An Easy Japanese Air Conditioner Guide: How-To Care & Clean
![An Easy Japanese Air Conditioner Guide: How-To Care & Clean](https://images.ctfassets.net/rrofptqvevic/1OZgWUJGRI7uVqN8iSpGhm/0cb437e5ccfc035e0a2289170cbccb92/1200_600_MailMate__15_.webp)
Caring for your Japanese air conditioner, keep it working properly in the humid summer and freezing winter.
We created this guide to help you out.
Does Japan have air conditioning?
![Wall-mounted air conditioners are common in Japan](http://images.ctfassets.net/rrofptqvevic/78QXYoR1RFjGDYZ0mhtlqv/aeca163e51e6260c326cc14321d906e4/unnamed__53_.webp)
Wall-mounted air conditioners are common in Japan
Yes, Japan does have air conditioning.
While central heating and air conditioning are common in some Japanese buildings, wall-unit air conditioners are more common.
Japanese air conditioner installation
When searching for an apartment, an akiya house, or any other property in Japan, some might not have a pre-installed Japanese air conditioner.
In this case, you would have to purchase and install your own units. You can purchase AC units at department stores, which will give you discounts and points incentives if you buy two or more at once with installation.
Pay attention to the room size where the air conditioner unit will be placed. The larger the AC unit, the more effective it will be at cooling and heating the space.
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Japanese air conditioner remote control guide
The air conditioner remote is your friend when living in Japan in the summer and winter.
![Translated エアコン remote buttons](http://images.ctfassets.net/rrofptqvevic/2vuICuqeKSNQMwP54xlylv/cb6bfcb335d1e2123bdbaa9d25670a4e/unnamed__55_.webp)
Translated エアコン remote buttons. Image from Japan Mobility
Once you know what each button means, using the Japanese air conditioner remote is just like using any other remote controller for the AC unit.
Here is a translated guide:
Japanese |
English |
---|---|
温度 (ondo) |
Temperature: use the buttons to increase or decrease the temperature |
運転切換 (unten kirikae) |
Switch operation: to change the AC mode. For example, cooling to heating. |
自動 (jidou) |
Automatic mode: the unit will keep the target temperature but will switch to cooling and heating to keep that temperature. |
冷房 (reibou) |
Cooling mode: the unit will only use cool air. |
除湿/ドライ (joshitsu/dry) |
Dehumidifier mode: the AC unit will dehumidify the room. |
暖房 (danbou) |
Heater: the AC unit will use hot air |
送風/内部クリーン (soufu/naibu kurīn) |
Self-cleaning mode: it dries the inside of the AC unit to prevent mold |
省エネ/エコ (shōene/eko) |
Energy efficient mode: Uses energy-saving functions to be more eco-friendly |
風量切換 (kaze-ryō kirikae) |
Fan speed: you can change the speed of the airflow |
風向 (fūkō) |
Fan direction: change the airflow direction or angle. |
静か/しずか (shizuka) |
Noise suppression: a white noise setting to help drown out the AC noise. |
タイマー (taima) |
Timer: Programs the AC to run for a certain amount of time before turning it off. |
How to clean your air conditioner in Japan
If you've been using your air conditioner in Japan for a while now, it might be time for a cleaning.
While you call a professional, cleaning the AC yourself is relatively easy.
Step 1: Buy an AC cleaner spray
You can search for エアコン洗浄スプレー online or at drugstores in Japan. For unscented smells, look for this kanji: 無香性
Step 2: Unplug your AC
For safety reasons, turn off and unplug your AC from its socket.
Step 3: Open your AC unit
Most AC units can be easily accessed without tools. Pull the tabs at the end up, and the whole cover will open.
Step 4 Remove and clean the filter
![Remove and clean the filter](http://images.ctfassets.net/rrofptqvevic/1yYxrmmj1oo1PnFKYQ4XXl/237a5942774e7a06fe2f94f79495e707/unnamed__56_.webp)
Depending on the size of your AC, you will have one or two dust filters. Remove those by pulling up and slightly toggling them so they become loose.
Once removed, clean the filters. You can do so by washing and drying them in your bath unit.
Step 5: Apply the cleaner
![Apply the cleaner](http://images.ctfassets.net/rrofptqvevic/2rZmpV1DIP8Y5F8ZALRWZL/731413791885e5f5b67b7d14e20008ec/unnamed__57_.webp)
Follow the instructions on the AC unit cleaner.
Generally, you will hold the spray about 5 cm away from the air conditioner and spray liberally.
Wait 10 minutes, and then you are good to go.
Step 6: Reassemble the AC
Place your air filters back inside your AC unit, plug it back in, and congratulations! You've cleaned your Japanese AC unit.
While you can clean it once yearly, you can clean your AC filters before the summer heat and the winter cold to ensure it works efficiently.
Frequently asked questions
Which air conditioner is made in Japan?
Daikin, Mitsubishi Electric, and Hitachi are Japanese air conditioner manufacturers made in Japan.
How does AC work in Japan?
Typically, Japanese air conditioners are mounted on the wall near the ceiling, where you can select the angle and strength of the air being blown out.
What is the Japanese name for air conditioning?
In Japanese, "air conditioner" is called エアコン aircon, and the word derives from the English term and is composed of its first two syllables.
In closing
Maintaining your Japanese air conditioner in good working condition allows you to have cold air in humid summers and warm air in cold winters.
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