Did you know that the penetration rate of mini split AC systems in Japan is one of the highest in the world?
In this issue on INABA NOTE, we would like to talk little bit about the situation of air conditioners in Japan.
The penetration rate of mini split air conditioners in Japan has now reached more than 90%. In addition, the average number of air conditioning owned per household in Japan stood at 3.22 units as of the end of FY 2018, making the penetration rate of mini split AC systems in Japan one of the highest in the world.
The rate was almost zero in the 1960s so it is surprising to know that the growth rate has increased to more than 90% just over the past 60 years.
(1) Does Japan use trunking system when installing air-conditioners??
The answer is a big YES. It is highly recommended to use air conditioning pipe (SLIMDUCT) when installing air conditioning units.
Although it is an optional (about $300 per unit) to install air conditioning trunking in Japan, many households use them because of the significant benefits they provide. It is safe to say that most of houses (including apartment rooms), commercial building, venues, city halls etc. in Japan uses air conditioning pipe trunking system. INABA DENKO’s SLIMDUCT has the highest market share trunking system in Japan.
Ivory is the most popular colour in Japan because it would match or complement exterior wall colour of many Japanese houses and other building materials.
(2) If we do not use pipe trunking system, what other options to conceal aircon piping
We could find the installation that the pipes connecting the indoor and outdoor units of an air-conditioner are finished with aircon tapes, This method is simple and relatively economical on some cases, but depending on the external elements such as rain, wind, UV and direct sunlight, it can become worn out in a couple of years. Even in Osaka City where we have our head office, we still see tape-wrapped installations, but sadly the tape is usually tattered and does not look flattering. In some cases, the copper tube inside is exposed.
(3) What is the advantage using SLIMDUCT, pipe trunking system
There are two main advantages to installing durable PVC pipe trunking system on an air conditioner. The first is to protect and prevent deterioration of the air conditioning piping. The second is to tidy up the piping area neatly and improve the appearance.
If the installation is completed using only aircon tape, the tape will be deteriorated due to UV and so is the insulation, which results in exposing the copper pipes wrapped inside. The risk of cracks and damage is also increased by the exposed copper tubes, from which refrigerant gas can leak, causing the air conditioner to stop functioning.
We will be benefitted a lot from installing trunking system for aircon piping.
In Japan, we have 2 types of different pvc trunking system: one for the indoor unit side and the other for the outdoor unit side. Many households use trunking system (SLIMDUCT MD) for indoor units and (SLIMDUCT SD) for outdoor units.
In this issue, we introduced the air-conditioning situation in Japan.
Inaba Denko offers premium HVAC trunking system SLIMDUCT developed/manufactured in Japan that will help HVAC systems last for many years.
We will talk about the difference between SLIMDUCT MD and SLIMDUCT SD in the next INABA NOTE, so be sure to check those out!
【World air-conditioning, what is the air-conditioning situation in Japan like? ｜INABA note vol.4】
