Overview

• Energy consultants at Verbraucherzentrale Rheinland-Pfalz report record volumes of heat-protection inquiries as the summer heatwave peaks across Germany.
• Homeowners are resorting to low-cost evaporative tricks, such as frozen water bottles placed before fans, but these deliver only brief cooling before the ice melts.
• Mobile monoblock air conditioners face criticism for low efficiency and high running costs, whereas split-system units offer quieter, more effective cooling at prices starting around €5,000 and require professional installation.
• The federal BEG programme now underpins a surge in cooling investments by covering up to 15% of external shading costs and up to 20% for individual renovation plans, with installers reporting full booking calendars.
• Experts continue to stress that basic passive measures—early-morning cross-ventilation and external blinds or awnings—remain the most effective first line of defense against indoor heat buildup.