Approximately 40% Intend to Refrain from Using Air Conditioning to Save on Electricity Bills

Oak Lawn Marketing, Inc. (Headquarters: Higashi-ku, Nagoya; Chairman and President: Robert W. Roach), which sells the energy-saving small cooler 'COCOHIE', conducted a survey of men and women nationwide regarding their awareness of air conditioner usage against the backdrop of rising electricity prices in the summer of 2026.

As a result, 43% of all respondents answered that they would 'refrain from using the air conditioner or raise the set temperature to save on electricity bills,' revealing the spread of 'endurance-based power saving.'

■ Approximately 40% intend to refrain from using cooling, showing a marked tendency towards saving

In response to the question, 'Given the recent electricity price hikes, what are your thoughts on using your air conditioner this summer?',

'Very conscious of saving, want to refrain from using it': 14%

'Somewhat conscious of saving, want to raise the set temperature': 28%

A total of 43% indicated an intention to suppress cooling usage for power saving.

On the other hand, only 36% said they would 'prioritize heat countermeasures and use it as usual,' showing that the tendency to save outweighed other considerations.

■ About half of elderly women intend to refrain from cooling

Particularly among women in their 60s and 70s, 49% said they would 'refrain from cooling or raise the set temperature,' which is 12 points higher than men in their 30s to 50s, showing a tendency for about half to prioritize saving.

Elderly people showed a tendency to refrain from using cooling due to awareness of electricity costs. While appropriate heat countermeasures are generally considered important in summer, the results suggest that people are struggling with how to use their air conditioners.

■ Survey Overview

Survey method: Internet survey

Survey period: April 2026

Survey target: Men and women in their 30s to 70s nationwide

Valid responses: Surveyed 1,000 people, responses from 952 air conditioner owners

■ Changes in cooling usage amid soaring electricity bills

Against the backdrop of recent electricity price increases, it was found that a certain number of people are conscious of saving when using cooling in the summer.

On the other hand, as extremely hot days and tropical nights increase, appropriate heat countermeasures are considered important in summer, and the results also suggest that people are struggling with how to use their air conditioners.

■ The concept of 'personal cooling' is gaining attention

Against this background, the concept of 'personal cooling,' used in conjunction with air conditioners, has been gaining attention in recent years.

In addition to individual differences in perceived temperature, there are also places such as kitchens, changing rooms, and studies where the air from the air conditioner does not reach easily and heat tends to accumulate.

Interest is growing in cooling devices that support improved comfort by delivering cool air supplementarily to necessary places in such spaces.

■ 'COCOHIE' also meets 'supplementary cooling' needs

The personal cooling device 'COCOHIE' sold by our company is a cool air fan that applies the principle of water spraying (uchimizu).

It has a compact design and is easy to carry, and is used in scenes where you want to supplementally cool down in conjunction with an air conditioner, such as around a desk, in the kitchen, or by the pillow when sleeping.

Another feature is that it is easy to incorporate into daily life due to its low power consumption design.

▼Energy-saving small cooler 'COCOHIE R8' product page▼

https://www.shopjapan.co.jp/products/CCH0-00000/

The 'COCOHIE R8' is a portable cool air fan.

Using cooling technology that utilizes the evaporative cooling phenomenon, it emits cold air up to -10°C (compared to room temperature)*1 from the outlet.

The electricity cost is approximately 208 yen*2 even if left on for a month, making it easy on the household budget and designed for daily use.

The 2026 latest model adopts a high-performance motor, improving wind speed by approximately 30%*3 compared to the previous model, achieving more powerful cooling.

Additionally, a new color 'Blue Gray' has been added, making a total of four colors including White, Black, and Greige. The calm color lineup that blends into interiors supports a wider range of scenes.

*1 Measured at air volume (high) setting, room temperature 35.2°C (near intake), humidity 30%, outlet 0cm: -10.0°C (compared to room temperature)

Measured at air volume (high) setting, room temperature 30.5°C (near intake), humidity 60%, outlet 0cm: -4.5°C (compared to room temperature) / measured at 50cm: -2.1°C (compared to room temperature)

*2 Comparison of wind speed at the outlet with the previous model COCOHIE R7

*3 Calculated based on power consumption of 9W (turbo air volume, no oscillation function) left on for one month (31 days) at 31 yen per kWh. Varies depending on usage conditions.