The UK needs coordinated plans to stop homeowners resorting to emissions-creating air conditioning, University of Exeter researchers have said in a new policy brief.

Overheating is a problem in UK homes, many of which feature insulation and small windows to retain the heat during winter. However, as summers get hotter, our houses, particularly bedrooms, do not cool quickly enough when the outside air cools in the evenings.

This overheating in our homes not only causes discomfort and disrupted sleep but can also cause illness and even death.

According to the Office for National Statistics, England and Wales saw the highest recorded temperatures in 2022, and that summer’s heatwaves led to 3,271 excess deaths.

Overheating means homeowners are tempted to purchase air conditioning systems. However, in a new policy brief entitled Decarbonising cooling in UK homes, University of Exeter researchers warn that without intervention from policymakers the purchasing of air-con will lead to more carbon...