Many in Europe resist due to cost, concern about environmental impact and even suspicions of adverse health impacts from cold air currents, including colds, a stiff neck, or worse. Cooling systems remain rare in Nordic countries and even Germany, where temperatures can nudge above 30C for extended periods.

Air conditioning is less common in Europe than in North America due to a combination of historical architecture, climate history, and energy costs. Many European buildings are centuries old, with thick stone walls designed to retain cool air in the summer and heat in the winter; retrofitting these structures with modern ductwork is often physically impossible or legally prohibited by heritage laws. Furthermore, most of Europe has historically enjoyed milder summers where a few weeks of heat were easily managed with fans or shutters. High electricity prices and a cultural emphasis on environmental sustainability also play a role, as AC is seen as an energy-intensive luxury. However, in 2026, this is rapidly changing; due to increasingly frequent and severe heatwaves, AC installations in Southern and Central Europe are surging, though many locals still prefer "passive cooling" methods like closing heavy external shutters during the peak of the day.