UK heatwaves trigger domestic air conditioning boom

Rising summer temperatures are making many traditionally insulated British homes increasingly uncomfortable, fuelling a surge in demand for domestic air conditioning as homeowners rush to retrofit properties not designed for heat. Experts say most housing stock was built to retain warmth, leaving homes vulnerable during hotter summers and heatwaves, with demand now spreading beyond offices into residential buildings.

John Calautit, Lecturer, University College London (UCL) said "I think the biggest problem is our buildings right now it's designed for heating. A lot of our building fabric is designed to keep that heat inside our spaces or buildings. And the problem now is we have been having higher temperature summers and overheating heatwaves. So these buildings cannot cope with this issue."

Residents and installers report growing demand, with electricians struggling to keep up with orders and supply shortages during peak heat periods.