The whole of Europe is bracing for a heat wave – and the sales of portable air conditioners are soaring.
The units are especially popular in Geneva where the canton has the strictest rules on the installation of private air-conditioning.
Putting a system in your home is next to impossible under cantonal laws. You have to show a strong need – which normally needs a medical certificate.
But that doesn’t extend to portable machines. But these are less efficient as it normally means a window needs to be open so excess heat can be expelled.
Electricity consumption is also high and their lifespan limited.
The head of the cantonal energy office, Cédric Petitjean, told RTS that the sales of portable air conditioners are sobering and maybe a rethink on how to handle expected more heatwaves is needed.
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