• A single DVM S2 outdoor unit can connect up to 64 indoor units, minimizing the installation footprint, while with integrated Active AI the building’s operating patterns in real time to hold precise target temperatures and pressures.
• Ideal for retrofits, the DVM S2’s sub-cooling control and smaller main liquid pipe cut overall refrigerant charge by up to 30%¹ — so one system can thread through an occupied building, with 10-plus indoor unit types² to suit existing lobbies, guest rooms and open-plan floors, without major structural work.
• Paired with the DVM S2, SmartThings Pro enables multi-site monitoring, automated scheduling, energy analytics and reporting, and a customizable dashboard — so an entire estate runs from a single screen.

Across Southeast Asia and Oceania, thousands of office towers, hotels, malls and mixed-use developments were constructed before sustainability was ever a priority. With fluctuating climates across the region, Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) is the fastest-growing use of energy in buildings³ — and as electricity prices climb, these ageing properties grow more expensive to run every year.

That makes HVAC systems the first place a retrofit should address. It is also the system most feasible for upgrading without structural work, so the return on investment materializes fast. Tearing a building down to start over, by contrast, is costly, carbon-intensive and slow. As such, a growing number of owners are now asking a different question: what if the smarter move is to upgrade what is already standing?

There are hardware and management tools that can address this growing need. For instance, integrating Samsung’s AI-powered energy management solutions with its intelligent HVAC and connected building technology can help sharpen efficiency and extend a building’s life at once.

Samsung’s DVM S2, Samsung’s Variable Refrigerant Flow system connects a single outdoor unit to as many as 64 indoor units, reducing the new piping and structural work a retrofit demands, while SmartThings Pro’s AI Energy Mode can automatically adjust each connected device against real-time conditions, electricity rates and comfort levels. Together they turn an older property into a responsive, efficient asset — without major structural renovation.

AI-enabled HVAC management: the fastest route to energy savings

Because cooling often carries the heaviest energy load in commercial buildings, it is where a retrofit pays back fastest.

Keen to balance historical preservation with guest comfort, the Bali Beach Hotel Sanur turned to Samsung’s DVM solution for space-tailored cooling — where temperatures are tuned to different environments like lobbies, spa rooms and fitness centers — paired with energy-saving technology and integrated B2B controls. With customizable systems and end-to-end support from consultation through to maintenance, the hotel was modernized without the upheaval a full mechanical overhaul would have forced on a heritage structure.

Where the DVM S2 goes further is efficiency. Rather than running at full capacity by default, the system learns a building’s cooling patterns to intelligently maintain the precise pressures and temperatures each space requires, effectively reducing compressor energy usage by up to 15%.⁴ Beyond hotels, a Bangkok office tower or a Sydney shopping center can also enjoy efficiency gains from the moment the system is calibrated to how the building operates.

The rise of buildings that learn to optimize themselves

Historically, a retrofit was a single intervention whose performance declined gradually as conditions changed. Intelligent systems overturn that premise: the building continues to learn long after installation is complete. The DVM S2 continuously detects indoor conditions and responds in real time, while SmartThings Pro’s AI Energy Mode weighs live occupancy, weather and electricity tariffs to determine how hard each unit should work at any given moment.

The outcome is a building that adapts to how it is actually used — easing demand on unoccupied floors, and shifting load away from peak-tariff periods. These features ensure efficiency is maintained over time, so a building that once needed periodic recommissioning can keep tuning its own performance, season after season.

How connected ecosystems reduce operating and maintenance costs

The most significant long-term savings are often found not in kilowatt-hours, but in the service calls that never become necessary.

Since the DVM S2 and SmartThings Pro operate on a single connected platform, a facilities team can oversee an entire estate from one dashboard: viewing real-time energy analytics, performance trends and early warnings that surface before a fault escalates into a failure.

Predictive maintenance and remote diagnostics can identify a struggling compressor or a refrigerant leak, allowing many issues to be resolved before an engineer is dispatched.

For owners running portfolios spread across cities, multi-site monitoring consolidates a dispersed estate into a single coherent view — this means fewer emergency repairs, reduced downtime and a maintenance program guided by real-time condition data rather than fixed intervals.

This connected ecosystem approach is being incorporated into new developments like Grantz Forest Park, a mixed-use project led by Samsung’s B2B Integrated Offering Center. The development is planned for Cebu, the Philippines, where residential facility managers will be able to remotely check in on the status of facilities through SmartThings Pro, while the Samsung Building Integrated Solution ‘b.IoT’ will enable control and management of HVAC, lighting, and power facilities to enhance building energy efficiency.

The path forward runs through buildings we already have

It’s tempting to treat new construction as the only real form of progress. But in Southeast Asia and Oceania, where HVAC systems consume significant volumes of energy and thousands of buildings already stand, the bigger opportunity isn’t in what gets built next — it’s in upgrading what’s already there.

For building owners across Southeast Asia and Oceania, the question shifts from whether to modernize, to how they can retrofit existing structures. With AI-powered HVAC solutions from Samsung, the region’s offices, hotel buildings, mixed-used developments and more, can look forward to the benefits offered by efficient and intelligent HVAC systems.

1. Conditions apply. ︎
2. Over 10 different types of indoor units, ranging from 5,000 to 96,000 Btu/h. ︎
3. https://www.iea.org/reports/the-future-of-cooling-in-southeast-asia ︎
4. Based on internal testing with an AM080AXVGGH/EU outdoor unit connected to AM083NN4DBH1 and AM145NN4DBH1 indoor units with 25m of piping, using the cooling operation in Auto mode for 4 hours, with an external temperature of 30°C of and a set temperature of 22°C. Results may vary depending on the actual installation and usage conditions, such as the piping length, elevation and external temperature. ︎

Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. held the 2026 edition of The Brief event in Hanoi, Vietnam on 14 October, showcasing its extensive digital appliance portfolio of business solutions and home appliances.

