Today, there is no shortage of air conditioner options, and each manufacturer is trying to stand out on the market with its specific features. Some focus on a large number of additional functions, others on an unusual design; while others attract the buyer with a cheap air conditioner.
Speaking of price, we can only say that, as a rule, each manufacturer has its own flagship products and its own "state employees". However, cheap air conditioners from well-known brands can be more expensive than several flagship products from lesser-known companies.
When a buyer sees such a price range, the age-old and well-learned paradigm of "the miser pays twice" involuntarily arises. Is this the case for you? Find out everything you need to know about cheap air conditioners in this article.
Myths about cheap air conditioners
There are several myths regarding cheap air conditioners. Therefore, it would be important for us to shed light on a few important points.
Myth 1. Cheap equipment is made in China, so the quality is low.
The myth, of course, is widespread, in many ways. It was formed due to the influx of Chinese counterfeit equipment, as well as equipment from unknown manufacturers.
However, today, when the lion's share of consumer electronics is produced in China; in factories built by European, Japanese, and American manufacturers themselves with foreign management, such a statement is no longer relevant. The situation has also been corrected by the fact that even for technology from brands targeting the budget segment; components are produced under licenses from the same world leaders.
No less ridiculous today is the claim that the transfer of production to China is associated with very cheap and unskilled labor; and therefore with low production costs.
The main reasons for the transfer of production are:
- low taxes;
- simplicity of documentation;
- well-developed infrastructure and logistics;
- high production density of associated components; multiplied by huge production facilities for the extraction of rare earth elements (75% of the world's reserves of these elements are located in the PRC).
You will be even more surprised to learn that the "made in China" label on the product does not mean that all the internal components of a cheap air conditioner are of Chinese production.
Myth 2. A cheap air conditioner is always of poor quality.
In the context of market globalization, it is not profitable for many small manufacturers to produce all the components of their equipment themselves. The reason is quite simple: it requires enormous costs for research centers, design offices and legal departments that protect patent rights.
Therefore, it is much easier to set up production if your department develops equipment from components available on the market and your production lines are occupied by less expensive components and final assembly.
For example, for some well-known brands specializing in inexpensive air conditioners, the final assembly of split systems is made in China; housings, fan impellers, and other simple components are also manufactured there. However, the main component of the air conditioner, namely the compressor, may be Japanese, for example. Thus, the buyer receives inexpensive equipment that will last a long time. In support of this, the factory warranty offer is similar to the warranty for equipment manufactured in Japan or the European Union.
Myth 3. A cheap air conditioner only has a few features.
Now that we've figured out the "stuff" of split systems, let's move on to functionality. This myth is based on the fact that a cheap, economical air conditioner cannot have the exclusive patented features of major brands.
If only for the reason that the production licensing and patent royalties (not to mention the right to use a trademark, and most of these features are trademarked) will both make an air conditioner expensive. Furthermore, unlicensed use would result in immediate legal action and likely termination of the company.
What's left in the "arsenal" of cheap split systems?
All the features that each of us associates with an air conditioner. Most users don't often need a complex multi-stage air filtration system or the versatility of systems. In addition, conventional air conditioners have long been equipped with inverter control; standard air filtration; work programming and the ability to supply additional air. You also get heating even at sub-zero outdoor temperatures.
So we can say with full responsibility - inexpensive wall-mounted air conditioners, despite archaic distrust, have gained popularity among buyers around the world.
How not to make a mistake when choosing an inexpensive air conditioner?
These few simple rules will help you in the future not only in choosing air conditioners, but also with other household appliances.
The first thing to consider is the quality of the equipment. To do this, you need to know if the split system comes with quality certificates and a warranty card; and what kind of "stuffing" it has. Indeed, if the air conditioner uses compressors, heat exchangers, or other equipment from well-known brands, this will be a plus.
Experts in this field recommend paying attention to brands specializing in inexpensive air conditioners.
Conclusion
In this article, we've discovered everything you need to know about cheap air conditioners. With this information in mind, you now have a better idea of how to proceed when choosing your air conditioner.
