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Europe is currently facing the worst and record-breaking heat in its history. In many European countries the mercury has crossed 44 degrees Celsius. Hundreds of people have lost their lives due to this fierce fire raining from the sky and the dangerous weather pattern ‘Omega Block’. But the most surprising thing amidst this deadly situation is that the common people of Europe are not able to easily buy air conditioners (ACs) to escape this scorching heat. While in South Asian countries like India, AC has now become a common necessity, in Europe it still remains an extremely rare luxury due to strict government regulations, stringent laws and skyrocketing prices. Let us know why buying AC in European countries is proving to be like chewing iron.
Omega Block havoc: All heat records broken in France and Spain
In Europe, the heat has taken its fiercest form since the month of June. The temperature in Piso, France, reached 44.3 degrees Celsius, the hottest day recorded since 1947. Apart from this, even in countries considered cold like Paris, Spain, Germany and Britain, the temperature has crossed the 40 degree level. Due to this deadly heatwave, more than 280 people have died in many countries including Spain and France. The situation is so uncontrollable that train tracks are expanding due to the extreme heat, schools have had to be closed and drinking alcohol has also been banned in Paris so that the increasing pressure on hospitals due to heat stroke patients can be reduced.
Houses built for winter are now becoming ‘Tandoor’, only 20% of houses have AC.
History is witness to the fact that the weather in Europe has always been pleasant or extremely cold. This is why the infrastructure and houses there have been designed to protect themselves from the extreme cold and snowfall of winter. The walls of these houses are very thick and centralized heating systems (insulation) are installed so that the heat inside cannot go out. In Europe, when the temperature reaches 26 degrees, an emergency heatwave is declared, while in South Asia it is considered very pleasant weather.
According to statistics, even today only 20% of the houses in Europe have AC installed. Till now the people there used to rely on natural air (passive cooling) provided by fans or windows and doors, but global warming and rapidly changing climate change have now changed the age-old pattern.
EU’s strict rules: F-gas regulation increases difficulties
The demand for AC has increased rapidly in Europe, but it is very complicated to buy it from the market. The biggest reason for this is the revised F-Gas Regulation of the European Union (EU) which came in the year 2024. This environmental law imposes heavy taxes or completely bans gases (such as hydrofluorocarbons or HFCs) that cause global warming and damage the ozone layer.
The European Union has set a strict target to reduce the use of HFC gases by 95% by the year 2050. Due to this, the sale of old and cheap AC models has completely stopped in the market. New and eco-friendly AC models are coming in the market, but due to their very less supply and very high demand, their prices have gone out of the budget of common people.
Historic buildings and neighbors’ rights: Jail even for installing an outdoor unit outside the house!
The rules in Europe are not limited to environmentally friendly gases only. In major cities like Britain and London, if you want to install an AC compressor or outdoor unit outside your house, you have to take written permission from the local municipal council. In historical buildings or conservation zones, the application for installing AC is rejected only on the ground that the box installed outside is spoiling the ancient beauty of the building.
Apart from this, there are very strict laws regarding noise pollution. If the sound of your AC running disturbs your neighbor’s peace or causes any problem to him, then the administration can immediately take action against you and order its removal or impose a heavy fine.
Pledge to be carbon free by 2050 and silver of Asian companies
European countries want to make themselves completely ‘climate neutral’ i.e. carbon free by the year 2050. The governments there know that if ACs are installed in every house on a large scale, then electricity consumption will increase unexpectedly and their big dream of saving the environment will be shattered. However, in view of this deadly heat, people are now buying ACs somehow without caring about the rules.
Since there is no old or big market for manufacturing ACs at domestic level in Europe, Asian electronic companies are directly benefiting from this crisis. There has been a huge surge in the sales of AC manufacturers from South Korea, Japan and China and they are rapidly sending their shipments to Europe.