Air conditioner powered by a 'PC fan' labeled a scam by German consumer organization — there's a reason this lookalike AC unit is far cheaper than its competitors

Germany's top consumer testing organization, Stiftung Warentest, has issued a warning against a fake air conditioner sold by the Chinese brand Epicooler. According to the source, this product is essentially a "PC fan combined with a small heating element" and is far cheaper than other air conditioners on the market. Despite its low price, the device does not effectively cool a room when set to its 'Cold Wind' mode, according to tests conducted.

Epicooler aggressively markets its air conditioners through AI-generated videos on social media and YouTube, as well as in online magazines. The products appear very similar to traditional air conditioners but are sold for a fraction of the price, leading many people to purchase them in hopes of getting a good deal. However, consumers who bought the Epicooler have found themselves overpaying for a box containing a PC fan and a heating coil.

The organization suspects that the low price of the Epicooler is intentional, designed to attract customers who are willing to take a risk on a "bargain" product. The fake air conditioner is sold for €163 ($188) and is shipped from China, even when local warehouse stock is advertised. This tactic may help the company evade national regulators such as the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and avoid local consumer protection laws regarding product description accuracy, refunds, and other consumer protection measures.

The story notes that Epicooler has faced accusations of selling fake products in the past and has received negative reviews on consumer review sites and social media. However, the organization believes that exposing this latest scam through a leading European consumer testing organization is important, as it alerts consumers to the potential risks of purchasing cheap air conditioners from unknown brands.