Story perspectives

Europeans Back Mandatory Air Conditioning for New Homes

8/24/2026

Summary

Story summary

Survey respondents in the United Kingdom and five other European nations favor making air-conditioning standard in new homes.
Between 61% and 73% support mandatory air-conditioning in new houses.
65% to 75% back installing air-conditioning without landlord or council permission.
52% to 66% would back government subsidies for homeowners adding air-conditioning.
Air-conditioning owners reported 79%-85% comfort during heatwaves, versus 35%-47% of non-owners.

1 of 1

Story summary

Survey respondents in the United Kingdom and five other European nations favor making air-conditioning standard in new homes.
Between 61% and 73% support mandatory air-conditioning in new houses.
65% to 75% back installing air-conditioning without landlord or council permission.
52% to 66% would back government subsidies for homeowners adding air-conditioning.
Air-conditioning owners reported 79%-85% comfort during heatwaves, versus 35%-47% of non-owners.