Before buying a household air conditioner, each potential buyer studies the market of popular brands. Choosing which air conditioner company is the best is not easy. The range of Russian stores is annually replenished with new brands, many of which are unknown to the consumer. Different companies focus on different characteristics of split systems. You should choose based on personal preferences and specific requirements for a home air conditioner.

Whirlpool

American manufacturer, previously specialized in the production of washing machines. Whirpool manufactures floor and wall split systems. The main "chip" is the microprocessors built into the devices that monitor the current indoor climate. Depending on the comfort temperature, Whirpool air conditioners automatically start cooling or heating programs.

Hisense

When choosing which brand is better to install at home, Hisense cannot be ignored. The company offers a range of models from the most budgetary to luxury air conditioners. The range also includes options for increased power for large rooms.

Aeronik

Brand air conditioners are popular all over the world. Brand devices are manufactured in Europe, China, Asian countries. Aeronik is aimed at people who select high quality products. When thinking about which company to buy an air conditioner, it is better to give preference to Aeronik if the preferred qualities of devices are style, performance, additional functionality.

Rix

The company produces air conditioners of economy class. Despite the average and low cost of products, Rix offers split systems of satisfactory quality. Most models have built-in additional functions for self-cleaning and diagnostics, monitoring the indoor climate.

Beko

The Beko brand of air conditioners are economical and powerful household appliances of all types, popular on the market. Beko offers a huge selection of split systems with additional features that are durable.

Neoclima

The manufacturer Neoclima positions its products as simple, reliable, aimed at creating the most comfortable conditions for a person. Neoclima is constantly improving devices, making them technologically advanced and modern. This applies to both design and functionality of split systems.

General Climate

General Climate brand air conditioners are household and powerful equipment suitable for large areas. General Climate delivers not only to Russia and the CIS countries, but also to Europe.

Electrolux

One of the oldest brands on the split system market, the first climate control device was released in 1929. The main feature of Electrolux air conditioners is a flat indoor unit. The company was the first to introduce a novelty to the market, and the devices now take up less space.

haier

Chinese air conditioners, which have gone beyond the national market, have conquered Russian consumers. The main advantages of the brand: affordable price, functionality, ease of use and configuration. The disadvantage of some models, users note a high level of noise.

MDV

Manufacturer MDV produces air conditioners for domestic and industrial use. At the moment, MDV is one of the 3 most popular and largest in China. The brand often produces devices in tandem with other major manufacturers that meet international quality and performance standards.

ballu

Another Chinese brand. The main advantage is the low price. For their money, the buyer receives a properly working air conditioner with minimal functionality. Ballu devices are simple, reliable.

Samsung

One of the most popular brands in Russia. The South Korean company Samsung annually supplies the market with about 3 million units of climate devices. Samsung products are valued for thoughtful design and functionality, fair value.

Gree

The company uses a special concept "Philosophy of the Perfect Air Conditioner". Split systems of the brand are thought out to the smallest detail, please the owners with a pleasant design and low noise level.

Dantex

Dantex climate systems are very easy to set up and use. Functionality, design of devices are created on the basis of assessments and opinions of potential buyers. The filling of Dantex air conditioners is the most modern engineering developments.

Kentatsu

If, when choosing an air conditioner company for an apartment, the buyer focuses on moderation in everything, then this is an ideal option. Kentatsu split systems offer a minimal set of features so that consumers do not overpay for unnecessary features. The company's products are reliable, durable, economical.

LG

The company's production is located in South Korea. We have been producing air conditioners for about 20 years. The advantage of LG devices is the balance between quality, functionality and cost.

Panasonic

Panasonic climate systems belong to the middle class, but are close to luxury models. Cost reduction is achieved by reducing the protective functions and noise reduction.

Hitachi

The Japanese brand Hitachi supplies the market with mid-range air conditioners with beautiful design, simple operation and low noise. The latest models of Hitachi climate systems have reduced power consumption.

Daikin

One of the leading companies in the production of split systems. Daikin air conditioners are ahead of competitors in technology, functionality, design. The company's factories are located in several countries, deliveries are made all over the world.

Toshiba

A Japanese brand that supplies high-end air conditioners to the market. Toshiba pleases consumers with decent product quality, clear functionality and attractive design. Toshiba has been in the digital and electronic systems market for over 120 years.

