{"id":49117,"date":"2025-07-01T18:18:36","date_gmt":"2025-07-01T09:18:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/hrcjapan.com\/?p=49117"},"modified":"2025-10-17T10:29:33","modified_gmt":"2025-10-17T01:29:33","slug":"japanese-air-conditioners-101","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/hrcjapan.com\/en\/japanese-air-conditioners-101\/","title":{"rendered":"How to use your Japanese Air Conditioner\u00a0\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p style=\"font-size:16px\">Using Japanese Air-Conditioners (\u30a8\u30a2\u30b3\u30f3 or eakon) effectively is essential for surviving swelting Japanese summers. Below is Relo Japan&#8217;s complete usage guide for mastering the Japanese \u201c<em>eakon\u201d<\/em> in summer, preventing mold build-up while using them and tips for energy conservation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" id=\"ac_contents\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li id=\"cool_dehumidify\"><a href=\"#cool_dehumidify\" title=\"Cool vs Dehumidify: What's the difference?\">Cool vs Dehumidify: What&#8217;s the difference?<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#AC_remote\" title=\"Using your remote\">Using your remote<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#wall_mounted\" title=\"How to clean your wall-mounted air conditioning unit\">How to clean your wall-mounted air conditioning unit<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#central_air\" title=\"How to clean your central air conditioning unit\">How to clean your central air conditioning unit<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#energy_saving\" title=\"Energy saving tips\">Energy saving tips<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#air_tips\" title=\"Recommended Air Conditioner Setting to Prevent Mold\">Recommended Air Conditioner Setting to Prevent Mold<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\" id=\"cool_dehumidify\" style=\"font-size:22px\"><strong>Cool vs Dehumidify: What\u2019s the Difference?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<p><strong>Cool Mode (\u51b7\u623f &#8211; <\/strong><em><strong>Reib\u014d<\/strong><\/em><strong>)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Use for: <\/strong>Lowering the room temperature quickly, severe hot weather&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Electricity Use<\/strong>: Medium consumption, can increase if using for&nbsp;long periods with very low temperatures&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<p><strong>Dehumidify Mode (\u9664\u6e7f &#8211; <\/strong><em><strong>Joshitsu<\/strong><\/em><strong>)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Use for: <\/strong>Removing moisture in the air, maintaining reasonable temperatures after cooling room down from Cool Mode<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Electricity Usage: <\/strong>May use less than cool mode&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\" id=\"AC_remote\" style=\"font-size:22px\"><strong>Using your remote<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/hrcjapan.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/AC-Remote-Image_page-0002-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-49313\" srcset=\"https:\/\/hrcjapan.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/AC-Remote-Image_page-0002-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/hrcjapan.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/AC-Remote-Image_page-0002-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/hrcjapan.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/AC-Remote-Image_page-0002-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/hrcjapan.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/AC-Remote-Image_page-0002-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/hrcjapan.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/AC-Remote-Image_page-0002.jpg 2000w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:21px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-stripes\"><table><tbody><tr><td>               <strong>JAPANESE<\/strong><\/td><td>              <strong>ENGLISH<\/strong><\/td><td>             <strong>FUNCTION<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>\u51b7\u623f (<em>Reib\u014d<\/em>)<\/td><td><em>COOL<\/em><\/td><td><em>Cooling Mode<\/em><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>\u9664\u6e7f \/ \u30c9\u30e9\u30a4 (<em>Joshitsu \/ Dry<\/em>)<\/td><td><em>DEHUMIDIFY<\/em><\/td><td><em>Dehumidify Mode<\/em><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>\u6696\u623f (<em>Danb\u014d<\/em>)<\/td><td><em>HEAT<\/em><\/td><td><em>Heating Mode<\/em><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>\u9001\u98a8 (<em>S\u014df\u016b<\/em>)<\/td><td><em>FAN<\/em><\/td><td><em>Fan Only<\/em><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>\u81ea\u52d5 (<em>Jid\u014d<\/em>)<\/td><td><em>AUTO<\/em><\/td><td><em>Automatic Mode<\/em><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>\u904b\u8ee2 \/ \u505c\u6b62 (<em>Unten \/ Teishi<\/em>)<\/td><td><em>ON\/OFF<\/em><\/td><td><em>Power<\/em><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\" id=\"wall_mounted\" style=\"font-size:25px\"><strong><strong>How to clean your wall-mounted air conditioning unit<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Video: <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed aligncenter is-type-video is-provider-flickr wp-block-embed-flickr wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<div style=\"top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%;\">\t\t\t\t<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Cleaning Unit Aircon\" style=\"width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute;\"  src=\"https:\/\/embedr.flickr.com\/photos\/54614816628\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"autoplay; fullscreen\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/div>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Required Items:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Air conditioner cleaning spray (available at drugstores or online)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Towels and newspapers<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A soft cloth or toothbrush <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Optional: vacuum<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Step-by-Step Cleaning Process<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-nowrap is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-ad2f72ca wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Turn off and unplug the unit.