Compare some of the best air conditioner brands by using our customer satisfaction ratings and start your search for a split system or portable air conditioner to survive the Australian summers and winters.
Going off the grid: one in two feel their air conditioner burdens power grid
Kelvinator did not receive the minimum number of responses for after sale service, however achieved at least the minimum sample requirements for all other criteria.
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Saving energy can be tough in a challenging climate, particularly during the hotter months. It’s a point not lost on more than half of the respondents to our recent survey, who worry about burdening the power grid with their air conditioner usage.
These 52% are so concerned about stressing the grid and causing a blackout that they limit their use of their air-conditioner to when they really need it.
Energy management was less of a concern for younger respondents, who were more likely than their elders to leave their air conditioner on during work hours so the house would be cool when they returned (31% of Gen Y’s and 28% of Gen X’s versus 10% of Baby Boomers). They were also the most overrepresented demographic when it came to leaving air conditioners on through the summer months.
A majority of respondents (73%) declared they simply could not survive an Australian summer without their air conditioner; and if you feel the same, we’ve compared leading air conditioner brands for you to add to your shopping list.
Our results show Daikin customers were most satisfied with their air conditioning unit overall – the brand taking our award for 2013, when rated alongside Fujitsu General, Mitsubishi Electric, Panasonic, Kelvinator, LG and Samsung.
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Several brands excelled in this survey:
- Daikin was a high achiever in the areas of overall satisfaction, reliability, after sale service and warranty, energy efficiency, quietness and appearance.
- Both Fujitsu General and Mitsubishi Electric scored highly for air conditioner energy efficiency.
- Panasonic received five stars for energy efficiency, and top ratings for quietness and appearance.
- Out of all the rated brands, Kelvinator was the only one to receive five stars for value for money.
Canstar Blue commissions Colmar Brunton to regularly survey 2,500 Australian consumers across a range of categories to measure and track customer satisfaction. The outcomes reported are the results from air conditioner customers within the survey group - in this case, 595 people. To qualify, the customer must have bought a new air conditioner in the last 3 years.
Brands must have received at least 30 responses to be included. Results are comparative and it should be noted that brands that received three stars have still achieved a satisfaction measure of at least six out of 10.
Overall customer satisfaction
Daikin was a breath of fresh air in this category, being awarded five stars for overall customer satisfaction. Following our five star recipient were Fujitsu General, Mitsubishi Electric, Panasonic and Kelvinator with four stars; then LG and Samsung with three.
Value for money
Many Australians worry about the cost of their electricity bill (see our electricity provider results to compare energy suppliers), but reducing air conditioner costs can make a positive difference to the household budget. Kelvinator received five stars for value for money; Daikin, Fujitsu General, Mitsubishi General, Panasonic and LG all followed with four, and Samsung finished with three.
Reliability
Daikin customers were most satisfied with the reliability of their air conditioner. Next in line after the five star recipient were Fujitsu General, Mitsubishi Electric, Panasonic, Kelvinator and LG with four stars each; then Samsung with three.
After sale service and warranty
Daikin air conditioner owners were also most satisfied with the customer service and warranty they received after purchasing their air conditioner. Daikin received five stars in this area, Mitsubishi Electric and Kelvinator received four, and Panasonic, LG and Samsung each received three.
Energy efficiency
Concerned with the energy consumption of your air conditioner? Perhaps you should shop around for one of the brands which achieved five stars for air conditioner energy efficiency: Daikin, Fujitsu General, Mitsubishi Electric or Panasonic. Kelvinator was next with four stars, LG and Samsung both finished with three.
Quietness
Both Daikin and Panasonic came out on top for the quietness of their air conditioner units – earning each a five star rating. Fujitsu General and Mitsubishi Electric each received four stars; following with three stars were Kelvinator, LG and Samsung.
Appearance
Good air conditioners aren’t necessarily known for their striking appearance, but rather blend in nicely with the rest of the room. Customers of Daikin and Panasonic were most satisfied with the appearance and design of their air conditioner system. Following these five star achievers were Fujitsu General, Mitsubishi General, Kelvinator and LG with four star ratings; Samsung finished with three.
Related Links
Most Satisfied Customers: Air Conditioners (2012)
Most Satisfied Customers: Air Conditioners (2011)
Most Satisfied Customers: Electronics Retailers (2012)
Most Satisfied Customers: Electricity Providers (2012)
14 March 2013.
Air Conditioners
