Critical Perspective on Air Conditioning - A Common German Trend?
In the heart of Europe, Germany has traditionally been cool towards the idea of widespread air conditioning. Uwe Franzke, Managing Director of the Institute for Air and Cooling Technology in Dresden, sheds light on this, stating that air conditioning is still viewed negatively in the country.
This skepticism is rooted in a mix of cultural attitudes, historical perceptions, economic factors, and building regulations. For instance, the cultural mindset in Germany often promotes enduring heat rather than combating it. Eva Horn, a professor at the University of Vienna, explains that "One just has to tough it out" β a sentiment that has long been associated with the German approach to summer heat.
Historically, northern European summers, including Germany, were mild enough that cooling was rarely necessary, which has contributed to a lack of cultural demand for air conditioning. However, as climate change brings hotter and longer heatwaves, this mindset is being challenged.
Economic considerations have also played a significant role. The high cost of electricity in Germany, approximately 0.30 to 0.40 euros per kilowatt-hour, makes running air conditioners expensive, potentially adding over 200 euros to a householdβs bill for continuous summer use. Installation costs are also high due to labor, permits, and building approvals, and renters need landlord consent, sometimes having to remove units when they move out.
Germanyβs older housing stock and strict building and environmental regulations also limit air conditioner installation, especially in historic areas where outdoor units can be banned to preserve building aesthetics. European policies emphasize energy efficiency and climate goals, so cooling technology adoption is balanced against environmental and grid stability concerns.
These factors have created a context where air conditioning has been seen more as a luxury or a risk rather than a necessity until recent years. However, with increasingly intense heatwaves, attitudes are shifting rapidly, and demand for air conditioning in Germany is surging.
One of the biggest concerns for many Germans about air conditioners is that they are drafty. Yet, despite this, production of air conditioners in Germany increased by over 92 percent to nearly 317,000 units in 2024, and many more were imported into the country, with the value of goods increasing by almost 50 percent since 2019.
While the private sector is showing an increasing willingness to invest in air conditioning, no significant change is expected in the public sector. Germany's largest public transport company, Berliner Verkehrsbetriebe (BVG), only uses ventilation systems and has not installed air conditioners in its U-Bahn trains. The German railway company, Deutsche Bahn, often makes headlines due to malfunctioning air conditioners in ICE trains.
In contrast, hardly anyone today dispenses with a good car air conditioner. This dichotomy between personal and public spaces highlights the complexities surrounding the adoption of air conditioning in Germany.
Interestingly, in countries like the USA, air conditioning is the norm and has contributed to economic growth in cities like Dubai, Athens, Madrid, Bangkok, and Singapore. As Germany grapples with its changing climate, the need for air conditioning is becoming increasingly apparent, and the transition is ongoing. The consequences of inadequate summer heat protection are reduced concentration and performance, making the shift towards air conditioning a necessary one for the country's productivity and well-being.
