Wel, as far as Im concerned, A/C just ruined my 3-week stay in Louisiana: it was only April (80F outside / 26-27 celsius) and anywhere indoors was like being in a fridge. I am putting my bed net up tonight! I admit it is easier living in what I call :villageurbia. Very funny and, in fact, not exclusive to older generations of French people. In my experience, A/C thats on the arctic setting can absolutely make you feel sick or give you a cold. I put AC in the two ground floor bedrooms, the rest of the house stays pretty cool (2 foot thick stone walls, shutters etc). New House WTF #2: French shutters for windows? They also need to quit smoking, abandon nuclear power, and start installing more solar instead. (Its also expensive to run) I think I better stop because I could go on and on!!! My Grandma never used it in the car. In both places, very old, historic thick walled stone buildings are present. For 27 it better work! When I went to the US last month, my first reaction was to feel like crying when I saw that everyone depended on the air conditioning so much. it since it happens only two or three dozens days each year, although with climate change its bound to happen more and more often. I can see why the French wouldnt have it I hate waking up with a sore throat and I like the idea of using less hydro, but even I have my limits when it is plus 40 out the air con is definitely on! I much prefer to be too hot than too cold. A friend in Paris with a lovely, updated apartment in the 5th arrondissement near the Val-de-Grace says French bathrooms typically lack shower curtains/doors for the same reason to maintain the aesthetic of the bath. ***CLICK HERE TO READ FAQ*** Dismiss, Synthol: Miracle French pharmacy product for bug bites. My better half is a Frenchmanand he despises A/C!!! Lets keep moving forward. When I was still France, what I bought for my kid was a portable AC. Its not necessary and its bad for your health. My husband and I fight over it a lot! So I went back to my Airbnb where I could at least switch off the A/C for Gods sake. Required fields are marked *. The cross-ventilation is so amazing that you dont even think about A/C! I have commuted several years, so I know how horrid the situation can be, im not excusing it. I spray myself in bug spray too but I dont think it helps. @Liss-Apple37 : I think that -voluntarily or not- you misunderstood me : I wasspeaking of the stifling heat and lack of air INSIDE the metro and rer carriages (and Inside buses too) during heatwaves episodes (canbicules). So hope your thing works and then Ill buy it . If someone doesnt want to use a/c or screens or eat chocolate, they dont have to get an a/c or screens or chocolate. Letting your hair down. The mosquitoes dont concern themselves with questions of why you dont use AC; they just want your blood. Her nose/sinuses would start to run, so she hated it. And secondly, could it just be that Americas are obsessed with it, and judge Europe from a US-centric point of view? Are you sure you want to switch accounts? Enjoy your time in the US! Wolf & Moon Products, Inc. Bug Off Instant Screen, 32-Inch by 80-Inch https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002DR0DMS/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_a80zBb48D6144. And even if we dispense with AC, what sense does it make to /not/ have screens? I like options. So ridiculous paying for a view and not being able to enjoy it. I agree! Controls & Accessories, WILKES-BARRE DIST CTR (0085) WILKES BARRE PA. My husband and I spent all the time time playing cards in the basement for relief. I do find it very drying on my skin & throat. That is to say that I think despite the fact that we find it difficult to stand summer heat, and we really do, believe me, we think it is natural, its just a period to pass and maybe we think they did it in the past, why couldnt we? Of course AC could bring comfort, but well, thats just what summer is! Sorry to hear that Shelby, maybe we will all get some relief in October : ), Sorry to be in the same boat as you, Shelby. It is a challenge and expense many french avoid. Save time shopping for the products you need for your next job. Back to AC in houses, I guess I thought that it was expensive to install and to operate because it was really needed only a few days per year. They also have a fear of getting hit by a breeze. Those few days where the high temperature was 80 degrees were called a petit pause by the locals. They are slowly starting to get with the program. You be the judge. More difficult after its built. When I was a kid, I remember my parents cars did not have AC. And wear helmets on bikes. Being comfortable but finding a way to push yourself. In the hospital, they only left th window open 6 inches (they said to guard against postpartum depression) but they had no AC. My bed was next to the window. Maybe theyve adapted to their AC-free environment like the cape ground squirrel who uses its own tail for shade. But all the sickness, sore throat stuff is a bunch of nonsense. This results in in-swinging windows without screens. There are several brands & variety out there, I just picked one at random on Amazon to illustrate the product. 