# European heat wave and air conditoning **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [July 21, 2022, 12:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/european-heat-wave-and-air-conditoning/968293 "2022-07-21T00:35:58Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 19\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![Pardel-Lux](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pardel-lux/32/20182_2.png) [@Pardel-Lux](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Pardel-Lux)\ **Post date:** [July 22, 2022, 9:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/european-heat-wave-and-air-conditoning/968293/21 "2022-07-22T09:31:23Z")
Yes, I guess we in Spain have no clue what hot really means: [![](https://static-sevilla.abc.es/media/sevilla/2016/07/10/s/calor-termometro-sevilla-k0qH--620x349@abc.jpg) ](https://static-sevilla.abc.es/media/sevilla/2016/07/10/s/calor-termometro-sevilla-k0qH--620x349@abc.jpg) Make no mistake: we measure in Celsius, not Farenheit. Anecdotical, I know. And Ibiza, Creta, Sicily and so on have always painted their houses in white chalk to have a nicer backdrop for grafitti. [![](https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mzSJB5tk0_0/TeYCV9iYgUI/AAAAAAAAAMI/7Q-dHVj8U9U/s1600/casas+cuevas%2528ibiza%2529.jpg) ](https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mzSJB5tk0_0/TeYCV9iYgUI/AAAAAAAAAMI/7Q-dHVj8U9U/s1600/casas+cuevas%2528ibiza%2529.jpg) ---
**Author:** ![SanVito](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/sanvito/32/2805_2.png) [@SanVito](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SanVito)\ **Post date:** [July 22, 2022, 9:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/european-heat-wave-and-air-conditoning/968293/22 "2022-07-22T09:53:30Z")
And the shutters are just there for decoration. ---
**Author:** ![RedSky](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/67e7ee/32.png) [@RedSky](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RedSky)\ **Post date:** [July 22, 2022, 9:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/european-heat-wave-and-air-conditoning/968293/23 "2022-07-22T09:55:12Z")
I live in Australia, it gets over 40 every summer however It wasn’t till 89 I built a new house with air-conditioner, baby boomers just didn’t think it was needed. I would imagine the average age of the building would be high in Europe so not thought necessary at the time of construction. ---
**Author:** ![Telemark](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/telemark/32/372_2.png) [@Telemark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Telemark)\ **Post date:** [July 22, 2022, 10:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/european-heat-wave-and-air-conditoning/968293/24 "2022-07-22T10:38:12Z")
> [@AK84](#): > > Well for starters if you can describe the Mediterranean as a “hot” climate thats a good sigh that you really have no clue what you are talking about. Yes, the people who invented siesta and reposa aren’t familiar with heat. ---
**Author:** ![Mighty\_Mouse](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mighty_mouse/32/7776_2.png) [@Mighty\_Mouse](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mighty_Mouse)\ **Post date:** [July 22, 2022, 11:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/european-heat-wave-and-air-conditoning/968293/25 "2022-07-22T11:26:00Z")
> [@Telemark](#): > > Yes, the people who invented siesta and reposa aren’t familiar with heat. [Sarcasm] The Spanish simply appropriated these from the true inventors of everything, the Medieval Arabs. ---
**Author:** ![hogarth](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/hogarth/32/1773_2.png) [@hogarth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/hogarth)\ **Post date:** [July 22, 2022, 12:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/european-heat-wave-and-air-conditoning/968293/26 "2022-07-22T12:08:07Z")
> [@Magiver](#): > > Looking at those windows I don’t see any way of using a screen to keep insects out while they’re open. Our outward-opening casement windows have a screen on the inside. I don’t know what you would use for the tilting type windows, though. ---
**Author:** ![glee](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/b5a626/32.png) [@glee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/glee)\ **Post date:** [July 22, 2022, 12:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/european-heat-wave-and-air-conditoning/968293/27 "2022-07-22T12:41:55Z")
I live in the middle of England and don’t have air-conditioning (I do have a small fan!) During the recent heatwave, I simply kept my blinds closed and the house stayed reasonably cool. ---
