Why the UK Needs Air Conditioning Now 

Written By Kaushal Patel

How do you keep cool in a home designed to trap heat?  

As temperatures in the UK regularly soar above 35°C, air conditioning is no longer a luxury, it’s an essential part of staying comfortable, healthy, and safe. 

For years, British homes and buildings have been built to prioritise warmth, to endure cold, wet winters. Often relying on double glazing, loft insulation, and sealed windows to keep in the heat. But with hotter summers becoming the new normal, many of us are left baking in the ovens we call home.   

Sleep Deprivation in Rising Heat 

Tossing and turning at 2 am, drenched in sweat, open windows and a struggling fan doing little to cool the room, sound familiar?  

It’s no secret that hot temperature disrupts our sleep, but recent research highlighted by the Financial Times reveals just how fast that disruption can occur. 

Once indoor temperatures creep past 25 °C at night, falling asleep becomes a battle. 

Yet most British homes are poorly equipped to deal with heat, having been designed to retain warmth rather than keep it out. Without effective cooling, bedrooms turn stuffy, and restful sleep becomes nearly impossible. 

When your nights are that restless, how can anyone bring their best to work? 

Studies have linked hot nights to sharp declines in cognitive function: 

  • Concentration suffers 

  • Attention spans shrink 

  • Irritability increases 

But it doesn’t just affect that one day. Prolonged sleep deprivation gradually diminishes mental clarity, focus, and productivity. Whether working remotely or onsite, the real question is: how can we give 100% when we’re running on empty? 

Productivity Takes a Hit 

The impact of heat on sleep doesn’t just affect comfort, it has a direct and measurable impact on workplace productivity. When workers lose sleep because their homes are too hot, the fallout includes missed deadlines, errors in judgment, and weakened decision-making skills. 

Research highlighted by the Financial Times shows that office workers’ productivity peaks at around 21°C (70°F) and steadily declines as temperatures rise beyond that. One expert describes life during persistent heat spikes without air-conditioning as a state where “you basically don’t have the energy to do anything except lie around.” 

And it’s not just adults who are affected. High indoor temperatures can also reduce concentration, memory, and learning in schoolchildren, making classrooms less effective.  

For employers, this raises a serious question: how can businesses expect to meet targets and maintain quality when their teams are physically and mentally drained? 

Why UK Housing Fails the Test 

Most houses in the UK were built to endure long, damp winters—not soaring summer temperatures. With thick masonry walls, small windows, and heavy insulation, they do a great job of holding in heat.  

But during a heatwave, those same features can trap warmth, making room (especially top-floor bedrooms) unbearably hot. Sleeping, eating, and even thinking clearly can become difficult, particularly for vulnerable people at risk of heat-related health issues. 

In July 2022, the UK hit 40.3°C for the first time ever. Roads melted, train tracks buckled, and schools closed, highlighting just how unprepared the country is for extreme heat. 

This wasn’t just a one-off event, it was a preview of what’s likely ahead. With climate models predicting hotter, longer summers by 2030, the question isn’t if adaptation is needed, but how soon. Cooling technologies like air conditioning are becoming an increasingly vital part of that response. 

Rethinking Cooling: From Luxury to Lifeline 

For many years, air conditioning in the UK was often dismissed as an unnecessary luxury, something seen as excessive, costly, or even “too American.” It was always more commonly associated with the hot climates of Southern Europe or the United States, not the traditionally mild British weather. 

But that mindset is rapidly changing. 

With rising summer temperatures, air conditioning is no longer just a comfort, it’s becoming a necessity. It plays a critical role in not only maintaining health, but productivity, and resilience at home and at work.  

Today’s air conditioning systems reflect this shift, offering more than just cool air. They are designed to be: 

  • Energy-efficient – Smart thermostats and adaptive cooling reduce energy use and cut bills without sacrificing comfort. 

  • Environmentally conscious – Many uses low-global warming potential (GWP) refrigerants and have lower carbon emissions. 

  • Quiet and space-saving – Designed for modern homes and small offices, they fit discreetly and operate with minimal noise. 

Experts also stress that air conditioning alone isn’t the answer. The Financial Times highlights the importance of combining air-conditioning with passive cooling methods, such as: 

  • Shading, improved insulation, and better window design 

  • Reversible heat pumps for year-round efficiency 

  • Ceiling fans and evaporative cooling where appropriate 

These approaches help to reduce and avoid excessive power use and environmental harm, while also reducing long-term reliance on air- conditioning.  

As the UK faces hotter summers ahead, embracing effective cooling solutions isn’t just about comfort, it’s about ensuring our health, productivity, and quality of life. 

Want to learn more or find the right cooling solution for your home or business? 

 
Get in touch with the team at Forest Cooling today—our experts are ready to help you stay safe, comfortable, and prepared for whatever the weather brings. 

Contact us now to book in your quote. 

To read the full Financial Times article, click here. 

Kaushal Patel