Prolonged exposure to high indoor temperatures is linked to heat exhaustion and heat stroke, cardiovascular issues, sleep disturbance and mental health problems.
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.
In England, 4% of homes currently have air conditioning, external according to the University of Reading.
The hot weather has increased air conditioning inquiries from two a week to about 25 as people look for instant ways to cool down, Newbold said.
“We are stacking up bookings for weeks to come and the inquiries are difficult to keep up with, but creates a lot of business,” he added.
Air conditioning for a small bedroom could cost about £1,500 but people were seeing this as an investment in comfort, he said.
Also specialising in air conditioning for hotels, shops and offices, Newbold added the units were “not just a one year purchase” but something that would last for 15 years.