4) Our houses are made of stone or concrete blocks, theyre not easily convertible as someone said above. I believe in not rushing through the week just to get to the weekend. But yea the heat is horrible. I would get sore throat and a cold.. I wrote a post a little while ago asking for guest post submissions for when Im on vacation in September. Condensing Units Semi-Hermetic Refrigeration, Pumps & Bearing Accessories - Mitco_Reman, Boiler Controls (Feeders Etc.) Upstairs, though, we need to keep the shutters closed until about 3 pm. Curtis wrote a great guest post for me a couple of months ago about his life in Mayotte if youre interested Diane, youll find it tagged in the post linked here on Runion (same series). and autumn too damp. I hadnt even thought about car AC. On the other hand, they tell me that reducing the speed limit from 90 to 80kph is nearly CRIMINAL and will bring the nation down. Its not going to get cooler in Summers there either. So without further ado, lets get on with the guest post. What to think of a population who cant live in normal conditions anymore and has to use machines in order to survive ? Nope, I dont buy it. To keep bugs out and to keep poor pets and children from falling out windows! I spend what seems to be the majority of my time bemoaning the fact that AC is not a thing here. Sigh. One gentleman assured me of the veracity of this claim through a cloud of cigarette smoke. That just doesnt add up, nor is there any scientific evidence supporting your claim. As Im replying to your comment Im scratching one foots bug bites with the other foot and trying to scratch the 3 on my right hand with my left thumb while typing. I would have done the same thing. I live in Provence sadly without mosquito netting and no air conditioning either. I dont particularly like it and resist turning it on as long as I can (in Australia dont have it France of course). I have been to NYC a few years ago, and I can tell you that the subways platforms were suffocating too, and it was not a wait for a train every 3min like in Paris but rather 15min even more at night. Thats too cold. Can you relate? Im sure youve noticed, we like not to do things like everyone else, like being against rules. I like it at work, in malls, public transportation and in my car (sometimes) but I would definitely not get one home. Same with the train. Hope it cools down for you! Ive bought lengths of netting and made screens for my windows, even a screen door that leads out to my back garden! I hope you dont have too many mosquito bites! I literally slept with a cold face cloth and ice cubes. I wont travel to places like Paris, in the summer. Id take a window A/C unit over skin that looks diseased (like mine at this point)! In 2003, a heatwave killed over 10000 people and yet people are more terrified of getting a sore throat for a couple of days if air-conditioning is installed ! One pitch I received came from an American expat and it was about mosquito bites and air conditioning. Absolutely! Screens on the windows will be harder. And theres a chance that you could be in summer vacation when its really hot. I met the daughter of the owner of the apartment who was probably in her mid 20s. Anyone? That acclimation to insane heat must be a French thing! I live on the (American) 8th floor, with means that while I dont have to deal with as many bugs, that damn heat rises with a vengeance. Koreans believe something similar, for the same reason- Google Korean fan death.. I like even more going out on the patio and relax with no one else around. If its over 85 degrees F, that is hot! I read a LOT of blogs of Americans restoring old houses, and they all add an AC system and ducting everywhere in the house. The shutters do look prettier than ugly window AC units. I live in Italy and it seems Italians and French have much in common. But its a life-saver in malls in super hot countries and my car!! I appreciate noncomformity I seriously do but not when its just irrational. I work at a store with AC and have to wear a sweater all day. Going after what you want. I must weigh in here. Are you sure you want to switch locations? 