No, we’re not a bunch of wimps: hot weather hits different in the UK.
The UK air tends to be more humid compared to that in continental Europe – and it doesn’t help that our houses are built to retain heat.
All that insulation means we’re toasty in winter, but homeowners and tenants are melting as temerpertaures push over 30°C for the country’s fourth heatwave of the summer.
We know this sort of weather is becoming the norm, so if you’ve been popping down to Tesco to chill in the frozen aisle, you might be thinking about investing in air conditioning. But, is it worth it?
John Small, eco performance specialist at Ty Eco, tells Metro: ‘It’s a luxury; great for cooler sleep, better air quality, and many systems can even double as heating in winter. But with the upfront spend, daily running costs and the environmental impact, it’s not a decision to take lightly.’
Still, if you’re considering making the investment, it’s worth knowing the facts,
How much is it to install AC in your home and how much does it cost to run?
‘Getting air conditioning in your home isn’t cheap, installing a fixed unit typically costs between £1,000 and £2,000 per room and full ducted or multi-room systems can run from £6,000 or £9,000 or more,’ John explains.
And then, there’s the cost to consider when you’re using it regularly.
‘You’re looking at running costs of around 20-30p an hour for portable units and roughly 22p an hour for in-built systems, which works out as £1-2 a day per room.’
With record-breaking temperatures across the UK, it’s understandable that many people will be considering splashing out, but AC isn’t always the most environmentally friendly option.
John adds: ‘From a sustainability perspective, I’d always suggest looking at passive solutions first, like shading, insulation and proper ventilation.
‘Good design can go a long way in keeping your home comfortable without jumping straight to high-energy cooling systems.
‘Air conditioning can be useful, especially in homes that trap heat, but it should be seen as the last resort, not the first fix.’
What’s the best alternative to keep cool without air conditioning?
According to John, the standard fan has a lot to offer, and it’s far more energy-efficient than air conditioning.
‘A a decent fan is still the more practical and economical choice,’ says John.
‘A standard fan might cost 1-2p an hour to run. Fans don’t cool the air, they move it, but they can still make a big difference to how cool you feel.
‘If you combine fans with smart ventilation, opening windows at the right times, and keeping blinds down during the day, you can often manage heat quite effectively without resorting to AC.’
Generally speaking, you should open your windows if it’s cooler outside than in, but close them if sticking your arm outside feels like a firey hell.
What type of AC is best for UK homes?
There are many types of AC systems, including split systems, multi-split systems, ducted systems, portable units, and window units. Some newer models also feature smart controls and heat pumps for added efficiency.
For UK homes, John suggests looking into air-to-air heat pumps, which can provide efficient cooling in summer and double up as heating in winter.
He says: ‘They’re a lot more energy efficient than traditional systems. Some models even qualify for government incentives under renewable energy schemes.
‘But the most sustainable option is still to design your home so that you rarely need active cooling at all.’
‘We can’t handle the heat’: London isn’t equipped for summer
Metro’s Courtney Pochin describes a hot summer’s day in London as ‘vile’.
She explains: ‘According to the Mayor of London’s website, the capital is ‘vulnerable’ to extreme heat and ‘overheating is a challenge’.
‘There are plenty of dark roads, concrete and buildings that absorb and retain the heat, making it so much hotter than the surrounding areas.
‘As such, the 10-minute walk down the road to my nearest Tube station, which is usually a peaceful stroll, leaves me feeling like I’ve just trekked across the Sahara. I’m sweaty and sticky by the time I get on the train and spend the rest of the day feeling gross.’
She adds that many Londoners are stuck in flats, without a balcony, garden or roof terrace, ‘leaving us feel like we’re trapped in a sauna’.
Courtney adds: ‘Trying to sleep at night in these conditions is almost impossible, and we’ll find ourselves desperately testing every hack to cool off we can find. At this point, I’ve tried just about everything – from cool showers before bed to putting bedding in the freezer and putting a bowl of ice water in front of a fan for DIY air con.’
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