“Samsung’s ambition has always been to deliver new innovations and we have demonstrated how technology can truly add value through our broad range of AI-enabled products and solutions for consumers and businesses,” said Bernard Ang, Regional Head of Home Appliances, Vice President, Samsung Electronics Southeast Asia and Oceania. “Our line-ups are designed to meet real-user needs and as we continue to introduce new innovations, we will focus on expanding the reach of products to benefit more customers, enhance AI experiences for further convenience and personalization, and strengthen the reliability and durability of appliances for both homes and enterprises.”

The Brief Hanoi was attended by more than 50 journalists and influencers from Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, the Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam, who gathered for an in-depth look at Samsung’s latest appliances from different product categories including laundry, refrigerators, and air conditioners.

The event was held at the newly opened Samsung Business Experience Studio (BES) in Hanoi, a space designed to simulate real-world scenarios across various industries, offering customers and visitors the opportunity to experience how Samsung’s wide range of products can be deployed in fields like education, hospitality, and other commercial environments.

Advancing the Future of Smart Cooling Solutions

Samsung has expanded its HVAC (Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning) portfolio across residential and commercial environments — enabling users to leverage AI-driven features and SmartThings connectivity. With the acquisition of European HVAC specialist FläktGroup – which has over a century of accumulated technological expertise and design capabilities – Samsung is also further expanding into industrial applications like data centers, broadening its line-up of diverse HVAC solutions for more customers.

Central to the line-up is WindFree^TM technology, which has been refined over the past decade and now anchors the latest Bespoke AI WindFree Pro Air Conditioner. This model features a streamlined form that allows the air conditioner to fit naturally integrate into the surrounding space and comes equipped with AI-powered technologies for personalized comfort. AI Motion Wind adapts airflow based on user preferences and movements while WindFree Wearable Good Sleep can connect to a compatible wearable device¹ and utilize body signals to automatically adjust the cooling performance based on the user’s sleep state.

Attendees at the event were also given a first look of the 2027 new room air conditioner. The upcoming model comes with a new design featuring a rounded shape and split design on the lower blade, with a fabric-like texture. In addition to its new visual appearance, this model also expands access to AI and smart features such as AI Energy Mode².  

Laundry Solutions for Evolving Business Needs

As Samsung expands its presence in B2B business, the company broadens its product portfolio to meet diverse B2B needs, including laundry solutions, built for best-in-class performance, reliability and ease of operations.

The 18kg washer offers powerful and fast performance even for large loads and items such as king-sized bedding. Washing cycles are efficient, with a normal cycle taking 36 minutes to complete³, while Bubble Wash technology ensures effective removal of stains or detergent on clothes. Meanwhile, equipped with a vent system, the 14kg dryer supports speed drying – with heavy duty loads being completed within 45 minutes⁴. 

With durability a top priority for laundry equipment, the washer is fitted with Vibration Reduction Technology Plus (VRT+) to reduce vibrations⁵ which can accelerate wear and tear of internal parts. Both appliances are also easy to operate and maintain. The Manager Mode on the washer enables convenient adjustment of settings such as rinse and water levels, and with Wi-fi connectivity, operators can also remotely monitor the status and performance of the machine.

Samsung’s approach for the B2B sector is not limited to supporting partners with our expanding product line-ups. As modern building management shifts toward greater efficiency and optimized operations across entire sites — Samsung solutions are designed to work as one. SmartThings Pro, Samsung’s integrated B2B IoT platform, connects HVAC and other devices across residential, retail, hospitality and corporate environments, enabling businesses to manage multiple sites, automate operations and monitor energy use through customized dashboards, and enterprise API integrations.

Reimagining the Connected Home Through AI-Powered Experiences

At the seminar, Samsung highlighted its commitment to making home living smarter and more seamless, demonstrating how its AI-powered appliance ecosystem comes together to support consumers by adding convenience to everyday life. Intelligent features in Samsung refrigerators for example, can help users manage their food inventory, offer personalized recommendations, and simplify everyday decision-making with AI-powered experiences.

With the recent update, refrigerators like the Bespoke AI Refrigerator Family Hub can make planning and preparation of meals much easier. Combining with cloud intelligence, enhanced AI Vision can now recognize more food items than before with greater accuracy, while the SmartThings Food can recommend recipes based on the ingredients a user currently has. Additionally, the new FoodNote widget introduced this year offers tailored suggestions for a shopping list, by analyzing consumption patterns to identify frequently consumed items.

Beyond the Purchase: Appliances That Evolve with Users

Samsung’s connected home is a unified and personal experience across home appliances and services — one designed to keep improving long after purchase.  

To ensure users can continue to enjoy enhanced experiences over time, eligible appliances come with up to seven years of software updates⁶. The latest update in September included upgrades to AI Vision and Now Brief for select refrigerator models globally, with the new capabilities showcased during The Brief Hanoi. Additionally, enhanced Bixby⁷ experiences for natural voice interactions now also provide users with more intuitive controls for their appliances.

With Samsung’s Home Appliances Remote Management (HRM) service⁸, users can provide consent to access real-time remote solutions for product issues. When problems are detected, users can be guided to identify and diagnose the cause, and are provided with step-by-step instructions on how to proceed. If an on-site visit is necessary, HRM can also allow technicians to review diagnostic data in advance, supporting a more efficient experience.

Samsung’s expanding portfolio of intelligent appliances, AI-powered experiences and connected services are evolving alongside the needs of consumers and businesses across Southeast Asia and Oceania. By seamlessly integrating these elements, Samsung continues to deliver more meaningful, everyday AI experiences for all.

To find out more about Samsung’s latest home appliances innovations, visit: https://www.samsung.com/my/.

