Survey on Air Conditioner Replacement, Lifespan, and the "2027 Problem"

Air conditioners are essential for a comfortable summer life.

Recently, the "Air Conditioner 2027 Problem" has begun to gain attention as a topic related to air conditioner replacement.

This refers to the fact that energy-saving standards for household air conditioners will become stricter from April 2027, leading to the gradual discontinuation of manufacturing and sales of products that do not meet these standards.

Changes in standards may affect the prices of air conditioners and the selection of models available.

So, how many people are aware of these changes?

Therefore, in collaboration with "Tamatama," an online shop for air conditioners and home appliances, we conducted a survey on "Air Conditioner Replacement, Lifespan, and the 2027 Problem" targeting 500 men and women nationwide who responded in a preliminary survey that they "use air conditioners at home."

*When quoting the content of this press release, please take the following actions:*

* Indicate that the source is "a survey by NEXER Group Inc. and Tamatama, an online shop for air conditioners and home appliances." * Include a link to Tamatama, an online shop for air conditioners and home appliances (https://www.tamatamashop.jp/)

Survey Overview: "Survey on Air Conditioner Replacement, Lifespan, and the 2027 Problem"

Survey Method: Internet-based questionnaire

Survey Period: June 11 - June 15, 2026

Target Respondents: Men and women nationwide who responded in a preliminary survey that they "use air conditioners at home."

Valid Responses: 500 samples

Survey Questions:

Question 1: Are you aware of the "Air Conditioner 2027 Problem," where energy-saving standards for household air conditioners will be raised from April 2027, and the manufacturing and sales of models that do not meet the standards will be gradually phased out?

Question 2: Considering the "2027 Problem," how do you think about the timing of replacing your air conditioner?

Question 3: Please tell us the reason for your answer.

Question 4: When considering a replacement with the "2027 Problem" in mind, what are your concerns or hesitations? (Multiple selections allowed)

Question 5: To proceed smoothly with a replacement while the "2027 Problem" exists, what information do you want to know most deeply?

Question 6: Please tell us the reason for your answer.

*Note: In principle, figures are rounded to the second decimal place, so the total may not be 100%.

Only 7.4% Know the Details of the "Air Conditioner 2027 Problem"

First, we asked if respondents were aware of the "Air Conditioner 2027 Problem."

The most common answer was "Not aware at all," at 37.6%.

This was followed by "Have a general idea of the content" at 28.4%, and "Have heard the term" at 26.6%. Only 7.4% responded "Know the details."

While over 60% had heard the term, only a small fraction seemed to fully understand the implications.

This suggests that the term has spread, but the actual impact has not yet fully registered.

65.0% Respond, "Not particularly conscious of it; will buy when needed."

Next, we asked respondents how they were thinking about the timing of air conditioner replacement, considering the "2027 Problem."

The most common response was "Not particularly conscious of it; will buy when needed," at 65.0%.

This was followed by "Undecided" at 19.8%, "Want to buy before the standard revision" at 9.2%, and "Want to buy after new standard models are released" at 6.0%.

We also asked for the reasons behind some of these answers, and here are a few excerpts:

Respondents who answered "Not particularly conscious of it; will buy when needed."

* "It's still working fine." (20s, Male) * "It feels wasteful to replace it when it's still usable." (30s, Female) * "I think cheaper ones will come out." (30s, Male)

Respondents who answered "Undecided."

* "I don't understand it well yet, so I want to understand it properly before deciding." (20s, Female) * "Because I didn't know about it." (20s, Male) * "I don't know what to do." (20s, Male)

Respondents who answered "Want to buy before the standard revision."

* "Because the purchase price will change significantly." (20s, Female) * "I might be able to buy it cheaply." (20s, Male) * "I want to switch to a new air conditioner." (30s, Female)

Among those who answered "Not particularly conscious of it; will buy when needed," practical comments like "It's still usable, so it's a waste" were prominent. Given that it's a significant purchase, many people may consider replacement only after it starts to break down.

Among those who answered "Undecided," there were also voices of confusion, such as "I don't fully understand the details, so I can't decide." We see straightforward opinions indicating uncertainty about how the change in standards will affect things and what actions should be taken.

