Government mandated thermostat settings

[MillauFr]

It is because I do not see the big deal. A bug can be killed or ignored. We do not have the same mosquitos here as you have in the US, probably. It is probably also a different attitude, we do not try to remove everything that could possibly harm you in live. Like bike helmets in the Netherlands, as in we do not wear them

Also no two heats are the same. A heatwave in the Netherlands is different than a heatwave in France, which is different from Spain, which different from Florida heat.

Yes in Seattle we don't have mosquitos either. It is too cold and dry in the Summer for them to reproduce. We still have flies though and when I got new windows I went with the option to install screens. I was surprised it was even an option.

 

[Sinder]

I don't feel more superior than most Americans feel superior over the rest of the world so let's call it even.

Bugs here are not the same. I am sitting here, working from home, the entire day from 8am to 11pm with all windows open, no screens and I do not have bugs in my house. On top of it, I live close to a lake.
It rarily happens that mosquitos here carry diseases, you have to go much further south near the Mediterean seas.

It is like the discussion about whether or not you should constantly clean your kid when it gets dirty, dirt builds up your immune system. Some people are for it, others against it.
In Europe a lot are of the opinion that you have to work with the environment, not try to conquer it.

For things that rarily happen you do not need to a yearlong adjustment.

Ok fair enough. You do realize that just like Europeans, Americans have adapted to the conditions we live in too right. Which is exactly why going to Europe during temps of 110 degrees with no AC isn’t going to be a pleasant experience for a lot of us.

And we do work with the environment and we aren’t opposed to using all the great technological advancements that man has come up with from screens to AC in order to do just that.

 

[Moliphino]

Yes in Seattle we don't have mosquitos either. It is too cold and dry in the Summer for them to reproduce. We still have flies though and when I got new windows I went with the option to install screens. I was surprised it was even an option.

I need screens for the moths. I'd never be able to have lights on inside after dark if not for screens.

 

[mikalkwin]

Ok fair enough. You do realize that just like Europeans, Americans have adapted to the conditions we live in too right. Which is exactly why going to Europe during temps of 110 degrees with no AC isn’t going to be a pleasant experience for a lot of us.

And we do work with the environment and we aren’t opposed to using all the great technological advancements that man has come up with from screens to AC in order to do just that.

110 never happen inside. We don’t build houses the same way you do. It was 100 for 1 week outside during the day. Temp drops at night. We leave everything open after dark. We don’t have bugs inside the house and without AC the temp is max 26celsius at the worst for a few hours inside my house.

Like I said. You are projecting what you know and live where it doesn’t happen.

Edit: those high temperature are not the norm. This is exceptionally high.

 

[DeeBee3]

All you dry summer people don't know how good you have it!!! Mosquitoes are my mortal enemy because they love me in particular.

 

[MillauFr]

All you dry summer people don't know how good you have it!!! Mosquitoes are my mortal enemy because they love me in particular.

Agreed. Even though it is way too expensive here I couldn't handle living anywhere that is humid or gets above 80 degrees on a regular basis. Was in Florida last December and it was in the low 80s and I was melting.

 

[Sinder]

110 never happen inside. We don’t build houses the same way you do. It was 100 for 1 week outside during the day. Temp drops at night. We leave everything open after dark. We don’t have bugs inside the house and without AC the temp is max 26celsius at the worst for a few hours inside my house.

Like I said. You are projecting what you know and live where it doesn’t happen.

Lol ok. I never said 110 degrees was inside and you have no idea what kind of climate I live in or how my house was made. it might be you who is projecting.
But no worries my European travel plans ended when COVID shut it down and I have no plans to reschedule my trip no matter the weather.
Enjoy your not hot heatwave and your no buggy nights and I’ll enjoy my nice cool AC and screened windows

 

[disney212]

Why would we need a screen when we have a curtain?

Every country has its problems.

Usually every summer we get here in Europe news items about the US having power outages and blackouts because of the excessive use of AC.

I do think it is a little short sighted to say 'oh, now I cant visit Europe', don't you pack for the place you are visiting? You dont go to Alaska in winter in your swimsuit. Most people are capable of adapting after a day or two to whatever weather if you packed for it and use the local strategies.

I wasn't visiting I lived there. Had lace curtains and the wind blew them open and bugs flew in. I used fly strips to catch them. Just different than some other places I've lived. It's p

Why would we need a screen when we have a curtain?

Every country has its problems.

Usually every summer we get here in Europe news items about the US having power outages and blackouts because of the excessive use of AC.

I do think it is a little short sighted to say 'oh, now I cant visit Europe', don't you pack for the place you are visiting? You dont go to Alaska in winter in your swimsuit. Most people are capable of adapting after a day or two to whatever weather if you packed for it and use the local strategies.

I did not mean to offend, it was not meant with any malice. I enjoyed my time in Germany very much. It was hard with asthma but I would do it again. As an FYI I've never had a blackout or power outage in my area. We have had storms knock out power for a few hours but that's it. We have a generator due to my asthma.

