Why Germans Don’t Have Air Conditioning

Why Germans Don’t Use Air Conditioning

Tempatdonasi.com – In the U.S., Australia, and Japan, summer heat is often managed with air conditioning, which provides a direct relief from sweltering temperatures. However, in much of Europe, the approach to staying cool remains simpler: closing curtains, turning on fans, and keeping ice water accessible. While air conditioning is nearly ubiquitous in American households—over 90% of residents own units—only about 20% of Europeans have them. This stark difference is even more pronounced in Germany, where the percentage drops to approximately 6%. Despite the continent’s similar climate to the U.S., the adoption of cooling systems remains limited.

The Changing Climate

Historically, European summers were hot, but recent years have seen a dramatic shift. Extreme heat waves—prolonged periods of dangerously high temperatures—have become more frequent, threatening infrastructure, ecosystems, and human health. According to the UN’s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, these events are occurring faster than earlier projections, particularly in western Europe. A 2026 analysis by ClimaMeter, a European research group specializing in extreme weather, revealed that June temperatures were 2 to 4 degrees Celsius warmer than expected under 20th-century conditions. This trend underscores a growing need for cooling solutions, yet Europe has lagged in adopting them.

“The situation is ‘driving surges in electricity demand for cooling,’” said Tommaso Alberti, an Italian researcher affiliated with ClimaMeter, in a statement.

Germany, for example, has experienced a sharp rise in air conditioning usage. Between 2019 and 2024, demand for cooling units increased by 75%, reflecting the country’s warmest year on record. Eurovent, the industry association for heating, ventilation, cooling, and refrigeration, noted a “steady” growth in recent years, signaling a potential shift in European attitudes. Yet, despite this trend, resistance to air conditioning persists, as highlighted by Stijn Renneboog, deputy secretary general of Eurovent.

“In tips on how to stay cool circulating on social media, I still see advice to avoid the use of air conditioning,” he told DW in an email. “Cooling is still too often written off as a luxury.”

Renneboog pointed out that many Europeans view cooling as an unnecessary expense rather than a necessity. This perception is reinforced by the fact that older buildings in northern Europe were constructed with energy efficiency in mind for cold climates, not for maintaining comfort in heat. As a result, homes in Germany and other northern regions often struggle with temperature regulation during summer. A recent EU study found that nearly half of respondents relied on improved shading and insulation to combat heat, but increasing numbers are now considering air conditioners.

Barriers to Widespread Adoption

One major hurdle is the cost of installing air conditioning in existing homes. Retrofitting older infrastructure with cooling systems can be expensive, especially in historic cities where architectural constraints and aesthetic concerns create additional challenges. “While cooling technology is easily integrated into new residential and commercial developments, retrofitting existing buildings is less straightforward,” noted a September 2025 analysis by Eurovent. Regulations in these cities often limit modifications, making it difficult to adapt older structures to modern climate needs.

Another factor is the rental market. In countries like Germany, Denmark, and Austria, where about half the population rents, tenants frequently lack the authority or financial incentive to install cooling units. Landlords may be hesitant to invest in systems that are not immediately beneficial for their property, leaving residents with fewer options. This dynamic contributes to the continued low penetration of air conditioning in Europe, even as demand rises.

Cooling as a Public Health Concern

Cost is not the only barrier to cooling. Rising energy prices have made it increasingly expensive to maintain comfort, with 38% of EU citizens reporting they cannot afford to keep their homes cool. This financial strain is compounded by the growing public health risks associated with heat. A 2020 study by Italian researchers examined how global warming is driving the need for cooling in temperate regions like France, Spain, Sweden, and the Netherlands. The findings emphasized that lower-income groups are disproportionately affected, as they are more likely to rely on inefficient methods or forgo cooling altogether.

“Cooling is still too often written off as a luxury,” he said, adding that “hot conditions pose a serious public health risk. There are tens of thousands of heat-related deaths in Europe every year.”

Experts argue that the current reliance on passive cooling strategies may no longer be sufficient. “The days of low AC penetration in Europe are coming to an end,” stated Helge Brinkmann, an associate director at the Boston Consulting Group specializing in green energy and the environment. His analysis, published in September 2025, highlighted the urgent need for investment in cooling infrastructure to address the health and economic impacts of rising temperatures.

Despite the growing evidence of climate change, many Europeans remain skeptical about the necessity of air conditioning. This is partly due to the perception that natural methods, such as fans and shade, are adequate for managing heat. However, as temperatures climb and heatwaves become more severe, the argument for adopting cooling systems is gaining momentum. The combination of rising demand, evolving public health concerns, and increasing energy costs suggests that Europe may soon follow the footsteps of countries like the U.S. and Australia in embracing air conditioning as a standard feature.

For now, the challenge lies in balancing tradition with modern needs. While older buildings and rental structures present logistical and financial obstacles, new developments are increasingly designed with cooling in mind. As climate patterns continue to shift, the question remains: will Europe adapt its approach to stay comfortable, or will the cultural and economic resistance to air conditioning persist? The answer may depend on how quickly governments and industries can address the barriers to widespread adoption, ensuring that cooling becomes accessible to all, not just the wealthy.