As another intense heatwave grips much of Europe, air conditioning has become an essential part of daily life for millions of households. In Croatia, demand for servicing and new installations has surged, with technicians reporting waiting times of up to two weeks as temperatures continue to climb.

According to official figures, Croatia now ranks second in Europe for air conditioning ownership, with 55 percent of households equipped with cooling systems. Only Italy has a slightly higher rate at 56 percent, while around 45 percent of homes in Spain have air conditioning. By comparison, only one in four households in France and one in five in Germany have air conditioning, with the European average standing at just 20 percent.

Service technicians say the biggest mistake many homeowners make is waiting until the middle of a heatwave to have their units serviced.

“The first few hundred customers can usually get an appointment within a reasonable time, but everyone else has to wait,” said Denis Tesar, who owns an air conditioning sales and servicing company. He compared the situation to trying to start every car in Zagreb after leaving them parked for a year, saying many would inevitably break down.

Doctors warn against setting temperatures too low

Medical experts are also urging people to avoid creating excessive temperature differences between indoor and outdoor environments.

Epidemiologist Matijana Jergović from the Teaching Institute of Public Health “Dr. Andrija Štampar” recommends keeping indoor temperatures only six to eight degrees Celsius cooler than outside.

“If it’s 38 degrees outside, your air conditioner shouldn’t be set below around 30 degrees,” she explained, adding that larger temperature differences place unnecessary stress on the body and make it harder to adapt when moving outdoors.

Many Croatians, however, admit to running their air conditioners continuously throughout both the day and night during the current heatwave.

Regular maintenance is essential

Experts also stress the importance of regular maintenance, including cleaning air filters and reducing dust inside the home.

Homes with pets require even greater attention, as circulating air can spread dust, pet hair and allergens throughout indoor spaces if filters are not properly maintained.

Technicians note that a standard air conditioning system, including installation, can now be purchased from around €800, while portable units typically cost between €300 and €500.

Although portable units require no professional installation, wall-mounted systems remain the quieter and more efficient option for long-term cooling.

As European summers continue to become hotter, demand for cooling systems is expected to rise further. However, experts also point out the paradox that greater reliance on air conditioning increases energy consumption, which in turn contributes to the climate change driving ever more frequent heatwaves.

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