With the UK experiencing its third heatwave of the year before mid-July, it’s no wonder households are desperate for ways to keep cool.
Higher temperatures have resulted in unprecedented demand Portable air conditioners And fansSelling them left, right and centre. But it’s not just portable devices that are seeing record levels of demand. Fitted air conditioning According to Angus Struthers, managing director at box: ‘From 1st May to 30th June, BOXT saw a 249% year-on-year increase in AC sales with increases across all UK regions. This was true as far north as Scotland, which saw 233% year-on-year growth, and down the south coast in Brighton, where inquiries saw 1,700% year-on-year growth.’
The Guardian also reported that The number of air-conditioned houses has doubled Four million in the last three years.
And so the headlines about those who have invested in the fit system Air conditioning Being torn out of homes under energy efficiency regulations would undoubtedly be worrying. So is air conditioning really banned? I asked the experts the truth behind the rumor.
Will air conditioning be banned in the UK?
(Image credit: Getty Images)
No air conditioning will be banned in the UK. In fact, in response to contrary headlines, the The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government has said: ‘There has been media coverage this week suggesting that air conditioning is banned in homes. This is wrong.
Air conditioning can be installed in both existing and new homes.
‘In most cases, planning permission is not required for a tiny house to be installed if it does not materially affect the appearance of the building from the outside.
‘However, there is no blanket rule. People should speak to their local council to check the rules and councils should take a common sense approach.’
Where do the rumors of an air conditioning ban come from?
as Reported by The TelegraphSome landlords in London have been ordered by their local authorities to remove air conditioning from their homes, in favor of more passive cooling solutions such as having windows and curtains Closed during the hottest part of the day, and opened when it is cooler to allow cross ventilation.
In many cases, enforcement removals such as these will be for installations in breach of planning and building regulation regulations, which will not be the same for every area of the UK. Even in highly populated urban areas such as London, air conditioning regulations can be more stringent Michael WhittleAt Sustainability Manager Fairview New Homesexplains: ‘Air conditioning can cool individual homes, but we also have to recognize the wider impact it can have on our cities and communities. Air conditioning systems work by removing heat from inside buildings and releasing it outside. When this happens on a scale, particularly in dense urban areas, it can contribute to the urban heat island effect – leading to higher outdoor temperatures and increased heat stress in cities.’
There are also concerns about what the widespread use of air conditioning could mean for the national grid, with researchers from Loughborough University. tells the BBC Nor will it be able to cope with the additional demand. According to Kian Milroy, at Renewables Electrical Engineer Heatable: ‘There are legitimate concerns about millions of inefficient air conditioning units turning on simultaneously during a heatwave. Modeling by researchers at Loughborough University found that, under its most domestic consumption scenario, air conditioning could add around 7GW to Britain’s evening peak electricity demand by 2050.’
(Image credit: Getty Images)
Also Martin BridgesDirector of Foreign Affairs at Worcester Boschargues that this would not be grounds for a ban: ‘Grid capacity concerns are unlikely to lead to a ban on domestic air conditioning. Much of the UK’s electricity grid is already being upgraded to accommodate widespread electrification of transport with EVs and heating with heat pumps.
‘Furthermore, a typical domestic air-to-air heat pump uses around 1.2 kW/hr of electricity – less than a standard washing machine or dishwasher. Given this relatively low consumption and ongoing infrastructure upgrades, there is no strong case for a ban.’
Kian also disagrees that a ban is the answer, saying: ‘A more credible future is stricter standards rather than bans. This could include minimum energy-efficiency requirements, restrictions on the least efficient portable units, better installer regulation and incentives for modern systems that provide both heating and cooling.
‘Smart tariffs and demand-response technologies can also help spread electricity use more intelligently, encouraging households to pre-cool their homes when renewable electricity is abundant rather than adding to demand during the evening peak.’
Do you need planning permission to install air conditioning?
Planning regulations will limit the negative impact any outdoor unit fitted air conditioning system has on neighbors and the local environment.
(Image credit: Future)
Whether you need it or not Planning permission for fitted air conditioning It will depend on where you live, the property you live in and the type of air conditioning you plan to install.
In many cases, installing air-to-air heat pumps (which are fitted air con units) can be done under Approved development As long as it can be used for both heating and cooling, and is fitted and used in a way that does not negatively impact your neighbors in terms of things like noise and proximity to their property. It’s always best to double check with your local planning authority before you commit to save yourself any trouble. If you do not check and your installation violates the regulations, you may face enforcement action to remove it at your own expense.
The rules will be different if you live in a conservation area, area of outstanding natural beauty or national park. In these areas, permitted development rights may be restricted or removed altogether, meaning you will need to apply for one Planning permission. Similarly, if you live in a listed building, you will need listed building consent to carry out alterations.
Portable air conditioning units will be exempt from planning and building regulation rules, but if they are too noisy or cause problems for your neighbours, councils can intervene if they receive a complaint.
Should homeowners be doing anything differently?
The best thing you can do if you are planning to install air conditioning at home, is to check with your local authority if it breaks any regulations. This way you can rest assured that your investment will not be short-lived.
It is also important to choose a reputable installer and they should also be well versed in the installation requirements under the planning regulations.
If you already have air conditioning installed and it turns out that you should seek planning permission, then you can try to apply for retrospective planning permission, although there is no guarantee that this will be granted.
If it seems that a fitted system is not possible for your home, you can invest in a portable air conditioner when the stock is replenished. Until then, you might as well try Tricks to supercharge your fan’s cooling powerAnd opening all your windows when it’s cold outside to help freshen and cool your home.
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