V Rises as HVAC Competition Spreads to Bathrooms and Kitchens

The HVAC market is expanding into kitchens and bathrooms as exhaust fans and range hoods—once seen as low-cost installations—are now incorporating air quality sensors, heating, dehumidification, and automated control features, positioning them as consumer appliances. Companies like Hufs, Hats, and 경동나비엔 are intensifying competition by expanding into each other's markets. Hufs, the top kitchen ventilation brand, is growing B2C sales through online channels and offering bathroom solutions, while Tippel, leading in bathroom ventilation, is focusing on offline retail and introducing new products. Traditional HVAC and whole-house ventilation companies are also entering individual spaces like bathrooms and kitchens, with 경동나비엔 launching a new bathroom ventilation product and 대성쎌틱 expanding its clean-air product line. LG recently introduced a bathroom air quality management system, integrating smart home and subscription services. The shift reflects a structural change in the industry and growing strategic competition.