Brand Reliability Rating Criteria


When it comes to which brands of air conditioners deserve attention, they often refer to the rating of buyers, which can be very different from the objective data that form the real place that the company occupies in the list of manufacturers. The ultra-high reliability of the brand of air conditioners is based on several mandatory criteria that specialists and service departments pay attention to:

  • Rich history and narrow specialization. Well-known world manufacturers of air conditioners are distinguished by a solid period of formation and directed specialization in the sector of climate equipment;
  • Own production facilities (factories) with a full production cycle and 100% quality control. Leading split system manufacturers manufacture everything from the compressor down to the smallest parts on their production lines. This allows you to fully control the technological chain and be responsible for the quality of each element of the air conditioner. Not a single self-respecting company from the top 5 will allow itself to order components from third-party enterprises;
  • Impeccable quality plastic parts. If a person is greeted “by clothes”, then the appearance is very important for the indoor unit of the air conditioner. The products of the best brands are distinguished not only by a stylish design, but also by high-quality plastic, on the thickness of which it is not customary to save;
  • Expanded network of service support. The main market players care about their reputation and provide their products with all the necessary after-sales service.

It is worth noting that the leading market positions are occupied by Japanese companies that stood at the origins of the industry. Most often, they place their production in Japan, Thailand and Malaysia. Although there are exceptions when a reputable company builds a plant in Europe or China. Like, for example, Futjitsu has an enterprise in the Celestial Empire that produces products with the label "Made in China", which is no different from air conditioners assembled in their native islands.

Sufficiently reliable positions in the air conditioner market are occupied by products of diversified companies for which this industry is not a priority, as well as products of subsidiary brands of market leaders manufactured at the same factories where the main premium products are manufactured. These are also "Japanese" with a name, which are usually collected outside of China. Such air conditioners have excellent modern functionality, but are somewhat inferior in quality to models of leading brands.

Split systems of popular Korean brands, "Chinese" with their own production base and Japanese air conditioners, which are manufactured at the best factories in China, have an average reliability rating. In general, this is a good product that has an optimal price / quality ratio.

And finally, at the very bottom of the list are economy class air conditioners with unpredictable reliability. So it is customary to call a large family of OEMs (Original equipment manufacturer - “original equipment manufacturer”) of brands that are assembled from units made to order at factories in China, Turkey, Ukraine, Russia and Central Asia. Often, such a brand does not have a permanent production location, and component suppliers often change. All this is done to keep the price low and detrimental to quality. At present, the number of eminent international and little-known national OEM labels, emblazoned on the cases of air conditioners, is at least 2/3 of the total number of all brands of the climate equipment market.

And now let's look at the most famous brands and their well-deserved places in the reliability rating.

Elite division - the most expensive and trouble-free split systems

This small list of brands features the top four home air conditioner manufacturers, leading by all criteria. By purchasing the products of these TMs, you can be sure that you will receive the most advanced, functional and high-tech climatic devices. These are expensive products, which often have an inexplicably high cost.

https://www.daikin.com/

Products of the Japanese premium brand Daikin are akin to Rolls-Royce in the automotive industry and are considered the standard of air conditioning. Since its founding in 1924, the company has specialized exclusively in the production of air conditioners. The company became famous for many innovations that later became the standard in the industry. The first heating air conditioner was released in 1958, the first multi-split system was released in 1969, and the introduction of the VRV system, which breathed new life into the industry, took place in 1982. Daikin produces more than 2.5 million residential air conditioners annually, and the total volume sales in 150 countries exceeded 17 billion dollars. Air conditioners are manufactured at 5 factories in Japan, our own factory in Malaysia, European sites in Ostend (Belgium), at the company's Czech facilities in Pilsen and Brno, as well as at the factory of the leading Chinese manufacturer Gree. The lineup includes a wide range of equipment from the low-cost series Miyora and Sensira to the flagship lines Emura and Ururu Sarara.


The main benefits of Daikin air conditioners include three key aspects:

  • Heat pump. The technology, which contributes to energy savings and provides an efficient heating system, was first used in the company's air conditioners;
  • Inverter motor speed control. Inverter air conditioners consume 30% less energy than conventional models;
  • Environmentally friendly and energy efficient next generation R-32 refrigerant, replacing R-410A.

