Overview

• Air conditioning raises average household energy consumption by 36%, and units older than ten years can consume twice as much electricity as newer models.
• Experts recommend setting thermostats to 24°C to avoid a 7–10% increase in electricity use per degree lower, which can translate into up to €90 extra in annual bills.
• Cleaning or replacing filters monthly, sealing door and window leaks, and keeping outdoor units clear of debris help keep monthly cooling costs between €71 and €100 for typical 2.5–3.5 kW systems running eight hours a day.
• Only 41% of European homes have air conditioning compared with 91% in the United States, a gap associated with four times higher heat-related mortality in Europe.
• Although air conditioning lowers health risks during more frequent heat waves, it expels hot air outdoors and intensifies the urban heat island effect, contributing to local warming.