Climate Usage, European Households, Panasonic, Air Conditioning, Heating Solutions, Sustainability, Home Comfort, Energy Efficiency
As temperatures rise across Europe, and citizens’ comfort needs shift with climatic conditions, the usage of home air conditioning systems is undergoing a noticeable transformation. A recent study by Panasonic Heating & Cooling Solutions provides a comprehensive overview of how Europeans utilize their home climate systems throughout various phases of the year. According to product usage analysis conducted in ten European countries in 2024, 81% of installed air conditioning units are now used not only for cooling but also primarily for heating. This reflects the evolving role of home climate control solutions, as demand increases for versatile systems capable of delivering reliable comfort throughout the year in modern homes.
More than just a summer solution: How does climate affect air conditioning usage?
The detailed research conducted from January to December 2024 investigated the operation of Panasonic home air conditioning systems, specifically focusing on automatic, fan, and dehumidification modes, as well as the ratios of heating to cooling usage. The results indicate that European households utilize their air conditioning units for heating on average for 72% of the operational time.
This trend is especially prominent in the northern, cooler climate regions, such as Norway, where 95.6% of air conditioning usage is for heating, and in Denmark, where it is 94.7%. However, it is noteworthy that even in these countries there are users who employ the system for cooling during the warmer months. These findings demonstrate the effectiveness of air-to-air heat pump solutions even in cold climatic conditions.
Conversely, in warmer countries like Italy and Spain, different usage patterns emerge. Air conditioning systems are used for heating much less frequently: only 43.8% in Italy and 42.5% in Spain. These figures highlight a stronger demand for cooling in sunnier, warmer regions.
In Hungary, this ratio stands at 66% for heating and 34% for cooling, similar to the Czech Republic at 62% and 38%, and the Netherlands at 68% for heating and 32% for cooling. The most balanced usage results are seen in Slovenia, where air conditioning units are used 50-50% for heating and cooling.
The role of air-to-air heat pumps in domestic heating
The situation in Hungary mirrors the broader European scenario. Over the past five years, the majority of devices bought by end-users have been due to their heating functionalities alongside cooling. A significant portion of the installed base now provides heating, including many systems capable of reliably heating throughout the winter months at a favorable cost. Users can take advantage of reduced tariffs during the heating season, allowing more economical heating compared to standard rates.
There is a noticeable increase in the consumption of units that can safely heat even during winter. Air-to-air heat pumps (air conditioning systems) present significant potential due to their cost-effective operation. When properly and regularly maintained, they can result in substantial energy savings during the heating season compared to traditional systems, potentially offsetting the additional consumption associated with summer cooling.
Comfort is not seasonal: How year-round climate solutions become standard
As European households generally prefer flexible and energy-efficient solutions for indoor comfort, Panasonic continues to lead in the development of intelligent, sustainable, and high-performance systems, offering solutions that align with modern lifestyles.
Given the rising temperatures of summers and the changing user habits, it’s also crucial for consumers to select systems that not only cool efficiently but also provide reliable heating for the rest of the year. Panasonic’s advanced solutions deliver stable performance and comfort across all seasons, whether in domestic or workplace environments.
From compact units designed for urban apartments to high-performance, multi-zone systems suited for spacious homes, the Panasonic range has it all. Continuous R&D efforts ensure that the solutions meet current market and consumer demands with well-founded and innovative approaches.
To learn more about Panasonic’s latest home air conditioning products, visit: Panasonic Residential Solutions