欧洲空调的普及率为何如此之低？| 声动早咖啡

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the low air conditioning penetration in Europe despite rising summer temperatures, highlighting various economic, structural, and cultural factors that contribute to this phenomenon [2][6][12]. Economic Factors - The air conditioning penetration rate in Europe has increased from 14% in 2010 to approximately 20% in 2023, but it remains significantly lower than over 90% in Japan and the US, and over 60% in China [5][6]. - The cost of purchasing and installing a standard air conditioner in Europe is about 1,600 euros (approximately 13,000 RMB), which is more than half of the average monthly income of 2,580 euros in the EU [6][7]. - Electricity prices in Europe are considerably higher than in the US and China, with average costs of 0.28 euros per kWh in France and 0.4 euros in Germany, compared to 0.18 USD in the US and 0.5-0.8 RMB in China [7]. Structural Challenges - Many European homes are old and not designed for air conditioning installation, with one-sixth of homes in the UK built before 1900, making electrical upgrades difficult [8]. - Strict regulations on historical buildings often prevent modifications for air conditioning installation, leading to a high rejection rate for installation applications [9]. Cultural Attitudes - Despite rising temperatures, the number of days requiring air conditioning is relatively low in many European cities, with Paris experiencing over 30-degree days typically not exceeding 10 days per year [10]. - Many Europeans prefer traditional cooling methods and often take vacations during the hottest months, reducing the perceived need for air conditioning [11]. Future Outlook - The increasing frequency of extreme heat events is prompting a reevaluation of air conditioning's necessity, with projections indicating that indoor air conditioning units in Europe could exceed 100 million by 2030, doubling from 2020 levels [12].