The service life of split systems is from 10 to 15 years, and the percentage of marriage occurring is only 0.1%. The disadvantage of the Daikin brand is a very high and not always justified price. It makes sense to buy brand air conditioners if you are not at all constrained in funds.

https://www.mitsubishielectric.com/en/index.html

The Japanese company Mitsubishi Shipbuilding Co., founded by Yataro Iwasaki at the beginning of the last century, celebrates a glorious centenary in 2021. She laid the foundation for the foundation of many branches of the holding, including the Mitsubishi Electric Corporation. The head office of the company is located in Tokyo, and the factories that produce domestic air conditioners are in Japan (Nakatsugawa, Shizuoka, Nagasaki and Wakayama), Thailand and Turkey. Since 2001, the brand logo has featured the motto Changes for the better (“Changes for the better”), which reflects the innovative focus of the company. The sphere of interests of the corporation is very extensive, but the production of climate equipment occupies a special place. A large line of household models of air conditioners is distinguished by high-tech “stuffing” with know-how based on scientific research conducted in research centers. The contactless electric motor with Poki Poki Core stator provides increased efficiency and effective torque, the unique coating of the indoor unit Dual Barrier Coating eliminates the growth of bacteria on the surface, the system of independent shutters organizes bidirectional air exchange, and the 3D I-See Sensory intelligent presence sensor clearly determines the place of people in the location and controls the air flow. Mitsubishi Electric split systems have the highest reliability rating, which is unattainable for products from other brands.

Smartphones with support for fast “refueling” charge two to three times faster than with conventional charging.

The Japanese corporation Mitsubishi Heavy Industries is one of the giants of the global climate industry, one of the four market leaders. Despite the apparent similarity of the logos and the first word in the name, Mitsubishi Electric Corporation and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries are positioned on the market completely independently. Mitsubishi Heavy separated from the parent corporation in 1934 and has since been listed as the leading contractor for the Japanese military-industrial complex. This status in itself is indicative, because only a highly developed engineering company could get it. Despite the multidisciplinary focus in the field of heavy industry, the corporation pays serious attention to the development of the production of household climate devices. Mitsubishi Heavy split and multi-split systems are distinguished by high quality, operating comfort, low energy consumption and extensive service support. The air conditioners of the brand are equipped with a double rotary inverter compressor with vector control technology, which ensures high energy efficiency and quiet operation of the units. The entire range of split systems has an advanced microprocessor control with the Fuzzy Auto dynamic weather control function, which independently adjusts the device's operating parameters in accordance with the change in temperature outside the window. All home air conditioners have received a "smart" self-diagnosis mode and a dehumidification mode, which will help to normalize the level of humidity in the room. If we compare the level of air conditioning equipment of Mitsubishi Heavy and Mitsubishi Electric, then they are comparable, but the heavy industry giant has a shorter line of models.

https://www.fujitsu-general.com/index.html

These two brands are twin brothers, which are produced at the same production sites. The unification of brands into a coherent structure was due to the merger of companies in 1984, and the strategy of sharing innovations benefited all products of technical symbiosis. In fact, Fujitsu and General products have the same equipment and similar functionality, differing only in external design elements and design. Fujitsu General Ltd. headquartered in Kawasaki annually produces over 3 million high-quality split and multi-split systems at its own factories in Japan, Thailand and China. Fujitsu General air conditioning equipment is built on a variety of patented solutions, among which it is worth noting Dual Blaster hybrid blowing technology, an improved heat exchanger design and a very quiet inverter compressor. All products have a high reliability index and an estimated service life of at least 10 years.

Reliable and affordable Japanese brands

This group of brands represents the second tier of household air conditioner manufacturers, which have excellent consumer properties, but, as a rule, have a more forgiving price tag.

https://www.hitachiaircon.ru/

The Japanese corporation Hitachi is an old-timer of the global industry and traces its history back to 1910. One of the leading manufacturers of climate control equipment for domestic and industrial use, has a wide geography of production, which has left a certain imprint on the stability of product quality. The undisputed leaders are products made in Japan and Malaysia. The quality of the series made in Spain, Brazil and Taiwan is slightly lower, and the Chinese-made models are even more often criticized. So before buying, you should be interested in where the air conditioner was assembled.

https://aircon.panasonic.com/top.html

The great name and tradition that Panasonic has earned as a global electronics manufacturer does not mean automatic inheritance of success in the context of climate systems. Only the hard work of engineers, scientists and strategic planning made it possible to achieve a high level of domestic split systems, which are close in quality to the best examples of the premium segment. P-Tech compressor acceleration technology, updated Aerowings louvre design, iAuto-X accelerated cooling system, R-32 environmental refrigerant and flexible control system make the flagship models of the inverter series, leaving the factory conveyor in Malaysia, a good alternative to more expensive high-end air conditioners class. By the way, the service of the company is also all tip-top. But what is collected in China is another story.

https://global.sharp/

The well-known Japanese electronics manufacturer Sharp Corporation has always been famous for its quality products. The company was founded in 1912, and won the hearts of customers with its high-tech audio and video equipment. The desire to stand out from the general gray mass and always be unique is reflected in the slogan that accompanies the company logo. Sharp is headquartered in Osaka, with air conditioning manufacturing plants in Japan and Thailand. Domestic air conditioners are represented by window monoblocks and split systems. The product quality and reliability rating are at a high level.

