IT’S TIME TO CHILL

Man’s air conditioning and refrigeration sector is cashing in on the ongoing construction boom. Multinational giants in association with their local dealers are competing with each other to get a better slice of the market.

In an apparent move to lure the local customers, leading players are focusing on energy efficiency, low noise levels and foolproof air purifying system. Research and development centers of these companies are constantly trying to improve compressor designs to make them faster, quieter, more reliable and energy efficient.

As far as the size of the local market is concerned, as many as 145,000 air conditioners were sold in the Sultanate in 2004. Although the domestic market is dominated by Japanese and Korean brands, Saudi-based firms are also trying to make their presence felt in Oman. Industry sources said they expect a better demand for AC’s even as the country is getting into the main summer season.

Window vs Split AC’s
But customers are becoming more selective and there has been a clear shift in consumer preference. People are switching over from windows to split air conditioners as they started realizing the advantages of such units. On the one hand, the difference in prices between these two types is increasingly narrowing down, while on the other, split AC’s consume less power than window AC’s. Although villa and flat owners who buy air-conditioners for their own use prefer split AC’s, those who rent out their apartments still go for window units.

Competitive Gameplan
Major players like LG, Panasonic, Daikin, Sanyo, Videocon, York, Hitachi, Best and Admiral have all introduced state-of-the-art features in their new models. Oman Gulf Enterprises (OGE) of OTE Group, the exclusive distributor of LG air conditioners in Oman, provides an effective after sales service through its well-trained personnel, fully equipped service infrastructure and a mobile service van with a 24-hour access facility and a toll free number. OGE has the advantage of support/partnership of over 60 dealers in the Sultanate, with a presence in almost every town. The company has in excess of 12 service franchisees covering a total of 24 towns across Oman. Like other leading players, LG is experiencing an upsurge in sales of air-conditioners and refrigerators.

LG Electronics is the world’s leading air conditioner supplier for the fifth consecutive year and sold more than 10 million units in 2004, securing 20 per cent market share globally. Leading Japanese market research consultancy Fuji-Keizai estimates that the Korean giant made one out of every five AC’s sold around the world. Similarly, regional sales of LG air conditioners soared 26.9 per cent in 2004 to account for $349 million in turnover. The company retained its top position in more than 40 countries across the world, which include Oman, Saudi Arabia, the US and Korea.

LG Electronics recently introduced its multi-power system (MPS) air conditioning system in the Middle East. MPS is LG’s proprietary technology that combines multiple compressors in a single air conditioning system to reduce air conditioning energy consumption by a maximum of 70 per cent, compared to conventional air conditioners with a single compressor.

LG Artcool air conditioners allow the customers to adapt the look of air conditioner to suit their individual taste. Available in a variety of colour finishes, this design won the 2002 International Forum Design Award. Another feature is its unique neo-plasma air purifying system equipped with 12 bio–enzyme filters, which enhances its sterilization power. The system can eliminate fine dust and moulds, ordinary odours, and cigar smoke more powerfully. It can also destroy bacteria cell walls and completely kill them proving its string sterilization abilities. Goldfin anti–corrosion is available as standard on all window and wall split units from LG, which ensures that the condenser fins remain free of corrosion and help to keep the unit performing like new.

Panasonic has also introduced state-of-the-art features in its recent models. An important feature is the Super Alleru Buster - an air purifying system that checks up to 99 per cent of allergents and harmful bacteria from the air. Omasco, which represents Panasonic in the Sultanate, markets and offers after sales service to the company’s entire range of split, window, cassette type, ceiling and ducted type models.

Daikin Industries, which is represented by Muscat Electronics Company (MEC) in Oman, was the first company to produce air conditioners in Japan almost 68 years ago. It is a pioneer in air-conditioning systems with a strong backing of a research and development department. The company is also inventors of various type of air-conditioners, refrigerant gases and compressors. For instance, Daikin has invented the ultimate in air conditioning system - Variable Refrigerant Volume (VRV) Intelligent System.