**Author:** ![aruvqan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aruvqan/32/2891_2.png) [@aruvqan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aruvqan)\ **Post date:** [July 22, 2022, 10:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/european-heat-wave-and-air-conditoning/968293/28 "2022-07-22T22:17:19Z")
That is what my German buddy bought last time there was a heat wave in Germany [what, about 10 years or so back? Thereabouts, at least] It has moved for 3 times with him, he does heavy computing and will cool down the computer room when it gets to warm for them - I wonder who inherited it when he passed 2 years ago … We own one, also a gas powered generator [not the big one that will do the whole barn, but a more portable one for just AC and recharging, and a couple LED based lights] We could set up fairly comfortably in an 10x15 room if we needed to. ---
**Author:** ![DesertDog](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/desertdog/32/11503_2.png) [@DesertDog](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DesertDog)\ **Post date:** [July 22, 2022, 10:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/european-heat-wave-and-air-conditoning/968293/29 "2022-07-22T22:54:31Z")
> [@RedSky](#): > > It wasn’t till 89 I built a new house with air-conditioner, baby boomers just didn’t think it was needed. Living in Arizona I remember when window air conditioners became available and all of the master bedrooms got one but us kids didn’t. ---
**Author:** ![Toxylon](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/f05b48/32.png) [@Toxylon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Toxylon)\ **Post date:** [July 23, 2022, 8:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/european-heat-wave-and-air-conditoning/968293/30 "2022-07-23T08:17:37Z")
> [@Magiver](#): > > Looking at those windows I don’t see any way of using a screen to keep insects out while they’re open. insect screens are ubiquitous with those types of windows as summertime mosquito masses are unreal in the north. A thin, removable frame with the mesh that friction-fits inside the window frame is one option. ---
**Author:** ![MrDibble](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mrdibble/32/114_2.png) [@MrDibble](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MrDibble)\ **Post date:** [July 25, 2022, 8:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/european-heat-wave-and-air-conditoning/968293/31 "2022-07-25T08:12:28Z")
> [@AK84](#): > > Well for starters if you can describe the Mediterranean as a “hot” climate thats a good sigh that you really have no clue what you are talking about. The Mediterranean definitely has regions of hot climate. You can tell by the use of the word “hot” in their Köppen climate classification. What’s your climatology qualification, please? ---
**Author:** ![Mk\_VII](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/5f9b8f/32.png) [@Mk\_VII](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mk_VII)\ **Post date:** [July 25, 2022, 9:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/european-heat-wave-and-air-conditoning/968293/32 "2022-07-25T09:16:59Z")
England here - I knew one friend who was sensitive to heat, and he had air con fitted, in just the downstairs lounge (I think) and maybe one bedroom - but he didnt run it without grave cause as it’s so expensive to run. I cant think of anybody else who has it, and as said, it’s only needed on about 3 days a year. ---
**Author:** ![filmstar-en](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/50afbb/32.png) [@filmstar-en](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/filmstar-en)\ **Post date:** [July 27, 2022, 2:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/european-heat-wave-and-air-conditoning/968293/33 "2022-07-27T14:24:42Z")
Indeed, during the 40C, 104F heatwave that hit the UK last week the advice was to trap cooler morning air by closing the windows. Double glazing and brick walls seem to keep the heat out and it was a 30C indoors. The heatwave lasted just a couple of days and was treated as a very newsworthy national emergency. The sort of weather you expect on holiday in southern Spain or Italy. Everyone hunkered down indoors hiding from the heat or headed for the nearest water or shady spot. I expect a few fans were bought at premium prices. Some workplaces may have rented air-conditioners otherwise it was the ideal excuse to take the day off work. Keeping warm during the cool months is the priority. Heatwaves are rare and so too is air conditioning. Really cold weather is also rare, but you need central heating to be comfortable during the winter months. Given that the cost of natural gas has gone sky high, the big concern is a cold winter and the cost for many facing fuel poverty. Central heating bills are set to double or triple thanks to Putin’s escapade disrupting the energy market and this is a problem facing many European countries. ---