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Open the front panel and remove the filters.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Vacuum the dusty side of the filters.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Wash the filters with water and gently scrub.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Dry the filters (avoid direct sunlight or hair dryers).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Spray the inside of the unit with AC cleaner (avoid electrical parts).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Wait 10 minutes, then reassemble and plug back in.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"499\" height=\"492\" src=\"https:\/\/hrcjapan.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/\u30b9\u30af\u30ea\u30fc\u30f3\u30b7\u30e7\u30c3\u30c8-2025-07-11-061754.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-49323\" style=\"width:377px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/hrcjapan.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/\u30b9\u30af\u30ea\u30fc\u30f3\u30b7\u30e7\u30c3\u30c8-2025-07-11-061754.png 499w, https:\/\/hrcjapan.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/\u30b9\u30af\u30ea\u30fc\u30f3\u30b7\u30e7\u30c3\u30c8-2025-07-11-061754-300x296.png 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 499px) 100vw, 499px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><em>\u26a0\ufe0f <strong>Caution<\/strong>: Always read the manual before cleaning. For deep internal cleaning, consult a professional.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\" id=\"central_air\" style=\"font-size:25px\"><strong><strong>How to clean your central air conditioning unit<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Video:<\/strong><br><em>Watching the video is strongly recommended due to the more complex cleaning and reassembly steps.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"How to Clean Your Central Air Conditioning Unit - Relo Japan Explains\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/-VfnZE05cXQ?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Required Items:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Coin or screwdriver set<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Towels and newspapers <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Vacuum (recommended) or a soft cloth or toothbrush<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Step-by-Step Cleaning Process<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Turn off the unit at the wall panel.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Open the cover using a coin or screwdriver.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Turn off using the switch underneath the cover.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Take the filter off by slightly pushing the sides to loosen the filter and slowly pop out.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Vacuum or wash the filter and ensure it is completely dry (avoid direct sunlight or hair dryers). Cleaning this filter once a month it is recommended if you regularly use the unit.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Take off the cells and clean the filter side with water or with a vacuum, however using a hose or tap will be a quicker and more thorough process. Cleaning these cells twice a year is recommended.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Ensure the cells are completely dry by either putting them out in the sun, or using a hairdryer (for these parts, air-drying or using hair-dryers won\u2019t damage the unit.)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Return the cells by matching the colored parts of the cell to the interior of the unit and remember to hook the back of the cell in properly.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Return the flat filter by holding the handle and moving the other side of the filter back until it clicks into place. <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Turn the switch back on and return the cover using the coin or screwdriver.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p><em>\u26a0\ufe0f <strong>Caution<\/strong>: Always read the manual before cleaning. For deep internal cleaning, consult a professional.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\" id=\"energy_saving\" style=\"font-size:25px\"><strong><strong>Energy saving tips<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-nowrap is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-ad2f72ca wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"644\" height=\"729\" src=\"https:\/\/hrcjapan.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/cleaning.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-49142\" srcset=\"https:\/\/hrcjapan.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/cleaning.jpg 644w, https:\/\/hrcjapan.