The new system, which is fully controlled by a foolproof data communication, consists of an outdoor unit connected through a pair of refrigerant piping and a pair of cabling from more than 24 indoor units to a single modular outdoor unit. Each indoor unit asks for the required amount of refrigerant gas to the outdoor unit as per the cooling requirement of the room. It saves power to the extent of 35 per cent as compared to the conventional system.

Daikin has a wide range of air-conditioning system, which include splits, multi-splits, ducted splits, cassette units, ceiling suspended units, free standing units, marine AC’s, packed AC’s, chilled water plants and the ultimate VRV system. Daikin is generally considered as a trouble-free air conditioner.

Muscat Electronics Company also represents Supra and Chigo brand of air conditioners in Oman. Supra is made in the Middle-East and is designed for harsh and rugged condition of Gulf.

Genetco represents several multinational brands such as York, Sanyo, Videocon, Best and Admiral in the Sultanate. The company introduced new models of York air-conditioner with several added features. The advantages of the York Mastercold split AC include energy efficiency, low noise level and it releases a clean and healthy air. The condenser unit of the AC is quoted with anti-corrosion quoting and therefore the life of the AC is much better.

Genetco has one of the largest dealership and service centers in the country. The agency, which has 7 showrooms in different parts of the country, has franchise arrangements for servicing their products.

Environment-friendly
Producers of air conditioners are spending millions of dollars to develop a wide range of innovative refrigeration concepts that are less harmful to the environment than conventional technologies. Research is being conducted on to develop alternative refrigerants that do not harm the ozone layer or cause global warming. For instance, researchers are looking at the possibility of using carbon dioxide as a refrigerant.

Carbon dioxide was the refrigerant of choice during the early 20th century but was later replaced with man-made chemicals. Now carbon dioxide may be on the verge of a comeback, thanks to technological advances that include the manufacture of extremely thin aluminum tubing called ‘microchannels.’ Although carbon dioxide is a global-warming gas, conventional refrigerants, called hydrofluorocarbons, cause much more global warming than the same quantity of carbon dioxide.

The tiny quantities of carbon dioxide that would be released from air conditioners would be insignificant compared to the huge amounts produced from burning fossil fuels for energy and transportation.

Carbon dioxide is promising for systems that must be small and lightweight, such as automotive or portable air conditioners. Various factors, including the high operating pressure required for carbon dioxide systems, enable the refrigerant to flow through small-diameter tubing, which allows engineers to design more compact air conditioners.

During the 1930s, carbon dioxide was replaced by synthetic chlorofluorocarbon refrigerants, known as CFCs, which worked well in low-pressure systems. But scientists later discovered that those refrigerants were damaging the earth’s stratospheric ozone layer, which filters dangerous ultraviolet radiation. CFCs have since been replaced by hydrofluorocarbons, which are not hazardous to the ozone layer but still cause global warming.

SANYO Quality-conscious
Sanyo developed from a dynamic beginning in the fifties to grow into a reputable company, expanding and making its presence felt in all corners of the world. It has been a market leader for its many qualities. Sanyo’s broad product base is continually evolving in support of newer technologies and changing market trends.

It is committed towards becoming an indispensable element in the lives of its consumers all over the world as well as providing eco-friendly cutting-edge products, aiming to protect and preserve the environment. Its reputation of reliability is built upon the quality of its products and constant maintenance of that quality through continuous research.
Sanyo Air-Conditioning Division acquired ISO9001 in 2000 and ISO14001 in 1998. Sanyo has a wide variety of Air Conditioners to meet all requirements. Sanyo is available in RAC’s - Window (1.5tr – 2.0tr), SAC’s – High Wall, Ceiling / Floor Mounted, Cassette Type and Ducted Type (ranging from: 1.5 TR – 6.0TR). The air-conditioners are traditionally and aesthetically designed; they are tropicalised in order to operate in temperatures up to 52 degrees Celsius.

They use Precision Microprocessors to ensure comfort by maintaining perfect room temperature and treated against corrosion; finally, the use of specialized filters and compact size ensures low noise and improve internal air quality. Sanyo has been a trusted name for years for its excellent range of air-conditioners.

