Strict heritage laws, high electricity costs, rental restrictions and cultural preferences are among the key reasons behind the low use of air conditioners across Europe.
Despite rising global temperatures, only around 20% of people in Europe have air conditioners, with several economic, cultural and regulatory factors limiting their use.
One of the main reasons is strict heritage preservation rules. Many European cities are filled with historic buildings, and countries such as France enforce regulations that often prohibit the installation of external air conditioning units to protect their architectural heritage.
Rental laws also play a major role. In countries including Germany and Austria, a large share of the population lives in rented homes. Tenants usually need their landlord’s permission to install air conditioning and are often reluctant to invest heavily in properties they do not own.
High electricity prices are another significant factor. Compared with North America, power costs in Europe are considerably higher, making air conditioning expensive to operate and, for many households, a luxury rather than a necessity.
Cultural attitudes further contribute to the low adoption rate. Many Europeans prefer traditional cooling methods such as using heavy shutters during the day and opening windows at night.
Historically, air conditioning has not been considered essential in much of Europe, resulting in a shortage of qualified installers. Hiring an installer can cost thousands of euros and often requires booking months in advance.