As Europe experiences increasingly intense summer heatwaves, air conditioners are still far less common than in many other parts of the world. Experts say only around 20 percent of people across Europe have access to air conditioning, with several economic, historical and cultural factors limiting its widespread use.

One of the biggest reasons is the region's strict heritage preservation laws. Many European cities are home to centuries-old buildings protected under national regulations. In countries such as France, installing outdoor air conditioning units on historic buildings is often restricted or prohibited to preserve their original appearance.

Housing patterns also play an important role. In countries including Germany and Austria, a large proportion of residents live in rented homes. Tenants usually require permission from landlords before making structural changes such as installing air conditioning systems. As a result, many renters avoid spending large sums on properties they do not own.

Another major obstacle is the high cost of electricity. Compared with regions such as North America, power prices across much of Europe are significantly higher, making air conditioners expensive to operate. For many households, owning and running an AC unit is still considered a luxury rather than a necessity.

Cultural attitudes have also influenced demand. Many Europeans continue to rely on traditional cooling methods, including keeping shutters closed during the day, improving natural ventilation and opening windows at night to reduce indoor temperatures.

Experts also point to a shortage of qualified air conditioning installers. Because demand has historically been low, installation services are limited, often costing thousands of euros and requiring appointments months in advance.

With climate change driving longer and more frequent heatwaves, analysts believe demand for air conditioning is likely to grow, although financial and regulatory barriers may continue to slow its adoption.