Before the Long Summer: Survey on AC Test Runs and 'Niki-ka' Impact Conducted for 'Air Conditioner Test Run Day' on April 10th
Bosch Home Comfort Japan reveals survey results showing over 50% of people skip pre-summer AC test runs, highlighting concerns over rising energy costs due to the prolonged summer season.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: April 3, 2026 at 18:00
- 🔍 Collected: April 3, 2026 at 09:02
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: April 21, 2026 at 19:00 (441h 57m after Collected)
### Main Survey Results
- More than half do not conduct AC test runs. There is a generational gap in awareness.
- Overconfidence that the AC will 'work as usual' exists, with some calling test runs 'troublesome'.
- Over 50% do not know the 'correct method' even if they know about test runs. Promoting test runs for 'Air Conditioner Test Run Day' on April 10th.
- Last year, 'June' was the most common month to start using cooling. Average summer usage is about 11 hours per day.
- 'Electricity bills' top the list for both fixed costs to be reduced and worries at home due to 'Niki-ka' (two-season climate). Some fear AC degradation or failure.
Bosch Home Comfort Japan Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Minato-ku, Tokyo) conducted a survey on 'Air Conditioner Test Runs and the Impact of Niki-ka' from March 13 to 16, 2026, targeting 500 men and women in their 20s to 60s. As the developer and manufacturer of Hitachi room air conditioners 'Shirokuma-kun', the company aimed to investigate consumer awareness and the recognition of 'correct test runs' before the long summer begins. The results showed that more than half do not perform test runs, and many are unaware of the proper method. Additionally, electricity bills were the top concern regarding household expenses and the changing climate.
### Background
If an AC failure is noticed only after summer begins, repair bookings concentrate, potentially leading to long periods without cooling during heatwaves. In recent years, the 'Niki-ka' phenomenon—where spring and autumn are short and summer is extended—has prolonged AC operating periods. Combined with rising energy prices, the burden of electricity bills has become a serious issue.
### 1. Over half skip AC test runs. Awareness differs by age.
When asked if they conduct test runs, 44.0% said 'Yes', 43.6% said 'No', and 12.4% said 'Don't know what it is'. By age, those in their 60s had the highest implementation rate (55.0%), while those in their 40s were the lowest (33.0%).
### 2. Overconfidence in AC availability. Test runs seen as 'troublesome'.
Many of those who skip test runs exhibit a psychological barrier of overconfidence—assuming it won't break—or find the process tedious. However, the risk of breakdown during the peak season remains high due to increased load from longer summers.
- More than half do not conduct AC test runs. There is a generational gap in awareness.
- Overconfidence that the AC will 'work as usual' exists, with some calling test runs 'troublesome'.
- Over 50% do not know the 'correct method' even if they know about test runs. Promoting test runs for 'Air Conditioner Test Run Day' on April 10th.
- Last year, 'June' was the most common month to start using cooling. Average summer usage is about 11 hours per day.
- 'Electricity bills' top the list for both fixed costs to be reduced and worries at home due to 'Niki-ka' (two-season climate). Some fear AC degradation or failure.
Bosch Home Comfort Japan Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Minato-ku, Tokyo) conducted a survey on 'Air Conditioner Test Runs and the Impact of Niki-ka' from March 13 to 16, 2026, targeting 500 men and women in their 20s to 60s. As the developer and manufacturer of Hitachi room air conditioners 'Shirokuma-kun', the company aimed to investigate consumer awareness and the recognition of 'correct test runs' before the long summer begins. The results showed that more than half do not perform test runs, and many are unaware of the proper method. Additionally, electricity bills were the top concern regarding household expenses and the changing climate.
### Background
If an AC failure is noticed only after summer begins, repair bookings concentrate, potentially leading to long periods without cooling during heatwaves. In recent years, the 'Niki-ka' phenomenon—where spring and autumn are short and summer is extended—has prolonged AC operating periods. Combined with rising energy prices, the burden of electricity bills has become a serious issue.
### 1. Over half skip AC test runs. Awareness differs by age.
When asked if they conduct test runs, 44.0% said 'Yes', 43.6% said 'No', and 12.4% said 'Don't know what it is'. By age, those in their 60s had the highest implementation rate (55.0%), while those in their 40s were the lowest (33.0%).
### 2. Overconfidence in AC availability. Test runs seen as 'troublesome'.
Many of those who skip test runs exhibit a psychological barrier of overconfidence—assuming it won't break—or find the process tedious. However, the risk of breakdown during the peak season remains high due to increased load from longer summers.