Air conditioning adoption rises in France amid rising energy costs

air conditioning costs energy consumption heatwaves household electricity bills thermal comfort

Rising temperatures in France are driving a significant increase in air conditioning adoption. According to a study by papernest, 24% of French households were equipped with air conditioning in 2025, up from 18% in 2023.

This trend highlights a growing territorial divide in thermal comfort. In the South-East, 47% of households use air conditioning, compared to only 11% in Brittany. This disparity also impacts household budgets, with summer cooling costs estimated at approximately 82 euros for some households.

Electricity consumption remains a major concern. Using a 2,500-watt unit for 24 hours a day over 50 days could cost around 600 euros. To improve efficiency, technical experts suggest that mobile air conditioners can see performance gains of up to 40% through a dual-duct modification that separates air intake from exhaust.

Entities

ADEME · Engie · France · papernest

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[○ 1 SOURCE] In the South-East of France, 47% of households are equipped with air conditioning. presseagence.fr
[○ 1 SOURCE] Air conditioning equipment in France increased by six percentage points between 2023 and 2025. presseagence.fr
[○ 1 SOURCE] Running a 2,500-watt air conditioner for 24 hours a day for 50 days can cost approximately 600 euros. www.be.com
[○ 1 SOURCE] In Brittany, only 11% of households are equipped with air conditioning. presseagence.fr
[○ 1 SOURCE] A dual-duct modification can improve mobile air conditioner efficiency by up to 40%.
[○ 1 SOURCE] Installing a reversible fixed air conditioning system can cost between 2,000 and 15,000 euros. www.be.com
[○ 1 SOURCE] Approximately 24% of French households were equipped with air conditioning in 2025. presseagence.fr