Ethan Rhodes
Air conditioning is not a common feature in France, and many French people actively dislike it. There are several reasons for this, including the belief that air conditioning can cause illness, the high cost of installation and operation, and France's focus on energy conservation and sustainability. In addition, the lack of ductwork in buildings makes installing air conditioning a challenging and bureaucratic process. As a result, many homes and health facilities in France do not have air conditioning, and those that do are encouraged to limit their usage. Paris has committed to expanding its 'urban heating' system over the next 20 years to reduce the need for air conditioning.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Air conditioning in French hospitals | Some hospitals in France do not have air conditioning. However, Paris has committed to installing air conditioning in all hospitals by 2042. |
| Air conditioning in France | France does not use much air conditioning and wants to keep it that way. |
| Reasons for lack of air conditioning | Cultural beliefs, lack of ductwork in buildings, administrative processes, and a focus on energy conservation and sustainability. |
| Energy conservation recommendations | France's energy code recommends setting air conditioners above 26°C to save energy. |
| Alternative cooling methods | Insulating buildings, urban heating systems, and the use of fans or portable AC units. |
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What You'll Learn
Many French hospitals do not have air conditioning
In fact, France's current energy code, introduced in 2007, recommends not cooling below 26 degrees Celsius to save energy. However, households regularly turn down the thermostat to 22 degrees Celsius. The French government has asked public administrations and shopping malls not to set their air conditioning below 26 degrees Celsius.
The lack of ductwork in buildings means that locals do not have the possibility of easily putting in air conditioning even if they need to. Installing the necessary ducts would require drilling giant holes through exterior walls, and a balcony or terrace outside to place an evacuation unit to vent the hot air. There are also several administrative processes to go through for air conditioning installation in France. For example, one must get permission from the city town hall and the condominium (syndic).
In the future, the Paris district heating system that uses underground geothermal energy will circulate in all Parisian hospitals, some schools, and even some metro stations.
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The French government discourages the use of air conditioning
France has been facing the effects of global warming and looming energy shortages, and authorities in the country are hoping to encourage alternative ways of cooling during extreme heat. The French government is therefore discouraging the use of air conditioning.
In the past, the French government had claimed that air conditioning was unnecessary and could be detrimental to one's health. They also attributed the spread of sickness and sore throat to the use of air conditioning. However, these claims have been dismissed as propaganda by some, who believe that the government was concerned about the power grid's ability to handle increased energy consumption.
France is committed to reducing its energy consumption and carbon emissions, especially in the context of rising temperatures and more frequent heatwaves. The country has set ambitious goals for renovating old buildings and constructing new energy-efficient homes that do not rely heavily on air conditioning for temperature control. Additionally, the French government is taking legislative action to regulate the use of air conditioning. A new law will prohibit air-conditioned stores from keeping their doors open, and government offices will be required to limit their use of air conditioning.
The French government encourages the use of more efficient cooling machines and recommends setting the temperature to 27 degrees Celsius instead of 22 degrees to reduce energy consumption by half. They also suggest only turning on air conditioning when the outdoor temperature reaches 30 degrees Celsius. These recommendations are based on concerns about the environmental impact of air conditioning, as the hydrofluorocarbons used in cooling systems contribute significantly to emissions.
While the French government discourages the use of air conditioning, they recognize the importance of protecting vulnerable individuals during heatwaves. As such, they have mandated the creation of designated cooling spaces in cities and required nursing homes to have at least one cooled common area.
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Installing air conditioning in France is challenging
Furthermore, France has strict building codes and aesthetic considerations that make installing air conditioning units challenging. Many buildings, especially in tourist towns and historic city centres, are not easily adaptable to modern cooling systems. The presence of thick, ancient walls in medieval villages and cities like Toulouse and Paris makes installing ductwork and outdoor units difficult and costly.
Additionally, installing air conditioning in condominiums and co-owned buildings in France requires navigating complex regulations and authorisation processes. Outdoor units in common areas or those that modify the exterior appearance of the building need approval from the condominium and the city. This involves a formal voting process among co-owners, with the majority agreeing to the installation.
The environmental impact of air conditioning is also a concern. The hydrofluorocarbons released by cooling systems have an even more detrimental effect on the atmosphere than CO2. With the effects of global warming and energy shortages looming, French authorities are encouraging alternative cooling methods to reduce carbon emissions.
