Heatwave Planning: Preparing Your Home Before the Heat Arrives
The best time to think about summer cooling is before summer. Here's what to do now to be ready when the temperature spikes.
Every year, the pattern repeats. The UK has a heatwave, nobody is prepared, and suddenly air conditioning installers have a six-week waiting list. By then, the heat has passed. The solution is to prepare before the summer, not during it.
Book your air conditioning installation in spring
Installation lead times vary by demand. In March, April and May, most reputable installers can typically fit you in within one to three weeks. By June and July, you may wait six weeks or more. If you've been thinking about air conditioning for a while, spring is the right time to act.
Test your system before you need it
If you already have air conditioning, test it in early spring — don't wait until the first hot day. Run it for an hour and check that it's cooling as expected. If performance seems reduced or it takes unusually long to cool the room, book a service before demand peaks.
Loft and roof insulation works both ways
Roof and loft insulation is primarily marketed as a winter heating measure, but it's equally effective at keeping summer heat out. A properly insulated roof reflects and delays the transfer of solar heat into the living space. If your loft is poorly insulated, improving it will reduce your cooling requirement — and your heating bills in winter.
Consider external shading for south-facing glazing
External blinds, retractable awnings or fixed overhangs can dramatically reduce solar gain through south and west-facing windows. These are best fitted in spring when there's no urgency and installation is straightforward. Retrofit options range from simple window film (which reduces gain but not view) to retractable external awnings (expensive but very effective).
If you have a conservatory that becomes unusable in summer, getting air conditioning installed in spring will transform how you use the space for the whole year. The same applies to south-facing bedrooms and loft conversions.
Check for any leaks in your home's thermal envelope
Gaps around windows, doors, loft hatches and pipe penetrations allow hot outside air to enter during a heatwave. Sealing these gaps with draught excluders and foam sealant improves your home's ability to maintain a comfortable temperature using any cooling strategy — including air conditioning.