Genetco has been associated with Sanyo as their sole agent in Oman for the last 35 years; the Sanyo products of Home Appliances and Air-conditioning are available throughout Oman in Genetco Showrooms and its wide distribution network. Genetco is a leading solution & service provider in the Sultanate of Oman, with an enviable range of products. Genetco believes in bringing the world’s best to Oman, thus combining comfort with convenience at prices that promise value for money. The company now ranks as one of the largest multi-divisional business groups in the Sultanate of Oman, with prestigious international affiliations and a steadily growing client profile. A wide network combined with excellent after-sales support has earned the company a name that is synonymous with trust.

LG On top
LG Electronics, pioneering global technology leader in Air-conditioning & Home Appliance convergence, announced that the company once again occupies the Global No. 1 position in terms of market share, topping 10 million unit sales. LG has occupied top spot in air conditioner manufacturing for the sixth consecutive year since 2000 with average annual growth of 20% during the same period.

Yong Jin Khang, head of air conditioning overseas marketing, LG Electronics Digital Appliance Company said: “The highest market share re-affirms the outstanding quality of our products and in-depth perspective on consumer trends. LG has focused on premium air conditioner products since 2004 and plans to further strengthen its state-of-the-art ARTCOOL air conditioners in future.”

According to Japan-based Fuji Economy Research Institute, Kezai, LG sold approximately 10,500,000 air-conditioner units, occupying largest market share in the approximately 60,420,000 unit-sized industry. LG also widened the sales gap by over 3 million units with its next contender. LG dramatically increased sales volume of its residential air conditioners starting from 4.1 million in 2001.

Consumers value LG for understanding their needs and providing lifestyle-enhancing values. Khang explained: “The important consumer trends of air conditioning industry 2005 are eco-friendly features, localized product, and colourful design, all in which LG excels.” LG introduced an “Eco Design” tool in its air conditioner, banning use of environmentally destructive heavy metals such as lead and cadmium. Its Multi Power System, combining multiple compressors in a single air conditioning system, reduces the system’s energy consumption by a maximum of 70 percent, compared to conventional one-compressor air conditioners.

LG pursued country-and-culture specific product development to become the world leader in air conditioner market. For the Middle East, LG introduced “Tropical” air conditioners, withstanding the region’s hot and humid climate. In Europe, LG established number of ‘Art Clima’ upscale shops exclusively for its high-end Art Cool air conditioners, catering to style-seeking consumers.

Responding to the growing demand for household appliances to blend with home interior decoration, LG added renditions of world famous pieces by Van Gogh and Sisley among others, on the front panel of its “ARTCOOL” air conditioners. LG’s trend-setting design innovation will continue to lead the market in 2006, with the incorporation of a world-first feature - the replaceable front panel. Consumers can now freely change the design of the front panel of their air conditioners by simply inserting any painting, printed design or even a family picture inside the panel.

LG is the largest selling brand in the room air-conditioner segment in the Sultanate of Oman. LG Air conditioners are represented in Oman by Oman Gulf Enterprises, a part of the OTE Group. The group believes that service is paramount and has invested heavily in state of the art service facilities to ensure prompt response to service calls and ready availability of all critical spares.

PANASONIC Presenting the best
Panasonic, leading global manufacturer of consumer electronics and home appliances, in association with Oman Marketing & Services Company, has launched a new air-conditioner range, incorporated with Supersonic Super alleru-buster with Auto Refresh DEO, that decomposes odours caught by the filter while effectively cooling and purifying the air.

The models, CS-C18EKF, CS-C24EKF and CS-C28EKF, with 18,000, 24,000 and 28,000 capacity respectively, fitted with Super Tropical rotary compressor, guarantee high efficiency under high load conditions; the compressor ensures optimum performance in hot weather by using the specially developed hermetic motor, resulting in reduced heating. The Supersonic Air Purifying System, incorporated in the air conditioners’ indoor unit, generates supersonic waves that work combinedly with the filter to trap air’s dust and dirt for faster, efficient purification.

The air conditioners are equipped with Panasonic’s pathbreaking Blue Fin technology. This condenser has a life span thrice that of other condensers, coated with special anti-rust material that withstands damage from exposure to salty air, wind, dust and other corrosive factors; it is highly energy efficient with low electricity consumption.

