Latest news with #AirConditioning
Bloomberg
17-07-2025
- Business
- Bloomberg
French Power Prices Jump as Heat Drives Up Demand for Cooling
Electricity prices in France have surged as unseasonably warm weather pushes up demand for air conditioning — a trend that's expected to continue. French power prices for Thursday jumped 41% to €91.2 (about $106) per megawatt-hour, the highest level since early July, according to data from Epex Spot.
CNN
02-07-2025
- Climate
- CNN
European summers are getting brutally hot. So why is air conditioning so rare?
A brutal heat wave is gripping many parts of Europe, leaving millions of people struggling to adapt to punishing, record-breaking temperatures. Heat persists even at night, with temperatures in some places not dipping much below 90 degrees. There is little respite. Air conditioning is very rare in European homes. Many residents are being forced to ride out the searing heat with the help of electric fans, ice packs and cold showers. But Europe hasn't approached heat in the same way as the historically hotter United States. While nearly 90% of US homes have air conditioning, in Europe it's around 20%, and some countries have much lower rates. In the United Kingdom, only around 5% of homes have cooling systems — many of which are portable AC units. In Germany, the figure is 3%. As climate change drives more severe and prolonged heat waves, which arrive earlier and earlier, some are questioning why wealthy European countries have been seemingly reluctant to adopt air conditioning — especially as the heat takes an increasingly deadly toll. A big part of the reason is many European countries historically had little need for cooling, especially in the north. Heat waves have always happened but rarely reached the prolonged high temperatures Europe now regularly endures. 'In Europe… we simply don't have the tradition of air conditioning… because up to relatively recently, it hasn't been a major need,' said Brian Motherway, head of the Office of Energy Efficiency and Inclusive Transitions at the International Energy Agency. This meant AC has traditionally been seen as a luxury rather than a necessity, especially as installing and running it can be expensive. Energy costs in many European countries are higher than in the US, while incomes tend to be lower. Energy prices have risen even further since Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022, as the EU takes steps to phase out its reliance on Russian oil and gas. Though prices have stabilized since the initial energy crisis of 2022, the cost of powering an AC unit may still be out of reach for many Europeans. Then there's the architecture. Some buildings in hotter, southern European countries were built for the heat. They have thick walls, small windows that keep the sun from beaming inside and are designed to maximize air flow. This has helped keep them cooler and lessened the perceived need for artificial cooling. In other parts of Europe, however, homes have not been designed with heat in mind. 'We haven't been in the habit … of thinking about how we stay cool in the summer. It really is a relatively recent phenomenon,' said Motherway. Buildings on the continent tend to be older, built before AC technology became mainstream. In England, which has just endured its hottest June on record, one in six homes were built before 1900. It can be harder to outfit older homes with central cooling systems, although far from impossible, Motherway said. Sometimes a bigger problem is red tape, said Richard Salmon, the director of the Air Conditioning Company based in the UK. UK authorities will often reject applications to install AC 'on the basis of the visual appearance of the outdoor condenser unit, especially in conservation areas or on listed buildings,' he said. There is also a policy angle. Europe has pledged to become 'climate neutral' by 2050 and a sharp increase in air conditioners will make climate commitments even harder to reach. Not only are air conditioners energy guzzlers, but they also push heat outside. A study looking at AC use in Paris found they could increase the outside temperature between about 2 and 4 degrees Celsius (3.6 to 7.2 Fahrenheit). This impact is especially severe in Europe's generally dense cities. Some countries have imposed measures to limit air conditioning. In 2022, Spain introduced rules stipulating AC in public places should be set no lower than 27 degrees Celsius (80 degrees Fahrenheit) to save energy. Attitudes and concerns around AC in Europe are changing, however, as the continent becomes a climate hotspot, warming at twice the rate of the rest of the world. The continent faces a dilemma: embrace energy-intensive air conditioning, with the negative climate impacts it brings, or find alternative ways to cope with its ever-hotter future. 'Our homes need to be resilient not just to the cold, but to the increasingly brutal heat,' said Yetunde Abdul, director at UK Green Building Council. There are already clear signs uptake is increasing in Europe, as in many parts of the world. An IEA report found the number of air conditioning units in the EU is likely to rise to 275 million by 2050 — more than double the 2019 figure. The Air Conditioning Company's Salmon says he has seen demand for air conditioning skyrocket. 'Over the last five years, residential enquiries have more than tripled. This heatwave in particular has sent things through the roof… People just can't function when they're boiling at 3 a.m.' Some politicians are pushing for a sweeping uptake of AC. France's far-right politician Marine Le Pen has vowed to implement a 'major air conditioning infrastructure plan,' while criticizing the 'so-called French elites' who encourage others to seek alternative cooling methods while they 'obviously enjoy air-conditioned cars and offices.' But experts warn AC may be a quick reprieve from scorching temperatures but it gobbles up energy, most of which still comes from planet-heating fossil fuels. Using fossil fuel-powered AC increases planet-heating pollution, which in turn increases temperatures, fueling 'a vicious cycle of worsening climate change,' said Radhika Khosla, an associate professor at the Smith School of Enterprise and the Environment at the University of Oxford. The reality is mindsets around AC are undoubtedly going to change in Europe, as extreme heat — and its health impacts — increases, IEA's Motherway said. The challenge will be making sure countries have strong regulations around the efficiency of cooling systems to reduce their potentially huge climate impact. 'Because every air conditioner sold today locks in energy use and emissions for the next decade or two decades. So it's important we get this right first time.'
