Heatwaves drive surge in air conditioning demand and mental health concerns

Extreme summer heat is driving significant changes in consumer behavior and public health. In France, requests for air conditioning installations surged by 90% over the past year, leading to stock shortages and longer installation delays. This trend is also evident across Europe, with demand rising by 152% in Germany, 150% in the United Kingdom, and 114% in the Netherlands.

Despite the rising demand, air conditioning penetration remains relatively low in France. Projections suggest only 28% of houses will be equipped by 2026, and 13.4% of apartments. If current trends continue, 50% of French homes could be air-conditioned by 2035. However, the Ademe warns that without sobriety efforts, electricity consumption related to cooling could triple by 2050, an increase of 13TWh.

Beyond infrastructure, extreme heat is impacting mental health. Scientific studies indicate that extreme temperatures and high humidity levels are associated with increased emergency room consultations for depression, often following a three-week delay. Factors such as sleep deprivation and dehydration also contribute to increased irritability and anxiety during heatwaves.