2025.02.21
Panasonic Group People
Improving Lives in the US with Comfortable, Healthy, and Energy-Efficient Air Conditioning: Miki Okiebisu
Series:
Launching New Whole-home Air Conditioning System OASYS
Miki Okiebisu
Panasonic Eco Systems North America (PESNA)
Okiebisu joined the company in 2015. She began her career in sales to domestic housing manufacturers at Panasonic Ecology Systems Co., Ltd. In 2022, she transitioned to product planning and new business development for large overseas markets, focusing mainly on Asia. After relocating to the US in March 2023, she is now leading the launch of the OASYS whole-home air conditioning system, unveiled at CES 2025.
The Key to Expansion in the US: Adaptation to Market Conditions, Housing Structures, and Business Practices
In the US, whole-home HVAC systems that heat and cool an entire building with a single unit are the norm. However, transitioning to more efficient heat pumps and inverter-based air conditioning is essential for advancing a decarbonized society. To address this, we developed OASYS, the first whole-home air conditioning system in the US to seamlessly integrate*1 Mini Split AC, Energy Recovery Ventilator (ERV), and transfer fans using DC motor-driven ventilation fans.
＊1: According to research by Heating & Ventilation A/C Company, Panasonic Corporation, as of January 8, 2025.
As one of North America's leading providers of ventilation fans, Panasonic launched the OASYS project in 2020 to establish a new whole-home air conditioning business. By leveraging our existing high-performance HVAC*2 products, we strive to deliver comfort, health, and energy efficiency in a single solution.
＊2: Stands for Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning, a collective term for air conditioning systems.
OASYS is more than just an air conditioning system. Its key feature is that it delivers value by integrating seamlessly with the overall home design. That is why the Concept Home, which allows builders and other B2B stakeholders in home construction to experience the OASYS concept firsthand, plays a key role in advancing the business. Since moving to the US, I have been closely involved in this initiative, which also serves as a testing ground for future products and services.
The OASYS Concept Home in Houston, Texas. We eagerly anticipate a positive response from visitors wishing to experience it firsthand, even before its grand opening event.
At the same time, OASYS is based on a system developed by a Japanese startup for the domestic market. Expanding it to the US requires adapting to local market conditions, housing structures, and business practices. As such, one of my crucial missions was to define component specifications, establish design guidelines, and build a solid business framework.
Encouraged by the Belief That There Is Not Just One Correct Answer for New Challenges: Thorough Discussions on Roles, Responsibilities, and Collaboration
Clearly explaining the key features of the OASYS system to partner companies
The biggest challenge was overcoming the differences in business practices between Japan and the US. Although OASYS is a superior whole-home air conditioning system, in order to enhance the home's overall performance holistically, close coordination with home construction is essential, from HVAC and energy planning to determining the placement of the mechanical room. In Japan, construction firms oversee the entire process, but in the US, tasks such as HVAC system design, energy planning, and home design are handled separately by different specialists. For that reason, not only did we have to coordinate with a wide range of partner companies, but there were also many tasks where it was unclear who was responsible for ensuring the performance of OASYS and the overall home.
To address this, I carefully explained the OASYS system to partner companies, ensuring that all necessary steps for its implementation and installation were executed correctly. We established a solid business framework through ongoing discussions on roles, responsibilities, and collaboration. Despite the challenges, colleagues and local team members were always willing to offer support, emphasizing that there is not a single correct answer for new challenges. Their openness to discussion, along with close communication and collaboration, helped keep the project on track.
Expanding OASYS to More Regions: Integrating with Energy Solutions
We spend more than half our lives at home. Through OASYS, I find fulfillment in helping people enjoy both energy efficiency and comfort in their homes without compromise, enhancing their quality of life. OASYS received a great response at CES, but its true value can only be fully understood through firsthand experience. I look forward to welcoming many customers to the Concept Home to experience OASYS firsthand.
In the US, climate, housing specifications, regulations, and industry structures vary by region. Moving forward, we will continue evaluations and discussions with local teams to deliver systems tailored to each region’s specific needs. Another key strength of the Panasonic Group is our ability to offer not just air conditioning solutions but also integrated systems that combine hot water heating and energy generation and storage. I will continue promoting collaboration across PESNA to further expand OASYS.
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