3 6 Ke·2025-07-17 00:49Core Viewpoint - The extreme heat in summer 2025 has significantly boosted air conditioning sales across China, particularly in the traditionally cooler Northeast region, presenting a unique opportunity for major appliance companies to capture market share [1][2][3]. Group 1: Market Growth and Sales Data - The air conditioning market experienced substantial growth, with online and offline sales increasing by 52.96% and 113.61% respectively during the week of June 30 to July 6, 2025 [2]. - In the Northeast, air conditioning sales surged, with Heilongjiang province seeing offline sales growth of 817.68% and 438% in two consecutive weeks [1]. - Nationally, the overall air conditioning market size grew by 28.17% in the first half of 2025, breaking the previous year's stagnation [8]. Group 2: Regional Demand and Supply Challenges - The Northeast region, traditionally less reliant on air conditioning, has seen a rise in demand due to extreme temperatures, with sales in 2023 and 2024 reaching 356,000 and 389,000 units respectively [3]. - There are significant supply chain challenges in the Northeast, including limited local inventory and a shortage of installation personnel, leading to long wait times for consumers [5]. - Major brands like Midea and Haier have reported substantial growth rates in the Northeast, with Midea's air conditioning sales in Heilongjiang and Jilin increasing by 356% [5]. Group 3: Competitive Landscape - Major appliance companies, including Midea, Gree, and Haier, are actively competing for market share in the Northeast, leveraging their extensive distribution networks and installation capabilities [5][6]. - The competitive environment is intensifying, with brands participating in bidding for institutional contracts, such as those from universities in the Northeast [6]. - The market remains dominated by a few key players, with Midea, Gree, and Haier holding over 70% of the overall market share [12]. Group 4: Consumer Preferences and Trends - Consumers are increasingly seeking energy-efficient and smart air conditioning units, with a significant portion willing to pay more for these features [13]. - The average price of air conditioning units has decreased, with online prices dropping by 4.02% to approximately 2,604 yuan, indicating a trend towards price competition [8][10]. - The most popular models are around 2,000 yuan, reflecting consumer preference for affordable options [12]. Group 5: Quality and Complaints - There has been a notable increase in complaints regarding air conditioning units, with issues such as energy efficiency misrepresentation and product lifespan concerns being prevalent [19]. - The shift from copper to aluminum in manufacturing has raised quality concerns, as aluminum has inferior thermal properties compared to copper [17][19]. - Major brands are facing scrutiny over product quality, with thousands of complaints logged on consumer platforms regarding performance issues [15].