This summer, Paris is experiencing one of the most intense heatwaves in its history. During the hottest days last week, the temperature inside our apartment averaged around 34°C (93°F),
And occasionally reached 37.9°C (100°F), based on our indoor hand thermometer,
At temperatures like these, especially when they persist day and night, the risk of heat-related illness rises significantly—particularly for infants, older adults, and other vulnerable people.
My wife, our 14-month-old daughter, and I live in a small apartment beneath the rooftops in the South of Paris. Like many older Parisian apartments, it has inefficient insulation against extreme temperatures.
During heatwaves, it becomes uncomfortably hot, while in winter we lose a great deal of heat through the roof and walls.
As extreme heat has become more frequent, our current setup is becoming increasingly difficult to manage.
We're raising funds to purchase a portable reversible air conditioner (heat pump).
This isn't simply about comfort.
Modern heat pumps are among the most energy-efficient ways to heat and cool a home. Compared with conventional electric resistance heaters, they typically deliver three to four times more heat for the same amount of electricity. That means the same appliance that helps us stay safe during summer will also reduce our electricity use, heating costs, and carbon footprint during winter.
Our goal is simple: make our home safer, healthier, and more energy efficient throughout the year.
Your contribution will help us purchase:
* A high-efficiency portable reversible heat pump
* A window sealing kit for effective operation
* The accessories needed to install and use it safely
Whether you can contribute €5, €20, or simply share this campaign, every gesture brings us closer to that goal.
We'll post updates showing the installation, the difference it makes during future heatwaves, and how much energy it saves during winter.
Thank you for taking the time to read our story and for helping our family adapt to a changing climate.
With gratitude,
Hügo Krüger
For the breakdown of costs:
We are raising €6,500 to install a full reversible air-to-air heat pump system in our 68 m² apartment in Paris.
This system will cool our home safely during extreme summer heat and heat it efficiently in winter, replacing our current inefficient electric heating.
Below is an estimated budget.
❄️ Indoor units (3 bedrooms + 1 living room) — €1,900 – €3,900
→ Small units for bedrooms + one larger unit for the living room to ensure full coverage of the apartment
️ Outdoor compressor unit — €1,200 – €2,500
→ Main system that powers all indoor units
Professional installation (certified HVAC technician) — €1,500 – €3,000
→ Full installation, piping, mounting, system commissioning
Materials & installation equipment — €200 – €500
→ Refrigerant lines, insulation, brackets, mounting hardware
⚡ Electrical safety adjustments (if needed) — €100 – €300
→ Circuit protection or minor electrical upgrades
Building / regulatory requirements (if applicable) — €100 – €500
→ Copropriété approvals, façade or mounting constraints
Platform & payment fees (~3%) — €100 – €250
→ GoFundMe processing and transaction costs
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