Samsung Newsroom explored why this advanced air conditioning technology has been so well-received by global consumers.

▲ WindFree technology facilitates calmer, more comfortable sleep.

A recent Samsung survey[2] of 1,840 respondents from Brazil, India, Italy, Korea, Thailand and the United States revealed that 44.6% (820) favor WindFree air conditioning. More than half of these users (58%) selected “comfortable sleep” as their primary reason for choosing WindFree air conditioning. The results indicate that a growing number of consumers expect air conditioners to go beyond traditional cooling functions to offer options fit for any situation.

In addition, the survey showed that air conditioners are most used before and after bedtime. Nearly half (48%) of respondents use their air conditioners from 9 p.m. to bedtime, followed by 42% during sleep.

The advanced structure of air conditioners with WindFree technology allows airflow to be evenly distributed through 270,000 micro air holes[3]. Once the room reaches a set temperature, the unit automatically switches to WindFree mode — gently cooling the space without the unpleasant sensation of cold air on skin — and creates optimal conditions for deep sleep.

“Energy savings compared to normal mode” was the second reason users preferred WindFree air conditioning. As energy savings gain interest in the face of climate change, the survey results indicate that WindFree technology addresses consumer demands for reduced electricity consumption.

In WindFree mode, electricity use is reduced by up to 77%[4] compared to maximum cooling environments, offering substantial savings on electricity bills during peak summer months.

Additionally, respondents chose WindFree air conditioning to ensure “even cooling” (50%), “minimizing physical irritation” (48%) and utilize “AI automatic cooling” (44%).

WindFree air conditioner has received numerous international awards including top honors for the third consecutive year at the 2024 Korean Innovation Frontier Awards; the MCE Excellence Award at the 2024 Mostra Convegno Expocomfort (MCE), a leading global HVAC and refrigeration exhibition; and the Top Quality/Price award for the air conditioner category in 2022 from the German Institute for Quality and Finance (ITQF), one of Europe’s leading certification bodies.

“Since its debut in 2016, WindFree air conditioning has garnered significant appreciation from consumers around the world,” said Byoungha Song, Head of Air Solution Product Planning Group, DA Business at Samsung Electronics. “We will continue to provide innovative products that deliver personalized care to all of our users.”

[1] Internally collected data of air conditioners and system air conditioners from early July 2021 to late June 2024.

[2] Conducted online with multiple responses acceptable. Respondents were individuals between 20 and 59 years old who are the primary users or key decision-makers in appliance purchases from households with above-average incomes that own residential air conditioning units.

[3] Specifications based on Bespoke AI WindFree Gallery models (for 81.8㎡ and 65.9㎡).

[4] Claim is based on internal testing and may vary under actual usage conditions. Test was conducted under KS standard testing conditions (KS C 9306: Air Conditioners). Indoor conditions were 27°C / 19°C (dry bulb / wet bulb) and outdoor conditions were 35°C / 24°C (dry bulb / wet bulb). The testing model was Samsung AR07D9150HA3. Energy-saving rate is verified by Intertek, an international testing and certification organization, and may vary based on real-world usage.

Samsung Newsroom is taking a closer look to explore the stories behind Samsung Core Tech in this second instalment. To unlock the full potential of every home, consumers require reliable, advanced appliances that boost convenience and eliminate hassle. Samsung has identified and answered this need with Core Tech, a philosophy comprised of four key themes — Outstanding, AI-Powered, Flexible Use and Durable & Sustainable. By introducing innovative technologies across its wide range of home appliances that follow these key principles, Samsung ensures that users optimize their living spaces and enrich their homes with unparalleled efficiency and ease.

WindFree: Cooling Redefined by Tradition

A prevalent pet peeve for air conditioner users is feeling a chilly breeze that is too strong when their units are running. To solve this issue, Samsung has developed a brand-new feature inspired by the traditional Korean practice of stone ice storage, known as seokbinggo. Essentially an ancient form of refrigeration, seokbinggo managed to keep items cool without cold drafts — making it an ideal source of inspiration for this new feature.

The WindFree air conditioner was successfully launched in 2015 after four years of extensive research and development. This ‘Outstanding’ piece of technology helps cool rooms gently and evenly by dispersing air through more than 23,000 micro air holes[1], so users feel as if they’re floating inside a cool, comfortable cloud.

Why do refrigerator doors sometimes refuse to open? The internal pressure of a fridge drops as it chills, generating a suction effect that resists users’ efforts to open the door. To make opening fridge doors a breeze, Samsung designed the convenient Auto Open Door[2] feature.

Boasting 27 patents from seven countries, this innovation is a game-changer for those who find opening fridge doors to be a challenge. Designed to be used with one simple touch this thoughtful feature helps make the refrigerator more accessible to a wider range of users. Created to enhance the ‘Flexible Use’ of home appliances, Auto Open Door also comes in handy when users have their hands full of groceries.