Air conditioning companies across the UK are reporting a sharp rise in demand as the country experiences its hottest June on record, with one installer saying enquiries for home cooling systems have increased by 300% over the past six years.
The latest heatwave has sent temperatures soaring to 36.7C, the highest June temperature ever recorded in the UK, according to the Met Office. A red extreme heat warning covering millions of people prompted schools to close, disrupted transport services and drove many residents to seek relief in air-conditioned public buildings.
Businesses that install cooling systems say the prolonged periods of extreme heat are changing customer attitudes, with more homeowners now viewing air conditioning as an essential household feature rather than a luxury.
Marc Newbold, co-founder of Aircon Services in Tamworth, said the company has seen domestic enquiries rise from around two a week to approximately 25 during the current heatwave.
“People are not willing to tolerate the heat any more,” Newbold said, adding that bookings have filled up for weeks ahead as demand continues to outpace capacity.
Industry experts believe the increase reflects a longer-term shift rather than a temporary response to unusually hot weather. Research from the University of Reading estimates that only about 4% of homes in England currently have air conditioning, while the National Housing Federation warns that as many as 90% of UK homes could experience overheating by 2050.
Many British homes were designed to retain heat during cold winters rather than stay cool during prolonged periods of high temperatures. As heatwaves become more frequent, concerns are growing about the impact on indoor living conditions, particularly for vulnerable residents and lower-income households with limited access to cooling measures.
The National Housing Federation has warned that prolonged exposure to excessive indoor temperatures can contribute to heat exhaustion, heat stroke, cardiovascular problems, disrupted sleep and mental health issues.
To help residents cope with the heat, churches, libraries, museums and community centres have opened free “cool spaces” where people can escape rising temperatures. At the same time, more households are investing in permanent cooling systems.
While installing air conditioning remains a significant expense, companies say customers increasingly view it as a long-term investment. Cooling a small bedroom typically costs around £1,500, with systems designed to last about 15 years.
The surge in installations is also creating new opportunities for businesses, with growing demand expected not only for new systems but also for maintenance and servicing. As extreme summer temperatures become more common, industry leaders believe the market for residential air conditioning is likely to continue expanding across the UK.
