Tips to save money on… keeping cool in France
Last June was the second hottest on record as temperatures topped 40C
Closing shutters or using blackout blinds or curtains during the day can help block the sun from your living areas
Ed Connor / Shutterstock
June 2025 was the second hottest June on record since 2003, when 15,000 died in one of France’s worst heatwaves. Temperatures topped 40C in many areas and hundreds of schools were closed across the country.
Keeping cool can be pricey – especially if you are thinking of running air conditioning or installing a swimming pool. We look at the best ways to beat the heat without blowing your budget.
Pools
There are 3.6 million private pools nationwide but the trend in recent years has been for smaller installations. Before 1991, the average size of private swimming pools was 42m², whereas it is now 29m² according to the Fédération des professionnels de la piscine et du spa.
Mini pools, generally defined as under 10m², are exempt from taxation and require less maintenance. Prices can range from just under €8,000 to €20,000-plus, depending on the model.
Above-ground pools are also worth considering, as they can be significantly cheaper than in-ground varieties, and do not come with the same construction requirements.
Reader tips
“It is best not to own a house in France, but a boat. It is always a few degrees cooler at sea, and dropping in for a cooling swim is easy.” N.C.
“We installed Airton air conditioning units in our four upstairs bedrooms. They are cheap to buy and install, reasonable to run and very effective. They double as heaters in the colder months.” K.F.
“Damp hair and clothes – yes, hop into a cold shower! – before bedtime. In daytime, limit activity, put on the fan, drink lots of water, keep hands and feet bare and soak them regularly in cool water. Stay in the lowest part of the building, even better if you have tiled or stone floors.” T.H.
“A damp sheet or towel in front of a fan helps. Not air conditioning but better than nothing.” P.A.
“We close the sunny side shutters, roll out the sunshade over the kitchen doors, and spend most time in our big, airy séjour. We garden and cycle as early as possible, put the shade out over the pool (covers about half of it), and sit under our giant Lebanese cedars. Air con, no: our electricity bills are already high enough.” R.F.
“I install AC in the UK and having seen how much a friend in France paid to have his system installed, I was astounded. I could buy units in the UK, pay the import duty and TVA to import them into France, cover my travel costs and labour and would still only charge half what the local installers are charging. I’m not sure what I would need in the way of a visa or work permit to do it legally though.” - R
“Put a bowl of ice cubes in front of a fan.” S.W.
They are often easier to install, with prices ranging from €500 for small models to upwards of €8,000 for larger, higher end models.
Block the sun
Closing shutters or using blackout blinds or curtains during the day can help block the sun from your living areas.
Planting vegetation around your home can also create shade and prevent the sun from heating the interior. Reflective surfaces on roofs and exteriors can help too.
Insulation and ventilation
According to the health agency Santé publique France, insulation is the most effective way to maintain a comfortable temperature indoors, both in winter and summer.
The state grant MaPrimeRénov’ is available for insulation and ventilation, as well as water-to-water and air-to-water heat pumps. These heat pumps can help to cool homes by circulating cool water into radiators or underfloor heating.
Some energy companies also offer help towards renovations through the certificats d’économies d’énergie (CEE) scheme.
Air conditioning
The number of households with air conditioning rose from 14% in 2016 to 25% in 2020, according to Ademe. However, the agency advises people to limit their use, both for environmental and budgetary reasons.
Take steps to keep your home cool before you resort to air conditioning, such as opening windows at night, cross-ventilating and closing shutters during the day. You can also limit heat-generating sources indoors, including video game consoles and oven use.
Ademe recommends setting the air conditioning temperature slightly higher, for example to 26C compared to 23C, to save on electricity.
Air conditioning units can use vastly different amounts of electricity.
“A portable air conditioner can consume up to 2.5 times more electricity than a fixed unit,” Ademe said. “Avoid buying a low-end portable air conditioner, often heavily promoted in stores during a heatwave: you risk ending up with unreliable, inefficient, energy-inefficient and expensive products.”
It also recommends checking the air conditioner’s energy label before buying.
“Opt for the highest-rated models. Fixed air conditioners rated A+++ on the energy label are much more energy-efficient and allow you to make substantial savings in the long run.”
Public spaces
If your house becomes stifling, a day out to an air conditioned museum or the cinema could give you a break. Many cities across France have opened up their museums, libraries and other public spaces for free during previous heatwaves to help vulnerable people stay cool. During a 2022 heatwave, Lille even signposted these on an online map for residents.
Diet and nutrition
Many experts suggest eating lighter meals during the summer, which can save you money when eating out or doing your weekly shop. Prioritise fresh fruit and vegetables, and avoid anything that will need to be cooked in the oven, which can increase the temperature in your home.
