The first heatwave of the summer has led to a 10% increase in the demand for air conditioning in Madrid. Technicians warn that installations take over a month due to high demand.
Madrid is facing its first major heatwave of the summer, with temperatures reaching 40 °C. This phenomenon has generated a notable shortage of technicians to install cooling systems, leaving many residents without relief from the intense heat. According to Sergio Real, a technician from the company C.R.A. C. B., demand has increased by 10% compared to last year, especially among elderly people living in areas like Aluche.
The waiting times for installations are now longer than ever. “If someone calls me today, they will have to wait at least a week just to receive the quote,” explains Real. The situation is further complicated by the lack of stock in some popular products, meaning customers must wait weeks to obtain specific equipment.
Among those affected is Roi Portas, a student living in an attic without air conditioning. “Living like this is almost unbearable,” he comments while watching his fan register 36 degrees inside his home. This experience reflects the daily suffering faced by many Madrileños during this heatwave.
Not only homes are suffering the consequences; local businesses are also dealing with the impact of the extreme heat. At Frutería Mini Verdura, the manager, Nicolás, points out how the high temperatures affect their products: “Fruit spoils quickly in this heat.” To mitigate economic losses, they have started offering discounts on slightly damaged fruit and use refrigerated storage at night to maintain freshness.
As the day progresses and temperatures rise, going out to work becomes an even greater challenge. Nicolás mentions how difficult it is to deliver orders under the scorching sun: “It’s exhausting; I have to keep drinking water constantly.”
Neighbours Trini and Rosa also feel the weight of the extreme heat. Both have lived their whole lives in Aluche and share their experiences of how it affects their health: “The heat is very tough for us,” they say while trying to cool down with makeshift fans. Although only one has air conditioning, she admits she doesn’t use it frequently due to respiratory issues.
Despite the widespread suffering, there are initiatives to help those in need. The City Council has opened a climate shelter at the Samur Social Central to provide support to homeless people during the hottest hours of the day.
As this thermal crisis progresses, shops like Electricidad Sánchez Ventura have seen a significant increase in fan sales, with prices ranging from 50 to 200 euros. However, many budget models are already sold out due to high demand.
While some opt for temporary solutions like fans or water guns for small children, others are looking for more effective alternatives in this extreme weather. The owner of Gran Bazar Euro, where affordable items to combat the heat are sold, confirms: “The cheap fans flew off the shelves days ago.”
Fortunately, there is good news on the horizon: meteorologists anticipate a flow of fresh air from the western peninsula towards the end of the week, which could bring temporary relief before the weekend.
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