Which Country Uses The Most Air Conditioners? Top 10 Global Rankings

Top 10 Most Air Conditioner-Using Countries: Air conditioners have become a basic need in many countries, especially where summers are extremely hot and humid. In many nations, especially those with hot, sweaty summers, air conditioners have become a necessity. In order to stay cool during the warmer months, an increasing number of people in today's world use air conditioners. Among the nations with the highest air conditioner usage are China, the US, Japan, South Korea and India. Particularly from May to September, when temperatures frequently rise above 35°C to 45°C, these countries experience extreme heat. China's summers are hot and muggy, so cooling is essential. In a similar vein, summers in the United States are long and hot, particularly in southern states like Florida and Texas. In July and August, South Korea and Japan also experience hot, muggy weather.

Beginning as early as March and lasting until late June or early July, India experiences one of the longest and most severe summers. During this time, the need for air conditioners increases quickly. Because of their year-round warm and muggy weather, tropical nations like Brazil, Mexico, and Indonesia also require cooling. Because of the intense daytime heat in South Africa and Saudi Arabia, particularly from May to September, air conditioners are a daily need in homes and workplaces.

The use of air conditioning is rapidly expanding due to urbanisation and rising global temperatures. During heat waves, people depend on it not only for comfort but also to safeguard their health. But it also brings up issues with power consumption and the impact on the environment, which many governments are attempting to control effectively.

 Source: World Population Review

1. China 

With approximately 569 million air conditioners installed, China is the largest user of air conditioners worldwide. The summers in much of eastern and central China are hot and muggy, with highs of over 40°C, while the winters in other parts of the country are cold. ACs became necessary in both homes and offices as cities quickly became more populated. Despite the burden this places on power grids and energy consumption, people depend on air conditioning to stay safe and comfortable during the summer.

2. United States 

Most American homes have air conditioners (374 million units), particularly in the South and Southeast, where summers are hot and muggy. Cooling centres are opening because heat waves without air conditioning can be dangerous. Since the middle of the 20th century, the use of air conditioners has increased steadily, becoming a daily necessity.

3. Japan 

The 148 million air conditioners in Japan are used extensively to fight against the country's frequent heat waves and rising summer temperatures, which can reach 40°C in some areas. The government encourages more comfortable office dress codes and higher set temperatures (about 28°C) through energy-saving initiatives like "Cool Biz.”

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4. South Korea 

During the sweltering summers that frequently bring typhoons and heat waves, South Korea's 59 million air conditioners are indispensable. People use air conditioning in their homes, workplaces, and educational institutions. Temperature restrictions and cooling shelters are frequently seen during heat waves to safeguard the weak.

5. India 

Although there are 27 million air conditioners in India, only roughly 7% of homes have one. ACs are necessary because of the hot summers (above 45°C) and the more than 3,000 cooling degree days that occur each year. With 14 million units sold last year, sales are booming, increasing demand for electricity and leading to government regulations such as 20–28 °C temperature settings.

6. Brazil 

Brazil also has around 27 million AC units, especially in urban tropical areas like Brasília, São Paulo, and Rio. Tropical heat and humidity make AC crucial for comfort, health and productivity, especially during summer months.

7. Mexico 

With 16 million AC units, Mexico relies on them in hot regions such as northern deserts and central lowlands where summer temperatures exceed 40 °C. Both residential and commercial spaces use AC to maintain comfortable and safe indoor environments.

8. Indonesia 

Indonesia’s 12 million ACs are essential in its humid tropical climate, keeping homes, offices, and public spaces cool. Cooling systems are also important in urban development and tourist areas to support comfort in high humidity.

9. South Africa 

South Africa uses about 3 million AC units. In urban and coastal cities like Cape Town and Johannesburg, summers can reach 35 °C or more. ACs help counter high daytime temperatures and dry climates, especially in indoor workspaces.

10. Saudi Arabia 

Saudi Arabia has 1.2 million AC units, vital in its desert climate where summer daytime temperatures often exceed 45 °C. ACs are indispensable in homes, businesses, and public spaces, offering shelter and enabling daily life in extreme heat.