Demand for air conditioning installations has jumped by 90% in France.

The heatwaves are significantly boosting business for air conditioning installers. According to data collected by Travaux.com, a platform connecting individuals with building professionals, French requests for air conditioning installation have increased by 90% year-on-year.

This figure measures the number of projects submitted to the platform and does not directly correspond to the number of units sold or installed. Travaux.com did not specify, in the information provided, the total volume of requests analyzed or the exact dates of the comparison period.

An even more pronounced increase in several European countries

The growth is not limited to the French market. Over the same period, requests for air conditioner installations increased by 114% in the Netherlands, 152% in Germany and 150% in the United Kingdom.

These developments reflect a growing interest in cooling solutions in countries where buildings have historically been designed primarily to minimize heat loss in winter. Longer and more frequent heat waves are now changing expectations for indoor comfort.

However, comparisons between different countries should be interpreted with caution. The initial volumes, the number of users on each national platform, and the characteristics of local markets are not detailed in the press release.

July 2026, the hottest month ever recorded in France

This surge in demand comes after a particularly hot start to the summer. According to Météo-France, July 2026 was the hottest month ever recorded in mainland France since measurements began in 1900.

The average temperature reached 24,9°C, exceeding August 2003, which recorded 24,8°C. Between July 4th and 19th, France experienced its second heat wave of the year, remarkable for its duration.

These temperatures have disrupted the functioning of many homes, workplaces, and schools. Episodes of nighttime heat also affect sleep and rest, with potential consequences for well-being and work organization.

The press release also cites an estimate attributed to the Rexecode Institute, according to which the drought could cost the French economy between 3 and 6 billion euros for the entire year. This estimate would be in addition to the 5,6 billion euros associated with the 2022 drought.

Fans, shutters and blinds are also in demand.

Air conditioning isn't the only equipment benefiting from this shift in demand. Travaux.com is also seeing increased requests for ceiling fans, shutters, and exterior blinds.

These solutions do not all serve the same purpose. Exterior sunshades limit heat gain before it penetrates the windows. Ceiling fans improve perceived comfort by circulating air, without directly lowering the room temperature.

Air conditioning, on the other hand, actively cools the home. Its selection must take into account the area to be cooled, exposure to the elements, insulation, room layout, and the possible location of the outdoor unit. The size of the unit and the quality of its installation determine its performance and energy consumption.

In apartment buildings, the installation may also require checking the condominium rules and any procedures related to modifying the exterior appearance of the building.

Housing that is still insufficiently adapted to extreme heat

For Travaux.com, the increase in demand more broadly reveals the limitations of part of the residential stock in the face of summer temperatures.

“Unfortunately, our homes are not always designed to withstand such extreme heat. In France, houses have long been built to retain heat rather than to dissipate it.”

But recent years have brought record-breaking heat, lasting for increasingly longer periods, making it difficult to feel comfortable at home. Buildings act as veritable heat traps, where air no longer circulates, and this can quickly lead to discomfort, or even danger.

Demand for this equipment increases with the frequency of heat waves, and more and more French people understand that air conditioning could well become essential, at a time when temperatures continue to rise.

There are several ways to cool your home during periods of intense heat, but installing an air conditioning system is undoubtedly the most effective solution for keeping your interior cool and comfortable, even during the most sweltering summers. "Lionel De Swarte-Danko, spokesperson for Travaux.com, explains.

Combining active cooling and building protection

The increase in demand for air conditioning opens up opportunities for installers, air conditioning technicians and refrigeration specialists, but it also underlines the need for a comprehensive approach to summer comfort.

Before installing cooling equipment, professionals can examine sun protection, roof insulation, ventilation, building thermal inertia, and the possibility of effective ventilation during cooler hours. These factors help limit overheating and can reduce the need for air conditioning.

The increase observed by Travaux.com therefore reflects both a dynamic market for thermal equipment and a growing need to adapt the building stock to summer heat.