GfK Retail Panel Codification Guide

Air Conditioner (Version 2009-07)

GfK Group

Retail & Technology

29 July, 2009

Definition
2

Airconditioner: An air conditioner removes heat from the indoor air and transfers that heat to the outside air. These fixed or portable appliances are providing cold air by absorbing the heat. By using a coolant gas the heat gets cooled down within a closed cooling cycle and then is pumped through a closed system of pipelines to the outisde. In contrast to Aircoolers these products MUST have a compressor included. This compressor can be either installed within the Airconditioner unit or it can be a seperate unit which is installed outside of the room.

PLEASE NOTE : Evaporative Cooler are excluded from this productgroup but belong the productgroup Airtreatment: Also often called AirCooler. These coolers are providing fresh, cool air by evaporating water. These portable aircooling products draw fresh air through a special moisture rich pad, cooled and filtered at the same time, then circulated with a fan into the room. In contrast to Airconditioners these products do NOT have a compressor included. Also they are working without any coolant gas, that means there is no closed cooling circuit. The evaporative cooler has to have a water or ice tank which needs to be filled to make the product work.

GfK Group

Retail & Technology

29 July, 2009

Feature 1: Type
3

In this feature we distinguish between fixed installed types or portable (mobile) types.

Type: Fixed Portable (= mobile) Unknown

GfK Group

Retail & Technology

29 July, 2009

Examples: Portable Types

4

Feature Type: Portable Feature Single/Split: Single DeLonghi: PAC10

Feature Type: Portable Feature Single/Split: Split DeLonghi: PAC390

FeatureType: Portable Model: MAC-12k Air Conditioner and Dehumidifier Dual hose system

GfK Group

Retail & Technology

29 July, 2009

Feature 2: Single/ Split

5

In this feature we describe the single or split of the airconditioning Model. It applies to all types (fixed and portable). Options are: Single Split Multisplit Unknown

Explanation: Single means the product is combined in one box (compressor+cooling unit) Split means 1 indoor unit and 1 compressor (outdoor) unit Multi Split means > = 2 indoor units + 1 compressor (outdoor) units

GfK Group

Retail & Technology

29 July, 2009

Feature 3: Installation Type

6

Overview: Split Ceiling/ Floor Split Wall Mounted Split Window Split Cassette Split Duct Single/Split Standing Multi Split Single Window vertical Single Window horizontal Unknown Not applicable This feature applies only for fixed types

GfK Group

Retail & Technology

29 July, 2009

Installation Type: Split Ceiling /Floor

7

Split Ceiling/Floor: Split system whose inside unit is designed for its installation on the ceiling or suspended in the low part of the wall.

(Above) Type: Ceiling/Floor Single/Split: Split Panasonic: CS/CU-A12CTP5

GfK Group

Retail & Technology

29 July, 2009

Installation Type: Split Wall Mounted

8

Split Wall Mounted: In this case, the unit or inside unit is prepared for its suspended installation of the wall in high position, approximately to 2,3 m of height.

Type: Split Wall Single/Split: Split Panasonic: CS/CU-E9CKP5 With Remote Control

GfK Group

Retail & Technology

29 July, 2009

Installation Type: Split Window

9

Split Window: The Split Window model has a wall mounted unit. The compressor is situated in the window. Normally is suitable for small spaces and they need easy installation to fit in small window.

GfK Group

Retail & Technology

29 July, 2009

Installation Type: Split Cassette

10

Split Cassette: The indoor units are designed for their built-in installation in the roof and covered by an ornamental panel.

Example left: Type Cassette Fujitsu AUY 12 E

Type: Cassette Panasonic CS/CU-A18BB4PWC

Example above: Type Cassette Samsung CH 18 CA

GfK Group

Retail & Technology

29 July, 2009

Installation Type: Split Cassette

11

GfK Group

Retail & Technology

29 July, 2009

Installation Type: Split Duct

12

Split Duct: The unit or inside units are equipped with a net of pipes for distribution of air. Through this net, the air goes to each one of the rooms to end up in a vent.