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/cleaning-265x300.jpg 265w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 644px) 100vw, 644px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Set the temperature to 24\u201327\u00b0C (75\u201380\u00b0F) for comfort and energy efficiency.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Use Dry mode during lower temperature, high humidity days (however be careful that condensation is not building up in your property.)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Keep doors and windows closed to maintain temperature and remember to ventilate well when possible.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Set up the timer function to ensure it\u2019s only running as needed rather than throughout the day.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Use a fan or circulator in the room while using air con to help circulate air and reduce the burden on the air con.&nbsp;This reduces the energy used (to heat or cool the room) and hence your electricity bill.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\" id=\"air_tips\" style=\"font-size:25px\"><strong>\ud83c\udf21\ufe0f Recommended Air Conditioner Settings to Prevent Mold:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In Japan, where summers are hot and humid and winters can be dry but still prone to condensation, <strong>air conditioner settings play a key role in mold prevention<\/strong>. While there isn\u2019t a universally fixed \u201csafe minimum temperature,\u201d here are some <strong>guidelines based on expert advice and local practices<\/strong>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Avoid setting the temperature too low<\/strong>:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Below 22\u00b0C (about 71.6\u00b0F)<\/strong> can increase the risk of condensation, especially in summer when humid air meets cold surfaces. This condensation can lead to mold growth, particularly around windows, walls, and AC pipes. <a href=\"https:\/\/rise-corp.tokyo\/pages\/be-careful-of-condensation\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">[rise-corp.tokyo]<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Use the \u201cdry\u201d or \u201c\u9664\u6e7f (joshitsu)\u201d mode<\/strong>:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>This mode focuses on <strong>dehumidifying<\/strong> the air rather than cooling it aggressively. It\u2019s ideal during the rainy season (\u6885\u96e8, <em>tsuyu<\/em>) and on humid days. <a href=\"https:\/\/hrcjapan.com\/en\/dealing-with-humidity-and-mold-in-japan\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">[hrcjapan.com]<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Maintain indoor humidity below 60%<\/strong>:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Mold thrives in humidity levels above 60%, and grows rapidly above 80%. Use a <strong>hygrometer<\/strong> to monitor humidity and adjust your AC or use a dehumidifier accordingly. <a href=\"https:\/\/rise-corp.tokyo\/pages\/be-careful-of-condensation\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">[rise-corp.tokyo]<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Ventilate regularly<\/strong>:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Even with AC running, open windows during dry parts of the day to reduce trapped moisture. This is especially important in bathrooms, kitchens, and closets. <a href=\"https:\/\/hrcjapan.com\/en\/dealing-with-humidity-and-mold-in-japan\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">[hrcjapan.com]<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Clean your AC unit regularly<\/strong>:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Mold can build up inside the unit and be spread throughout your home when turned on. Professional cleaning every 6\u201312 months is recommended.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Using Japanese Air-Conditioners (\u30a8\u30a2\u30b3\u30f3 or eakon) effectively is essential for surviving swelting Japanese summers. Below is Relo Japan&#8217;s complete usage guide for mastering the Japanese \u201ceakon\u201d in summer, preventing mold build-up while using them and tips for energy conservation. Cool vs Dehumidify: What\u2019s the Difference? Cool Mode (\u51b7\u623f &#8211; Reib\u014d) Dehumidify Mode (\u9664\u6e7f &#8211; Joshitsu) [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":11,"featured_media":49120,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[763,762],"class_list":["post-49117","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorized","tag-air-conditioners","tag-cleaning"],"acf":[],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/hrcjapan.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/49117","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/hrcjapan.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/hrcjapan.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/hrcjapan.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/11"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/hrcjapan.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=49117"}],"version-history":[{"count":58,"href":"https:\/\/hrcjapan.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/49117\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":51373,"href":"https:\/\/hrcjapan.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/49117\/revisions\/51373"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/hrcjapan.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/49120"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/hrcjapan.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=49117"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/hrcjapan.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=49117"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/hrcjapan.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=49117"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}