1. It can be used when linking a Samsung smartphone with Samsung software One UI version 4.0 or later and a wearable device that supports Wear OS: Galaxy Watch 4 or later, Fit 3 or later, Galaxy Ring. ︎
2. Specifications are subject to change. Design and specifications may vary depending on region. AI and Smart features will be available on select models. ︎
3. Based on internal testing using a Normal cycle with an 8lb DOE (cotton 50% + polyester 50%) load. Individual results may vary based on actual load contents. ︎
4. Individual results may vary based on actual load contents. ︎
5. Based on internal testing. Compared to a Samsung conventional model without VRT+. ︎
6. The user will be alerted of updates through the appliance screen when available. Available on Wi-Fi-enabled Samsung appliances produced since 2024. Some updates may have limitations depending on the hardware. ︎
7. Bixby is Samsung’s brand of Internet of Things (IoT) voice assistant. Bixby service availability may vary depending on the country. Bixby only recognizes certain accents and dialects of English (India), English (UK), English (US), French (France), German (Germany), Italian (Italy), Korean (South Korea), Mandarin Chinese (China), Portuguese (Brazil), Spanish (Spain), and Spanish (Latin America).  ︎
8. HRM is supported on SmartThings-enabled models released after 2019. Must download the SmartThings app available on Android and iOS devices. A Wi-Fi connection and a Samsung account are required. ︎

For years, the conversation about smart appliances centered on the home. That intelligence, connectivity and reliability is now expected across the built environment. Across Southeast Asia and Oceania, it’s moving into residential developments, hotels, offices and retail spaces.

With our broad portfolio of integrated B2B solutions, Samsung is supporting the growth of businesses and building owners in the region by addressing their evolving operational needs across heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC), home appliances, as well as smart management technologies. Equipped with a deep understanding of what our enterprise partners need and prioritize, we strive to deliver innovative technologies that can help reduce energy consumption and manage operating costs.    

The expansion of our enterprise sales for instance, already reflects the trust that we have earned from our customers – B2B sales in the region have increased by more than 20% year-on-year.

Why HVAC Has Become a Growth Engine

Southeast Asia and Oceania’s building and construction sector is growing at a steady pace, whether it is building new smart cities and towns or rejuvenating old ones. Southeast Asia and Australia’s construction industry is forecasted to grow more than 5x faster¹ than the global rate in 2026. What’s particularly exciting is the region’s appetite for what’s next, from high-tech manufacturing plants to AI data centers that will define future economies.

Every one of them needs cooling that is smarter, more efficient and more reliable than what came before. That’s why HVAC has become a key growth driver of our business – the B2B segment now makes up more than half of total HVAC sales, with the proportion almost doubling from five years ago – and we believe it’s only getting started.

Our acquisition of FläktGroup brings us closer to that future by deepening our expertise in HVAC systems and enabling us to serve the most demanding environments, such as AI data centers where cooling and ventilation are critical to keep crucial systems and operations going.

Here in this region, demand is rising across a diverse range of building types. In Vietnam, we’re supplying around 3,000 WindFree air-conditioning units to high-rise apartments as part of CapitaLand’s Sycamore development in Ho Chi Minh City, while more than 3,000 air-conditioning units will be installed in Starlake, a mixed-use complex in Hanoi.

In Thailand, we have rolled out HVAC systems across Thaiwatsadu’s retail stores which are also supported by SmartThings Pro to manage energy efficiency and simplify operational management. Additionally, 600 rooms in the 29 buildings of Sheraton Naiharn Hotel & Resort in Phuket will be outfitted with WindFree air-conditioning units. In Sydney, Australia, our cooling systems have been incorporated in residential projects such as Arncliffe Central and AURA by Aqualand.  

Whether it’s a beach resort, or a cutting-edge data center, our comprehensive portfolio means that there are always suitable cooling solutions for diverse needs.

Extending the Opportunity Beyond Cooling

HVAC is not the only category that businesses are paying attention to. Urbanization, changing lifestyles and growing demand for convenience are also driving adoption of suitable laundry solutions in B2B business sectors.

Building on decades of expertise in consumer appliances, we have expanded our laundry lineup for broader capacity choices to meet various B2B needs in Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam, with plans to bring our B2B laundry solutions to more markets in Southeast Asia and Oceania by the end of 2026.

TiTi Laundry in Ho Chi Minh City is one recent example. As one of the first partners that we collaborated with to expand the B2B laundry model in Vietnam, it is open around the clock, with machines that can be monitored and managed remotely. This business model allows connected appliances, such as Samsung’s B2B Laundry solutions, to create new business opportunities for operators, while making everyday life a little easier for the people they serve.

Building Smarter Business Environments

Together, these developments point to a broader change in how businesses are thinking about their physical spaces. Beyond standalone products, our customers increasingly want connected solutions that simplify management across an entire property, instead of having to look after individual systems.

This is taking shape at Granz Forest Park in Cebu, the Philippines, where we have partnered with real estate developer, DH Plus, to provide integrated operational solutions that combine AI-powered appliances, SmartThings Pro, and connected technologies within a single ecosystem, spanning residences, hotel and commercial facilities.

By offering technological expertise, an extensive suite of AI-powered appliances, and smart management platforms, Samsung is enabling businesses and building owners to construct and maintain spaces that are tailored to what users need, and opens new ways to optimize and expand their operations. Through integrated solutions that empower enterprises to optimize operations, reduce costs, and confidently scale up, we are shaping the future of buildings and properties in Southeast Asia and Oceania, supporting the region’s further growth and development.

1. SEA & Global: Construction Market Size, Trends & Forecast 2026-2030 | GlobalData
   Australia: Australia Construction Market Size, Trend Analysis by Sector, Competitive Landscape and Forecast to 2030 (Q3 2026) ︎

In many Malaysian households, air-conditioning is no longer a luxury — it is part of everyday living. But while cool air brings comfort, it can also create an unexpected challenge: keeping the home comfortable for everyone, especially the most sensitive members of the family such as infants and the elderly.

