Feeling the heat? You’re not alone, and you’re not stuck
Ever feel like your house is hotter inside than out, even with the windows flung open? You’re not imagining it. UK summers are warming up, and many of our homes aren’t built to handle the heat.
Whether it’s a restless night in a stuffy bedroom or trying to concentrate in a sweltering home office, the struggle is real. And it’s got people thinking. Is it finally time to do something about it?
More and more people are starting to say yes.
UK homes and the rising heat
Older bricks, minimal insulation, and basic ventilation are great for keeping homes warm in winter, but less helpful when the temperature spikes. Most UK homes were designed to retain heat, not release it. That made sense when cold snaps were the biggest concern. Now, with regular summer highs in the high 20s and beyond, it’s a different story.
This shift is inspiring a quiet but growing trend. Homeowners are starting to explore cooling upgrades, whether that’s a full air conditioning setup, a heat pump with a cooling function, or smaller changes like better insulation, smart blinds, or energy-efficient fans.
What are people actually installing?
Air conditioning is certainly part of the conversation, but it’s not the only option. Depending on the home and budget, people are exploring:
- Wall-mounted and portable air conditioning systems for bedrooms and living spaces
- Whole-house systems for consistent cooling
- Smart ventilation setups that keep air moving efficiently
- Heat pumps that cool in summer and warm in winter
- Small upgrades like solar-reflective window film or thermal blinds
It’s no longer about luxury. It’s about comfort, productivity, and getting a decent night’s sleep.
But what about the cost?
That’s often the first question. And while home upgrades aren’t free, they might be more accessible than you think.
The cost of cooling and upgrading your home can vary widely. It depends on what type of system you’re installing, how large your home is, and whether you’re going for a full revamp or simple changes that improve comfort.
Installing air conditioning can cost anywhere from around £200 for a basic portable unit to £5,000+ for a full home system. For ducted systems, prices usually start from £2,500–£5,000 for a single room, with whole-house HVAC installations ranging from £5,000 up to £15,000, depending on your home’s size and the complexity of the setup.
There’s no one-size-fits-all solution. But there are more tools available today to help make these kinds of upgrades possible.
Some start small and build over time. Others look at ways to fund improvements without touching their savings. For example, some homeowners consider flexible financing options like secured loans (also known as a second-charge mortgage). A Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) or a homeowner loan can offer a way to spread the cost gradually, while still getting the benefits of a more comfortable home right away.
Learn more on using a HELOC or Homeowner loan for home improvements
Your home, your comfort, your call
Getting air conditioning isn't just about feeling cool; it brings many other good things too.
Some of the benefits are:
- Stay comfortable long-term: keep a stable indoor temperature for your home or even office especially during a heatwave.
- Sleep and function better: beat the fatigue caused by heat with cooler nights and more focused days.
- Breathe cleaner air: modern systems filter dust, pollen, and allergens.
- Be climate-ready: as UK summers heat up, AC is shifting from luxury to necessity.
- Boost home value: a professionally installed system can increase your property’s resale appeal.
Final thoughts: cool air, smart financing
Creating a cooler, more adaptable home isn’t just about beating the heat. It’s about shaping a space that works better for you and your family, now and into the future.
Ultimately, investing in a form of cooling technology such as air conditioning is about enhancing your long-term comfort, improving sleep and productivity, and ensuring better indoor air quality for everyone in your household. With increasingly frequent heat waves, air conditioning and smart temperature control is becoming a necessity that adds significant value to your property and your wellbeing.
Whether you’re dreaming big or just curious about what’s out there, it’s worth exploring your options. Your home might be more ready for a summer upgrade than you think.
Considering making your home more weather-ready? You’ve got more ways to do it than you might realise.
Learn more about your financing options and get a quote today
Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on a mortgage or any other debt secured on it.
