Driven by increasingly intense heatwaves, more households in Germany are deciding to purchase air conditioning units. According to a survey conducted by the Innofact Institute for a comparison portal, approximately 23 percent of homes now possess an air conditioning unit, a noticeable increase from 18 percent just one year ago.
The trend is even clearer when looking at purchasing intentions, as nearly one in four households plans to acquire an air conditioning unit. Interestingly, the proportion of households planning a purchase was almost half that figure (14 percent) in July 2025, according to the researchers. Despite this, 52 percent of households still do not plan on buying the equipment.
Among the households that already own units, mobile devices are widely preferred. Sixty-nine percent of owners use a “Monoblock” system, which directs hot air outside through an exhaust hose. Fixed Split systems, which consist of separate indoor and outdoor components and generally offer cooler operation, account for the remaining 31 percent.
There are significant differences between the cost and operation of these two main types. A fixed Split system requires an initial investment of between 1,000 and 2,000 euros, depending on the model and installation, but annual electricity costs are relatively low, typically ranging from 40 to 90 euros. Mobile Monoblock units, however, are available starting at around 200 euros. Despite their lower purchase price, they consume considerably more energy, with annual electricity costs falling between 100 and 150 euros, leading experts to categorize them as less efficient.
Innofact surveyed 1,000 people aged 18 to 69 in July to gather this data.
