As heatwaves strike, Europeans turn to prized Chinese air-conditioner
European Heatwave Sparks Demand for Chinese Air Conditioners
As heatwaves strike Europeans turn to prized - As scorching heatwaves grip the continent, a surge in demand for Chinese air conditioners has emerged across Europe. Among the most popular products is the Midea PortaSplit, a portable split unit that has become a lifeline for residents struggling with record-breaking temperatures. This trend highlights a growing reliance on Chinese-made cooling solutions amid rising summer heat.
A Personal Struggle with Extreme Heat
Steven Scholtysek, a 36-year-old German engineer, has lived through Europe’s sweltering summers since childhood. However, this year’s heat has been particularly harsh, with Western Europe recording its hottest June on file and German cities exceeding 40°C (104°F). Now residing in an attic apartment in Hamelin, north-central Germany, Scholtysek faces intensified challenges. "It’s nearly impossible to maintain a normal life in those flats during the summer heat," he explains.
His search for relief led him to the PortaSplit, a portable split air-conditioner designed to bypass European building restrictions. This unit, which can be installed without altering exterior walls, has gained traction as a practical solution. "It was a game changer," Scholtysek says, reflecting on how the device transformed his living conditions.
Rising Popularity of Midea in Europe
The Midea PortaSplit has captured the attention of European consumers, propelling the Chinese brand into the spotlight. Units have sold out rapidly, with resale platforms listing them at prices up to three times their original €750 retail value. A dedicated website, MideaFinder, now tracks availability, underscoring the product’s demand.
Denis Yurchak, a resident of Vienna, discovered the PortaSplit while researching cooling options. "There’s a sort of cult following around Midea," he notes, describing how online reviews and forums have elevated the brand’s reputation. After sharing his experience on X, Yurchak began receiving frequent inquiries about the device, highlighting its growing influence.
Record Sales and Market Growth
Chinese companies are capitalizing on Europe’s heat crisis. Midea reported a year-on-year sales increase of over 70% in countries like France, Spain, Germany, and the UK, though the Europe office has not confirmed these figures. Similarly, TCL Technology saw air-conditioner sales skyrocket in France, with a more than 300% spike. Gree, a major global manufacturer, also noted a significant rise in demand, attributing it to consumers adapting to prolonged heatwaves.
"Many of our customers are first-time buyers," a Gree representative told the BBC. "The increasing frequency of summer heatwaves has clearly shifted consumer behavior." This shift is evident in cities where historic-preservation rules previously limited outdoor AC installations, making the PortaSplit’s flexible design a key selling point.
Energy Concerns Amid Cooling Demand
While air conditioners offer relief, their environmental impact raises questions. A 2024 report states that air conditioning accounts for 7% of global electricity use and contributes to 2.7% of carbon dioxide emissions from fossil fuels and industry. Critics argue that widespread adoption could worsen urban heat, particularly in densely populated areas.
Some residents view air conditioners as a short-term fix, given that heatwaves typically last only a few weeks. Yet, for others, the devices are a necessity. The situation reached a peak in late June when France closed hundreds of schools due to its hottest day on record. The country’s power utility later allocated €80 million to address energy demands sparked by the heatwave.