Air conditioning and cooling technologies face efficiency and cost challenges

As heatwaves become more frequent, air conditioning is increasingly used as a tool for health protection, particularly for vulnerable groups such as the elderly and infants, according to the World Health Organization. However, the effectiveness and impact of cooling technologies vary significantly.

Mobile monoblock air conditioners are widely accessible but are among the least efficient. ADEME estimates these units can consume approximately 2.5 times more electricity than fixed split systems or reversible heat pumps for the same cooling service. Fixed systems offer better performance, measured by their Coefficient of Performance (COP).

From a cost perspective, fans are the most economical option, adding only about €4.19 to an electricity bill for 12 hours of daily use over 90 days. While fans improve the sensation of coolness by moving air, they do not actually lower room temperatures. In contrast, air conditioning is effective at lowering temperatures but is energy-intensive, potentially increasing electricity bills by more than €100.