Czech households confront health risks as air‑conditioner use soars amid European reliance on Chinese imports

A recent STIEBEL ELTRON survey found that 65 % of Czechs used air‑conditioners last year, and almost two‑thirds reported health problems linked to improper use. Six out of ten said they fell ill at least once each summer, while only 11 % regularly clean filters and fewer than a third ventilate rooms after cooling. Experts warn that rapid temperature shifts can stress the cardiovascular system and dry out mucous membranes, recommending indoor‑outdoor temperature differences stay below five degrees Celsius.

At the same time, Europe’s heatwaves have triggered a surge in air‑conditioner purchases, deepening dependence on Chinese manufacturers such as Midea, Gree and Haier. Chinese firms now hold about 65 % of the global AC market, and the EU‑China trade imbalance for these products is estimated at €360 billion. Some European governments are considering additional tariffs on Chinese units, citing concerns for domestic industry and consumer costs.