[April 10th is Air Conditioner Trial Run Day] 36% of those who had repairs and 24% of those who purchased an air conditioner last summer were 'Air Conditioner Waiters' unable to use their units for over two weeks. While 38% discovered malfunctions during trial runs, 34% 'used them without addressing the issues'.

When attempting to use an air conditioner as it gets hotter, people often notice sudden breakdowns or malfunctions. The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry annually recommends trial runs from April to May, before the peak summer season, as the purchase, installation, and repair of air conditioners tend to concentrate during summer, leading to waiting times. Furthermore, in recent years, the operation of air conditioner cooling from early spring has been on the rise. Amidst this, on March 30th, the Japan Meteorological Agency issued an 'Early Warning for High Temperatures' across various regions nationwide, stating that temperatures are likely to be significantly higher than average from around April 5th.

Panasonic Corporation recommends 'air conditioner trial runs' before the full onset of summer. Additionally, the Japan Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Industry Association and the Japan Home Appliance Association have designated April 10th as 'Air Conditioner Trial Run Day' and are calling for early air conditioner trial runs. From the perspective of heatstroke prevention, it is highly recommended to conduct an early trial run between April and May.

This time, Panasonic conducted a survey targeting individuals who purchased or had their air conditioners repaired last year, to understand the actual situation of 'air conditioner waiters' who were unable to use their units for more than two weeks last summer. In addition, a survey on air conditioner trial run status was conducted among air conditioner owners, and Panasonic Air Meister will explain the correct trial run methods.

[Summary of this Release]

■ Survey on 'Air Conditioner Waiters' last summer

・30% (36%) of those who repaired their air conditioner and 20% (24%) of those who purchased one last summer (June-August) were 'air conditioner waiters' who took more than two weeks from ordering to actual use.

■ Survey on Air Conditioner Trial Runs

・50% did not know the details of air conditioner trial runs or had never heard of them, with an experience rate of 52%.

・Trial run implementation timing is concentrated in May (28%) and June (28%).

・38% noticed air conditioner malfunctions during trial runs, with 'strange odors' being the most common (19%), followed by 'mold' (11%), and 'water leaks' (9%).

・Even after noticing malfunctions, 34% continued to use them without addressing the issues, either by 'waiting to see' (25%) or 'using them as they are' (9%).

・23% have been using their air conditioners for more than 10 years.

・Reasons for delaying replacement include 'high price' (48%), 'still usable' (37%), and 'prioritizing living expenses due to high prices' (35%).

■ Panasonic Air Meister explains how to perform an air conditioner trial run

・Check in 3 easy steps! Also includes common malfunction cases and countermeasures.

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Last summer, 'air conditioner waiters' who were unable to use their air conditioners for more than two weeks accounted for 36% of those who had repairs and 24% of those who purchased units.
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