The UK usually enjoys moderate weather conditions, with most homes designed to keep heat in rather than stay cool; however, global warming is changing this, and there have been record-breaking temperatures and summer heatwaves in recent years. The Met Office has reported that the ten hottest years on record in the UK have all occurred since 2002, which shows that the country is heating up.
Changes to British buildings
Most British homes have thick walls, insulation, and double-glazed windows, which are all great for keeping heat in during the winter but can make them very warm during hot spells. These traditional building methods are becoming less appropriate for the changing climate, which is making homeowners look at cooling solutions in a different way than before. If you need air con Stroud, specialists such as Ace Comfort Cooling can help.
The rise in demand for air conditioning
Currently, only around 3% of UK homes have air conditioning; however, experts predict this figure will rise over the next decade. The heatwave of 2022, which saw temperatures soar above 40°C for the first time in British history, made many people seriously consider air conditioning as a necessity rather than a luxury
Environmental considerations
The increasing use of air conditioning can create problems. While the units provide relief from rising temperatures, they also consume a significant amount of energy and often use refrigerants that can contribute to greenhouse gas emissions. This means that although the buildings are being cooled, the air conditioning may also be contributing to the problem.
The future outlook
Scientists predict that summers in the UK will continue to get warmer, which will mean that the demand for air conditioning will increase; however, there is also the need to develop more sustainable cooling methods, such as better building design, natural ventilation systems, and energy-efficient air conditioning units.
If you are considering installing air conditioning, explore options such as heat pumps, solar shading, and improved insulation, as they are more sustainable long-term solutions.