Many consumers often forget the important factor of humidity in the Middle East. Both basic and deluxe models deliver the highest Moisture Removal function, ensuring removal of dampness and fungal growth and additionally maintaining high comfort at the desired room level.

The 3-in-1 advanced air-purifying device also features the anti-allergen material, Super Alleru-Buster. The Super Alleru-Buster filter, containing a strong anti-allergen material, Phenotic Hydroxyl Polymer, inactivates allergens such as dead dust mites and pollen that are potential human health hazards; the product inactivates 99% of the air allergens.
These new products are available in Oman at all Panasonic retail stores, authorized dealers, and hypermarkets; these products are available through the Projects & Engineering Division of Omasco.

GREE Perfect Chiller
Gree Electric, the second largest manufacturer of air conditioners in the world, is one of the most powerful organizations in China. Gree is the undisputed No.1 in airconditioners in China with an installed capacity of 13 million units. Gree Electric Company is also the OEM suppliers to many reputed brands and sells over 25,000 units per year in Oman under various brand names.

Gree has four large production plants at Zhuhai, Danyang, Chonqing and Brazil with an annual production capacity of 10,000,000 units per annum. All GREE air conditioners come with revolutionary anti corrosive GOLD FINS and Matshushita (Made in Malaysia) compressors.

Gree launched in Oman in January 2006, has already become a household name and easily available at all Genetco Showrooms and Carrefour hypermarket. GREE airconditioners are available in window (1.5 tonnes and 2.0 tonnes) and splits (1.5 tonnes and 2.0 tonnes) with both compressor types. Gree is also into chillers and ductables (package units) besides manufacturing air-conditioners.

DAIKIN The most environment-friendly
A pioneer in the field, Daikin works to create optimal atmospheres year-round, for a remarkable variety of locations and needs. Established in 1924, it is a force to reckon with in numerous environmental friendly initiatives, with a skilled human resource pool of 7,625 and with capital of 28 billion yen.

The $4.5 billion Daikin Industries is a multi product company with the air-conditioning business comprising 74 per cent of its business. It has a 10 per cent share in the residential air-conditioning market and 36 per cent in the commercial air-conditioning in Japan. Daikin is targeting to be a global leader in air-conditioning with a well-established presence in eight major world markets.

Daikin is the only air-conditioning company worldwide which manufactures everything on its own from refrigerants till compressors. Daikin takes environment friendliness issue very seriously, which explains their successful development of fully functional hydro fluorocarbons (HFCs) that in no way damage the ozone layer as well as HFC-based refrigerants with high energy efficiency.

Waste reduction and use of recyclable material has been incorporated in Daikin’s environment friendly initiatives. Daikin’s goal of improving quality of life has resulted in dynamic progress in every type of business the company has been involved in. Take the example of multimedia. Technologies originally used to develop air conditioners have evolved into the core of virtual digital broadcast studio business, and are employed widely in the production of television programs. In all its divisions, it continuously seeks new applications for its skills, building on its past successes for Air Conditioning Division.

YORK AIRCONDITIONERS The Silent Cooler
York International of the USA is a major global air conditioning company. York, listed in the Fortune 500 company’s list and having its products and services over 125 countries is the largest indipendent suppliers of HVAC&R equipments and a leading a competitor worldwide. York International recently tied-up with a fellow American company, Johnson Controls again from USA. The company’s regional office is located in Dubai but enjoys a wide range of operations in the entire Middle East.

The company has a major presence in the ductable and the package unit segment as well as being a major player in the room air conditioning segment. York has a wide range of products from window air conditioners, e.g. 0.8 tons to 2.0 tons in the rotary, to the reciprocating segment.

In the split segment, it also has a variety of products from 1.0 tons to 4.0 tons multi split air conditioners; it has floor-mounted and cassette-type air conditioners in the wall mounted split segment. York International air-conditioners’ features such as turbo cooling, auto fan speed, auto restart function, and indoor defrost sensor, to name a few, combine with high efficiency filters, that possess one touch easy to clean slide in, anti-bacteria and the plastic mesh features. Finally, the air-conditioners’ 52 Db noise level capacity make it one of the most silent air conditioners around.