Real reason UK homes don't have air conditioning and how much it costs to run
As the UK basks in its fourth heatwave of the summer, many Brits may be wishing they had air conditioning installed at home.
With parts of the country set to sizzle in temperatures of up to 34C this week, and an amber heat alert in place in some areas, it's crucial to stay cool and hydrated.
This year's unusually hot spring and summer have sparked a surge in demand for air conditioning in UK homes. According to Checkatrade's latest Home Improvement Index, demand in Q2 2025 (April to June) soared by 23 per cent compared to the same period last year. It comes as Brits with artificial grass in garden given warning during scorching heatwave.
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So far, the UK has already sweltered through three heatwaves and 11 days where the mercury has tipped over 30C. Such high temperatures not only make daily life and sleep uncomfortable but also increase the risk of heat exhaustion and even heat stroke.
The situation is worsened in UK homes, which are typically designed for insulation rather than ventilation, causing temperatures to rocket during a heatwave, reports the Manchester Evening News.
Despite the rising temperatures, fewer than 5 per cent of UK properties have air conditioning installed, compared to around 90 percent of homes in the USA - even though many parts of the US have average temperatures lower than the UK.
So, why aren't more UK homes equipped with air conditioning and what would be the cost of installing it in your home? Matthew Powell, a Checkatrade member and air conditioning specialist, has provided some answers to these pressing questions.
Why is air con not common in most UK homes?
"The main reason is quite simple - the UK possesses some of the oldest housing stock in the developed world, with roughly four out of ten homes constructed before the Second World War," Matthew clarifies.
"When most of these were built, air conditioning was simply non-existent. Furthermore, many UK homes are brick-built and have little or no air cavities, making the installation of air conditioning more challenging, or pricier.
"Another factor is the climate. For the most part, it's simply not required in the UK. However, with increasingly hotter summers (as well as springs and autumns), this could change over time."
What is the cost of installing air conditioning?
"BTU (British thermal unit) is the measurement used to determine the size of the air conditioning unit needed for the space you want to cool," Matthew explains.
"The primary factor that determines this is room size, considering factors such as ceiling height, windows and doors. A 12000 BTU system is typically suitable for an average-sized bedroom. The average cost of a 12000 BTU wall-mounted unit is £750. Installation costs for a wall-mounted unit tend to average around £1,150.
"Larger spaces may require a ducted system which has a fan attached to the exterior of the property. Costs for these are slightly higher - around £990-£1,450 per unit with labour costs around £1,460-£2,100 per unit."
Matthew explains: "To estimate the costs for a full home, simply multiply the above by the number of rooms in the home you want air conditioned - bearing in mind that larger rooms may require more powerful units.
"A portable unit typically costs £350-£420, making it far more cost-effective from an upfront perspective. They can also be moved from room to room, require no installation and can be stored away in winter. But it's important to bear in mind their limitations and drawbacks." A handy table of costs for different sizes is available on Checkatrade.
How much does air conditioning cost to run?
"A modern, professionally installed 12,000 BTU unit for a bedroom will typically cost between 30p and 50p per hour to run on a cooling setting, depending on your energy tariff," says Matthew.
"It's crucial that the unit is correctly sized for the room by a professional; an undersized unit will run constantly and be inefficient, while an oversized one will cool the room too quickly and switch off, leading to poor humidity control."
Should I get air con installed in my home?
"Whether you should get aircon will depend on a number of factors, not least your tolerance to the heat," Matthew says. "The size and type of home will be a key factor that can have a huge bearing on costs - there is a big difference in the costs of fitting air conditioning to a small home that is suitable for it versus a much larger home that requires additional work to be made suitable.
"The best option is to hire a trusted, expert installer from a platform like Checkatrade who will offer a bespoke quote based on your home's requirements. You can then decide if it is worth it personally to you and your family."
Should you decide to have air conditioning fitted, you could potentially add thousands to your property's value by selling at the optimal time of year.
"Research amongst estate agents shows that they would expect a home with air con this to fetch £4,925 more if sold in summer versus winter," Matthew says.
"So if you do get air conditioning installed, selling your home in summer could help pay back some of the costs. In addition, many modern air conditioning units are actually reversible heat pumps. This means they can provide highly efficient heating during the winter, as well as cooling in the summer. This may make the cost more justifiable for some."
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