Nearly 60% Aware of the '2027 Air Conditioner Problem' | Rising Interest in Window Insulation for Energy Savings

And Reform, a renovation information media outlet operated by Belle Techno Co., Ltd., conducted a survey on the relationship between the upcoming 2027 energy efficiency standards for residential air conditioners—often called the '2027 Air Conditioner Problem'—and the demand for home insulation renovation.

Recently, there has been growing concern on social media and residential platforms regarding potential price increases for air conditioners starting in 2027. This stems from the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry's (METI) move to tighten energy standards, requiring manufacturers to achieve higher efficiency by the target year of 2027.

While it is not confirmed that all models will see sharp price hikes, industry experts point to several factors that could drive costs up:
- Increased manufacturing costs due to high-performance components
- Possible reduction in low-cost entry models
- Surge in demand due to extreme heatwaves
- Rising labor and logistics costs

In a survey conducted by And Reform in May 2026 (n=800), approximately 60% of respondents were aware of the '2027 Air Conditioner Problem.' However, only about 24% understood the specific details, highlighting a gap between general awareness and practical knowledge.

Furthermore, 97.5% of respondents reported feeling the burden of high electricity bills in summer. This has led to a shift from simply replacing air conditioners to improving the overall cooling and heating efficiency of the home. When insulation is poor, air leaks easily, forcing air conditioners to work harder, which increases costs and requires larger, more expensive units.

Consequently, interest in 'window insulation' (such as interior windows) has risen, with 33% of respondents selecting it as a future energy-saving measure. Windows are the primary points of heat exchange in a house. Implementing insulation through interior window installation or glass replacement can significantly improve efficiency. Currently, government subsidies such as the 'Advanced Window Renovation 2026 Project' and the 'Mirai Eco Housing 2026 Project' are available to support these renovations.

The 2026 fiscal year is characterized by robust subsidies for residential insulation. Waiting until a unit breaks during a heatwave may result in stock shortages or installation delays. Therefore, for households in older homes or those struggling with high utility bills, early consideration of both air conditioner replacement and thermal insulation is becoming increasingly common.