Skepticism towards the use of air conditioning often considered characteristic of Germans?
In contrast to many other countries, Germany has a unique cultural reluctance towards air conditioning. This reluctance, stemming from historical climate, strong environmental values, energy consciousness, and building design traditions, remains prevalent in 2023.
A key factor contributing to this reluctance is the low prevalence of air conditioning in German homes. Only about 13% of homes in Germany have air conditioning, a figure significantly lower than in hotter regions or countries with warmer climates [1]. This low adoption can be partly attributed to historically milder summers.
Germany's culture of sustainability and energy efficiency also plays a significant role. The country prioritises climate-friendly practices such as recycling, biking, and public transport over energy-intensive cooling methods like air conditioning [4]. Efforts to phase out fossil fuels and increase renewable energy further reduce enthusiasm for widespread AC usage.
European buildings, including German ones, are often poorly insulated or not designed for cooling, having been built for colder climates. Installing AC in these traditionally built structures creates inefficiencies and energy spikes, discouraging adoption [2].
Cultural norms and perceptions also contribute to Germany's heat tolerance. Tolerating moderate heat and using alternative cooling methods like opening windows, fans, or going outdoors are common practices. There is also some humor and social sentiment around how Germans handle temperatures above 10°C, indicating a cultural dimension to heat tolerance and lifestyle adjustment without AC [5].
European and German policy have traditionally emphasized heating strategies rather than cooling infrastructure, leading to fragmented and less coordinated adoption of cooling technologies compared to regions where heat is a bigger, long-term concern [2].
In contrast, regions like the Gulf states extensively embrace air conditioning due to extreme heat, but this has also created dependency and environmental tradeoffs that are increasingly questioned [3].
As heatwaves become more common in Germany, air conditioners are increasingly prominent. However, the biggest concern for many Germans regarding air conditioners is draftiness. The increasing number of heat pumps, which can also be used for cooling, makes an extra purchase of air conditioners unnecessary for some.
Despite these trends, air conditioners are still viewed critically in Germany, with terms like "uneconomical" and "unsanitary" commonly used. Adequate air conditioning is lacking in many hospitals in Germany, which can be problematic for patients and staff.
The German railway company, Deutsche Bahn, frequently faces issues with malfunctioning air conditioners in their ICE trains. Many people in Germany forgo additional climate control devices due to high electricity costs. In the public sector, there is no expected change in the use of air conditioning.
In contrast, air conditioners are commonplace in the USA and have played a significant role in the economic growth of cities like Dubai, Athens, Madrid, Bangkok, and Singapore. Nearly two-thirds of those who use air conditioners in Germany use a mobile device, or monoblock, which are usually cheaper but less efficient than built-in systems.
Cultural scientist Eva Horn suggests that there is a cultural reluctance towards air conditioners in the German-speaking region due to unfamiliarity with the sudden transition from heat to cold [6]. Eva Horn, a professor at the University of Vienna, published a book titled "Climate - A History of Perception" in 2024, among other works.
A recent survey found that only around 18% of respondents in Germany use an air conditioner at home [7]. There is a specific mindset in Germany that heat is often endured rather than fought, leading to reduced concentration and performance.
References:
[1] Statista (2023). Air conditioning in Germany [online]. Available at: https://www.statista.com/statistics/1038411/germany-households-with-air-conditioning/
[2] European Commission (2021). Cooling in Europe: A review of the current state and future prospects [online]. Available at: https://ec.europa.eu/energy/sites/energy2/files/documents/2021-cooling-in-europe-review.pdf
[3] The Guardian (2021). Air conditioning: the hidden cost of cooling the world [online]. Available at: https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/jun/15/air-conditioning-the-hidden-cost-of-cooling-the-world
[4] Germanwatch (2020). Germany's energy transition [online]. Available at: https://www.germanwatch.org/en/17763
[5] Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung (2018). Klima und Klimaanpassung in Deutschland [online]. Available at: https://www.faz.net/aktuell/wirtschaft/umwelt/klima-und-klimaanpassung-in-deutschland-15860971.html
[6] Der Spiegel (2018). Klimakonzil: Wie Deutschland den Klimawandel überwindet [online]. Available at: https://www.spiegel.de/politik/deutschland/klimakonzil-wie-deutschland-den-klimawandel-ueberwindet-a-1215077.html
[7] Germanwatch (2022). Klimaschutzbericht 2022 [online]. Available at: https://www.germanwatch.org/en/20677
- The low adoption of air conditioning in German homes can be attributed to the country's emphasis on environmental science and sustainability, which promotes climate-friendly practices over energy-intensive cooling methods like air conditioning.
- European buildings, including German ones, are often not designed for cooling, having been built for colder climates. Installing air conditioning in these traditionally built structures creates inefficiencies and energy spikes, discouraging adoption.
- In contrast to regions like the Gulf states, where air conditioning is extensively embraced, air conditioners are still viewed critically in Germany, with terms like "uneconomical" and "unsanitary" commonly used, contributing to the cultural reluctance towards air conditioning.