To address the challenges of installing air conditioning in France, some people opt for portable AC units or natural cooling solutions like "puit canadien", which provides natural air conditioning without using energy. Building norms have also been updated to require new homes to maintain internal temperatures below 28 degrees Celsius without air conditioning. These measures aim to reduce the need for air conditioning and encourage more sustainable alternatives.
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The French are afraid of air conditioning
Air conditioning is not very common in France, and the French are indeed hesitant to use it. This is due to a variety of reasons, including health, cultural, and environmental concerns.
Firstly, many French people believe that air conditioning is bad for their health. They argue that abrupt swings in temperature caused by air conditioning can lead to various ailments, particularly sore throats. This belief is so prevalent that some French individuals opt to endure heatwaves without the relief of air conditioning.
Secondly, the use of air conditioning is also viewed as a cultural issue in France. Some French people value the idea of "feeling the seasons change" and consider air conditioning to be unnecessary, even during hot summers. This perspective is reflected in the way some French women tend to keep the air conditioning at a low level or fight against using it altogether.
Additionally, there is a financial aspect to the French reluctance to use air conditioning. Air conditioning units can be expensive to purchase and operate, and landlords often do not allow renters to install them in their apartments. This creates a barrier for many French citizens who wish to use air conditioning but face financial constraints.
Furthermore, the French reluctance towards air conditioning is tied to environmental concerns. Air conditioning systems contribute significantly to carbon emissions, with France's air conditioning systems releasing the equivalent of 4.6 million tonnes of CO2 in 2020. The French authorities and the EU are committed to reducing carbon emissions and encouraging alternative methods of cooling during extreme heat. France has one of the lowest carbon footprints among industrialized countries, and there is a collective awareness of the environmental impact of air conditioning usage.
Lastly, France has been addressing the issue of cooling through other means. The country has implemented building norms that require new homes to be built in a way that limits the rise of indoor temperatures during the day without relying on air conditioning. Additionally, there are plans to renovate older buildings to eliminate 'thermal sieves', reducing the need for air conditioning. France has also launched a program to repopulate forests and increase vegetation in cities, providing natural solutions to lower temperatures.
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Some Parisian hospitals will have air conditioning by 2042
Paris, France, has a temperate oceanic climate, with average high temperatures in July, the warmest summer month, reaching around 25°C (77°F). However, the city has been experiencing more frequent and intense heatwaves due to global warming. This has led to a growing need for air conditioning in Parisian hospitals, schools, and even metro stations.
Currently, many health facilities in France lack air conditioning, but the situation is changing with the increasing frequency and severity of heatwaves. The French government and the EU are encouraging the use of alternative cooling methods during extreme heat to reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions. France's energy code recommends setting cooling temperatures no lower than 26°C to conserve energy, and the government has requested that public administrations and shopping malls adhere to this guideline.
Installing air conditioning in Paris comes with challenges due to the lack of ductwork in buildings and the administrative processes involved. To install the necessary ducts, exterior walls need to be drilled, and a balcony or terrace is required for the external unit. Obtaining permission from the city's town hall and the condominium (syndic) is mandatory, and tenants must have the landlord's consent for significant alterations.
To address the need for cooling in Parisian hospitals, the city has committed to implementing a cooling system over the next 20 years. This system will eventually be in all Parisian hospitals, and "all the arrondissements will be served in 2042," according to Dan Lert, the deputy mayor in charge of water. Paris already has an 'urban heating' system using geothermal energy for residential buildings, and the new cooling system will serve public buildings and businesses.
While some Parisian hospitals will have to wait until 2042 for air conditioning, this initiative demonstrates the city's commitment to providing relief from extreme heat. In the meantime, other cooling options, such as fans or portable AC units, can be utilized during the summer months when temperatures are typically higher.
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Frequently asked questions
Air conditioning is less common in France than in other countries, especially in historical buildings. While many hospitals in France do not have air conditioning, some Parisian hospitals will have access to an 'urban heating' system that uses underground geothermal energy to cool the buildings.
France has a temperate oceanic climate, so the average high temperature in July, the warmest month, is only around 25°C. In the past, extreme heat has been rare and concentrated in the southern regions.
On very hot days, people often take refuge in grocery stores or cinemas, which are more likely to have air conditioning than homes or offices.
The French government recommends not cooling buildings below 26°C to save energy. They also encourage people to buy more efficient machines and use them less.
Installing air conditioning in France can be challenging due to the lack of ductwork in buildings. To install ducts, holes must be drilled in exterior walls, and there must be a balcony or terrasse to place an evacuation unit. Tenants must also get permission from the landlord and the city's town hall to make any structural changes.
