Which Countries Have the Best Air Conditioning?

As the UK and Europe swelter through another summer heatwave, it’s a good moment to ask which countries have the best air conditioning. The USA, China and the UAE consistently come out on top, each for a different reason. 

From the science behind the technology to a genuine matter of health, here’s how these nations keep buildings, both public and private, comfortably cool, and how The Moving Partnership can help if you are planning a move to a warmer climate.

Air Conditioning and International Removals with The Moving Partnership

Wherever you are moving to, The Moving Partnership can help you. Call 0800 772 3709 for European and international removals, or 0845 003 7335 for moves within the UK, and our team can talk you through what to expect, alongside the practicalities of the move itself.

The United States

Air conditioning as we know it was invented in the United States: engineer Willis Carrier designed the first modern system in 1902 to control humidity at a Brooklyn printing works, and the technology has never looked back. 

More than a century on, it's deeply embedded in American life. The US Energy Information Administration's Residential Energy Consumption Survey found that 88% of homes use air conditioning, with two-thirds relying on central systems built into the property itself. It's this combination of scale and long history that gives the United States its reputation for having the best air conditioning in the world.

If you’re planning international removals to the USA, The Moving Partnership can help you with every stage of your move.

China

China is now the world’s largest air conditioning manufacturer and market, producing around 170 million units a year, and household ownership has risen by 50% over the past decade. However, usage still varies considerably depending on where you look: research shows air conditioning is far more common in China's wealthier, more urban areas than in the countryside.

Whether you're moving to one of China's fast-growing coastal cities or somewhere further inland, The Moving Partnership can help arrange international removals to China.

The UAE

In the UAE, air conditioning isn’t a luxury, it’s a genuine health necessity. Summer temperatures regularly climb above 45°C, and Dubai Municipality regulations require indoor temperatures to be kept between 22.5°C and 25.5°C in both residential and commercial buildings.

Rather than relying purely on individual units, cities including Dubai have invested heavily in district cooling networks, which pipe chilled water to many buildings from a central plant. 

If international removals to the UAE. are on your radar, our team can advise on what to expect from the climate as well as the move itself.

International Removals with The Moving Partnership

Whichever of these countries you’re relocating to, The Moving Partnership can help make the move as smooth as the climate control once you arrive. We offer a choice of dedicated containers or more cost-effective groupage services, alongside packing, storage, customs clearance and insurance.

You can kick things off with a free online quote or video survey instead of an in-person visit. Call 0800 772 3709 to find out more.

FAQS

Q: Is air conditioning common in English homes?

A: No. Research published by the University of Reading’s Energy Demand Research Centre in June 2026 found that just 4.3% of English homes (around 1.06million) use air conditioning, compared with close to 90% in the US. That gap is one reason UK heatwaves can feel especially difficult to cope with compared to in the US.

Q: Can extreme heat damage belongings during international removals?

A: Yes, potentially. Shipping containers can reach very high temperatures in transit or while waiting at dock, so electronics, cosmetics and other heat-sensitive items are worth professionally packing or sending via air freight. (It’s also worth checking if there are any local rules and regulations about certain electronic items, and if your appliance’s voltage is compatible as well). Speak to The Moving Partnership if you have any particular concerns about specific items.

Q: Does the type of property affect how easily air conditioning can be added after a move?

A: Generally, yes, but by property type more than age. Houses usually benefit from permitted development rights for an air conditioning unit, while flats face stricter size limits and typically need both planning permission and freeholder consent. Listed buildings need separate Listed Building Consent regardless of type, so it's worth checking local rules before committing to a property in a hot climate.

Q: What is the position with international removals to the UAE at the moment?

A: The conflict in the Middle East continues to cause disruptions to shipping in the region. This means, if you are considering moving to the UAE, shipping lines continue to implement widespread booking suspensions and costly diversions. For the latest information check out the British Association of Removers.