Guide to Japanese Air Conditioners: Basic Functions
In this, our second guide about air conditioners in Japan, we offer some basic information about use and upkeep. Please check out our first blog to learn about the differences between Japanese vs Western A/C. If your AC has been used a lot through the summer, it is best to check the condition as you move into the winter season.
What are the basic functions?
Before talking about common problems, let us introduce you some basic functions you can set with your remote controller. In this way you can utilize the unit and customize it for your optimum convenience.
An AC unit generally has three modes:
- Cooler
- Dehumidifier
- Heater
A/C Cleaning Function?
Some A/C units have an auto-cleaning function, called "内部クリーン (Naibu-clean)" in Japanese which means "internal cleaning". This function dries the inside of the unit after being used with the cooler and dehumidifier modes. It produces wind or warm air for 80-120 minutes and it can reduce potential mold as well as the bad odors that occur with mold.
What are the basic functions?
For example, the Daikin A/C unit has this mark on the remote controller. It is advisable to use this function every single time you use cooler or dehumidifier, but use it at least once a week especially in summer time.
Common problems in summer
- Water dripping from the unit
- The A/C is not generating cold air
If you have either of these problems, it might be resolved by cleaning your A/C filter.
If the A/C is still not generating cold air, even after cleaning the filter, the refrigerant gas might have run out.
Replacing the gas can be arranged through the A/C manufacturer so please inquire with them or contact your rental management agent accordingly, to have the gas replaced.
Please refer to your A/C manual or have the unit inspected if you have any issues.
Common problems in winter
- A/C is not generating warm air
- Power light on the unit is blinking
If your A/C stops during heater mode and the power light is blinking, it might have switched to defrosting mode, 霜取り運転 (Shimotori-unten).
When the outside unit has frost or snow on the filter, it automatically diverts the warm air from the inside unit to defrost the outside unit. Warm air usually returns to the inside A/C unit after 20 minutes or so.
If this doesn't seem to be the problem, please refer to your A/C manual and consult with the manufacturer.
Professional A/C cleaning?
If you live in Japan for more than 1 year, it would be better to have your A/C cleaned by a professional cleaning company at least once every 1-2 years. They can do a thorough deep cleaning of the inside of the unit. It usually takes 2-3 hours and they will bring tools and sheets for covering everything nearby as to not get water on floor and wall.
They usually use some water from bathroom, so please be aware of that as well. If you have any furniture placed underneath the A/C unit, please also remove them before their visit.
Keep in mind that if your A/C unit has auto cleaning function, the cleaning price will likely be more expensive (up to double the price) than one without the auto cleaning function.
Here are two major A/C cleaning companies in Japan.
Osouji Honpo: Avg. price ￥10,000/unit.
Website »
Duskin:
Avg. price ￥15,000/unit.
Website »
They may have package plans or optional services such as anti-mold cleaning etc. Please inquire with them directly about quotes and schedule. It is recommended to book a few weeks in advance, especially during the summer. Sometimes, you can also find local A/C cleaning companies.
So now, you can keep your A/C as clean as possible all year round, for your comfort and health.
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