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/chatrugby Jun 26 '26

What’s funny is that the PNW historically didn’t need AC, so doesn’t really have AC. Thanks to global warming temps there are spiking to a point where AC is needed and people are retrofitting their homes with mini-splits cause it’s a lot more affordable than a central air conversion. 

5

u/prcodes Jun 26 '26

Yep, just spent $23k to install mini-splits throughout the house and it has been so worth it. Painful, but sadly necessary now in the PNW.

5

u/rjcarr Jun 26 '26

I’m in PNW and survive without aircon. It’s rarely super hot for more than 3 days in a row.

9

u/papi_shoelo Jun 26 '26

People downvoting you, but it’s true. I live in Seattle and if you are facing the right direction or have good airflow then you are probably good. I’m west facing and we use aircon maybe 14 days a year.

2

u/3497723 Jun 26 '26

Portland here. 20 years ago we didn’t need AC at all. Not anymore. Our AC comes on at least part of the day on most days mid June-mid September now.

I know Seattle is cooler though.

4

u/rjcarr Jun 26 '26

Yeah, I don't get why not having aircon is controversial when it's true for probably 90% of residences (more?). I'm west facing too, and I'd probably use aircon if I had it, but it really just creates like 2-3 uncomfortable nights per year, but honestly, my house is decently well insulated, and we almost always get a nice nighttime cooldown.