If you’ve recently moved to Germany and are thinking about finding a place to stay, keep in mind that most people in Germany don’t have air conditioning units in their homes. If keeping cool indoors during the summer is a top priority for you, you should add this to the list of things to consider. You might like to consider renting a furnished flat in Düsseldorf that provides an air conditioning unit or perhaps simply making the investment on your own.
Why don’t many people in Germany have air conditioning units?
To answer your question about why many Germans feel strongly against air conditioning, there are a few reasons why.
The Wall Street Journal quotes a Berlin resident, who explains that “they think it’s a waste of energy, it’s bad for the environment, and people say it makes them sick.”
Usually, it doesn’t get too warm during the majority of months during the year, with average temperatures ranging from below freezing to single digits and relatively low double digits in the spring and fall. During these moderate days, opening a window to let in a fresh breeze is actually preferable. This is why many families choose not to invest in an air conditioning unit. Furthermore, constantly running an air conditioning unit can also add undesirable costs to your utility bills. As a result, many Germans choose to stick to using their classic rotor fans.
Is it possible to buy air conditioning units in Germany?
While I mentioned that it usually doesn’t get hot enough in the year for an air conditioner to be worth purchasing, in recent years, the temperatures have been rising. Nowadays, many people are looking into alternative solutions. In the last few years, fans and portable air conditioning units were even sold out in stores around Düsseldorf.
It is certainly possible to buy an air conditioning unit in Germany. OBI (the big orange one) and Bauhaus (the red and white houses logo) for example, both home hardware stores, sell relatively affordable portable options that won’t break the bank. You may also find a few more affordable options for air conditioning units online at shops like Wayfair.de (which offers tons of super stylish options) or Amazon.
What are the best options when installing an air conditioning unit?
The best air conditioning unit for you depends on the size of your home as well as your overall budget.
A more widely available option would be an industrial fan that can act as an air conditioner. If you’re concerned about energy savings, perhaps a small portable air conditioner that can be plugged in and unplugged when the temperatures drop a couple of weeks later is your best option. Larger units are more expensive and less portable, but they do have the benefit of providing cooler temperatures at faster speeds for more expansive homes.
Is there a benefit to installing an air conditioning unit?
It’s important to note that while air conditioning may still have some sorts of a negative connotation, they aren’t as bad for the environment as they once were.
With new technologies improving their eco-friendliness, more people are jumping on board. For example, Science Daily reports on the development of a water-based and energy-saving unit, created by a team of Singaporean researchers. It removes any “energy-intensive compressors and environmentally harmful chemical refrigerants”, and altered the air conditioning industry worldwide. More manufacturers are inevitably taking notice of this new technology and making it more readily available. In addition, occasionally using air conditioning during the summer heat can be a blessing. Business Insider describes how heat waves can lead to “heavy sweating, clammy skin, dehydration, tiredness, headache, dizziness, nausea, and cramps,” as well as long-term consequences that can lead to certain diseases.
Having an air conditioning unit isn’t just good for your health; it’s good for your house, too. Cool air helps prevent possible fungi from taking root, specifically, mold. ‘How to Get Rid of Mould’ by HomeServe claims that warm air encourages mold to grow on damp surfaces, which can be especially harmful to the elderly, the young, and anyone who suffers from allergies. It also increases the risk of respiratory problems and asthma, so having regular ventilation and cool air circulating can prevent this from occurring.
What do you think? Would you prefer to jump on board and embrace the German ways? Or would you prefer to ride out the heat waves with a bit of cool air?
