Rising Demand for Home Air Conditioning Amid UK Heatwave
Currently, one in five homes in the UK has air conditioning installed.
During the recent heatwave, finding air-conditioned spaces has become a common concern for many individuals. A red warning for extreme heat has impacted millions, leading to school closures, transport disruptions, and increased searches for cooler environments to work or rest.
Various public venues such as churches, community centres, museums, and libraries have offered free 'cool spaces' to help people escape the rising temperatures.
Meanwhile, some residents are opting to install air conditioning in their homes. Aircon Services, based in Tamworth, has experienced a 300% increase in domestic inquiries over the past six years.
Co-founder Marc Newbold noted that people are no longer willing to endure the heat, with air conditioning increasingly seen as a necessity rather than a luxury.
The National Housing Federation (NHF) projects that 90% of UK homes will experience overheating during summer by 2050. Historically, UK homes have been designed to retain heat during colder months, which contributes to overheating when indoor temperatures exceed comfortable levels, typically above 25°C to 27°C.
"People were not willing to tolerate the heat anymore,"Newbold said.
According to the University of Reading, only 4% of homes in England currently have air conditioning installed externally.
Newbold reported that inquiries at Aircon Services have risen from about two per week to approximately 25 per week as individuals seek immediate cooling solutions.
"We are stacking up bookings for weeks to come and the inquiries are difficult to keep up with, but creates a lot of business,"he added.
The cost of installing air conditioning in a small bedroom is around £1,500, which customers view as an investment in comfort. Newbold highlighted that their services also cover air conditioning for hotels, shops, and offices, emphasizing that units are a long-term purchase expected to last about 15 years.
In Birmingham, Jasheem Benson, owner of Aervue Air Conditioning, described business as "manic," with sales doubling since March. His team is working seven days a week to accommodate extra installations and surveys, visiting roughly five homes daily amid a surge in inquiries.
"The phone doesn't stop ringing from 08:00 to 20:00 as people look for last minute, same day air-con units,"Benson said.
Due to full bookings through the end of August, Benson urged customers to be patient as companies await supplier deliveries amid high demand.
Most customers are requesting whole-home air conditioning systems, which can cost up to £6,500.
"The heat is staying regardless and it will be the same next year, so people need to get prepped and book ahead,"he advised.
Concerns Over Overheating and Vulnerable Households
The NHF highlighted that overheating is more prevalent among lower-income households that may lack resources to afford cooling solutions such as air conditioning or fans.
"Many homes are unable to maintain comfortable temperatures during the more frequent and intense heatwaves we are experiencing as a result of climate change,"the federation stated.
Prolonged exposure to elevated indoor temperatures is associated with health risks including heat exhaustion, heat stroke, cardiovascular problems, sleep disturbances, and mental health issues.
Community Engagement
Readers are encouraged to share story suggestions relevant to Birmingham and the Black Country.
Follow BBC Birmingham on , Facebook, X, and Instagram for updates.
and Further Reading
- The UK's summers are getting hotter - but how prepared are we?
- Air conditioning creates political divide after France records hottest day
- Britain is hotting up - but is home air-con the answer?
