Contents
The European heatwave is turning homes into ovens. Recent reports warn that a second, even more intense heatwave is expected around July 6th, with temperatures potentially hitting 45°C and lasting longer than the previous one.
For many families, especially those in older buildings, installing a proper air conditioning system is simply not realistic. The cost typically ranges from €5,000 to €7,000 — equivalent to several months’ salary for the average household. But money is not even the biggest obstacle.
Why Air Conditioning in Europe Still Faces Installation Challenges
The real barriers are structural, legal, and practical:
- Short duration of heatwaves: Although individual heatwaves may only last several days to a few weeks, many homeowners still struggle to justify investing thousands of euros in a permanent cooling system that might only be used for a small part of the summer.
- Historic buildings: Much of the housing stock consists of century-old or even older buildings. My child’s school, for example, is over 400 years old. The thick walls and protected structures often cannot handle the drilling and modifications needed for split AC units.
- Regulatory hurdles: Local governments are becoming increasingly strict. Some residents have received fines and been forced to remove their air conditioners because the outdoor units supposedly disturb neighbors with hot exhaust air. In some cases, homeowners must prove they have tried every other cooling method — and even install solar panels — before they are allowed to keep the units.
- Maintenance difficulties: Qualified technicians are in short supply. Even if you successfully install a system, finding reliable service for repairs and regular maintenance can be surprisingly difficult.
Because of these obstacles, many people are turning to portable air conditioners as a quick and practical solution. They require no installation, work well for renters, and provide immediate relief during the hottest days. However, they are noisy, energy-inefficient, and have limited cooling power, making them only a temporary fix.
This summer’s extreme heat is forcing a deeper question: if heatwaves are becoming more frequent and intense, is it finally time for more Europeans to consider permanent cooling systems?
For decades, air conditioning was never seen as a necessity in Europe. Most households simply managed with fans and patience. But repeated heatwaves are slowly changing that mindset. What was once considered a luxury is gradually being viewed as a practical investment in comfort and health.
If this trend continues, the current surge in portable air conditioner sales may serve as an entry point for many families. Over time, demand for quieter and more efficient split systems could grow significantly, especially in southern and western Europe.
This heatwave may not only break temperature records — it could also mark the beginning of a real shift in how Europeans think about staying cool in a warming climate.