Example above: Panasonic SIST. 4EPS-F

Example: Fujitsu

GfK Group

Retail & Technology

29 July, 2009

Installation Type: Multi Split

13

Multi Split A multi split system has at least 2 or more split units linked to 1 compressor. There are also combined Multisplit systems, which means their refrigeration units have different mounting design (like e.g. wall, celing/floor,...) see picture on right hand side

GfK Group

Retail & Technology

29 July, 2009

Installation Type: Single/Split Standing

14

Single/Split Standing: Standing Type is not portable, it is stationed as a stand alone. The unit is fixed on the floor.

Left: Samsung APH289SER Standing Type

GfK Group

Retail & Technology

29 July, 2009

Installation Type: Single Window Horizontal

15

Single Window Horizontal Please note that it is always a single and NOT a Split type the whole unit is in one place, mounted on the window or built into a hole in the wall. There is no separate compressor unit. The product is wider than its height. Horizontal is similar to a box air-conditioner in which the cool airs comes out from the side in a small outlet.

GfK Group

Retail & Technology

29 July, 2009

Installation Type: Single Window Vertical

16

Single Window Vertical Almost the same as Window Horizontal Type. The main difference is the shape of the product. The cool air outlet from the side is much longer than wide. It is also a single product, with no separate compressor unit. It is vertical installed onto the window.

GfK Group

Retail & Technology

29 July, 2009

Feature 4: Energy Efficiency Class

17

This feature indicates the classification of energy efficiency of the airconditioner product. Options are: A B C D E F G Unknown

GfK Group

Retail & Technology

29 July, 2009

Feature 5: Max. BTU Cooling per hour

18

BTU (British Thermal Units) This numerical feature indicates number of BTUs per hour. BTU means: It takes 1 BTU to increase the temperature of 1 lb (pound of) water one degree Fahrenheit. Please note: For MultiSplit please add up the BTUs of all internal units

Kilowatt and Btu calculation:

1 KW = 860 Kcal Kcal x 3.97 = Btu 1 KW = 3414.2 Btu

GfK Group

Retail & Technology

29 July, 2009

Feature 6: Number of Indoor Units

19

This numerical features describes the number of indoor units (=refrigerating units). It applies only to the Multi Split types.

GfK Group

Retail & Technology

29 July, 2009

Feature 7: Outdoor Sound DB

20

This numerical feature indicates the outer sound / noise level in decibel of the product. It applies only to Split, Multi types and Single Window which have a outdoor unit included.

GfK Group

Retail & Technology

29 July, 2009

Feature 8: Inverter
21

This feature indicates if the model has a inverter included. It applies to all types, fixed and portable. Conventional air conditioners operate at a fixed speed, delivering a fixed amount of cooling and heating. While trying to maintain a set temperature they operate on the 'stop and start' principle. Inverter is a much more advanced technology that operates differently. It works like the accelerator of a car, gently increasing or decreasing power. It reaches the desired temperature quicker and maintains it without wild fluctuations. That means uninterrupted comfort and significant energy savings. It is a very efficient system. For more details see next page. Options are: YES NO Unknown

GfK Group

Retail & Technology

29 July, 2009

Further explanation to Inverter

22

The conventional air conditioning systems are based on the operation of the compressor to full yield. When the system starts, it pulls up the compressor and it stays in operation until the requested temperature is reached. In that moment, the compressor stops and it doesnt start again until the temperature requires it again. The inverter systems works different: Instead of stopping the compressor it just lowers the operation rhythm, therefore being able to avoid continous outbursts, reducing the cunsumption of the system and maintaining the real temperature with less variations on the requested temperature.