Anyone who has lived in a multi-generational household is familiar with squabbles over the air-conditioner remote. While younger family members may prefer a cooler room, older adults often find it too cold. Research on thermal comfort among older adults in Malaysia has found that seniors are particularly sensitive to temperature and airflow, with comfort levels influenced by factors such as age-related physiological changes, personal preferences and environmental conditions¹. In a tropical climate like Malaysia’s, maintaining a comfortable indoor environment is not simply about making a room colder — it is about creating a balanced cooling experience that supports rest, well-being and quality of life.

This is where the Samsung Bespoke AI WindFree Air Conditioner is designed to make a meaningful difference; by redefining what “cooling” feels like at home.

Gentle, intelligent cooling designed for real life

At the heart of the WindFree experience is Samsung’s signature airflow innovation: 23,000 micro air holes across the front panel. Instead of strong cold drafts, the system gently disperses air to create a “still air” environment that cools the room evenly — without the uncomfortable sensation of direct cold wind. This makes it especially suitable for overnight use in shared family spaces where comfort needs vary across generations.

Users can also choose from 5 Motion Wind modes, each designed for different cooling needs:

• Max Wind: delivers cooling up to 15% faster for instant comfort
• Surround Wind: distributes airflow evenly across the room
• Long Reach Wind: extends cooling coverage twice as far
• Down Wind: pushes warm air downward quickly for faster temperature balance
• WindFree Cooling: maintains a soft, gentle breeze-free environment for continuous comfort

Rather than relying on harsh bursts of cold air, the system adapts airflow distribution to maintain stable comfort throughout the night — ideal for households with babies, elderly parents, or multi-generational living arrangements.

Smarter energy use for everyday savings

Beyond comfort, the Bespoke AI WindFree system is also designed with efficiency in mind. By using AI-driven analysis of usage patterns and surrounding conditions, it helps optimize compressor operation to avoid unnecessary fluctuations; reducing energy consumption by up to 30%.²

This combination of intelligent cooling and energy efficiency is one of the reasons Samsung continues to earn strong consumer trust. In fact, according to a survey conducted in July 2025, 55% of Samsung air-conditioner owners report being highly satisfied with their purchase; significantly higher than the 16% reported among owners of other air-conditioner brands³, underscoring Samsung’s reputation for reliability, performance and innovation.

More importantly, consumers consistently cite four key reasons for choosing Samsung air conditioners: energy-efficient performance that helps keep electricity bills in check, excellent value for money, intelligent features such as AI-powered cooling and SmartThings connectivity, and the assurance that comes with one of the world’s most trusted consumer electronics brands⁴. Together, these strengths make Samsung air conditioners a smart long-term investment for families seeking greater comfort, convenience and peace of mind at home.

Designed for the modern family

The Bespoke AI WindFree Air Conditioner is ultimately built around a simple idea: comfort should not come at the expense of deciding who it should prioritize. Whether it is ensuring a baby sleeps soundly through the night, or allowing elderly family members to rest without discomfort from overcooling, the system brings a more thoughtful approach to indoor climate control.

In a home where every generation matters, cooling is no longer just about lowering temperature — it is about maintaining balance, comfort, and care for everyone under one roof.

Shop the latest Bespoke AI WindFree Air-Conditioner here: Samsung Inverter & Non-Inverter AC Air Conditioners

1. Shi Yin Chee, Older adults’ lived experiences of thermal comfort in senior-friendly accommodations for healthy aging in humid tropics, Asia Pacific Journal of Marketing and Logistics, Volume 38, Issue 1, 2024, Pages 7-28, ISSN 1355-5855, https://doi.org/10.1108/APJML-03-2024-0317 ︎
2. The testing was conducted Samsung’s 132m² residential environment laboratory temperature of 35°C/24°C (dry bulb/wet bulb, KS C 9306: air conditioner. Results provided to and interpreted by Intertek, comparing the power consumption between AI energy mode on and off in AI comfort mode of AR07D9181HZN model. Actual savings may vary by usage patterns and environment and the set temperature may increase by up to 2 degrees. Requires the use of the SmartThings App and a Samsung account. ︎
3. Samsung’s Members Connect AC Pain Points & Needs Share Back Report 2025 which was conducted with 58 participants, aged 18 to 55 years old in July 2025, in Malaysia. ︎
4. Samsung’s Members Connect AC Pain Points & Needs Share Back Report 2025 which was conducted with 58 participants, aged 18 to 55 years old in July 2025, in Malaysia. ︎

Since the launch of the first-generation WindFree air conditioner in 2016 — the world’s first air conditioner to realize the functional innovation of WindFree Cooling — Samsung has continued to reshape the role of home appliances. The second generation expanded appliances into the realm of furniture, fundamentally changing the landscape of living spaces.

What changes, then, does the third generation of WindFree air conditioners bring after a decade of innovation? This year, Samsung introduced the new, AI-powered Bespoke AI WindFree Pro air conditioner, a unit that delivers cooling optimized to user environments and lifestyles. At the same time, its simple and restrained design offers a new interpretation of the relationship between appliances and living spaces.

The innovation and design excellence of the Bespoke AI WindFree Pro were further recognized by leading international design competitions, earning Winner awards at both the iF Design Award 2026 and the Red Dot Design Award 2026.

Samsung Newsroom spoke with Yuna Park of the HVAC Design Group and Sujong Kim of the Aesthetic Intelligence Group in the Digital Appliances (DA) Business to gain deeper insight into the journey behind the creation of the third-generation WindFree design.