 

[JLTraveling]

I have no clue if those temps are reasonable in Europe, because I haven't experienced a European heat wave or cold front. I know that here in NOLA, our power was out for two weeks last summer after Ida. Heat index was 108-113 every day, and didn't drop much below 90 at night. We lived, partly by driving around with the car a/c on during the worst of it and sleeping in the living room with windows open at both ends. But it was miserable, partly because this house is Victorian but was completely renovated right before we moved in, including a ton of insulation. Great for keeping the power bills down, not so good for cooling without a/c.

By contrast, we spent the summer in the American Southwest a few years ago and were perfectly comfortable in temps above 110 but very low humidity, because everyplace had a small swamp cooler and evenings were cool and comfy. We adapted quickly to Alaska a different summer, where we had plenty of days that never got out of the 50s...and were among less than 10 people who chose to eat breakfast on the open deck of the cruise ship in front of Hubbard Glacier. It was COLD, but worth it. But it's a type of cold we're used to.

My point is, it all depends on where you are and what you're used to. I prefer around 73-74 degrees indoors all year, but I've found that some types of heat and cold are easier to adapt to than others, and more so if the place you're staying was built for whatever the conditions are at the time.

 

[Colleen27]

I'm not worried about bugs harming me, I just don't want them in my house.

I think our bugs are worse, though. We didn't stay anywhere with window screens in Europe and did a fair bit of hiking in Scotland and Ireland. The only bug bite I got all trip was sitting on the edge of a planter at Disneyland Paris... something nasty bit me three times right along the bottom edge of my shorts and it itched like the devil but only for about 2 hours. Weird, really. I didn't even encounter any of the big moths we get in the house here in Michigan if we leave unscreened windows open, just some little mildly annoying gnat-like things when we were in more rural areas and once or twice a fly. It was a really interesting change from home because in my house, if you open a window without a screen you not only end up with bugs but also the occasional wayward bird or bat (maybe just coming in to snack on the bugs?) so I was really worried about leaving unscreened windows open but nothing nasty ever found its way in.

 

[Karin1984]

I think our bugs are worse, though. We didn't stay anywhere with window screens in Europe and did a fair bit of hiking in Scotland and Ireland. The only bug bite I got all trip was sitting on the edge of a planter at Disneyland Paris... something nasty bit me three times right along the bottom edge of my shorts and it itched like the devil but only for about 2 hours. Weird, really. I didn't even encounter any of the big moths we get in the house here in Michigan if we leave unscreened windows open, just some little mildly annoying gnat-like things when we were in more rural areas and once or twice a fly. It was a really interesting change from home because in my house, if you open a window without a screen you not only end up with bugs but also the occasional wayward bird or bat (maybe just coming in to snack on the bugs?) so I was really worried about leaving unscreened windows open but nothing nasty ever found its way in.

Oh, that's Tinkerbell. She gets pissed sometimes that she doesn't get to fly from the castle in Paris like in Florida. Annoying, but nothing too big.

 

[mousefan73]

Looks like Europe is getting serious about potential energy shortages.

Spain has ordered thermostats not be set lower than 80.6 for cooling or above 66.2 when heating.

Germany has banned portable AC and heaters anywhere except hospitals and schools.

https://www.theverge.com/2022/8/3/2...ing-air-conditioning-below-27-degrees-celsius

I have no desire to visit Europe at those temps.

Greetings from Germany where I sit in my AC cooled bedroom typing this. Nothing is banded here. Yes I pay more electric That’s my choice.
There has been talk about setting a maximum heat temperature for winter. But this basically means for large apartment buildings how landlords can do settings. There are already laws that protect the residents for example you have to turn the heat on starting October 1 for example. We own a home and believe me nobody’s coming in checking what our thermoses is set at.

Government buildings will be reducing the heat levels. But I mean come on it’s not like people are sitting literally in the cold it’s more luxury first world problem. Do I sit in a room that 75° or 68-69 type thing.

Also here in Germany AC is actually more common than one would think. Not so in residential buildings but in most public buildings, offices or stores and all public transportation. If you’re sitting in a train that’s hot then something just broke but in normal cases the air is pretty good. As a PP said above we have become too spoiled in what our expectations are. I mean seriously setting an AC so low that you have to wear a jacket inside?? The environmental cost of everyone where to do that. How about putting a T-shirt on and setting the thermostat a bit higher? I grew up in hot and Humid Central Illinois and back in the 70s and 80s people didn’t have AC set that low.

And to be honest homes here don’t need AC really. I have one portable unit that I have running right now because I’m upstairs where it gets warmer. But unlike the US our homes are built pretty darn good insulated. I’m looking at my wall right now to the outside in with the insulation it’s over 1 foot wide that includes a stone and insulation. In the heat wave we’re in right now it’s getting to high 90s outside but inside without AC it’s comfortable mid 70s. You have to simply close the blinds in outside Rollos where the sun is and when I walk into my home it actually feels like there’s air but there isn’t.

