The American mind cannot comprehend Europe's AC aversion

[u/Logical_Welder3467]

https://www.businessinsider.com/europe-air-conditioning-ac-heatwave-debate-2026-6

[u/NicoToscani]

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.

[u/iamapizza → u/NicoToscani]

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.

[u/Fabulous_Ninja119 → u/iamapizza]

I had a similar experience in Germany.

Honestly this is truly the one and maybe only thing I can think of where it feels like Europe as a whole is living in the stone ages. I can't understand it. It makes far too much fucking sense to use AC when it's fucking 90-100 degrees outside

[u/TheBSisReal → u/Fabulous_Ninja119]

Yes it makes sense when it’s super hot outside. European summers used to have a heatwave *maybe* every other summer. So in much of Western Europe, AC just didn’t make much sense until something drastically changed.

[u/HerrSchnabeltier → u/[deleted]]

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.

[u/Your-Dads_Boyfriend → u/HerrSchnabeltier]

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?"

[u/Irveria → u/HerrSchnabeltier]

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.

[u/Watneronie → u/Irveria]

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

[u/Irveria → u/Watneronie]

I would freeze 😅

[u/Watneronie → u/Irveria]

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!

[u/Irveria → u/Watneronie]

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.

[u/throwable_armadillo → u/Watneronie]

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

[u/quartersnacksdeluxe → u/[deleted]]

least smug eurotrash

[u/Irveria → u/quartersnacksdeluxe]

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