▲ Pictured from left: Yuna Park of the HVAC Design Group and Sujong Kim of the Aesthetic Intelligence Group, DA Business

“An Air Conditioner That Resonates With Its Surroundings”: A New Paradigm for 10 Years of WindFree Design Innovation 

Q. It has been 10 years since Samsung introduced the world’s first WindFree design and changed the air conditioner paradigm. What was the design direction behind the new 2026 AI WindFree air conditioner?

Yuna Park: The key concept that defines the third-generation WindFree design is “resonance with space.” The 2026 Bespoke AI WindFree air conditioner uses radar sensors to precisely recognize both users and their living environments, delivering the most comfortable experience for each situation. Inspired by architectural elements, we removed details that unnecessarily draw attention and focused on creating a product that naturally blends into its surroundings through distinctive material expression.

“As technology becomes more advanced, appliances should blend into the background of a space rather than draw attention to themselves. The third-generation WindFree design creates a sense of unity that blurs the boundary between appliances and architecture.”

— Yuna Park

▲ The 2026 Bespoke AI WindFree Pro embodies the concept of “resonance with space.”

Q. What visual and structural changes were introduced in the newest Bespoke AI WindFree lineup and what design elements have been upgraded?

Yuna Park: While the second-generation design emphasized the aesthetic value of appliances through its “canvas design,” which framed the front of the product like a work of art, the third generation focuses on architectural expression that harmonizes with the entire space. We’ve simplified surface elements to their essence and redefined the relationship between function and space through refined dimensionality. The sculpted WindFree elements express the product’s functional evolution, while the areas that interact with surrounding furniture feature richer material expression to create a stronger sense of integration with the space.

▲ The third-generation WindFree design conveys a refreshing sense of comfort through carefully controlled gloss levels and refined texture detailing.

A Minimalist Design Inspired by the Wall Itself: Bespoke AI WindFree Pro

Q. The Bespoke AI WindFree Pro blends naturally into the wall as if it were part of a single surface. It creates a very different impression from conventional wall-mounted air conditioners. Where did this design inspiration come from?

Yuna Park: Traditional wall-mounted air conditioners have been limited by complex internal structures required to deliver performance, resulting in segmented forms that often felt at odds with modern interiors. This time, we returned to the fundamental idea of an appliance that hangs on a wall. We applied the clean vertical and horizontal lines often found in architecture to the product’s form. The upper section, where people’s eyes naturally rest, was intentionally kept clean so it could visually merge with the surrounding wall, while the functional area where air is discharged was clearly separated and positioned at the bottom. By dividing the layout according to architectural proportions, we were able to create a clean form that blends into the wall as though it were part of it.

“I wanted to reimagine the wall-mounted air conditioner — often seen as something that disrupts an interior — as a beautiful architectural element that feels like part of the wall.”

— Yuna Park

Q. What was the most challenging aspect of maintaining powerful cooling performance while achieving the minimalist appearance of a wall-mounted air conditioner?

Yuna Park: The multi-blade system, which precisely controls airflow, is a complex structure that plays a critical role in the air conditioner’s performance. If exposed, it could easily disrupt the clean lines of the exterior. Therefore, achieving the right balance between performance and aesthetics required close collaboration with the engineering team from the earliest stages of development. One of the key challenges was eliminating the visual disconnect caused by the exposure of internal mechanical structures when the two blades operate. To address this, we incorporated a sophisticated secondary blade that complements the movement of the main blade. Even when the blades are fully open during operation, the internal structures remain naturally concealed, allowing us to maximize cooling performance while maintaining a clean appearance at all times.

▲ The Multi-Blade structure of the 2026 Bespoke AI WindFree Pro optimizes airflow for faster and more efficient cooling

Q. Since wall-mounted air conditioners are often installed in bedrooms, studies and other personal spaces, what was the most important consideration in selecting colors and materials?

Sujong Kim: Neutrality was our highest priority. Personal spaces tend to reflect individual tastes more strongly than shared spaces such as living rooms. To avoid imposing a particular mood, we eliminated prominent gloss finishes and bold patterns. Instead, we applied a subtle etched texture that softly absorbs light and reduces visual fatigue. For color, we selected Essential White as the primary option because of its broad appeal. We also introduced Soapstone Charcoal, a deep yet soft dark tone designed for global markets — where demand for darker interior styles continues to grow. Together, these finishes create a calm and restrained atmosphere.

▲ 2026 Bespoke AI WindFree Pro blends in harmoniously with the home space.

Q. Are there any design details that consumers may not immediately notice but that you hope they will appreciate?

Yuna Park: To express the evolved identity of WindFree, we’ve carefully refined both the size of the WindFree micro air holes and the density of their arrangement. It is a subtle detail designed to create perfect visual balance within the product’s clean outline. Beyond the exterior, we also paid close attention to the finish quality of the internal structures. Even when glimpses of internal components are visible during operation, they are designed to appear visually organized and refined.

From Appliances to Spatial Value: Samsung WindFree Air Conditioners and the Pursuit of Sustainable Design

“I want to create a moment when users move beyond saying that the air conditioner has an impressive design and instead feel that their space — their home — has become more refined because of their WindFree air conditioner.”

— Sujong Kim

Q. Samsung WindFree air conditioners have become an element that helps complete the overall experience of a space. Looking ahead, where do you see the design heading and what goals would you like to achieve as a designer?

Yuna Park: As AI technology continues to evolve, appliances will become increasingly intelligent. What matters most, however, is not showcasing technology but delivering experiences that feel natural and comfortable to users. Future WindFree designs will continue to soften the mechanical presence of air conditioners and strengthen the sense of stability they bring to the relationship between people and spaces. As a designer, I will continue exploring new materials and design expressions that expand the user’s spatial experience. Ultimately, I want air conditioners to be recognized not simply as machines that manage air, but as distinctive objects that elevate the overall quality of a space.