And among the "want to buy before the standard revision" group, some people were looking to act early, thinking "before the price changes" and "while it's cheap." The opinion of wanting to replace it now because the exact timing of price hikes is unpredictable is understandable.

Top Replacement Concern is "Uncertainty About the Estimated Total Cost, Including Installation Fees" at 34.2%

Next, we asked about concerns and hesitations when considering a replacement with the "2027 Problem" in mind.

The most common answer was "Uncertainty about the estimated total cost, including installation fees," at 34.2%.

This was followed by "Uncertainty about whether prices will increase before or after the standard revision" at 28.6%, and "Installation will be crowded before summer, so I might not get my preferred date" at 21.0%.

The top concerns all relate to "money" and "timing."

It is clear that the difficulty in estimating the total cost, not just the unit price but also installation fees, and the uncertainty about how prices will move with the standard revision are causing hesitation.

Top Information Sought is "Estimated Total Cost, Including Installation Fees" at 25.0%

Finally, we asked what information people most want to know deeply to proceed smoothly with a replacement amidst the "2027 Problem."

The most common answer was "Estimated total cost, including installation fees," at 25.0%.

This was followed by "Explanation of price trends before and after the standard revision" at 16.8%, and "Optimal timing for replacement" at 14.8%.

Here are some excerpts of the reasons for these answers:

Respondents who answered "Estimated total cost, including installation fees."

* "Because I don't know how much it will cost." (20s, Female) * "I'm worried about cost increases." (20s, Male) * "Depending on the total cost, I might not need to rush." (30s, Female)

Respondents who answered "Explanation of price trends before and after the standard revision."

* "It's one of the expensive purchases." (20s, Male) * "To determine when is the best time to buy." (30s, Male) * "Because I lack knowledge." (30s, Female)

Respondents who answered "Optimal timing for replacement."

* "Because the price might change depending on when I replace it." (20s, Male) * "I don't know when I should replace it." (30s, Female) * "By knowing the most appropriate time to replace it, I can avoid unnecessary expenses." (30s, Female)

Respondents who answered "Estimated total cost, including installation fees" primarily voiced concerns directly related to price, such as "how much it will cost" and "whether costs will increase."

Combined with the interest in "determining when is the best time to buy" from those who chose "Explanation of price trends before and after the standard revision," we see a desire to resolve financial uncertainties.

Furthermore, among those who chose "Optimal timing for replacement," there were comments like "I don't know when I should replace it" and "I want to avoid unnecessary expenses by buying at the optimal time." This reflects a desire to make a choice with confidence, from the perspective of wanting to replace it at the most advantageous time.

Conclusion

This survey revealed that only 7.4% of people know the details of the "Air Conditioner 2027 Problem," with many having heard the term but not grasping the specifics.

It was also found that many people feel uncertain about "the estimated total cost, including installation fees" when considering a replacement. Indeed, "estimated total cost, including installation fees" was the most frequently cited information people want to know.

Periods of regulatory change can lead to increased uncertainty and anxiety due to a lack of clear outlook. Therefore, understanding the "total cost" in advance, including installation fees and electricity costs in addition to the unit price, may be the first step towards a replacement without regret.

<Regarding Use in Articles, etc.>

* Indicate that the source is "a survey by NEXER Group Inc. and Tamatama, an online shop for air conditioners and home appliances." * Include a link to Tamatama, an online shop for air conditioners and home appliances (https://www.tamatamashop.jp/)

<About Tamatama, an online shop for air conditioners and home appliances>

Company Name: Pochiru Inc.

Head Office: 3-2-2 Minamioi, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo 4F

President: Osamu Tamaki

Tel: 03-4363-4458

URL: https://www.tamatamashop.jp/

<About NEXER Group Inc.>

Head Office: Rise Arena Bldg. 11F, 4-5-2 Higashi-Ikebukuro, Toshima-ku, Tokyo 170-0013

Representative Director: Yuya Miyata

URL: https://www.nexer.co.jp

Business Activities: SEO, Web Branding, Web Advertising, Website Production, Media

FACT BOX

  • Source: PR TIMES
  • Category: Survey