http://www.mcquay.com.hk/

The American brand McQuay gained popularity across the ocean after the takeover of the company by Daikin Corporation. Therefore, the abundance of Japanese technology and components from Daikin is not surprising. Unlike the “big brother”, these air conditioners are not included in the line of luxury brands, but are good middle peasants with an adequate pricing policy. Models assembled in Japan and Belgium belong to this class, but Malay-made products have a lower rating.

good middle class

Most models are represented by inverter and functional split systems that are affordable for any buyer.

https://cooperandhunter.com/

Cooper&Hunter International Corporation is of American ancestry and is one of the leading players in HVAC technology. The company motto Comfort Innovations (“Comfortable innovations”) shows its technological vector aimed at making the life of consumers as comfortable as possible. The high quality of air conditioners is due to the low rejection rate (less than 0.2%), as well as complete quality control and testing of all components going to the assembly line. Despite the fact that the brand is quite young, it demonstrates excellent dynamics, built on the desire for systematic development and the introduction of technical innovations. The company produces simple split systems, inverter series and an advanced line of air conditioners with heat pumps. The base production is concentrated in Zhuhai in the Guangdong province (China).

https://www.toshiba-carrier.co.jp/global/, https://www.toshiba-airconditioning.eu/, https://www.carrier.com/carrier/en/worldwide/

American engineer Willis Carrier, the founder of Carrier, is the inventor of the first refrigeration machine ( chiller), which appeared in 1915. This date is considered to be the beginning of the "startup" and the birthday of Carrier. The Japanese company Toshiba Corporation also needs no introduction. This is a company with great traditions and production culture, which is well known all over the world. In the early 2000s there was a fruitful merger of two corporations that manufacture products under their own trademarks. These equal brands have lost their place as market leaders, but occupy a strong position in the business class niche. Models that are manufactured at their own factories in Japan and Thailand correspond to an average reliability rating, while air conditioners manufactured in China belong to a lower economy class.

https://www.panasonic.com/jp/corporate/profile/group-companies/sanyo.html

The Sanyo trademark traditionally produces consumer electronics, semiconductors and power supplies. Despite the glorious centuries-old history, the company is now going through hard times, and the brand currently owned by Panasonic may soon disappear altogether. Nevertheless, in the market of air conditioners you can find quite successful models that fit into the middle class in terms of their characteristics. Different series of household split systems are produced in Japan, Singapore and Italy.

http://global.gree.com/

Good China. And all thanks to the fact that production is concentrated in the suburbs of Hong Kong, which for many years was listed as a protectorate of Great Britain. At their own factory, they produce not only worthy air conditioners of the brand of the same name, but also products of quite decent brands. For example, Gree has its own subsidiary brand Tosot, whose products largely repeat the features of the parent brand.

https://www.midea-group.com/

The Chinese brand Midea with its own production, including conveyors and lines where original compressors and electric motors are manufactured, can be assessed as a manufacturer producing balanced models of air conditioners for little money.

Economy class - when finances sing romances

This is the largest group of air conditioner manufacturers, which are united by their focus on the target audience with low incomes. The approximate service life of models is 6 - 8 years. In this impromptu list, you can find just inexpensive brands, among which there are good models, as well as frank outsider brands with unpromising lines. Since the number of such TMs includes dozens of items, we are not able to characterize all the participants in the low-cost parade.

https://www.lg.com/ru/air-conditioners-split-systems

The Korean brand, famous for its excellent consumer electronics products, has failed to maintain its positive image in the climate industry. Moreover, the location of production (Korea or China) does not make much difference: everything turns out equally unimportant.

Due to the fact that the brand is well known to customers, and smartphones and other household appliances are sold very well, it does not seem strange to be interested in home climate control systems. Particularly captivating is advertising that talks about the flattest indoor units. Unfortunately, in this area of the market, despite strong demand, Samsung products are far from perfect. Yes - affordable, yes - it looks good, but, alas ... Unpredictable reliability and a low level of design design betray an unprofessional approach to the production of this equipment.

http://www.tosot.com.cn

A subsidiary brand of the best Chinese manufacturer of split systems Gree. As for an economy class niche, the brand is represented by quite competitive and inexpensive models.

http://mdv.midea.com/mideamdv/

MDV is a subsidiary brand of Midea. Although this is a good product, it is somewhat inferior in quality to the “parent” and is in less demand. And this is explained by the fact that the main emphasis of this brand is on the segment of semi-industrial climatic equipment.