CNN
02-07-2025
- Climate
- CNN
European summers are getting brutally hot. So why is air conditioning so rare?
Extreme temperaturesFacebookTweetLink A brutal heat wave is gripping many parts of Europe, leaving millions of people struggling to adapt to punishing, record-breaking temperatures. Heat persists even at night, with temperatures in some places not dipping much below 90 degrees. There is little respite. Air conditioning is very rare in European homes. Many residents are being forced to ride out the searing heat with the help of electric fans, ice packs and cold showers. But Europe hasn't approached heat in the same way as the historically hotter United States. While nearly 90% of US homes have air conditioning, in Europe it's around 20%, and some countries have much lower rates. In the United Kingdom, only around 5% of homes have cooling systems — many of which are portable AC units. In Germany, the figure is 3%. As climate change drives more severe and prolonged heat waves, which arrive earlier and earlier, some are questioning why wealthy European countries have been seemingly reluctant to adopt air conditioning — especially as the heat takes an increasingly deadly toll. A big part of the reason is many European countries historically had little need for cooling, especially in the north. Heat waves have always happened but rarely reached the prolonged high temperatures Europe now regularly endures. 'In Europe… we simply don't have the tradition of air conditioning… because up to relatively recently, it hasn't been a major need,' said Brian Motherway, head of the Office of Energy Efficiency and Inclusive Transitions at the International Energy Agency. This meant AC has traditionally been seen as a luxury rather than a necessity, especially as installing and running it can be expensive. Energy costs in many European countries are higher than in the US, while incomes tend to be lower. Energy prices have risen even further since Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022, as the EU takes steps to phase out its reliance on Russian oil and gas. Though prices have stabilized since the initial energy crisis of 2022, the cost of powering an AC unit may still be out of reach for many Europeans. Then there's the architecture. Some buildings in hotter, southern European countries were built for the heat. They have thick walls, small windows that keep the sun from beaming inside and are designed to maximize air flow. This has helped keep them cooler and lessened the perceived need for artificial cooling. In other parts of Europe, however, homes have not been designed with heat in mind. 'We haven't been in the habit … of thinking about how we stay cool in the summer. It really is a relatively recent phenomenon,' said Motherway. Buildings on the continent tend to be older, built before AC technology became mainstream. In England, which has just endured its hottest June on record, one in six homes were built before 1900. It can be harder to outfit older homes with central cooling systems, although far from impossible, Motherway said. Sometimes a bigger problem is red tape, said Richard Salmon, the director of the Air Conditioning Company based in the UK. UK authorities will often reject applications to install AC 'on the basis of the visual appearance of the outdoor condenser unit, especially in conservation areas or on listed buildings,' he said. There is also a policy angle. Europe has pledged to become 'climate neutral' by 2050 and a sharp increase in air conditioners will make climate commitments even harder to reach. Not only are air conditioners energy guzzlers, but they also push heat outside. A study looking at AC use in Paris found they could increase the outside temperature between about 2 and 4 degrees Celsius (3.6 to 7.2 Fahrenheit). This impact is especially severe in Europe's generally dense cities. Some countries have imposed measures to limit air conditioning. In 2022, Spain introduced rules stipulating AC in public places should be set no lower than 27 degrees Celsius (80 degrees Fahrenheit) to save energy. Attitudes and concerns around AC in Europe are changing, however, as the continent becomes a climate hotspot, warming at twice the rate of the rest of the world. The continent faces a dilemma: embrace energy-intensive air conditioning, with the negative climate impacts it brings, or find alternative ways to cope with its ever-hotter future. 'Our homes need to be resilient not just to the cold, but to the increasingly brutal heat,' said Yetunde Abdul, director at UK Green Building Council. There are already clear signs uptake is increasing in Europe, as in many parts of the world. An IEA report found the number of air conditioning units in the EU is likely to rise to 275 million by 2050 — more than double the 2019 figure. The Air Conditioning Company's Salmon says he has seen demand for air conditioning skyrocket. 