As ACs start to sweat, cos plan machines the heat can't wilt
Air-conditioner manufacturers such as Voltas, Daikin and Godrej Appliances are focusing on developing and selling models that can operate at high outside temperatures, some even up to 55-56C, after this year's intense heatwave and instances of poor cooling from ACs especially in North where temperatures crossed 45C in many places.
The companies are going to increase the proportion of models in their line-up which can operate above 42-44C. In the North, they plan to offer ACs that can work at 50C and above. The move comes after the average temperatures this summer have been 4-6 above normal in most places, with the eastern and southern regions too recording over 40C in many places.
«The industry is looking at developing some models which can live up to the extreme summer temperatures which were recorded this year,» said Pradeep Bakshi, managing director at Voltas, the country's largest AC brand.
Input cost for these models may go up by 5-10% due to the use of higher-grade compressors, but manufacturers said they expect consumer pricing premium to come down as volumes surge. The industry had posted record sales this summer, with business growing by 50-60% and all brands facing acute supply shortages.
Industry executives said almost 80% of residential ACs sold at present are designed to work at about 35C outside temperature, since ACs at homes are mostly turned on at nights during sleeping when ambient temperature in most places fall way below this. This year, night temperatures were high, too.
Balance sales are