GfK Group

Retail & Technology

29 July, 2009

Feature 9: Coolant Gas

23

This feature indicates which coolant gas is used by the airconditioning product. Options are: R 407 C R 410 A R 290 R 22 Unknown R 410 A and R 290 are ecological coolants while all others are non-ecological coolants.

GfK Group

Retail & Technology

29 July, 2009

Feature 11: Timer

24

This feature indicates if the model has a timer included. It applies to all types.

Options are: YES NO UNKNOWN

GfK Group

Retail & Technology

29 July, 2009

Feature 12: Heater included

25

This feature describes if the airconditioning model has the option to supply warm/hot air as well. It applies to all types. Options are: Yes No (=only cooling) Unknown HEATING: A heating and air conditioning unit that heats or cools by moving heat. Selected models have the ability to provide cool air when it's warm, and hot air when it's cold out, for comfort in all seasons.

GfK Group

Retail & Technology

29 July, 2009

Feature 13: Dehumidifer

26

This feature indicates if the air conditioning product has dehumifier included. It applies to all types.

Options are: YES NO UNKNOWN

GfK Group

Retail & Technology

29 July, 2009

Feature 14: Dehumidifier Capacity in Litre

27

This numerical features describes the maximum capacity of the tank collecting the dehumdified water. It applies only to types which have a dehumidifier function included.

GfK Group

Retail & Technology

29 July, 2009

Feature 15: Air Purification

28

This features describes if the product has a air purifying function included. It applies to all types. Air purification filters attract particles by electricity either by way of an electric air cleaner or with an electrostatic filter (=Ionizer). See next page for further explanation.

Options are: Electrostatic Electrical/ Mechanical No Unknown

GfK Group

Retail & Technology

29 July, 2009

Further explanation to Air Purification:

There are two principles of air purification: electrostatic filters and electric (also called mechanical filters). Electrostatic filters are methods including an Ionizer. An Ionizer can only filter out particles in the air, no filtration of gas and odours. Electric filters come in two options: as a particle filter or as a gas/ odour filter. (Meaning: All other forms of Air-purification filters besides Ionizer) As a result, when the Air-con comes with an Ionizer, then Air-Purification = Electrostatic. In case of Air-con with Ionizer + Deodorizer Function for example, Air-Purification= Electrostatic and Deodorization = as per product description. If there is no indication whether Ionizer = SINGLE or DOUBLE, then we code SINGLE as this is the standard.
29

Air Purification
ELECTRICAL/ MECHANICAL ELECTROSTATIC
IONIZER

Particle filters

Gas & Odour filters

If odour filter (Deodorization Function), which Deodorization method? Feature 17 -Carbon -Photo-Catalyst -UV-Light -Unidentified

If Ionizer, type of Ionizer? Feature 23 -SINGLE -DOUBLE (Dual) -Unidentified

GfK Group

Retail & Technology

29 July, 2009

Feature 16: Max. No. of Volt

30

This numerical features describes the maximum number of voltage of the airconditioner model. It applies to all types.

GEO: AUS/ NZ

GfK Group

Retail & Technology

29 July, 2009

Feature 17: Deodorization

31

This feature indicates if the airconditioning model has a deodorization function included. Activated material incorporated in the filter efficiently absorbs cigarette, pet and food smells, etc. See further explanation next page

Options are: Carbon Photo- Catalyst UV- Light Unknown

GEO: ASIA

GfK Group

Retail & Technology

29 July, 2009

Explanation for Deodorization

32

Activated carbon used in filters works by adsorption, a process by which pollutant gases are attracted by and stick to the carbon. AO photocatalyst (TiO2) is a semiconductor that has strong oxidation. Shining of light source can stir up oxidation-reduction reaction on its surface, and the surface will release free radicals, chain degradation reaction occurs between the free radicals and kinds of contaminant and bacteria each other. And the reaction can realize the functions of air purification, anti-bacteria, anti-dirtiness and deodorization. Ultraviolet radiation, with UVC 253.7nm wavelength, produces a big intension of direct shining which in return produces strong sterilization and deodorization ability.

