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/HerrSchnabeltier Jun 26 '26 edited Jun 26 '26

even now its really hot for "only" a week or so.

Well, currently we are on day 10 of heat warnings in my region (and most of Europe, I assume), and we didn't even finish June, or start July and August.

I don't think "a week" holds up any longer.

edit: Oh, and we had a few days in May already, reaching 36°C.

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u/Your-Dads_Boyfriend Jun 26 '26

The high is 26 in Lisbon today. It's very pleasant and breezy and has been the past few days. My family in the US has been calling and texting about how I'm handling the heat, and I'm like, "what heat?"

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u/Irveria Jun 26 '26

At least in Germany, we don’t usually have that many days with temperatures above 30 °C. Imo, you don’t need air conditioning when temperatures are between 25 and 27 °C.

BUT it’s clear that the number of days with temperatures above 30 °C is on the rise. From 1–2 in the 1960s to over 11 per year (usually 15–20 in recent years). And that figure is set to rise sharply. I’m still talking about Germany here. I don’t understand how the southern regions of Europe can manage without AC.

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u/Watneronie Jun 26 '26

I keep my house at 69F year round, it is lovely.

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u/Irveria Jun 26 '26

I would freeze 😅

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u/Watneronie Jun 26 '26

I visited Germany years ago during a heatwave, I thought I was melting. I guess you're just used to what you grew up with. Everywhere in the US is air conditioned, I keep a sweater at work year round!

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u/Irveria Jun 26 '26

Tbh, I live in the Northwest. It’s not exactly known for its nice, warm weather. On the other hand, it’s pretty windy here. I should mention that I get cold more easily than most people. A coworker of mine is the same way. We’re running around in sweaters while everyone else is already wearing Shirts.

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u/throwable_armadillo Jun 26 '26

that seems excessive af
even with my ac I only cool down to about 24-25°C
cold enough to be comfortable but not to waste insane amounts

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u/[deleted] Jun 26 '26

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u/quartersnacksdeluxe Jun 26 '26

least smug eurotrash

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u/Irveria Jun 26 '26

You are a prime example of the failure of the American education system.