Why Is Air Conditioning Not Popular in the UK?

Unlike countries such as the United States, Japan, or Australia, the UK has historically had low levels of residential air conditioning. Even though summers are getting hotter, the majority of homes in Hampshire, Berkshire, Surrey, and Oxfordshire still rely on opening windows or using portable fans. So why has air conditioning not been popular in the UK?

Climate and Tradition

The UK climate has traditionally been mild. Summers were short, with only a handful of very hot days. Central heating dominated the market, with gas boilers serving most homes. Because cooling was rarely needed, there was little demand for permanent air conditioning installations.

Many homes in places like Reading, Winchester, and Guildford were also built decades ago with designs focused on retaining heat, not shedding it. This made air conditioning feel unnecessary in the past.

Cost Perception

Air conditioning has long been seen as a luxury. With energy prices rising, many households worried that installing it would create high running costs. In reality, modern inverter-driven systems are energy efficient, but public perception has lagged behind technological advances.

Another factor is installation cost. A multi-room system can run into several thousands of pounds, so many households have postponed the investment.

Building Design

Unlike the US, where homes are often timber-framed and well-suited to ducted systems, UK homes in areas like Basingstoke or Oxford are built with brick and block walls. Retrofitting ducted air conditioning can be disruptive and expensive, so split systems are more common. This has slowed widespread adoption, particularly in older housing stock.

Planning and Regulation

Planning rules can add another layer of complexity. External condenser units sometimes require planning consent if they are visible or close to neighbours. In densely built towns such as Wokingham or Farnham, this has discouraged homeowners from installing systems.

Noise concerns have also been a factor, with some homeowners worried that neighbours might complain about outdoor units. Although modern systems are very quiet, the perception of noise still influences decisions.

Awareness and Education

In many cases, UK homeowners are simply unfamiliar with air conditioning. They may not know that modern systems double as heating, offer air filtration, and provide humidity control. Installers like ClimateWorks are now educating customers that air conditioning is not just about cooling in summer, but about year-round comfort.

Changing Trends

The situation is changing quickly. In the summer of 2022, temperatures exceeded 40°C in parts of the UK for the first time on record. Demand for systems in areas like Surrey and Berkshire surged. Homeowners who previously dismissed air conditioning as unnecessary are now reconsidering.

Developers are also starting to specify air conditioning in new builds, particularly high-end properties in Oxfordshire and Hampshire. This will help normalise its use across the housing market.

Key Reasons for Low Popularity So Far

• Historically mild climate
• Strong reliance on central heating
• Perception of high running costs
• Disruption of retrofitting older properties
• Planning restrictions on external units
• Lack of awareness about benefits

What Could Increase Popularity?

• Rising summer temperatures
• Greater focus on indoor air quality
• Education about efficiency and running costs
• Integration of air conditioning into new-build designs
• Wider acceptance of low-carbon heating alternatives like heat pumps

The Outlook for Homeowners

For many homeowners in Hampshire, Berkshire, Surrey, and Oxfordshire, air conditioning is moving from luxury to necessity. The combination of hotter summers, more awareness of health benefits, and advances in energy efficiency is driving change.

While historically unpopular, the next decade will likely see a rapid increase in installations across both residential and commercial properties.

References

• UK Met Office, UK Climate Trends – Met Office
• Energy Saving Trust, Heating and Cooling in Homes – Energy Saving Trust
• UK Government, Planning Permission for Air Conditioning – GOV.UK
• Mitsubishi Electric, Air Conditioning for UK Homes – Mitsubishi Electric

About the Author

Dr. Julian Carter – Technical & Compliance Director, ClimateWorks

Dr. Julian Carter is a recognised specialist in building services engineering with over 25 years of experience in ventilation, refrigeration, and air conditioning. As Technical & Compliance Director at ClimateWorks, he advises on best practice for system design, installation, and maintenance across residential and commercial projects in Hampshire, Berkshire, Surrey, and Oxfordshire. He also lectures part-time at a leading UK university, sharing his expertise with the next generation of engineers.

‍