Sujong Kim: Another important pillar is sustainability. The future direction of CMF[1] design lies in maintaining WindFree’s unique character and design integrity while actively incorporating recycled materials and environmentally conscious finishing processes. We also hope to explore the use of natural materials often found in premium furniture and architectural interiors, such as fabric, wood and stone. Our goal is to create products that feel less like appliances and more like original elements of the architecture itself. I want users to move beyond saying, “This air conditioner has a beautiful design,” and instead feel, “My space — my home — has become more refined because of my WindFree air conditioner.”

Behind the comfort we enjoy every day lies the tireless dedication and thoughtful craftsmanship of designers who continuously refine the technologies that support it. By advancing both performance and design without compromise, Samsung WindFree air conditioners continue to enhance the value of the spaces people create. Having redefined the role of the air conditioner with each generation, WindFree is set to continue its evolution.

[1] Color, Material and Finishing. 

At the exhibition, Samsung Electronics operated a 350-square-meter booth and presented its vision for next-generation HVAC solutions under the theme “Enabling Better Living.” Spanning residential to commercial applications, Samsung demonstrated how AI-driven energy management and advanced maintenance innovations can deliver tangible benefits in real-world environments.

Samsung Newsroom sat down with Hye-seong Baek, Vice President of the Digital Appliances (DA) Business at Samsung Electronics, to discuss the company’s HVAC innovations and strategies.

▲ Hye-seong Baek, Vice President of Digital Appliances (DA) Business at Samsung Electronics

 Q. What were the key factors behind Samsung’s participation in this year’s AHR Expo?

Since Samsung’s first official debut in 2015, Samsung has showcased its latest innovations at the AHR Expo every year. Additionally, North America is the world’s second-largest HVAC market, and it represents a critical arena where the industry’s most advanced technologies compete.

At this year’s exhibition, Samsung directly engaged with its partners to share its differentiated business vision and AI-based HVAC solutions, while further strengthening mid- to long-term partnerships built on mutual trust.

Q. What were the key products and solutions showcased at this year’s Expo?

Samsung unveiled a wide range of solutions that bring enhanced convenience and connectivity to diverse industrial applications and customer environments.

In the commercial segment, Samsung introduced the DVM S2+, a high-efficiency, large-capacity air-conditioning solution with significantly enhanced AI capabilities. At its core is on-device AI that learns from its environment in real time to minimize energy consumption while delivering optimal indoor comfort.

In line with residential sustainability trends, Samsung is targeting the North American unitary[1] market with Hylex, an inverter-based outdoor unit that uses the low global warming potential (GWP)[2] R454B refrigerant, as a key product. The newly introduced Hylex features inverter technology that delivers high energy efficiency, low noise and a compact design tailored to North American consumer preferences.

Samsung also strengthened its EHS lineup of residential air-to-water heat pumps (AWHPs), offering a practical alternative to conventional fossil-fuel boilers while maximizing hot-water supply and heating efficiency.

▲ Samsung Electronics showcased its HVAC system and solutions at the AHR Expo 2026

Q. At this year’s CES, Samsung shared its vision of HVAC solutions serving as a new growth engine. Why is Samsung increasingly focusing on the HVAC sector?

HVAC is a core technology that regulates temperature and humidity across residential, commercial and industrial facilities, and the HVAC sector plays an essential role in supporting everyday life by providing optimal air conditions in these spaces. In recent years, the market has gained further momentum amid global efforts to address climate change, paired with increasingly comprehensive regulations on eco-conscious energy use. Looking ahead, Samsung anticipates the market to grow annually at a stable rate of approximately 5%.

Samsung is focusing on scaling HVAC services in connection with smart homes and smart cities. By integrating Samsung’s AI technologies and SmartThings across the broader HVAC market, Samsung expects to see strong potential to create meaningful synergies ranging from remote maintenance to energy cost optimization.

Q. What do you see as the key trends shaping the U.S. HVAC market in 2026?

This year, the key trends in the U.S. market are sustainability and high efficiency. Environmental regulations such as the adoption of low-GWP refrigerants are continuing to expand into the commercial sector, alongside new design and installation standards being introduced. In response, the market is shifting away from high energy-consuming, fixed-speed air conditioners toward high-efficiency inverter heat pump systems.

In the residential segment, demand for eco-conscious HVAC heat pumps is steadily increasing, while the adoption of VRF(Variable Refrigerant Flow) systems is accelerating in the commercial sector. This is driving greater diversification across HVAC solutions, while rising demand for AI data centers and high-performance computing is fueling the growth of precision cooling systems as an increasingly important market segment.

Moreover, AI-based predictive maintenance and optimization technologies — along with comfort and energy-saving solutions enabled by a wide range of IoT sensors — are becoming more widespread, with improvements in energy and operational efficiency emerging as a key industry trend.

Q. What sets Samsung apart from its competitors in the highly competitive North American HVAC market?

In North America, the residential segment accounts for approximately 70% of the HVAC market, while the commercial segment represents about 30%. In the residential space, Samsung is expanding its regional distribution network with Samsung Lennox HVAC North America, its joint venture with leading residential HVAC provider Lennox. Through this venture, Samsung leverages its energy-efficient, inverter-based ductless lineup.

In the commercial segment, Samsung is working closely with FläktGroup, Europe’s largest HVAC equipment provider — which the company recently acquired. Together, the companies offer comprehensive, customized solutions centered on modular chillers,[3] tailored for high-value applications such as data centers and cleanrooms.

Above all, Samsung’s most distinctive strength lies in the hyperconnectivity enabled by SmartThings and SmartThings Pro. In residential settings, this means continuously evolving experiences as a result of seamless connectivity, while in commercial environments, it manifests as advanced solutions that significantly enhance building-wide energy optimization and maintenance efficiency.

Q. What are Samsung’s goals in the North American HVAC market?

The goal is clear: to leap forward as a top-tier HVAC player in the North American market by leveraging advanced technologies and a diverse product portfolio.

