Should I get air conditioning in the UK – and can it be green?
Air conditioning usage in the UK has surged, with around 4 million homes now equipped with units, doubling the number from three years ago. As summers heat up, homeowners are considering the environmental impact of air conditioning, especially given its energy consumption. Experts suggest pairing air conditioning with renewable energy sources, like solar power, to mitigate carbon emissions.
- ▪Approximately 4 million homes in Britain now have air conditioning, a significant increase from three years ago.
- ▪Air conditioning units are energy-intensive, with some models consuming more power than electric ovens.
- ▪Experts recommend using air conditioning in conjunction with renewable energy to reduce environmental impact.
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| Original publisher | the Guardian |
| Canonical URL | https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2026/may/28/air-conditioning-uk-homes-heatwave |
| Publication time | Thu, 28 May 2026 15:58:55 GMT |
| Retrieval time | 2026-05-28T16:36:43.877Z |
| Last seen | 2026-05-28T16:36:43.877Z |
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About 4m homes in Britain have an air conditioner, double the figure from three years ago. Photograph: LeoPatrizi/GettyView image in fullscreenAbout 4m homes in Britain have an air conditioner, double the figure from three years ago. Photograph: LeoPatrizi/GettyEnergy efficiencyShould I get air conditioning in the UK – and can it be green?As summers become hotter, air conditioner sales are booming. If you’re looking to invest, here’s what to considerChris Baraniuk and Zoe WoodThu 28 May 2026 11.58 EDTFirst published on Thu 28 May 2026 11.12 EDTSharePrefer the Guardian on GoogleWhen a heatwave struck the UK this week, Jon Connorton, a software developer, began monitoring temperatures inside his east Hampshire terrace house.
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Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at the Guardian.
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