In the US homes need AC because to be honest many are simply built crap. Two by fours with plywood style walls and bit of insulation won’t keep cold/ humidity out.

When fall hits we won’t have to turn the heat on until mid or end November because our house will stay warm much longer.

it’s hot here in Europe especially with the heat wave right now it’s completely different than the southern US Florida or Houston. Granted there are times/ countries that get a bit humid in the EU but believe me nothing compares to Houston or Central Florida weather here in Europe.

For reference I’m posting what our exterior walls look like. I would say about 6 inches on the outside is insulation and stucco. The inside part and where the window is is solid stone. Cools house in the summer and keeps it warm in winter. I have also put down the rollo a bit so you know what I’m talking about this really insulates at the sun is shining. Exterior rollers are awesome because they actually completely black out our room. Great for sleeping.

 

[DCLMP]

Looks like Europe is getting serious about potential energy shortages.

Spain has ordered thermostats not be set lower than 80.6 for cooling or above 66.2 when heating.

Germany has banned portable AC and heaters anywhere except hospitals and schools.

https://www.theverge.com/2022/8/3/2...ing-air-conditioning-below-27-degrees-celsius

I have no desire to visit Europe at those temps.

I’m in Europe now and I wish I actually need air conditioning. It’s been cold and rainy everyday.

 

[Karin1984]

I’m in Europe now and I wish I actually need air conditioning. It’s been cold and rainy everyday.

Interesting, in my part of Europe we have a drought and need to save water. It is almost like there is not one climate for the whole of Europe...

 

[DCLMP]

Interesting, in my part of Europe we have a drought and need to save water. It is almost like there is not one climate for the whole of Europe...

That’s for sure. Just go on a cruise and your guaranteed rain.

 

[shh]

I have no clue if those temps are reasonable in Europe, because I haven't experienced a European heat wave or cold front. I know that here in NOLA, our power was out for two weeks last summer after Ida. Heat index was 108-113 every day, and didn't drop much below 90 at night. We lived, partly by driving around with the car a/c on during the worst of it and sleeping in the living room with windows open at both ends. But it was miserable, partly because this house is Victorian but was completely renovated right before we moved in, including a ton of insulation. Great for keeping the power bills down, not so good for cooling without a/c.

By contrast, we spent the summer in the American Southwest a few years ago and were perfectly comfortable in temps above 110 but very low humidity, because everyplace had a small swamp cooler and evenings were cool and comfy. We adapted quickly to Alaska a different summer, where we had plenty of days that never got out of the 50s...and were among less than 10 people who chose to eat breakfast on the open deck of the cruise ship in front of Hubbard Glacier. It was COLD, but worth it. But it's a type of cold we're used to.

My point is, it all depends on where you are and what you're used to. I prefer around 73-74 degrees indoors all year, but I've found that some types of heat and cold are easier to adapt to than others, and more so if the place you're staying was built for whatever the conditions are at the time.

Summed up well. But gotta say I'm a bit envious reading some of these replies, because I do feel I miss out on so much, stuck in FL. The beaches and lifestyle are gorgeous, but there are big downsides.

I rarely open windows- screens or no screens - just too hot/humid most of the year. Screens aren't optional: our house would be swarming with flies and mosquitos - a few still sneak in every time we open the front or back door, even though we try to close them fast.

Even when the weather finally cools a bit, I feel too vulnerable to break-ins to leave windows open at night. We don't live in a bad or high crime area, but it is urban/suburban. It's always been a basic safety practice. I've never seen anyone in any neighborhood I've lived in with windows open overnight, other than prolonged power outages.

 

[shh]

In the heat wave we’re in right now it’s getting to high 90s outside but inside without AC it’s comfortable mid 70s.

Wow....that's wonderful. It reaches high 90s here often and if I shut off the AC, it immediately gets to mid/high 80s inside in under 30 min. It's dangerous when you have no power for days or weeks.

 

[JLTraveling]

Summed up well. But gotta say I'm a bit envious reading some of these replies, because I do feel I miss out on so much, stuck in FL. The beaches and lifestyle are gorgeous, but there are big downsides.

I rarely open windows- screens or no screens - just too hot/humid most of the year. Screens aren't optional: our house would be swarming with flies and mosquitos - a few still sneak in every time we open the front or back door, even though we try to close them fast.

Even when the weather finally cools a bit, I feel too vulnerable to break-ins to leave windows open at night. We don't live in a bad or high crime area, but it is urban/suburban. It's always been a basic safety practice. I've never seen anyone in any neighborhood I've lived in with windows open overnight, other than prolonged power outages.

I totally understand. I grew up in FL, and NOLA isn't really too much different. As for break-ins, we definitely don't leave the windows open at night ever (this city is high crime), except after the storm. Felt reasonably safe then, because even though 911 was down, cops were driving by every 10 minutes checking on the neighborhood.

 

[Jonfw2]

Let me solve your problem, Europe:

Nuclear.

The end.