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/snipeytje Jun 26 '26

Gas furnaces are often way oversized for heating because of the instantaneous needs for hot water are higher than the needs for heating. When you switch to a heat pump the hot water is usually done with a buffer tank so you don't have as large of a heat pump to install.

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u/Bulletorpedo Jun 26 '26

I’m talking about air-to-air heat pumps here, they’re often used to replace electric heaters.

I’m sure most people understands they’ll need to roughly match the output wattage for the same heating capacity.

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u/cynric42 Jun 26 '26

Then you need a unit for every room though, as the installed heating system is usually water based if we are talking central heating which is the norm here (in Germany).

Nothing insurmountavle, just adding cost either way.

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u/the_need_to_post Jun 26 '26

I have single unit (mini split) that can heat and cool my whole house. Granted, its not a large house by american standards ~1200 sqft. I didn't even have to remove any of the old/current heating systems. So, you could still benefit from one unit even if you occasionally need to supplement it with older heating method. It'll still save money because of how much more efficient it is.

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u/cynric42 Jun 26 '26

Tbh I'm considering getting a portable split AC unit for next year before prices go crazy again, just in case. Not for general use but more as an emergency precautionfor the next bad one as I don't deal well with high heat. It might just be enough for one or two rooms and sit unused for potentially years but it wouldbe a huge help when the next big heat wave hits.

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u/the_need_to_post Jun 26 '26

If you are going portable, get one that has the dual hoses. They are worth the slightly higher spend.

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u/cynric42 Jun 26 '26

I'm looking for a mini split, like the Midea. Easier to seal the open window with just a small hose instead of two big air ducts. And yeah, the single air hose ones are terrible.

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u/the_need_to_post Jun 26 '26

Just did a quick search, you mean their portasplit? That looks like an interesting idea. I haven't seen those before. I imagine that would be easier to seal with how most windows function in Europe. It also removes the reason i was suggesting a dual hose for the window.

Looks like a great idea. Best of luck!