Demand for air con rockets by 63 per cent in the UK after record-breaking summer temperatures
Rising summer temperatures have led to record numbers of Brits rushing to install air conditioning, new data shows.
Last year demand increased by two-thirds (63 percent).
Less than five per cent of homes in the UK have air conditioning, but sizzling temperatures have caused a change in mindset as the country continues to warm up and last longer.
The average temperature reached a new record of 16.1 °C, 1.51 °C above the long-term average.
Summer heatwaves also saw temperatures reach 35.8°C at their peak; On nine of these days, temperatures rose above a scorching 32°C.
These sweltering conditions saw a record number of homeowners racing to cool their homes between July and September, according to Checkatrade’s latest Home Improvement Index.
Meanwhile, the other end of the seasons had a different effect; Lack of demand for traditional winter preparation works such as central heating.
While there was an 18 percent decrease in installations in the third quarter of last year, there was a 16 percent decrease in central heating works.
Demand for air con increased by two-thirds (63 percent) last year. Less than five per cent of homes in the UK have air conditioning, but sizzling temperatures have caused a change in mindset as the country continues to warm up and last longer
Summer heatwaves also saw temperatures reach 35.8°C at their peak; On nine of these days, temperatures rose above a scorching 32°C.
Other weather-related work, such as work to protect buildings from the elements, also fell by 56 percent.
Moisture resistance, a process used to prevent moisture from entering walls to stop mold growth, dropped to 36 percent.
Other traditional winter jobs like chimney sweeping fell 14 percent, fire installation fell 16 percent and tree removal services fell 26 percent.
Less demand has also led to a drop in prices, which means now is a good time to prepare for winter.
Other areas around the home that saw big year-over-year declines include kitchen fights (-11 percent), Building costs (-16 percent), Window and door installation costs (-31 percent), Bedroom installation costs (-9 percent), Brick flooring costs seven percent, Stucco costs (-21 percent).
Jambu Palaniappan, CEO of Checkatrade, said: ‘It is fascinating to see how external factors such as weather can have such a significant impact on the home improvement industry.
‘Air conditioning has never enjoyed mass adoption in the UK for a variety of reasons, including milder weather conditions in most months and the age and design of most homes.
‘But as it becomes increasingly common to experience hot weather for about half the year, we may see demand increase significantly.
‘Likewise, as temperatures drop, it’s time to continue central heating and insulation work rather than waiting for the winter rush.
‘Booking early with a vetted tradesman means you can be confident your home will remain comfortable no matter what the weather conditions.’..