Building on Samsung’s unique strengths in the ductless segment, Samsung is planning to expand into the ducted market — where centralized systems are the norm — through strategic synergies with FläktGroup. With the combination of Samsung’s chiller technologies and FläktGroup’s advanced cooling solutions, Samsung will deliver optimized solutions for data center applications.

In parallel, Samsung will continue to accelerate the rollout of products with low GWP and further strengthen AI-powered energy-saving technologies. Through these efforts, Samsung aims to deliver a differentiated, integrated energy management experience for consumers in the North American residential market, where heating and cooling account for a significant share of electricity consumption.

For more information, visit: https://news.samsung.com/my/

[1] Commonly used in North America, residential unitary systems cool homes and mid-sized buildings by distributing chilled air through ductwork.

[2] A metric that indicates the amount of energy the emission of 1 ton of gas will absorb over a given period of time, relative to the emission of 1 ton of carbon dioxide.

[3] A system designed with cooling capacity divided into multiple independent modules, enabling a stable supply of heating and cooling to meet a building or facility’s load requirements.

Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. today announced that it has signed an agreement to acquire all shares of FläktGroup, a leading global HVAC solutions provider, for €1.5 billion from European investment firm Triton. With the global applied HVAC market experiencing rapid growth, the acquisition reinforces Samsung’s commitment to expanding and strengthening its HVAC business.

“Through the acquisition of FläktGroup, an applied HVAC specialist, Samsung Electronics has laid the foundation to become a leader in the global HVAC business, offering a full range of solutions to our customers,” said TM Roh, Acting Head of the Device eXperience (DX) Division at Samsung Electronics. “Our commitment is to continue investing in and developing the high-growth HVAC business as a key future growth engine.”

FläktGroup, based in Herne, Germany, has over a century of accumulated technological expertise and design capabilities, offering diverse products and solutions tailored to each customer. FläktGroup supplies high-reliability and high-efficiency HVAC systems to a wide range of buildings and facilities, including data centers that require stable cooling, museums and libraries managing sensitive historical artifacts, airports and terminals with high foot traffic, and large hospitals where hygiene, temperature, and humidity control are critically important.

In the large-scale data center market globally, FläktGroup has secured high customer satisfaction through its product performance, reliability, and service support, achieving substantial revenue growth over the past three years. FläktGroup’s data center solutions include its industry-leading liquid cooling and air cooling products, which have enabled customers to reduce energy consumption, contributing to achieving lower carbon footprint goals.

Last year, FläktGroup won the DCS Cooling Innovation of the Year Award at the DCS Cooling Awards, in recognition of its innovative and advanced technologies.

“We are extremely pleased that FläktGroup has become a part of Samsung Electronics. FläktGroup, as a global top-tier HVAC specialist with over a century of expertise, has been relied on by global large clients for its technological and product innovations,” said Trevor Young, CEO of FläktGroup. “Now, with Samsung Electronics’ global business foundation and investment, we expect to further accelerate our growth.”

In addition to data centers, FläktGroup has secured a diverse portfolio of over 60 large customers, including leading pharmaceutical companies, biotech and food and beverage firms, and gigafactories.

Samsung investing in HVAC business as key growth engine

The HVAC industry is expected to continue growing with demand for innovative and energy-efficient solutions that improve air quality and control temperature and humidity to provide comfort and safety. Samsung will continue to invest in the HVAC business and has recently made acquisitions and investments across robotics, medical technology and the consumer audio sectors as part of its commitment to expand into new growth businesses.

According to some market research forecasts, the applied HVAC market is projected to grow from $61 billion in 2024 to $99 billion by 2030, at an annual growth rate of 8%, while the data center cooling market is expected to grow at a faster pace at an annual growth rate of 18%. The data center segment in particular has high entry barriers, requiring global supply experience and the ability to present optimal designs and solutions for customers.

In its acquisition of FläktGroup, Samsung anticipates sustained growth in data center demand due to the proliferation of generative AI, robotics, autonomous driving, XR, and other technologies.

In addition, Samsung’s building integration control solution (b.IoT) and FläktGroup’s HVAC control solution (FläktEdge) will offer a full suite of HVAC and building energy control systems, through which the company expects an expansion of its service and maintenance business.

Samsung has been expanding its HVAC business with a focus on ductless systems, which supply general and system air conditioners to residential and commercial buildings. In May 2024, Samsung formed a joint venture with Lennox International Inc. to strengthen its position in the North America HVAC market and added Lennox’s distribution channels to the company’s own sales channels.

The transaction is expected to close within 2025.

Samsung Electronics today announced it will showcase its comprehensive Heating, Ventilating and Air-Conditioning (HVAC) product lineup at the 2025 International Air-Conditioning, Heating, Refrigerating Exposition (AHR Expo) to be held Feb. 10-12 in Orlando, Florida. At booth 6043, the company will introduce key products — including Hylex universal inverter-driven heat pumps (premium and standard series), EHS Mono air-to-water heat pumps and R32-based DVM S2 variable refrigerant flow (VRF) systems — across four different zones (Featured Products, Light Commercial, Commercial and Residential / Controls / Compressor).

Held at the Orange County Convention Center, the AHR Expo is co-sponsored by the Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI) and the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE). Since its inception in 1930, the expo has been regarded as the industry’s biggest and best event for OEMs, engineers, contractors and other trade professionals, making it an ideal venue for the company to demonstrate its latest HVAC technologies and products.

“The AHR Expo serves as an annual bellwether for the industry, which is why we’ve decided to introduce cutting-edge products like the Hylex series of heat pumps at this event, said Hank Choi, Corporate VP and Head of Air Solution Business Team, Digital Appliances (DA) Business at Samsung Electronics. “We are confident that the newest iterations of Samsung’s innovative HVAC technology will help to uplift the user experience across consumer and commercial applications around the globe.”