'Over the last five years, residential enquiries have more than tripled. This heatwave in particular has sent things through the roof… People just can't function when they're boiling at 3 a.m.' Some politicians are pushing for a sweeping uptake of AC. France's far-right politician Marine Le Pen has vowed to implement a 'major air conditioning infrastructure plan,' while criticizing the 'so-called French elites' who encourage others to seek alternative cooling methods while they 'obviously enjoy air-conditioned cars and offices.' But experts warn AC may be a quick reprieve from scorching temperatures but it gobbles up energy, most of which still comes from planet-heating fossil fuels. Using fossil fuel-powered AC increases planet-heating pollution, which in turn increases temperatures, fueling 'a vicious cycle of worsening climate change,' said Radhika Khosla, an associate professor at the Smith School of Enterprise and the Environment at the University of Oxford. The reality is mindsets around AC are undoubtedly going to change in Europe, as extreme heat — and its health impacts — increases, IEA's Motherway said. The challenge will be making sure countries have strong regulations around the efficiency of cooling systems to reduce their potentially huge climate impact. 'Because every air conditioner sold today locks in energy use and emissions for the next decade or two decades. So it's important we get this right first time.'
Globe and Mail
27-06-2025
- Business
- Globe and Mail
Top AC Repair Conroe TX Becomes Conroe's Trusted HVAC Leader with Fast, Affordable, and Reliable Service
Top AC Repair Conroe TX, proudly serving Conroe, Texas, has emerged as the go-to HVAC company for homeowners and businesses seeking dependable, cost-effective air conditioning solutions. In a market where HVAC services often lack transparency and speed, Top AC Repair Conroe TX sets a new bar with honest pricing, same-day service availability, and a 100% satisfaction guarantee. Backed by certified technicians and a customer-first approach, the company is earning a reputation for excellence across Montgomery County. Top AC Repair Conroe TX specializes in a full range of air conditioning and heating services, including AC repair, AC installation, furnace repair, air duct cleaning, indoor air quality upgrades, and full system replacements. The team uses cutting-edge tools to ensure quick diagnostics and efficient repairs that restore comfort fast. What truly sets the company apart is its rapid response time and commitment to transparency. Whether it's a broken air conditioner in the summer heat or an emergency system failure, Top AC Repair Conroe TX offers affordable HVAC solutions that prioritize customer comfort and peace of mind. Their highly trained team offers a blend of skill, experience, and integrity, making them a reliable choice for both residential and light commercial clients. Every service is backed by licensed professionals who ensure systems run efficiently and meet energy-saving standards. Top AC Repair Conroe TX continues to gain five-star reviews for their consistent service quality, honest communication, and no-surprise pricing. From emergency AC repairs to energy-efficient installations, the company remains committed to keeping Conroe cool, one home at a time. For immediate HVAC help in Conroe or to schedule a free estimate, customers can reach out online or by phone for expert service they can trust. BUSINESS INFORMATION Top AC Repair Conroe, TX (936) 280-5154 contact@ Conroe, Texas Media Contact Company Name: Top AC Repair Conroe Contact Person: YVan Email: Send Email City: Conroe State: Texas Country: United States Website:
CNET
09-06-2025
- General
- CNET
AC Unit Not Blowing Cold Air? It's Time to Change Your Filter
Every year when I pull my air conditioner out of storage and reinstall it, I'm worried about whether my window unit managed to survive the colder months. This year when I turned it on, I was worried when instead of a cool breeze, my AC unit was blowing tepid air. I was braced for the worst and did the math on how much a new one would cost, but thankfully it wound up being a simple fix. I just needed a new air filter. Once I pulled it out and saw the mess, it made sense. A dirty filter slows everything down and forces the unit to work harder, sometimes to the point where it stops cooling altogether. The fix? A quick clean or a swap for a new one, depending on your setup. Now I make a habit of checking the filter regularly. It takes just a few minutes, but it keeps the air cold, clean and flowing. That's a lifesaver during these brutal summer months. Below we'll outline when to change your AC filter and how to swap it the right way to guarantee your AC unit runs properly and efficiently. For more, explore these six ways to save on air conditioning this summer and effective ways to lower your AC bills when on vacation. Read more: How to Clean Your Air Conditioner So It Runs Like New Here's how to tell if your AC filter needs changing The only real way to know it's time to replace your AC filter is by checking on