2022 Sid Harvey Industries Inc. All rights reserved. The walls are so thick and the floors are cool and tiled. Two musts for a marriage to last! I COMMUTE on French Public Transportation (RATP)every weekday between Paris and Suburbia for my work on buses, metro and rer and I can attest that during heat waves -that can take place anytime between May and September- its hellish, because either there is no aircon or it is regulated so high that one doesnt feel the difference with the outside air, particularly during rush hours, its a sauna, but the RATP dismisses it with a handwave, saying with perfect bad faith it works perfectly -which is a blatant LIE. Like having to wear a hoodie to the movies in Miami is over the top. No matter what windows I opened, I could get no cross-breeze in my 18th century apartment and since I grew up in from tropical North Queensland in Australia, I do not like being enclosed in shutters most of the day. Any competent carpenter/joiner could knock them up. It figures that its supposedly for aesthetic reasons. We have hundreds of locations nationwide, ready to meet your needs. Its a myth, as the article-writer suggested. Ferguson offers industry-best standards in quality, design and service. They are all in their AC homes. Thank you Meredyth!!!! Further questioning revealed that abrupt swings in temperature are to blame for a range of maladies but primarily for sore throats. I cant even sleep with the fan on so air co is not for me. Please try again or. But for those of us who are more comfortable, its nice to have the choice. It is absolutely true that by opening windows to cooler evening temperatures and then blocking the harsh daytime sun with shutters, you can keep the interior of your home cooler than the exterior. Although, I do like living without screens because I feel like Princess Aurora. Bon dimanche ! Unfortunately I wont be able to confirm anything for you for another month. But it is hot here, and sorry, but the French I know have AC. This is why fans are also not used. Please try again or call us at 800-721-2590.ID: 1524166147, Copyright I definitely use it in my car, alternating with the fan on medium, and open windows. Am I being dramatic? Living in athleisure. And dont forget to show Neal some love in the comments! It was much better in Theoule. 2) We DO suffer from heat, we dont have supernatural powers that makes us stand it better. Going to look up that puit canadien. Very interesting explanation of why A/C and window screens dont exist in French homes. And I hate that because of air-conditioning, its often impossible to open the windows and get some fresh air in hotels, office, etc. I do love the French attitude ! Their AC is nuclear powered for cripes sake! France has one of the lowest carbon footprints of any industrialized country. I understand that there are building codesand that it would be unsightly to have the electrical components showing but there are portable units now too. Im sure they most be available in France. Are you sure you want to switch accounts? Modify your browser's settings to allow Javascript to execute. Privacy&Security| The air feels gross and recirculated. On hot nights, I would turn it on for 20 minutes just to cool down the room and allow an easy sleeping and then turn it off. Unfortunately its too expensive to buy and run and also many landlords dont want renters to install one in their apartments. Getting excited about lifes simple pleasures. I do. What a great topic and creating lots of debate :). (However, French AC isnt overzealous by any stretch of the imagination.) During our search for an apartment in Toulouse we told local friends we were looking for: A 1BR-1BTH apartment with air conditioning near the center of town. You might have thought we said: A 1BR-1BTH apartment with bowling lanes near the center of town.. So its become a matter of negotiation and compromise! Perfect for pretty villages. This is why, on a breezy day even if its 95 degrees Italians wrap their necks in scarves. Contact us between 8AM and 6PM EST, Monday - Friday, Goodman 208/230V 16000 BTU Scroll HVAC Compressor, Goodman 208/230V 21000 BTU Scroll HVAC Compressor, Goodman 208/230V 29000 BTU Scroll HVAC Compressor, Goodman 208/230V 31000 BTU Scroll HVAC Compressor, Goodman 208/230V 36000 BTU Scroll HVAC Compressor, Goodman 208/230V 39000 BTU Scroll HVAC Compressor, Goodman 208/230V 42000 BTU Scroll HVAC Compressor, Goodman 230/280V 44400 BTU Scroll HVAC Compressor, Goodman 208/230V 51000 BTU Scroll HVAC Compressor, Goodman 1.5 - 2 Tons R-410A Thermal Expansion Valve, Goodman 2 - 3 Tons R-410A Thermal Expansion Valve, Goodman 3.5 - 5 Tons R-410A Thermal Expansion Valve. (same goes with winter being too cold. In the plane when we flew back to France, French customers had to ask for 2 blankets and when the Air France staff agreed to raising the temperature a bit (they confessed they were cold too), the American customers said they were going to faint!!! He could care less but Im winning this argument! There was a portable unit in a restaurant we went to. Hi Cathy, thanks for checking out Neals post. Would I just get used to it? http://www.amazon.fr/gp/product/B005OO4DN2?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00, http://scope.ratp.fr/ventilation-mecanique-ventilation-refrigeree-climatisation-ratp-scope-fait-le-point/, https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002DR0DMS/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_a80zBb48D6144.