Samsung Electronics said on the 30th that sales of its energy efficiency grade 1 home appliances, which joined the government's "Top-efficiency home appliance rebate program" (Top-efficiency program) over the past two months, rose about 20% from a year earlier.
The Top-efficiency program is run under the supervision of the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy and organized by the Korea Energy Agency (KEA). When consumers purchase energy efficiency grade 1 home appliances, they are reimbursed 10% of the purchase amount, up to 300,000 won per person.
In step with the Top-efficiency program, Samsung Electronics has introduced energy efficiency grade 1 appliances equipped with innovative AI features that save energy, while strengthening customer guidance on the program and offering various purchase benefits to help expand high-efficiency home appliances.
In addition to the government rebate benefit of up to 300,000 won and various purchase perks such as up to 10% Samsung Electronics membership points provided by Samsung Electronics, the tangible effect of lowering electricity bills by buying high-efficiency appliances is seen to have driven consumer demand.
In particular, Samsung Electronics' high-efficiency "AI big three" home appliances—the air conditioner, washer, and refrigerator—not only deliver core performance but also feature AI functions that significantly boost energy efficiency, driving sales with strong consumer response from those focused on cutting electricity bills. Sales of high-efficiency air conditioners and washers jumped more than 20% from a year earlier, and refrigerator sales also climbed more than 15%.
Buoyed by the popularity of energy efficiency grade 1 appliances, sales of "energy efficiency grade 1" appliances accounted for about 40% of Samsung Electronics' total home appliance sales over the two months of July–August.
Kim Yong-hun, managing director overseeing Korea at Samsung Electronics, said, "Among energy efficiency grade 1 products, the 'AI big three' combined high energy efficiency with AI functions, gained strong popularity from consumers, and drove sales," adding, "We hope you will explore Samsung Electronics' high-efficiency home appliances through various benefits."