The South African HVAC Market

Energy Efficiency Awareness Boosts the South African Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning Market

The top five vertical industries of the HVAC market are significantly growing, driven by environmental concerns and greater energy efficiency awareness. Increased pressure on energy resources in the country has also increased the drive for new, energy-efficient HVAC equipment as well as upgrades for existing equipment. "HVAC has historically been perceived as a large power consumer, limiting the market to some extent," says the analyst of this research. "However, this is now changing due to enhancements in the technology and methodologies used." Recently, there have been two significant developments in the mining industry pertaining to the optimisation of HVAC equipment - the altering of underground refrigeration systems to modify energy consumption demand and the diameter of the ducting systems used to ventilate the shafts.

However, the top five vertical industries of the South African HVAC market are characterised by low product differentiation and intense competition amongst existing companies. "Competition is fierce due to the fragmented nature of the market," explains the analyst. "With several companies operating in the market there are multiple brands stocked by each company."

Offering systems at competitive prices is the key strategy for success as similar products are usually introduced into the market. HVAC companies should also provide total building technology solutions to sustain their competitive positions in the market. The growing demand for integrated systems is beginning to result in HVAC systems being sold as integrated systems. "End users are increasingly looking for a combination of systems," concludes the analyst. "These could be a combination of security, lighting and HVAC systems or the inclusion of filtration, extraction, humidification and general air quality control into one HVAC system."

Market Sectors

Expert Frost & Sullivan analysts thoroughly examine the following market sectors in this research:

• Mining industry
• Energy and power industry
• Manufacturing industry
• Commercial property industry
• Public sector

Technologies

The following technologies are covered in this research:

• Single and split air conditioners
• Central air conditioning
• Misting fans
• Evaporative coolers
• Turbine ventilators