Rainfall during this year's rainy season is expected to be average to slightly above average. On June 10, 2026, the Japan Meteorological Agency announced the emergence of the El Niño phenomenon. Years with El Niño often require caution due to prolonged rain and heavy rainfall.
Under these conditions, air conditioner dehumidification functions are recommended to combat uncomfortable humidity from the rainy season into summer. Additionally, with unusually early summer days recorded from April this year, many may have already started using air conditioning earlier than usual.
Panasonic Corporation has conducted a survey on dehumidification operation and summer air conditioner maintenance, and Panasonic Air Master Fukuda Fūko explains how to effectively use air conditioner dehumidification and prevent mold growth inside units.
[Press Release Summary]
Survey on Summer Air Conditioner Usage and Dehumidification Operation
・"Already started using air conditioner cooling": 58%
・"Did not perform test operation before using cooling": 52%
・"Do not use dehumidification": 49%
・"Feel too cold using air conditioner cooling during rainy season": 63%
・"Do not clearly distinguish between cooling and dehumidification": 80%
・"Cooling is cheaper" (37%), "Dehumidification is cheaper" (19%), "About the same" (21%), "Don't know" (15%) — opinions are divided
・87% do not understand the difference between dehumidification types (cooling dehumidification vs. reheat dehumidification)
Panasonic Air Master explains how to use air conditioner dehumidification and prevent internal mold!
・Summer air conditioner dehumidification usage time ranking announced
Okinawa Prefecture ranks 1st; August sees the longest monthly usage time annually
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58% have already started using air conditioner cooling, yet 52% did not perform test operation
63% feel too cold when using cooling during the rainy season
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Regarding the start of air conditioner cooling this year, 58% said they have already started using it, revealing that a majority are already using cooling.
However, regarding test operation before use, 48% said they performed it, while 52% did not—indicating over half skipped this step.
Among those who have already used cooling this year (319 people), 69% performed test operation, while 31% did not—showing about one in three started using it without testing.
When operating an air conditioner after a long break, accumulated dust and mold inside may blow out. This moment is the last chance to check and clean before peak summer. Perform test operation as part of your "early summer maintenance."
For more details on air conditioner test operation and "cooling check operation," visit:
https://panasonic.jp/aircon/contents/tips/season-trouble/test-run.html
Regarding dehumidification operation usage, 14% use it frequently and 37% occasionally—51% use it. However, 25% use it rarely and 24% never use it—49% do not use dehumidification.
When asked, "Do you feel too cold using air conditioner cooling during the rainy season?" 14% said "frequently," 49% said "sometimes"—63% feel excessive cooling is an issue.
Among those who use dehumidification, only 20% clearly distinguish between cooling and dehumidification. 53% use them vaguely, 24% rarely distinguish, and 3% do not distinguish—80% lack clear criteria.
Regarding electricity costs, 37% believe cooling is cheaper, 19% believe dehumidification is cheaper. Including 21% who think they are similar and 15% who don't know, awareness is fragmented. As explained later, power consumption between cooling and dehumidification generally does not differ significantly and varies by usage and settings—indicating insufficient understanding of costs.
Finally, only 13% fully understand the difference between "cooling dehumidification" and "reheat dehumidification." 20% have heard the terms but don't know the difference, and 45% don't know—showing most lack sufficient understanding.
It is clear that awareness of proper use and cost differences between cooling and dehumidification is insufficient, and basic maintenance like test operation is also lacking. Especially from rainy to summer seasons, rising humidity increases discomfort and mold risk—making proper knowledge-based maintenance and usage critical.
Next, Panasonic Air Master Fukuda Fūko explains how to effectively use dehumidification and prevent mold inside air conditioners.
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Summer Air Conditioner Dehumidification Usage Time Ranking: Okinawa Tops the List
Essential Tips on Dehumidification Use and Internal Mold Prevention During Rainy Season
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[How to Use Air Conditioner Dehumidification]
・Summer dehumidification usage ranking: Okinawa Prefecture ranks 1st; August sees the longest monthly usage
Based on Panasonic Aehora data, the average daily dehumidification usage time (June–August 2025 average) among users was longest in Okinawa Prefecture (11.45 hours), followed by Tokyo (9.88 hours), Kanagawa (9.80 hours), and Saitama (9.75 hours)—with the capital region dominating the top ranks. The national average was 8.93 hours, showing that many users rely on dehumidification for extended periods.
Looking at 2025 national averages, dehumidification usage rose sharply from 5.18 hours in May to 7.51 hours in June—indicating a surge in demand with the start of the rainy season. Usage continued to increase in July (9.43 hours) and August (9.84 hours), confirming long-term reliance during summer.
About Aehora App: https://panasonic.jp/aircon/app.html
A smartphone app for Panasonic air conditioners. Install the Aehora app on your smartphone to connect and control your air conditioner remotely.
FACT BOX
- Source: PR TIMES
- Category: Survey