https://www.airwell-res.com/

A French-Chinese brand whose products are unlikely to be a priority for residents of metropolitan Paris or provincial Provence. It seems that everything is here, up to the modes of drying and heating, but the disproportionately large indoor unit, coupled with the flimsy plastic case and thin blinds, immediately give out the Chinese assembly. As a brand of the "tenth" order, the price is lower than that of well-known manufacturers, but still a little expensive.

https://kentatsu.eu/

A typical example of a "contrived" pseudo-brand that produces products of very mediocre quality. Although the logo looks good, it sounds Japanese in general.

http://quattroclima.biz/

Another trademark with an indistinct history and supposedly Italian origin. Of the pluses - the choice of a good plant for placing an order for production (Gree, Hong Kong) and a low price. Everything else leaves much to be desired.

https://www.pioneerminisplit.com/

Under the Pioneer brand, mainly non-inverter split and mini-split systems are produced, which are not very remarkable in terms of functionality, reliability and price. Ordinary "passing" models that do not deserve attention.

https://lessar.com

One of the many OEM Chinese brands that do not have their own "stake and yard". The products are made in the Midea factory, but according to their own standards, focused on maximum economy. Local service and low quality appliances make the purchase of Lessar split systems unreasonable.

https://www.electroluxgroup.com/

Another failed international brand with a worldwide reputation. The globalization of the market has led to the fact that the international company Electrolux makes climate equipment in Chinese factories in the worst tradition of OEM brands. Hence all the troubles. Since the Zanussi trademark is owned by Electrolux Corporation, it is also subject to the same approaches as the main products. As a result, we also have low quality products.

https://hisenseme.com/air-conditioner/

Hisense entered the Chinese market as the first national manufacturer of inverter air conditioners. The plant produces a wide range of products from Classic class split systems to Lux class models. Not the worst option in the low-cost segment.

https://www.haier.com/global/

A good Chinese brand under which household and semi-industrial air conditioning systems are produced, including VRF systems. There are pretty enough models that deserve approval in the primary class.

http://www.cnaux.com/

The Chinese company AUX is the native production site not only for the products of the brand of the same name, but also for many dozens of OEM brands of household climate systems. The pursuit of volumes of production and placement of orders had a negative impact on the final quality of products. Anything Aux does is not recommended to buy.

http://www.chigogroup.com/

Under the Chigo brand, a wide range of household and industrial climatic products is produced with all the disadvantages of the low-cost class inherent in it. The Chigo plant also produces air conditioners of OEM brands such as Timberk, RoyalClima, Rovex, which have a low level of reliability.

https://www.ballu.ru/

The Ballu trademark belongs to the Russian company Rusklimat, which specializes in the production of climatic and engineering equipment. Factory capacities allow to produce up to 5 million different air conditioning systems per year. In general, TM has good models that are worth the money, but most of the products show austerity standards that allow them to compete in a tight low-cost market.

http://hao.tcl.com/

Despite the fact that the brand has good support (its own factory), these products cannot be called reliable. The brand's products are based on cheap components and poor build quality. Given the large selection of air conditioner manufacturers, especially in this class, you can find better products for this price.

For a large family of OEM brands, the countries of the former Soviet Union are registered as the place of registration. For example, you have probably seen such names as Daiko, Delfa, Leberg, Luberg, Laretti, Mitsushito, Osaka, Sensei on the shelves of household appliances stores. Under these brands, you will encounter extremely poor quality air conditioners, made in second-rate Chinese factories, which, with rare exceptions, are driven by ordinary consumer goods.

Results. What you should know about manufacturers of split systems

Summing up the review of numerous brands on the market of household air conditioners, the following should be noted:

1. Brand credibility is built on all levels and reflects the overall trend. This is design, proprietary technologies, laboratory research, production culture, 100% quality control, an extensive service support network and much more;

2. The most reliable split systems with excellent performance are produced at our own head factories in Japan, Malaysia, Thailand and Europe. And only a small part of high-quality air conditioners is produced in China;

3. The reliability rating often corresponds to the declared service life. For the most expensive brands, it is 10 - 15 years, and for the cheapest - only 4 - 5 years.

4. Products of subsidiaries of leading manufacturers are of good quality, thanks to the equipment with compressors and basic elements that are used to assemble products of the head brand;

5. A large part of the market is filled with OEM brands with products of various quality, which mainly come off the assembly lines of Chinese factories;

6. Although most modern technologies are available to all manufacturers, low-end OEM models are intentionally limited in functionality in order to maintain an attractive price;

7. Some OEM brands sin with obvious design miscalculations, offering split systems with disproportionately large indoor or outdoor units;

8. Even within a particular rating group, you can find successful models that fully meet their price marker;

9. Regardless of the brand, one should not discount the orientation of the model to the climatic conditions of operation. A harsh continental winter with severe frosts can immediately put an end to the inexpediency of buying some models. In priority, you should pay attention to air conditioners with heat pumps and an additional heating function.