Cooling usage rate surpasses 20% already, according to a Panasonic air conditioner app survey

Panasonic said Eolia app data showed air conditioner cooling use hit 20.5% on May 17, the first time this season it topped 20%.

Usage was highest in warmer southern prefectures such as Kumamoto, Saga and Kagoshima, reflecting an early rise in demand.

A user survey found many people felt May was getting hotter sooner, but still hesitated to turn on air conditioning.

Panasonic is promoting fan mode as a cheaper, energy-saving alternative as summer heat arrives early in Japan.