ROTTERDAM, 23 June 2025 – Air conditioning is gaining ground in Zuid-Holland, including Rotterdam, as warmer summers lead to increased interest. A notable share of homeowners with solar panels are turning to airco units for both cooling and heating purposes.
One in five homes in Zuid-Holland now has air conditioning
New research conducted by Dutch sustainability platform Slimster has revealed that over 20% of homes in Zuid-Holland, including the Rotterdam region, are now equipped with air conditioning systems. Although slightly below the national average, the figures indicate a rising trend linked to warmer weather and energy-conscious decisions by homeowners.
The data comes from a survey involving 1,054 participants and highlights regional disparities across the country. In Limburg, for instance, more than 40% of homes now have an airco installed, while Friesland reports significantly lower figures, likely due to its cooler coastal climate.
Solar panel owners increasingly opting for airco units
According to Slimster owner Marco Schuurman, households with solar panels are particularly inclined to install air conditioning. In Zuid-Holland, approximately a quarter of homes have solar panels. As energy policies evolve and net metering ("salderen") may be phased out, homeowners are expected to make more direct use of their solar energy instead of feeding it back into the grid.
“If solar energy yields little return in summer, using it to cool your home makes more sense,” Schuurman explained. Nationally, 36% of owner-occupied homes with solar panels have an airco system, compared to just 16% of similar homes without panels.
Demand peaks in the warmer months
Data from Google Trends and Slimster's own figures show that interest in air conditioning typically peaks between June and August. The trend, which has been growing steadily since 2018, is most pronounced in inland provinces such as Drenthe and Overijssel. Newer homes with better insulation in Flevoland also show higher rates of airco ownership due to retained heat during the summer months.
Renters also benefitting from cooling systems
While home ownership remains the main driver of airco installations, one in seven renters is now benefitting from air conditioning. In regions like Drenthe, Flevoland, and Overijssel, landlords are increasingly investing in airco units for their rental properties. In contrast, provinces such as Gelderland, Groningen, and Friesland have lower rates of airco installations in rented homes.
Air conditioning as a heating solution
Beyond cooling, modern airco systems also serve as air-to-air heat pumps. Schuurman notes that these systems are capable of heating homes three to four times more efficiently than traditional gas boilers. “This makes them especially useful for smaller households with limited spaces to heat,” he stated.
Research from Slimster indicates that nearly 20% of airco owners now rely on their units as their primary heating source. For an average family, switching to airco-based heating could reduce gas consumption by 80%, resulting in annual savings of approximately €430 at current energy prices.
