to all aspects of manufacturers ’ operations . It includes design , materials and manufacturing to recycling appliances and recovering materials . The sector makes certain all phases of an appliance ’ s life cycle contribute to net zero targets and to ultimately achieving a circular economy . Manufacturers also ensure , in the latter stage of an appliance ’ s life , that recycling feeds into the economy as
LG ’ s sustainable home solutions . recovered materials and enables a new cycle to begin ,” commented AMDEA
( the Association of Manufacturers of Domestic Appliances ).
AMDEA is supporting the new ‘ Kitchen of the Future ’ zone at the inaugural ‘ Installer Kitchens and Bathrooms ’ zone at the Installer Show 2024 to be held at Birmingham NEC ( UK ) on 25-27 June 2024 . This new initiative will explore the concept of multigenerational kitchens and futureproofing as well as how kitchen retailers , designers , appliances and installers can play a pivotal role in shaping the kitchens of tomorrow .
It is clear to see that today ’ s consumers are more empowered , have greater expectations and are open and adaptable to new technology . Sustainable product innovation , coupled with smart functionality and ease of use , to fit consumer lifestyles will therefore continue to gain ground in the global home appliance market . n
32 | ismr . net | ISMR April 2024