The average indoor temperature in June and July 2022 increased to 24.4°C, highlighting Europe’s imminent need for AC

London, 09.08.2022:A new study from tado° has found that the indoor temperatures of most European households increased to sweltering and unmanageable heights during the past two summers. The study was conducted in 440,000 European homes from June - July 2020 to 2022 between 12 - 6pm. In 2022 it shows an overall average indoor temperature of 24.4ºC compared to 23.8 °C in 2020, showing a consistent rise in temperatures, and a growing demand for Air Conditioning on the horizon.

With an average of 27.6 °C, Italian homes have the hottest indoor temperature of all European countries measured.

UK Regional Heat

In the UK, the average indoor temperatures across June and July settled at 22.5°C. In the summer months when the mercury hit a record temperature outdoors 40°C in Heathrow on the 19th of July, higher temperatures have been something that Brits have increasingly struggled with, lacking in AC infrastructure in homes. The spike in temperatures on the recording-breaking day at 40°C was already an unprecedented event for the UK, emphasised further with the average temperature this summer being almost half of what the record brought. Northern Ireland saw the lowest average indoor temperatures in the UK this summer at 20.8°C, and London topped the regional breakdown at 23.7°C.

Whilst the country anticipates difficulties with heating costs this winter, summer heatwaves can also provide issues. Elderly people in particular suffer from high temperatures due to a higher prevalence of chronic medical conditions which increase the risk for their health [1]. More and more elderly citizens and people with health issues will have to deal with high temperatures in their daily life: In 2018, a record of 220 million people over the age of 65 were exposed to heatwaves [2]. It’s not just the vulnerable that suffer though, heat impacts everyone as it can harm the body’s ability to regulate temperatures, which can lead to illness. 

Heatwave Hotspot Europe

Europe is experiencing extreme heat waves this summer with temperatures over 40 °C in many regions. Scientists found out that in Europe heat waves increase 3-4 times faster than in other northern hemisphere countries [3]. High temperatures are a risk to human health and productivity. That is why big cities and governments have developed heatwave action plans to offer cool public space and free water distribution. Also, governments and health organisations recommend staying at home during the hottest time of the day and keeping it cool with an AC. Whether or not Europe is ready for this increased energy demand is a question that will be answered by smart demand response of AC units, and their load on the energy grid.

Growing demand for ACs

In areas that are not used to heat like Germany and the UK, people are not prepared for hot temperatures, with very few homes prepared to beat the heat through Air Conditioning (AC). But the demand is growing, and ACs are becoming more popular across Europe. By 2050 the number of ACs in the EU will double to 275 million, the IEA estimates [4]. Europe is already struggling to manage the energy demand of its winters. With increased AC usage on the horizon, the continent is marching towards the same energy scarcity in the Summer months too. 

Using a smart AC control makes the AC energy efficient. They use intelligent algorithms as well as smart features like Geofencing and Open Window Detection to only cool when it is needed. Christian Deilmann, CPO and Co-Founder of tado° says: “In these extreme heat periods a cool home is necessary for the health and a human need. Using an AC with our tado° Smart AC control enhances your comfort at home while saving energy.”

[1] WHO Europe, Heat threatens health: key figures for Europe

[2] The 2019 report of The Lancet Countdown on health and climate change

[3] Nature.com

[4] International Energy Agency

About tado° 

tado° is the European leader in intelligent home climate management. As the only cross-manufacturer platform, tado° Smart Thermostats and services connect with any kind of heating or cooling system. Customers benefit from energy-saving technology such as Geofencing and Open Window Detection as well as time-of-use energy offerings. Founded in Munich, 2011, and with 180 employees, tado° reshapes the way energy is consumed for more comfort, savings, and in sync with nature. www.tado.com

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Press contact

Cameron Wood

tado GmbH

Sapporobogen 6-8

80637

Munich

cameron.wood@tado.com