#Japan #Tokyo #Energy Saving #Mitsubishi Electric #Air Conditioner

Understanding the Need for Energy Savings

As prices of electricity and daily necessities continue to climb, many consumers are feeling the pressure. A recent survey conducted by Mitsubishi Electric's Kirigamine PR office revealed that 71.2% of people feel burdened by the energy-saving measures they must implement. Additionally, 98% of participants expressed concerns over rising electricity costs, indicating a heightened awareness of the impact of energy consumption, particularly in the context of air conditioning during the expected heatwaves this summer.

The Survey Insights

Between May 21-22, 2025, the survey collected responses from 600 individuals living across the country, highlighting anxiety about electricity bills despite renewed government subsidies for energy costs starting in July. The survey found that while 63.8% planned to implement energy-saving measures for their air conditioning, the emphasis leaned heavily towards solutions that are easy to execute. Participants tended to feel fatigued by complex energy-saving efforts, often stating:

• - "The effects are hard to see."
• - "Sacrificing comfort for energy savings isn't appealing."

These sentiments underscore a significant conflict: many want to save on electricity costs but are hesitant due to the perceived difficulties associated with such measures.

Simple Energy-Saving Actions

Mitsubishi Electric has identified straightforward actions that can significantly cut down on energy consumption without compromising comfort. Here are a few effective strategies:

1. Adjust Airflow Direction to Swing Mode

Changing the airflow to 'swing' can result in up to 21% reduction in energy consumption, allowing users to raise the temperature setting by 2°C without noticeable discomfort. It's a quick change that can make a substantial difference, easily implemented by the click of a button.

2. Utilize Automatic Fan Speed

Set your air conditioner’s fan speed to 'automatic'. This way, when the room is cooling down, the fan will initially run at high speed and then shift to a lower setting once the desired temperature is reached, helping reduce unnecessary energy waste.

3. Regular Filter Maintenance

A clogged air filter can lead to increased energy consumption, up to 10% more, as dirty filters restrict airflow. Vacuuming the filter once every few months can help maintain efficiency. Mitsubishi's tests show that neglected filters result in airflow reduction by over 30%.

4. Protect the Outdoor Unit

Shield the outdoor unit from direct sunlight using a cover. This will help maintain optimal efficiency by preventing the compressor from overheating and running inefficiently.

5. Keep the AC Running During Short Absences

Most energy consumption occurs when the air conditioning system is turning on and off. Leaving the air conditioner on at a higher temperature is often more energy-efficient than turning it off and letting the space heat up too much before cooling it again.

6. Professional Cleaning Services

For those who find maintaining their air conditioning regularly challenging, consider engaging a professional cleaning service. This ensures internal components are kept clean, optimizing performance while reducing energy consumption. Mitsubishi's findings indicate that a well-maintained unit can save significantly on energy bills.

Government Support and Continuing Challenges

Even with government assistance for electricity costs, the impact of weather is undeniable. Heatwaves are projected to extend beyond typical limits, urging consumers to utilize their air conditioning units extensively throughout the summer months. As these concerns persist, Mitsubishi Electric encourages homeowners to take actionable, easy steps towards energy savings this summer.

Conclusion

In summary, while many face the burden of rising energy costs and shrinking comfort, implementing simple and effective energy-saving measures can bring relief. It's crucial for consumers to adapt and find easy methods to conserve energy while ensuring their comfort remains intact. Mitsubishi Electric continues to advocate for accessible energy-saving solutions that align with everyday living.