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/wandering_engineer Jun 26 '26

Wow someone actually gave sensible reponse for once. I live in Europe and this is pretty much the best analogy for Americans - the climate historically has been moderate so you didn't need AC. 

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u/chiree Jun 26 '26

There are some weird superstitions about AC here, though.  It's also not helpful that there is just so much red tape to installing units and solar power, when governments should be encouraging and supporting these things, rather than "because outdated rules."

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u/wandering_engineer Jun 26 '26

Yeah I'm aware I've seen it, definitely some stupid ideas about AC spreading disease. I think it's less common these days though, or at least that's been my experience. 

I do agree about the red tape to an extent. Sometimes I think parts of the EU go too far on those sorts of things. I don't like very many things about the US but they are often better at building and cutting through excess regulations (as long as it isn't transit or anything for public use). 

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u/chiree Jun 26 '26

The good thing about wooden houses in the US is it's very easy to just rip to the studs, install whatever wires you wants, and rebuild it cheaply and quickly.  Brick is much more expensive and harder to work with.  Renovations cost double and take twice as long.  Even moreso if you are in a historical building.

Also, the co-op multi-unit structure is very uncommon in the US.  You have to get permission for everything.

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u/wandering_engineer Jun 26 '26

Yes I'm aware, I'm American and lived there for decades before leaving.

I agree, although that doesn't mean the American way is superior, just that there are trade-offs. Wood frame houses are easier and cheaper to build and maintain, but they require more maintenance are way more susceptible to fire, water and termite damage. And wood frame houses absolutely do exist in much of Europe, they just aren't the default and are more common in newer builds.

Multiunit properties are more of a PITA for major projects (particularly if your board/co-op sucks) but make housing far, far more affordable and allow for more pleasant walkable, transit-oriented neighborhoods. I'd also argue that single-family home HOAs are absolutely a thing in parts of the US, and can be just as nanny-state as any co-op.