it every so often. To do so, pop your AC filter out and hold it up to the light. If you can't see through the filter, then it's time for a new one. Below, find step-by-step instructions on how to change out your filter. If your air filter looks like the filter on the left, then it's time to replace to change an AC home air filter First things first: You need to locate it. It could be several places: in the air handler cabinet, return air duct or in a window AC unit, etc. Next, make sure you get the right filter size -- the dimensions are usually printed on the side of the filter – so you can make sure you're buying or ordering the right size replacement. Now, it's time to actually change the filter: Turn the power off . This will ensure that you don't touch live voltage or that debris be sucked into the unit. So, be sure to turn off power at the unit and also at the circuit breaker. . This will ensure that you don't touch live voltage or that debris be sucked into the unit. So, be sure to turn off power at the unit and also at the circuit breaker. Remove the old filter. Simply slide it out of the slot that holds it in place. Simply slide it out of the slot that holds it in place. Take note of its condition . Can you see through it when it's held up to the light? If not, definitely time to replace it. . Can you see through it when it's held up to the light? If not, definitely time to replace it. Insert the new filter. To make sure you get it in the right way, make sure the arrow icon on the filter's frame points away from the return air duct and toward the air handler mechanism. Buy the right size filter by checking the dimensions printed on the old filter's frame. mphillips007/Getty Images How often does an AC filter need to be changed? Do you know off the top of your head the last time you changed your filter? If you can't remember, it has no doubt been too long. Many HVAC filters actually say on the packaging that a monthly check-in is ideal to keep dust and allergens to a minimum. For the most part, experts agree your filter will probably need to be replaced every three months or so, but monthly assessments can guarantee you don't leave a worn-out filter in your unit for too long past its effectiveness. Other factors that change the lifespan of your AC filter Depending on a number of factors, such as your surroundings, the season and the inhabitants of your home, you may want to replace your air conditioning filter more or less often than once a month. Air filter type Some air conditioning filters are made to last longer than others. But luckily, you don't have to do a ton of research or be an AC expert to know which brand is best. Just look at the packaging. All AC filters have a Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) rating. The higher the MERV number, the better quality the filter is, meaning it can hold contaminants or debris more efficiently and therefore lasts longer. The only downside to picking a filter with a high MERV rating is that it can slow down the airflow in your AC unit. The best filter options will have a balance between good quality and good airflow, which is typically a filter with a MERV rating between 6 and 8. If you have a high-efficiency AC unit, you may be able to get away with a higher MERV rating, but check the owner's manual just in case. Geography Geography and seasonality can also affect how often your filter will need to be replaced. Living in a dusty or more polluted environment calls for a new air filter at least once every three months. For example, in desert climates, your AC is filtering out all that desert dust (in addition to 90-plus degree temperatures) to keep the air in your home pleasant to breathe. Your AC is likely working overtime, which means it'll need extra maintenance. Pets What sort of creatures inhabit your household can also determine how often you'll need to replace the filter. If you're like me and have two long-haired pets living with you, checking your filter every three weeks is a good rule of thumb to prevent build-up. Usage If you live in a temperate climate and rarely turn your AC unit on, you can probably wait up to six months to change the filter. A simple way to remember is to switch the filter out once in the spring and again in the fall. Watch this: Beat the summer heat with this DIY air conditioner 02:39 An added incentive to change your filter Not only can regularly changing your AC filter help improve your home's air quality and conditions, it can save you money over time. Replacing a dirty, clogged filter with a new, clean one can lower your air conditioner's energy consumption by 5 to 15 percent, according to the US Department of Energy. And less energy consumed by your AC equals lower utility bills, which is a huge perk in the heat of summer when electricity costs spike for much of the US. For more, you can also check out this home upgrade that can save you money on AC costs and this comparison between window AC units and portable AC units.