**Author:** ![mixdenny](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mixdenny/32/2962_2.png) [@mixdenny](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mixdenny)\ **Post date:** [July 27, 2022, 4:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/european-heat-wave-and-air-conditoning/968293/34 "2022-07-27T16:07:35Z")
> [@Magiver](#): > > I see the problem. Looking at those windows I don’t see any way of using a screen to keep insects out while they’re open. A/C units are available to fit casement windows. I used to have one. The units are vertically oriented and have a sliding section to extend to the side plus a piece of plexiglas that you cut to fit above the unit. ---
**Author:** ![SanVito](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/sanvito/32/2805_2.png) [@SanVito](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SanVito)\ **Post date:** [July 27, 2022, 4:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/european-heat-wave-and-air-conditoning/968293/35 "2022-07-27T16:52:16Z")
> [@Magiver](#): > > I see the problem. Looking at those windows I don’t see any way of using a screen to keep insects out while they’re open. Ah, one of the joys of living in a cooler climate - vanishingly few bitey miteys, and no need for window or door screens. The odd fly doesn’t kill us. ---
**Author:** ![chela](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/chela/32/21582_2.png) [@chela](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/chela)\ **Post date:** [July 27, 2022, 5:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/european-heat-wave-and-air-conditoning/968293/36 "2022-07-27T17:00:35Z")
Oh man right now my window screens are writhing with tiny mozzies, Michigan gets all kinds of biting flying stinging insects in summer. My daughter in Chicago lives in a brick apt building faces west has no ac. I bought and sent her a Whynter portable ac unit, she assembled the window duct easily and was cooled off quickly. She’s tight on space in a studio apt, but she can roll the portable and store it out of the way. Easier to handle than a bulky window unit. ---
**Author:** ![filmore](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/7993a0/32.png) [@filmore](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/filmore)\ **Post date:** [July 27, 2022, 5:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/european-heat-wave-and-air-conditoning/968293/37 "2022-07-27T17:35:41Z")
> [@filmstar-en](#): > > Indeed, during the 40C, 104F heatwave that hit the UK last week the advice was to trap cooler morning air by closing the windows. One thing that would also be good is to run fans in open windows overnight to ensure any latent heat inside the house is pushed outside. Everything inside the house warms up during the day, like furniture, books, walls, etc. Getting all that interior mass as cool as possible overnight will mean it will stay cooler for longer during the day. Forcing night air to blow through as much of the house as possible will help draw out all that heat from the previous day and push it outside. Then when the windows are closed in the morning, all that interior stuff is nice and cool and will take a long time to heat up. ---
**Author:** ![filmstar-en](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/50afbb/32.png) [@filmstar-en](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/filmstar-en)\ **Post date:** [July 27, 2022, 7:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/european-heat-wave-and-air-conditoning/968293/38 "2022-07-27T19:06:49Z")
Thanks. That sounds like a cunning plan! ---
**Author:** ![Mangetout](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mangetout/32/19_2.png) [@Mangetout](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mangetout)\ **Post date:** [July 27, 2022, 9:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/european-heat-wave-and-air-conditoning/968293/39 "2022-07-27T21:23:40Z")
Temperature terminology gatekeeping. Yay! I have a friend in Nigeria. Conversations with him often go something like this: **Him:** How’s the weather today? **Me:** Boiling. Unbearable heat. How’s yours? **Him:** Cold. Really cold. Everyone is wearing jackets. What temperature is it there? **Me:** 29 (Celsius). What’s yours? **Him:** 32 [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/european-heat-wave-and-air-conditoning/968293.md?page=1)