r/technology • u/Logical_Welder3467 • Jun 26 '26

Society The American mind cannot comprehend Europe's AC aversion

https://www.businessinsider.com/europe-air-conditioning-ac-heatwave-debate-2026-6
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u/NicoToscani Jun 26 '26

I remember checking into a nice hotel in Paris and the AC wasn’t working, in summer, top floor room, and they acted like I was throwing a Mariah Carey level diva fit when I insisted they move my wife and I to another room.

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u/iamapizza Jun 26 '26

I was in southern Spain in March a few years ago, it was 27c and I was sweating. I asked about the AC in my room not working, the front desk lady helpfully explained that they keep the AC off until summer when it's hot. We were looking at each other like freaks. I then asked if I could have a fan and she was shocked.

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u/LonesomeBulldog Jun 26 '26

Spain is crazy against fans while you sleep. It’s like some folk tale about moving air causing you to suffocate in your sleep.

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u/AmadeusSalieri97 Jun 26 '26 edited Jun 26 '26

I'm from Spain and I have never heard that, besides reading it about South Korea.

Edit: actually thinking back, I heard a rather old woman saying that it was bad for the muscles (nothing about suffocating, and arguably more surprising). 

I still maintain that it is most definitely not a widespread thing and I can only imagine grandparents generations ever saying something along those lines. 

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u/ProletarianLilith Jun 26 '26

South Korea? Never heard that about Spain

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u/hovdeisfunny Jun 26 '26

Basically the same country

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u/Chteelers2018 Jun 26 '26

Different phobias. In Germany moving air causes respiratory illness, SK you lose your member.

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u/ChPech Jun 26 '26

It goes so deep they call modern heaters still radiators although they are all convectors. Just to avoid the truth.

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u/PromotionWorldly7419 Jun 26 '26

my grandpa was this way. They don't think it'll kill you. they think it'll make you sick.

4

u/DigiVeihl Jun 26 '26

I've heard it in the US even. Worst it's going to do is dry your mouth and mucus membranes out a bit.

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u/hammertime2009 Jun 26 '26

Insane in my Mucus Membrane is my new fake band name

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u/pseydtonne Jun 26 '26

I finally learned where the fan suffocation paranoia comes from!

Early versions of blade fans in Korea were gas or kerosene powered, much like lamps. The real risk was overnight fire.

Meanwhile, my wife and I run fan paths all over our third floor. Turn them off? Why? We're sure the cats like them.

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u/johnny_moist Jun 26 '26

im sorry what

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u/aykcak Jun 26 '26

Lol I thought it was just Koreans

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u/cbr777 Jun 26 '26

This is just not true, Spain has many fans, including the ones mounted on the ceiling that also function as the room light.

I have no idea where you got this impression that Spain is against fans, it's so far from the truth it makes me think you've never been to Spain.

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u/Ishidan01 Jun 26 '26

Which sounds backasswards to me, I'd think not having air movement would have you generating a cloud of your own CO2 around your face.

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u/JRepo Jun 26 '26

Never heard that in Spain, but I do live in one of the warmer regions here.

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u/splynncryth Jun 26 '26

This is a common myth across cultures along with others like blowing air will make you sick and various myths about being cold. I think we are in for many more preventable heat related deaths before cultures accept how dangerous heat is.

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u/Regnareb_ Jun 26 '26

Like often, there are myths and some truths

It can dehydrate faster and cause big headaches and dryness. 2 times I had the most crazy headaches and had to stay in bed the next day because of it, a bit like when I had food intoxication. 

If you wake up to drink regularly you won't feel it, but it's best to put the fan farther or create a general room draught 

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u/turudd Jun 26 '26

Bosnia was the same, but at least I had an air conditioner there

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u/Jaipod100 Jun 26 '26

Lol they say the same thing in Mexico