Fujitsu

Fujitsu split systems are sold at a high price, and the quality is close to the leading luxury models. The main feature of Fujitsu devices is to equip air conditioners with a large number of sensors and protective mechanisms. Fujitsu products are durable, economical.

Mitsubishi Electric

The company separated from the common Mitsubishi brand in 1921. Each Mitsubishi Electric air conditioner must be tested for 20 minutes. During this time, the factory monitors the stability and correct operation of the device. Information about the test is entered into a database where it is stored for several years. Mitsubishi Electric conducts its own market research and engineering technologies, and upgrades products based on them.

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries

The company offers premium-class split systems and is a leader in terms of price-quality ratio. Mitsubishi Heavy Industries practices strict quality control at all stages of production, supplies domestic and industrial air conditioners to the market.

In this article, I have listed the main manufacturers of "splits". By choosing any of them, you will get one of the most popular brands on the climate market. Leave your comments, adding your experience and opinion!

Rating based on reliability and only secondarily on functionality. The priority of reliability, which implies the absence of factory defects, as well as uninterrupted operation over a long service life.

All brands of air conditioners can be divided into two groups: 1st brands with their own factories and research centers. 2nd OEM brands - this is when the owner of a certain trademark places an order for the production of air conditioners or any other equipment at the manufacturing plant under his own brand. Their rating can be called unpredictable, due to the frequent change of brand manufacturer's factory. This category should be treated with extreme caution.

This rating is subjective, based on personal experience and does not claim to be 100% objective. We hope that our rating of the reliability of air conditioners will help you more easily decide on the choice of air conditioner.

Premium class.

Ultra-high level of reliability.

1. Daikin(Japan) - assembly Czech Republic, Malaysia, Belgium, China
2. Mitsubishi Electric(Japan) - Thailand assembly.
3. Mitsubishi Heavy Industries(Japan) - Thailand assembly.
4. TOSHIBA(Japan) - Thailand assembly.
5. FUJITSU
6. GENERAL Fujitsu General Ltd. (Japan) - assembly China, Thailand.

High level of reliability.

1. Gree
2. HITACHI(Japan) - assembly Malaysia.
3. Panasonic(Japan) - assembly Malaysia.
4. SHARP- OEM brand (Japan) - assembly Malaysia.

Middle class

1. Electrolux- OEM brand (Sweden) - assembly China factory Gree.
2. Midea(China) - own factories in China.
3. KENTATSU- OEM brand (Japan) - assembly China factory Midea.
4. MDV- Midea Group Co., Ltd. (China) - Midea's own factories.
5. Hisense- (China) - own factories in China.
6. tosot Gree Electric Appliances, Inc. of Zhuhai (China) - Gree's own factories
7. carrier(USA) - China assembly.
8. LG- (Korea) - assembly Türkiye, Ukraine, China, Korea
9. Samsung(Korea) - assembly China, Korea
10. haier(China) - own factories in China

budget class

1. ballu- OEM brand (Russia) - Hisense assembly plant
2. AUX- own factories in China
3. TCL- own factories in China
4. airwell(France) - China assembly
5. Lessar- OEM brand (Czech Republic) - assembly plant Midea
6. General Climate
7. Zanussi
8. Dantex- OEM brand (UK) - assembly China factory Midea.
9. Quattroclima- OEM brand (Italy) - assembly factory Gree.
10. Neoclima- OEM brand (Russia) - assembly plant Gree, Midea, Chigo.
11. Aero- OEM brand (Russia) - assembly plant Midea
12. Chigo(China) - own factories in China.
13. Hyundai(Korea) - China assembly
14. Venrerra- OEM brand (Italy) - assembly plant Gree, Midea.
15. Aeronik- OEM brand (Russia) - Gree assembly plant.

OEM brands that have been in production for less than 5 years and locate their production in well-established factories in China Gree, Midea, Hisense, Hier, and Chigo

1. Oasis
2. Green- OEM brand (Russia) - Hisense assembly plant.
3. Royal Clima- OEM brand (Italy) - assembly plant Midea, Hisense.
4. Shivaki- OEM brand (Japan) - assembly factory Midea.
5. Akvilon- OEM brand (Russia) - assembly plant Midea.
6. Komatsu- OEM brand (Japan) - Chigo assembly plant.
7. Timberk- OEM brand (China) - Hisense factory assembly.
8. Leberg- OEM brand (Norway) - assembly factory Midea.
9. Roda- OEM brand (Italy) - assembly factory Midea
10. Sakata- OEM brand (China) - assembly factory Midea.