Hylex Heat Pumps Are True Game Changers for Residential HVAC

As a universal inverter-driven heat pump, Hylex has been designed to revolutionize HVAC through seamless installation and high efficiency. Hylex systems can utilize existing refrigerant piping and provide different piping options for even greater installation flexibility during replacement applications. To further reduce installation costs, they can also use existing control wiring and are compatible with most 24VAC thermostats. Available in the Premium, Deluxe+, and Deluxe series, Hylex also offers built-in Wi-Fi for energy and unit monitoring through SmartThings.[1]

EHS Mono Brings Water Heating With Low Noise

Comprising a ClimateHub or Hydro indoor unit and one EHS Mono HT outdoor unit, Samsung’s EHS Mono is a water-heating solution with enhanced capabilities that caters to user needs, even at extreme outside temperatures. The combination of various advanced features allows it to achieve a hot water temperature of up to 158°F (70°C) with an operating range of -13°F to 95°F (-25°C to 35°C).

On the engineering level, the EHS Mono HT Quiet’s has a flash injection compressor that enhances heating performance at low temperatures through increased refrigerant mass flow. The heat pump also benefits from new noise-reducing technologies, which allow it to operate at noise levels as low as 35 dB(A) at three meters (10 feet) in low noise mode.

DVM S2 Offers Next-Gen Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) Performance

The DVM S2, which is the latest generation of Samsung’s Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) systems, has been designed to deliver energy efficiency along with excellent heating and cooling performance. The system optimizes heating cycles by analyzing fan motor currents and temperature data, reducing defrost duration and improving comfort. Additionally, high- and low-pressure control ensures precise system adjustments, automatically recognizing pipe lengths and optimizing pressure levels to reduce the energy used by the compressor by up to 15%.[2]

Furthermore, the DVM S2 uses data from various sensors to determine the ideal amount of refrigerant and detect refrigerant volume so that it can ensure improved performance[3] and provide early warnings for maintenance. It also brings reduced liquid pipe diameters to lower the overall system charge by 28% on average,[4] making the system more efficient and cost-effective.

To find out more about Samsung’s HVAC systems, visit https://www.samsunghvac.com/.

[1] Available for download on the Google Play store and App Store®. A network connection is required. Samsung application account is necessary.

[2] Conditions apply. Refer to technical documents for more information.

[3] Requires an initial dedicated refrigerant check function during commissioning.

[4] Restrictions apply.

Thanks to extensive growth of its partnership network, SmartThings Energy is growing into a smart energy management solution able to encompass the energy consumption of every appliance in a home, and even integrates such newer, renewable energy sources as solar.

Read on to learn more about this innovative new service and how it is empowering consumers to make smart decisions that reduce both their energy bills and their carbon footprint.

SmartThings Energy: The Smart Way to Manage Energy Usage

SmartThings Energy’s core capability is its ability to monitor and analyze the energy used by devices and appliances connected to the SmartThings platform. Users are provided with a comprehensive view of how their devices use energy so they can take control of their energy consumption and reduce their monthly energy bill.

Not only can the service be harnessed to automatically switch appliances to low energy mode and prevent appliances from running when no one is at home, the service can also notify you when your energy consumption exceeds monthly targets. SmartThings Energy can also use energy billing system information, including peak time rates, in order to help you adjust your energy usage and subsequently minimize energy costs.

Available in Korea, India, the U.S. and the U.K., SmartThings Energy currently supports most Samsung Home Appliances and HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) products. In the future, SmartThings Energy is set to expand into more regions and support compatibility with a range of Works With SmartThings (WWST) 3^rd-party partners.

Fostering Partnerships for More Powerful Smart Energy Management

When developing their smart energy management solution, Samsung envisaged SmartThings Energy as a way to empower users to be able to control the way energy is used throughout their homes and make smarter, greener decisions at home.

“We are pursuing partnerships with major energy providers around the world to provide a comprehensive view of energy consumption through SmartThings Energy,” noted Chanwoo Park, Vice President and Head of IoT Business group at Samsung Electronics. “We believe that through these partnerships, SmartThings users will be able to make more informed choices about their energy consumption that will not only save them money but also help them lead a more eco-conscious lifestyle.”

These partnership efforts kicked off with two major agreements recently announced in Korea. The first, made with Korea’s largest electric utility company, Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO), will provide energy usage information from KEPCO to SmartThings Energy for users who have given consent, meaning that users will have access to information about their entire homes’ energy consumption beyond just those devices connected to SmartThings. This service will be available for users in Korea starting later this year.

This development will set the groundwork for allowing whole home energy monitoring with Advanced Meter Infrastructure (AMI), or smart meters, through SmartThings Energy in regions around the world.

The second agreement, announced in early July 2021, is a partnership between SmartThings Energy and Q CELLS, a global leading solar manufacturer. Under this agreement, SmartThings Energy will be able to connect to Q CELLS’ solar modules, energy storage systems, and energy management systems. Once this solution is available, users will be able to monitor and control how they generate, save and use solar power, optimizing their energy consumption for both cost efficiency and sustainability.

The SmartThings Ecosystem: Working Together for the User and the Environment

SmartThings Energy is one of the latest services available on the SmartThings platform, which currently consists of such handy smart solutions as SmartThings Cooking, Clothing Care and Air.

When such solutions and services come together with Samsung’s range of leading intelligent home appliances, mobile and wearable devices and other lifestyle products, users can not only customize their lifestyles in ways that prioritize a more sustainable future, but also enjoy optimal convenience and efficiency in their routines, home management and more.

The introduction of the SmartThings Energy platform as a complement to the existing SmartThings ecosystem and associated devices is the next step in the journey towards totally personalized and sustainable living. Stay tuned to Samsung Newsroom for the latest news about SmartThings Energy and the SmartThings ecosystem as it continues to grow.