Summer is officially underway, and recent weeks have brought one of the most intense heatwaves the country has experienced in recent years, with temperatures forecast to surpass the previous June record of 35.6°C set in 1976. Many Britons are turning to fans and air conditioning units to keep their homes cool.
New insights from Property Buyers Today show that searches for “AC unit” have risen by 1,011% since the end of 2010, reaching an all-time high in June 2026. Searches for “aircon” have also surged by 900% since 2004, reaching an all-time high in May 2026.
With many residents buying air conditioning units for the first time, while others may not be able to afford one, Saif Derzi, founder of Property Buyers Today, has shared tips for keeping homes cool during the hot weeks ahead without significantly increasing energy bills.
The June 2026 heatwave saw provisional records broken repeatedly, with temperatures reaching 37.7°C at Lingwood in Norfolk, according to Met Office data. The intensity of the heat has driven strong demand for cooling solutions across the UK, with air conditioning firms reporting sharp increases in enquiries and installations.
Keep the heat out 1st
Here is a polished version with improved flow, reduced repetition, and consistent UK English: The most efficient way to keep indoor temperatures low is to prevent heat from entering the home in the first place. During the hottest hours of the day, curtains, blinds, and windows should remain closed. Once evening temperatures begin to fall, windows can be opened on opposite sides of the property to create cross-ventilation, helping to release heat stored in walls, floors, and furniture. This approach aligns with guidance from the Energy Saving Trust and the Met Office, which recommend blocking daytime heat and ventilating once outdoor temperatures have cooled.
Avoid creating extra heat indoors
Appliances such as ovens, tumble dryers, and dishwashers can increase indoor temperatures and should be avoided during the hottest part of the day where possible. Cooking later in the evening, choosing lighter meals, and using larger appliances once temperatures fall can help reduce additional heat. Turning off lights and non-essential electronics can also limit internal heat sources. These measures cost nothing and can help slow the rate at which rooms warm up, particularly in older or poorly insulated homes.
Use air conditioning to cool smarter, not longer
Here is a polished version with clearer wording and reduced repetition: Anyone using a wall-mounted or portable AC unit should avoid setting it to the coldest possible temperature or leaving it running throughout the night. Instead, the room can be cooled to between 22°C and 24°C for around 60–90 minutes before bed, with doors and windows closed. Using sleep mode or a timer can then switch the unit off automatically.
Modern air conditioning systems typically cost between 20p and 70p per hour to run, depending on their size and efficiency. Running a unit for 8 hours overnight could therefore cost roughly £1.60–£5.60 a night, or almost £40 over a week at the higher end.
Independent estimates based on 2026 electricity price cap rates place typical running costs for efficient split systems and portable units within a similar range, although actual costs vary according to the unit, electricity tariff, and usage. Using AC strategically rather than continuously can help keep energy bills manageable while still providing relief during the hottest periods.
Create a cooler sleeping environment without using more energy
Here is a polished version with smoother flow, reduced repetition, and consistent UK English: Bedrooms often feel hottest because they retain heat throughout the day. Using lightweight bedding, closing bedroom doors during the hottest hours, and placing a cool, rather than freezing, water bottle or reusable ice pack wrapped in fabric near the feet before bed can make sleeping more comfortable without increasing electricity use.
When temperatures remain high overnight, homes can continue to feel warm. Running a fan near an open window during cooler evening hours, or using a dehumidifying mode if the AC has one, can make rooms feel more comfortable without lowering the temperature further. Fans use far less electricity than air conditioning and can be effective when temperatures are below about 35°C because they increase air movement across the skin. Combining a fan with an open window during cooler periods can also improve ventilation.
Together with Derzi’s advice, these low-cost measures offer practical ways for households to manage heat without excessive energy use, whether or not they have air conditioning. As UK summers become warmer, understanding passive cooling techniques and using appliances efficiently will become increasingly important for household comfort and energy costs.