Analysis of behaviors and use of refreshment in the world

The aim of this survey was to explore attitudes and habits of using the cooling function within homes.

This was developed with the aim of raising awareness among the general public about the importance of cooling and air quality to ensure their comfort and health, by identifying and comparing the habits and customs of different populations in terms of cooling.

Main findings of the survey:

• Lagos recorded the lowest average temperature for the cooling setting at 21,9°C, while Tokyo recorded the highest at 26,2°C, a difference of 4,3°C.
• In Riyadh, the temperature difference between the cooling setting and the maximum outdoor temperature is up to 20,6°C. During the hottest month, residents use cooling for an average of 14,9 hours per day.
• Lagos has the second longest annual refresh usage period at 9,5 months. Madrid has the shortest usage period at 3,4 months, followed by Paris at 3,7 months.
• Madrid recorded the lowest percentage of people enjoying being exposed to the airflow of a cooling system during the hottest months, at 52% among the 12 cities surveyed.
• Energy efficiency is the main criterion for choosing a cooling system in 11 of the 12 cities studied. A relatively high proportion of respondents in New York, Istanbul, Paris and Madrid cited “a desire to reduce environmental impact” as the main reason for choosing “energy efficiency.”

Variation in temperature preferences across cities and regions

Temperature settings show a marked difference in the comfort expected by the various populations surveyed.

As part of the questionnaire, respondents were asked to indicate the indoor temperature recorded on their cooling solution during the hottest month of the year. At the same time, the average temperature in each city was calculated.

The results showed that the lowest average temperature was 21,9°C in Lagos, and the highest was 26,2°C in Tokyo, with a difference of 4,3°C. The perception of temperature varies depending on the country of origin and individual physical constitution. In Lagos, São Paulo and New York, many seem to find lower temperatures more comfortable.

In contrast, temperature settings in Tokyo, Bangkok and Shanghai in Asia were higher than in other cities (Tokyo: 26,2°C, Bangkok: 25,1°C, Shanghai: 25,0°C). It is possible that a larger segment of the Asian population is more sensitive to cold or avoids setting too low a temperature to improve the energy efficiency of their solution.

*1 Average of the most commonly set temperature for residential cooling during the hottest month of the year.

Riyadh: extreme temperature variations and intensive use of cooling

When studying the difference between the average maximum outdoor temperature2 and the average temperature set1 for cooling during the hottest month in each city studied, the largest difference was observed in Riyadh with 20,6°C (average maximum outdoor temperature: 44,0°C, average temperature set for cooling: 23,4°C).

During the hottest month, residents use cooling for an average of 14,9 hours per day.

In comparison, Madrid has the shortest usage time with 5,6 hours, followed by Paris with 6,3 hours and Istanbul with 6,8 hours.

In Riyadh, cooling systems are under significant demands due to extreme differences between outdoor temperatures and indoor comfort expectations, as well as prolonged daily use during the hottest time of the year.

Lagos also has the third largest temperature difference, with a variation of 12,1°C (average maximum outdoor temperature: 34,0°C and average cooling setting: 21,9°C).

*1 Average of the most commonly set temperature for residential cooling during the hottest month of the year.
Responses indicating “18°C or less” were calculated as 18°C, while those indicating “30°C or more” were calculated as 30°C. Responses indicating “automatic” settings were excluded from the calculations.

*2 Temperature during the month with the highest average maximum temperature from January to December. (Average of 1992-2021 or 2012-2021). Source: Time and Date https://www.timeanddate.com/weather/

*3 Average number of hours of cooling use per day when staying at home all day during the hottest month of the year. Calculated as 1,5 hours for responses of “1-2 hours”, 3,5 hours for “3-4 hours”, 5,5 hours for “5-6 hours”, 8,5 hours for “7-10 hours”, 13 hours for “11-15 hours”, 19,5 hours for “16 to less than 24 hours” and 24 hours for “24 hours”.

Climate disparities

According to Daikin's global survey, Lagos records the second longest annual residential cooling usage, with an average of 9,5 months, just behind Bangkok with 10,4 months.

Both cities enjoy a warm climate throughout the year, with minimum temperatures exceeding 20°C even in the coolest months. In contrast, Madrid and Paris have the shortest periods of use, with 3,4 and 3,7 months respectively, showing that in many parts of Europe, cooling is mainly used during the summer.

Madrid stands out for having the lowest percentage of people appreciating the airflow of cooling systems during the hottest months, with only 52% of favorable opinions. When respondents are asked how they feel about the airflow of cooling solutions in hot weather, the majority of respondents in most cities express a positive opinion, saying they enjoy this sensation.

However, in Madrid and Tokyo, opinions are more divided: almost half of the participants appreciate the airflow, while the other half remain reserved. This divergence highlights a clear division of preferences within these two large metropolises.

*4 Temperature in the month with the lowest average minimum temperature between January to December (Average of 1992-2021 or 2012-2021). Source: Time and Date https://www.timeanddate.com/weather/

Energy efficiency a priority choice criterion in 11 of the 12 major world cities

Energy efficiency emerged as the primary consideration for purchasing a cooling solution in 11 of the 12 cities analyzed. In New York, Istanbul, Paris and Madrid, a relatively high percentage of respondents cited a “desire to reduce environmental impact.” When asked about the determining factors in purchasing a cooling system, the majority of respondents ranked energy efficiency as the top priority.

Among those prioritizing energy efficiency when purchasing cooling equipment, the primary motivation in all cities surveyed is reducing their electricity bill, rather than reducing their environmental impact. In fact, 72% of respondents across the 12 cities surveyed cite lower energy costs. New York stands out with the highest percentage of people emphasizing energy efficiency to “reduce environmental impact,” reaching 45,2%. Paris, Madrid and Istanbul also show relatively high percentages, with over 30% of respondents in each city citing this motivation as a key factor.

Research entity: Daikin Industries, Ltd.

Survey method: online questionnaire

Survey population: 100 people aged 20 to 70 in each city with a cooling system in their home.

Target cities and survey period :
Bangkok, Thailand / May 24 – May 29, 2024
Houston, USA / May 24 – June 6, 2024
Istanbul, Turkey / May 30 – May 31, 2024
Lagos, Nigeria / May 24 – May 29, 2024
Madrid, Spain / May 24 – May 29, 2024
New Delhi, India / May 24 – May 30, 2024
New York, USA / May 24 – June 6, 2024
Paris, France / May 28 – May 29, 2024
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia / May 31 – June 5, 2024
Sao Paulo, Brazil / May 24 – May 29, 2024
Shanghai, China / May 24 – June 6, 2024
Tokyo, Japan / May 10 – May 21, 2024

Illustrative image of the article via Depositphotos.com.