Record temperatures drives up home air conditioning sales

Air conditioning companies have reported business is booming, with one saying inquiries for its home units is up by 300%.

Shoppers rushed to pick up portable air conditioning units, external as a red extreme heat warning was put in place for millions of people and temperatures rose to 36.7C, the hottest recorded for June.

A red warning of extreme heat affected millions of people with schools closing, transport disrupted and people searching for cooler spaces in which to work or rest.

It has been predicted that 90% of UK homes will overheat by 2050, according to the National Housing Federation.

UK homes have historically been designed for the colder weather with the aim of keeping heat in.

Overheating occurs when indoor temperatures rise to an uncomfortable level, typically exceeding 25C to 27C.

Finding an air conditioned space during the heatwave has been a topic of conversation for many people.

Churches, community centres, museums and libraries have been providing free ‘cool spaces’, helping people to take a break from the rising temperatures.

But some people are going a step further and installing air conditioning in their homes. For companies like Aircon Services in Tamworth, business is booming with domestic inquiries rising by 300% in the last six years.

People were not willing to tolerate the heat anymore co-founder Marc Newbold said adding air conditioning was starting to be viewed as a necessity not a luxury.