Europe's Heat Waves Are Changing How People Think About Air Conditioning
- brg_news_room
- 34 minutes ago
- 4 min read
Air conditioning was once considered optional in much of Europe. Nowadays, it is becoming a necessity.
Another summer, another round of new record-breaking temperatures across Europe, and significant changes are happening. Families that once relied on open windows and fans and thick stone walls are increasingly installing air-conditioning units, not for the extra comfort but for safety from the ever-increasing suffocating heat.
The change is happening faster than many expected. Demand for cooling systems has exploded across Europe, from Germany and France to the UK and Spain, as extreme heat has become a concern of European summers.
Why Are Europeans Buying More Air Conditioners?
For decades, Europe has been one of the least air-conditioned developed regions on earth. Most houses were made to be warm in cold winters, not cool in long hot summers.
But the weather is changing.
Temperatures have soared above 40°C in France, Spain, Germany and other parts of Europe during recent heatwaves, with some areas hitting almost 44°C, causing transport disruption, school closures and a rise in heat-related illnesses. As these extreme weather events become more common, households are starting to see air conditioning as a necessity, not a luxury.
The change is most evident in places like Germany, France and the United Kingdom, where residential air conditioning has not traditionally been common.
Demand Is Rising Faster Than the Market Expected
Europe’s cooling sector is currently in one of the most vigorous growth periods it has ever experienced. Manufacturers like Samsung, LG Electronics, Midea and Mitsubishi Electric are seeing surprisingly strong demand across the region.
Midea said its German e-commerce air conditioner sales rose 37% year over year in May, and its shipments to Spain and France rose 108%, showing how quickly cooling demand is spreading beyond Southern Europe.
Europe’s cooling market is entering a long-term growth phase, driven by climate change, urbanisation, increasing awareness of the health risks associated with heat and changing consumer expectations around indoor comfort.
Health Is Becoming the Biggest Driver
Comfort is part of the equation. Medical experts warn that prolonged exposure to extreme heat can cause dehydration, heat exhaustion, heatstroke and cardiovascular problems, especially in older adults, children and those with chronic illnesses.
“Getting air conditioning is becoming a health decision for many families, not a lifestyle decision.” This is especially important because nighttime temperatures remain unusually high during heat waves, making it more difficult to recover from the heat of the day.
The Challenge: Europe Wasn't Built for Air Conditioning
Air conditioning is becoming a necessity, but it is not always easy to install.
Many European cities have strict building regulations to protect historic architecture.
Owners of apartments may have to approve outdoor units, and older buildings may require costly electrical upgrades or structural changes.
These issues also explain why the penetration of ACs in Europe remains relatively low as compared to other developed regions. The household air-conditioning ownership in Europe is estimated at 20%, while it is close to 90% in the United States, which underlines the huge growth potential that still exists throughout the continent.
A New Concern: Can Europe's Power Grid Keep Up?
Demand for electricity soared across Europe’s biggest economies in recent heat waves as millions of homes and businesses powered up cooling systems. Higher demand pushed up wholesale electricity prices too.
Continuing investment in renewable energy, storage, grid modernisation and demand-side flexibility will help Europe meet rising cooling demand as cooling demand grows. Record solar generation was instrumental in maintaining grid stability and meeting peak daytime cooling demand during recent heatwaves.
Cooling still accounts for a relatively small share of Europe’s total electricity demand, and experts say ongoing investment in renewable energy, grid modernisation and high-efficiency cooling technologies can help meet future demand. Solar power's advantage for daytime cooling is that it generates electricity when temperatures peak.
Consumers Want Efficiency, Not Just Cooling
Nowadays, buyers want more than just basic cooling performance.
People still think about electricity prices, and more homeowners are picking inverter air conditioners, smart thermostats and heat pumps to heat and cool.
Energy efficient systems can reduce running costs and ease the pressure on electricity networks. Europe is also working toward its climate targets. Governments and manufacturers are demanding less environmentally damaging refrigerants.
Implications for the HVAC Industry
Europe’s shifting climate is one of the biggest market opportunities in decades for HVAC manufacturers, distributors and installers.
Demand is booming in traditionally cooler markets like Germany, the UK, Belgium and the Netherlands, as well as in Southern Europe. At the same time customers are looking for integrated solutions that combine cooling, heating, air purification and smart-home connectivity.
The companies that are able to offer systems that are energy efficient, environmentally friendly and easy to install, and also help customers lower their energy costs over the long term, will be best placed for growth.
Cooling Is Not the Only Solution
While air conditioning will be increasingly important for keeping people safe from extreme heat, passive cooling measures are also vital. Better insulation, external shading, reflective roofs, urban tree cover, natural ventilation and climate-resilient building design can help reduce indoor temperatures and reduce energy consumption. The use of efficient cooling technologies in conjunction with passive cooling strategies can help Europe adapt to rising temperatures while supporting long-term climate objectives. Find out more in our latest edition European Heating and Cooling reports.
Source: Geetika Tandon, BRG Research
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