PETALING JAYA: Consumers shopping for new air conditioners are gradually becoming more conscious of energy efficiency, although many still prioritise affordability when making purchases.
Mohd Faizal Ahmad, 38, an air condition dealer in Klang, said customer preferences were slowly shifting as more learned about how energy-efficient models could reduce electricity bills over time.
“Most customers still look at the price first because that is the biggest factor.
“But when we explain the star rating and show them the estimated electricity usage, many begin to consider higher-efficiency models as they realise the difference in running costs,” he said.
Faizal said households that relied on daily air conditioning usage were usually the most interested in the higher star ratings.
A dealer from Shah Alam, Lim Wei Jian, 41, said many customers ended up choosing three-star units as a balance between price and energy efficiency.
“They feel it is somewhere in between. It is usually more affordable than the higher-rated models but still considered reasonably efficient,” he said.
However, Lim said affordability still influenced most purchasing decisions.
“For families with tight budgets, the cheaper unit is still the immediate choice because they need the air conditioner right away.
“But customers who plan to use the unit for many years are more open to paying a bit more upfront once they understand the long-term savings,” he said.
Contractor Tan Hock Huat, 45, said he usually opted for a three-star air conditioner as it struck a balance between price and energy efficiency.
“It’s not as expensive as the higher-rated models, but it should still be more efficient than the basic ones,” he said.
He said he started to compare estimated annual electricity consumption instead of focusing solely on the purchase price.
“If the price difference for higher-rated models is several hundred ringgit more, I’m not sure it is necessary for my usage.
“A three-star unit feels like a practical choice that can still help keep electricity costs manageable,” Tan said.
Accountant Katelyn Ng, 31, said she preferred to prioritise energy efficiency despite the higher purchase price.
“I use the air conditioner almost every night, so a four- or five-star model makes sense for me.
“Lower electricity bills and fewer repair issues give me peace of mind,” she said.
Ng said she now viewed an air conditioner as a long-term utility investment rather than just another household appliance.
