Faced with heat waves, many French people are turning to air conditioning.

Unfortunately, this trend weighs heavily on air pollution, as recently denounced by the Ecological Transition Agency (Ademe).

Increasing demand

According to the study published in June 2021 by the public body, nearly 25% of households were equipped with air conditioners in 2020, against 14% four years earlier. This average rate even climbs to 31% for single-family homes, against only 20% for households residing in buildings. Unsurprisingly, the inhabitants of the south-east of France and Corsica are the biggest users of air conditioning (47% of equipment) since they are the ones who face the highest summer temperatures, where the Bretons are only 11% use this type of device to cool their home.

That said, the most important consumers remain professionals, since 40% of the tertiary sector is air-conditioned, with a record rate of 64% for office activities.

In total, some 800,000 air conditioners were sold in 2020, households and businesses combined.

A record.

Electricity and gas involved

The problem is that this collective enthusiasm has serious environmental consequences. According to the Ademe study, air conditioning was responsible for nearly 5% of greenhouse gas emissions in the building sector in 2020. In detail, these devices represent a significant electricity consumption, estimated at 4 , 9 TWh for the residential sector and 10.6 TWh for the tertiary sector that year. In addition, the slightest refrigerant gas leak, which generally occurs when the appliance wears out, can be very polluting.

The public body therefore recommends that you choose your equipment wisely and use it as little as possible.

Even if it means buying an air conditioning, prefer a fixed reversible or split PAC model, which consumes 2.5 times less electricity than a mobile air conditioner.

Finally, wait until it is at least 30 ° C outside to turn it on.

Focus on alternatives

Do you want to lower the temperature in your home in a less polluting way? The Ecological Transition Agency has published a small practical guide offering alternatives to air conditioning. While closing the shutters on hot summer days remains very effective, less restrictive solutions are also possible. For example, you can install blinds, adjustable venetian blinds and other awnings that let in light but prevent direct exposure of openings. Note that protection placed outdoors is much more effective than a screen installed indoors.

When it comes to renovating, also remember that light colors reflect light and heat.

White, yellow and orange are thus your best allies in your home but also for the facades and roofs of the building.

Of course, the insulation also plays a lot to protect you from the cold but also from the rise of the thermostat.

Finally, help yourself with plants, which greatly contribute to lowering temperatures.

This is the opportunity to plant a tree near your bay window, to create a pergola to shelter your terrace or to install a hedge not far from the house in order to enjoy pleasant and natural shade.

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  • Heat

  • Economy

  • Lodging

  • Pollution