Brands with their factories in China, with low build quality and cheap components

1. Galanz- own factories in China
2. Hualing- own factories in China
3. Chunlan- own factories in China
4. Kelon- own factories in China

OEM brands assembled in the above factories. There are a lot of these brands. We will not list them.

OEM brands with unpredictable reliability - Not recommended for purchase

1. MYSTERY
2. SUPRA
3. DAEWOO
4. KRAFT
5. Polaris
6. VITEK
7. etc.

Summer is on the threshold, and thousands of people are faced with questions: which air conditioner is better to choose for an apartment, what is the rating of air conditioner manufacturers, what are the differences between air conditioners from different manufacturers ..

For ordinary customers who do not have the opportunity to compare air conditioners of different brands, all these gray wall boxes differ only in size and color. And even professional installers on the forums rarely come to an agreement on many models and manufacturers, because. everyone's experience is different.

It is clear that everyone will have their own rating of air conditioners. In this article, we do not pretend to be the Truth, but only summarize our own 14-year experience, and divided the air conditioners into five groups according to the quality level. So, how to choose an air conditioner for an apartment:

Top conditioners.

The best air conditioners for an apartment - production of Japanese companies Mitsubishi, Daikin, General Fujitsu. The price-quality ratio of air conditioners of these brands may seem overpriced to some. But the majority of professional market participants will agree that these are the highest quality air conditioners.

Mitsubishi Electric, M.E. The most technologically advanced, constructively thought out, impeccably assembled. A lot of additional options make it universal for any application. Highest reliability and "trendsetter" in the climate market, No. 1 in our rating of air conditioners.

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, MHI. Inferior to ME in the range, but shares the first place with it in terms of reliability. MHI is the main supplier of the Ministry of Defense of Japan, the factories of the corporation produce almost all the equipment of the Japanese army: fighters, transport aircraft, tanks, warships .. And this "military" approach extends to the climate division of the corporation. Nothing superfluous, but the whole design is brought to perfection.

Daikin. It is considered the most expensive brand in the Russian market. Daikin equipment is distributed on the Russian market through two distribution channels.
The first, Daichi, through professional climate companies, supplies top models that are manufactured in Daikin factories. The equipment is decent, but, in our opinion, unreasonably expensive.
The second, the United Elements company, through trading houses and household appliances stores, supplies junior series of equipment manufactured at McQuay's Chinese factories. They have nothing in common with top models, except for the nameplate.

General Fujitsu. The same models are sold under two brands: General and Fujitsu. Slightly inferior in quality to both Mitsubishi, but has several unique solutions. Flexible Multi - has no competitors in terms of price-quality ratio for those cottages or apartments where there are large routes from the outdoor unit to the indoor ones. The Nordic series is the best choice of air conditioner for heating a country house, according to the Finnish Best i Test award.

The second group of our rating of air conditioners - Toshiba, Panasonic, Hitachi. Solid middle peasants, having their own "chips", but in terms of technical solutions they do not reach the first four Japanese.

Toshiba. Relatively inexpensive, but at the same time they do not save on materials, interesting in terms of price-quality ratio. Although there are unsuccessful models, it is worth looking for reviews before buying.

Panasonic. The situation is similar with Daikin. The equipment produced at Panasonic's own plant in Malaysia is of high quality and competitive. But there are lines produced in China under a franchise, in which only the name is from Panasonic.

hitachi. Their share in the Russian market is extremely small, due to inept commercial policies. Hitachi's global market share is also declining, and in 2015 the company decided to focus on the Japanese domestic market by outsourcing its international air conditioner sales to Johnson Controls.

The third group is the Chinese "Big Three": Midea, Gree, Haier. It also includes MDV And tosot(own brands Midea and Gree). These three companies produce 70% of all air conditioners in China, and are the undisputed leaders in quality, innovation and range in the Chinese market.

In the industrial climate equipment (VRF) market, the Chinese lag behind the Japanese for many years, despite the fact that every large Chinese corporation has a joint venture with the Japanese (Midea cooperates with Toshiba, Haier with Mitsubishi Heavy ...). They lag behind in the quality of the assembly, and in the thoughtfulness of technical solutions, and in electronics.

