Soaring temperatures over Summer have led to record numbers of Brits rushing to install air conditioning, according to new data.
In the last year, demand has ballooned by two-thirds (63 percent).
Less than five percent of homes in the UK have air conditioning, but sizzling temperatures have caused a shift in mindset as the country continues to heat up and lasting longer.
The average temperature reached a new record high of 16.1 °C, 1.51 °C above the long-term average.
Heatwaves over Summer also saw temperatures reach 35.8°C at its peak, with nine of these days reaching beyond a scorching 32 °C.
These sweltering conditions has seen recording numbers of homeowners racing to cool down their homes between July and September, according to Checkatrade’s latest Home Improvement Index.
Meanwhile, the opposite end of the seasons has had a different effect, seeing traditional winter preparation jobs such as central heating failing to see demand.
Fitting has plummeted by 18 percent in the third quarter of last year, while central heating jobs have nosedived by 16 percent.
In the last year, demand for air con has ballooned by two-thirds (63 percent). Less than five percent of homes in the UK have air conditioning, but sizzling temperatures have caused a shift in mindset as the country continues to heat up and lasting longer
Heatwaves over Summer also saw temperatures reach 35.8°C at its peak, with nine of these days reaching beyond a scorching 32 °C
Other jobs linked to the weather, such as work on shielding buildings from the elements, have also dropped by 56 percent.
Damp proofing, a treatment used to prevent moisture from getting into walls to stop mold from growing, plunged to 36 percent.
Other traditional winter jobs, including chimney sweeping, dropped by 14 percent, fire installation down by 16 percent, and tree removal services tumbling 26 percent.
Less demand has also seen a drop in prices, meaning now is a good time to do any winter prep.
Other areas around the house that have seen massive drops year on year include kitchen fighting (-11 percent), Building costs (-16 percent), Window and door fitting costs (-31 percent), Bedroom fitting costs (-9 percent) , Bricklaying costs down seven percent, Plastering costs (-21 percent).
Checkatrade CEO Jambu Palaniappan said: ‘It is fascinating to see how external factors such as the weather can have such a significant impact on the home improvement industry.
‘Air conditioning has never had mass uptake in the UK for a number of reasons, such as milder weather in most months and the age and design of most homes.
‘But as it becomes increasingly common for us to experience hot weather in around half the months of the year, we could see demand rise significantly.
‘Likewise, as temperatures drop, it’s the perfect time to get ahead with central heating and insulation work rather than waiting for the winter rush.
‘Booking a vetted tradesperson early means you can be confident your home will stay comfortable, whatever the weather brings.’..
