Core Insights - The air conditioning market in Northeast China is experiencing unprecedented demand, with sales in Heilongjiang and Jilin provinces showing significant year-on-year growth rates of 817.68% and 438% respectively during late June to early July [1][4] - Major companies like Midea and TCL are mobilizing engineers from various regions to meet the surge in installation orders, with Midea dispatching over 700 engineers and TCL sending more than 650 engineers to support the Northeast [1][2] Group 1: Market Dynamics - The Northeast region has seen air conditioning orders maintain a daily growth rate exceeding ten times for over ten consecutive days, a phenomenon not observed in other regions [2][3] - TCL reported that its daily sales in the Northeast during the peak period increased by over ten times compared to the same period in 2024, with sales reaching 14 times and 15 times on specific days [1][2] Group 2: Installation Challenges - The installation of air conditioning units in Northeast China faces unique challenges due to the thick walls of local buildings, which can be 70 to 120 centimeters thick, compared to about 30 centimeters in Zhengzhou [2][3] - The time required for installation has increased significantly, with engineers needing 2 to 4 hours to drill through the thick walls, compared to 30 minutes to 1 hour in southern regions [3][4] Group 3: Weather Impact - An unusual heatwave has hit the Northeast, with temperatures exceeding 30°C starting from June 24, which is earlier and more intense than typical for the region [4][5] - The high temperatures have led to a substantial increase in air conditioning sales, contrasting with the stable performance seen in southern cities during promotional periods [4][5] Group 4: Market Penetration - Historically, the Northeast has not been a major market for air conditioning, with ownership rates significantly lower than in provinces like Jiangsu and Zhejiang [5] - As of the end of 2023, the average number of air conditioning units per hundred households in Heilongjiang was only 15.6, indicating substantial room for growth in this market [5]

Core Viewpoint - The air conditioning market in China is experiencing a significant surge in sales due to high temperatures and promotional discounts, marking the peak sales season from June to September [1][3][7]. Group 1: Sales Trends - The demand for air conditioners has increased dramatically, particularly among three customer segments: those without air conditioning, customers replacing old units, and new homeowners [4][9]. - Sales of new first-level energy-efficient air conditioners have risen by 82% year-on-year since late June, with air conditioning cleaning orders increasing by 188% [8]. - In Beijing, air conditioning sales have grown by 114% in physical stores, with major brands like Midea, Gree, and Haier being the most favored by consumers [9]. Group 2: Pricing and Promotions - Current air conditioning prices are at their lowest for the year, with promotional offers including government subsidies and trade-in discounts making units available for as low as 1,699 yuan [5][6]. - Gree's "Wind Does Not Blow People" series saw a 240% increase in sales during the recent 618 shopping festival, reflecting strong consumer interest in energy-efficient models [11]. Group 3: Consumer Preferences - Consumers are increasingly prioritizing energy efficiency and health features in their air conditioning purchases, with Gree's "AI Energy King" model gaining popularity for its comfort and energy-saving capabilities [12]. - The demand for air conditioning is not limited to China; rising temperatures in Europe have also boosted sales, with Gree products being offered in 48 countries across Europe [13].