But in the segment of household split systems, the level of leading Chinese factories has grown significantly, and the percentage of defects has decreased significantly over the past 5-7 years. They are still inferior to the Japanese in terms of materials (plastic, metal), but in terms of price-quality ratio, air conditioners from Chinese brands are becoming more and more interesting.

Important: Unlike OEM brands, the Big Three air conditioners are voluntary certified by Eurovent, confirming their technical characteristics.

The fourth group - the rest of the Chinese factories(Chigo, Galanz, TCL, AUX, Hualing…) as well as the so-called. OEM brands. These are trademarks that do not have their own production, but place orders at various Chinese factories, including the Big Three factories.

International OEM brands: Electrolux, Zanussi, Whirlpool, Vestel, Braun, AEG, Shivaki ... They are sold mainly through chain stores of household appliances, they have a very significant variation in quality (for different batches).

Russian OEM brands: Ballu, General Climat, Dantex, Lessar, Kentatsu, Quatroclima, Roda, Pioneer, IGC, Royal Clima, Venterra, GoldStar, Huyndai, Timberk, Aironik, etc. As a rule, these are models that were sold in previous years under the original Chinese brands, but due to the change in the model range, these production lines were transferred to OEM. On the one hand, the production of the model has already been worked out, design flaws have been corrected. On the other hand, Russian customers are forced to save on materials used in production in order to maintain a competitive price-quality ratio.

Important: no one checks the characteristics of OEM brands in the factory. This means that the technical data given in the catalogs cannot be trusted by default.

The fifth group is cheap "like brands" sold in chain stores: Erisson, Techno, Elenberg, Sakura and other no-name. Ordered for production on the principle of the lowest price, the word "quality" is generally not applicable here. Professional installers basically do not undertake the installation of such equipment, because the time and nerves spent on disassembling dissatisfied customers will not pay off. In the case of this group of air conditioners, the price-quality ratio is clearly overstated, only on the reverse side.

Air conditioners by country of origin

Due to the difficult economic situation in recent years, the market share of Japanese air conditioners is falling in favor of cheap Russian OEM brands. Last year, the share of manufacturers by country looked like this:

Manufacturers in the tables below are listed in descending order of share in the Russian market of household split systems.

Japan

Among the Japanese, only Daikin has gained market share since 2013, thanks to the introduction of economy inverters manufactured at McQuay's Chinese factories.

Daikin

Mitsubishi Electric

Toshiba

General

Panasonic

Mitsubishi Heavy

Fujitsu

Hitachi

Fuji

Sanyo

Sharp

Korea

Only LG and Samsung hold a significant share, although their sales are declining every year as they try to move into the "above average" price segment. The market share of Daewoo and Hyundai tends to zero.

American and European brands

Production is physically located in Southeast Asia, so the corresponding low prices help them to keep their 1 - 1.5%.

carrier

airwell

McQuay

Chinese brands of air conditioners

The high share of Haier in the split systems market is due to the fact that more than half of their direct sales are accounted for by large customers: Megafon, Russian Railways, Magnit .. Sales to end consumers are much more modest.

Midea is formally in 5th place. But if we also count MDV and Russian OEM brands produced by Midea (Kentatsu, Lessar, Dantex, General Climate, Venterra...), then its share will approach 30% in the Russian market.

haier

Gree

Hisense

MDV

Midea

tosot

TCL

Chigo

aux

Galanz

Baohua

Kelon

Russian OEM brands

The largest segment on the market due to low prices and developed sales channels.

ballu

Lessar

Kentatsu

Dantex

General Climate

Roda

Oasis

Royal Clima

Kraft

Mystery

centek

Quatroclima

Aeronik

Rovex

Rix

Erisson

Pioneer

Venterra

Timberk

Green

Vertex

Jax

Avex

Kitano

Akvilon

goldstar

Polaris

Aero

IGC

Niagara

Starwind

vico

Renova

Itsumo

Centurion

Leran

Galatec

Bork

Denko

VR

Korting

Vitek

Omaks

Magnit

Optima

Euronord

Laretti

Berlington

Dahaci

Tadilux

Rolsen

Dax

School

Nikai

Aerotek

Soling

International OEMs

The segment of international OEMs is relatively narrow and has clear leaders - Electrolux, Neoclima, Zanussi, Supra. The share of this segment has been stable for the last three years.