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What is the meaning of the Japanese word "air conditioner (eakon)"? How to use it in Japan and how it differs from other countries.

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Air conditioners in Japan

Many foreigners who come to Japan and hear the term "エアコン" may be puzzled by its meaning. エアコン is an indispensable home appliance for comfortable living in Japan. It is especially important to understand how to use エアコン in order to survive the intense heat of summer and cold of winter in Japan.

This article explains what the Japanese term "エアコン" refers to and its basic meaning. We will also explain the characteristics and usage of エアコン in Japan, as well as the differences from エアコン in other countries (especially Western countries). Let's deepen your knowledge about エアコン in order to be comfortable in Japan.

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What does Japanese "エアコン (eakon)" mean? Difference from cooler and English expression.

エアコン" means "air conditioner" or "air conditioning" in English. In Japan, エアコン refers to appliances that have the function of heating or cooling the air. When エアコン is used to cool a room in summer, it is sometimes called "クーラー (kuura). Note, however, that the English term "cooler" has a different meaning, as it refers to a cooler box for cooling drinks and other items.

エアコン is always installed in Japanese homes. Since summer in Japan can be extremely hot, exceeding 40°C (104°F) in some areas, it is common to use エアコン to cool a room. 逆に and エアコン must be used in the summer, otherwise the room may become too hot and there is a risk of heat stroke. Since heat stroke is a physical condition caused by heat and strong sunlight and can be life-threatening if severe, it is strongly recommended to purchase エアコン for your stay in Japan.

The エアコン has a heating function as well as a cooling function. In winter in Japan, especially in northern and mountainous areas, temperatures can drop below freezing, so it is common to use the エアコン's heating function to warm up a room. Thus, the エアコン in Japan is an indispensable appliance for maintaining a comfortable indoor environment throughout the year.

How to use エアコン (eakon) in Japan

The Japanese エアコン features both heating and cooling functions in a single unit, and when you purchase a エアコン, you do not need to worry about installation, as most エアコン units come with both an outdoor unit and an indoor unit, which are installed by a professional contractor.

Select エアコン (eakon) according to room size

The price of エアコン depends mainly on the size of the corresponding room; the market price for エアコン for 6 tatami mats is about 30,000 to 60,000 yen. Incidentally, installation of エアコン costs about 10,000-13,000 yen.

If you have a large room or want to use the エアコン in more than one room, we recommend that you choose a corresponding high-performance エアコン or purchase multiple エアコンs. On the other hand, if the room is small, a less powerful エアコン will suffice.

エアコン (eakon) remote control operation and proper settings

The エアコン is operated using the remote control provided. The remote control allows you to set the temperature, so it is important to know the appropriate temperature. Generally, the temperature setting for cooling is around 28 degrees Celsius, and the temperature setting for heating is around 20 degrees Celsius. However, since there are individual differences, please use this guideline as a reference while adjusting the temperature to a comfortable level that suits you.

The air volume of the エアコン is also adjustable. Increasing the air volume will warm or cool a room more quickly. The direction of the wind can also be adjusted, so it is recommended to set the wind so that it does not directly hit your body. This is because direct exposure to the wind can make you feel uncomfortable, either too cold or too hot.

To maximize the effectiveness of the エアコン, it is important to close windows and doors when in use. By preventing cold or warm air from escaping out of the room, the room temperature can be regulated efficiently.

How to maintain エアコン (eakon)

Finally, it is important to mention the maintenance of the エアコン. エアコン filters tend to accumulate dust and dirt and should be cleaned on a regular basis. To clean it yourself, remove the filter and clean it carefully. If you do not know how to clean it, or if it is too much trouble, hiring a professional contractor is another option. keeping your エアコン clean will help you maintain a hygienic indoor environment along with comfortable air conditioning.

Differences in the use of エアコン between overseas (Western) and Japan

エアコン in Western countries generally uses one large outdoor unit per house, from which cold or warm air is sent to each room. This method, called central エアコン, uses a large outdoor unit to efficiently air condition the entire house.

On the other hand, the Japanese エアコン system generally consists of one outdoor unit for each エアコン. Therefore, Japanese households usually install multiple エアコン and outdoor units.

This difference can be attributed to differences in housing conditions. In Western countries, central エアコン is more efficient because most houses are large, single-family homes. In Japan, however, most houses are apartment complexes, where each room is independent, so a エアコン for each room is more suitable.

However, using Japanese-style エアコン in Western countries may result in higher electricity costs; you must understand that the エアコン system is different and choose and use a エアコン that is appropriate for your destination.

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summary

In order to use エアコン in Japan, several important points must be understood. First, エアコン has the same meaning as the English "air conditioner" and "air conditioning," and is sometimes referred to as a "cooler" in Japan when referring to its cooling function, which is different from the English "cooler. In Japan, one outdoor unit corresponds to one エアコン, and it is common to install multiple エアコン and outdoor units. On the other hand, the western エアコン method, called central エアコン, is the most common, with one large outdoor unit installed in a single house, sending air to each room. The appropriate temperature setting for エアコン in Japan is around 20 degrees Celsius for heating and 28 degrees Celsius for cooling.

Understanding that the エアコン system and housing conditions differ between Japan and the West, you are required to select and use the エアコン according to where you will be staying. Please consider purchasing エアコン for your stay in Japan, as it is an essential item for a comfortable life.

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