GEO: ASIA

GfK Group

Retail & Technology

29 July, 2009

Feature 18: Star Rating of Cooling

33

This feature indicates the star rating of cooling. It applies to all types. The Energy Star Rating is a measurement of how efficient the appliance is, ie. how much energy the appliance uses for its capacity.
Options are: 1 1,5 2 2,5 3 3,5 4 4,5 5 5,5 6 unknown

GEO: AUZ/ NZ

GfK Group

Retail & Technology

29 July, 2009

Feature 19: Max. Heat. Cap. KW

34

This numerical features describes the maximum heating capacity in KiloWatt. It applies only for models which have both functions: Cooling + Heating.

GEO: ASIA

GfK Group

Retail & Technology

29 July, 2009

Feature 20: No. Fan Speeds

35

This numerical features describes how many speed settings a included fan has. It applies to all types.

GEO: ASIA

GfK Group

Retail & Technology

29 July, 2009

Feature 21: Performance Coefficient

36

This numerical feature indicates the Performance Coefficient. It applies to all types. The COP represents the cooling effect in BTU's of a refrigerant cycle, compared to the BTU equivalent of the electrical energy put into the system during the cycle. Its the measurement of the steady state performance or energy efficiency of the cooling appliances. COP= Coefficient of Performance

GEO: Asia

GfK Group

Retail & Technology

29 July, 2009

Feature 22: Indoor Sound DB

37

This numerical features indicates the Indoor sound level, measured in Decibel. It applies to all types.

GEO: Asia

GfK Group

Retail & Technology

29 July, 2009

Feature 23: Ionizer

38

This features describes if the airconditioning model has an Ionizer included. High efficient lonizer filter remove minute particles up to 93.4%. It also suppresses the proliferation of fungi and bacteria since it is treated with an antibacterial formula. SINGLE IONIZER= uses one step for Air Purification DUAL IONIZER= uses two steps for air purification (Ionizer + Plasma Purifying System)

If there is no indication whether Ionizer = SINGLE or DOUBLE, then we code SINGLE as this is the standard. Options are:

Single Dual No Unknown

GEO: ASIA

GfK Group

Retail & Technology

29 July, 2009

Explanation for Ionizer

39

Negative ions can be produced by copying any of the ways that nature uses - ultra violet (lamps), radioactive sources etc. But in most cases it is either too dangerous, too expensive or just impractical. For this reason most manufacturers use the method called "corona discharge" which is similar to lightning. A high voltage (but at extremely limited current, for safety) is applied to one or more needles. Electricity is a flow of individual electrons. And these electrons, supplied by the internal circuit, are pushed down the needle towards the point. The nearer they get to the point, the closer they become forced together. Electrons naturally repell each other, so as they reach the tip, the pressure becomes too much and they "jump" off, onto the nearest air molecule, turning it into an ion. Negative ions again repell each other, so they are driven from the needles as a gentle breeze, forming a dense "cloud" in front of the ionizer, which disperses in all directions into the room. If they collide with particles of smoke or pollution near the ionizer, they pass on their "static" charge. As they drift, pollutants such as dust, pollen, cigarette smoke and even vapourised substances like aerosol propellants and car fumes are attracted to and cluster around the ions.)

GfK Group

Retail & Technology

29 July, 2009

Feature 24: Inverter

40

This features describes what kind of Inverter technology is used by the air conditioning model with Inverter.

Options are: AC (=Alternating Current) DC (=Direct Current) Unknown

GfK Group

Retail & Technology

29 July, 2009

Feature 25: Max. WATTAGE Cooling

41

WATTAGE: This numerical feature indicates maximal cooling power in KW. Please note: For MultiSplit please add up the power of all internal units

Kilowatt and Btu calculation:

1 KW = 860 Kcal Kcal x 3.97 = Btu 1 KW = 3414.2 Btu