England cutting back air conditioning during heat wave

[quintessentone]

I imagine if the house came with an AC.

The landlord would be responsible fo the condition and maintenance of the unit.

In the same manner, they are obligated to make sure your combi boiler and central heating.

Are in a safe state and functional all year round.

But i would not expect them to foot the bill for the electricity.

Unless thats part of the tenancy agreement...

With multiple occupants, such as in apartment buildings, providing heat and/or A/C for all units with one centralized system would save on electricity costs, would it not? The Reddit thread poster below explains that this type of system is less expensive.

As with a centralized heating system is required by law in apartment buildings, I think so too should a centralized A/C system when it comes to multiple occupancy, specifically apartment buildings because heat can kill.

https://www.reddit.com/r/Apartmentliving...?rdt=38572

With UK elderly population numbers expected to climb significantly into the future, and considering the elderly require A/C, the government there is being shortsighted, IMO.

"In 2022, there were approximately 12.7 million people aged 65 or over in the UK, constituting 19% of the total population.  This demographic is projected to grow significantly, reaching 22.1 million (or 27% of the population) by 2072."

https://commonslibrary.parliament.uk/the...opulation/

"Yes, air conditioning is critically important for elderly individuals because aging diminishes the body's ability to regulate temperature, making older adults significantly more vulnerable to heat-related illnesses such as heat stroke and dehydration.  The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes that seniors are less able to adjust to sudden temperature changes and may have chronic conditions or take medications that impair their body's natural cooling mechanisms, such as sweating."

https://www.cdc.gov/heat-health/risk-fac...ed-65.html

[andy06shake]

With multiple occupants, such as in apartment buildings, providing heat and/or A/C for all units with one centralized system would save on electricity costs, would it not? The Reddit thread poster below explains that this type of system is less expensive.

As with a centralized heating system is required by law in apartment buildings, I think so too should a centralized A/C system when it comes to multiple occupancy, specifically apartment buildings because heat can kill.

https://www.reddit.com/r/Apartmentliving...?rdt=38572

I don't have a clue if it would be more cost-effective, mate, quite possibly...

I just know a bit about renting privately here in the UK and what you tend to get included/and not included in your rent PCM. 

The UK doesn't require AC in most households.

Historically its mild enough that most homes were built without it. 

Obviously, during the likes of heatwaves, it's becoming more desirable, but i find that most people simply have portable AC/units or fans at hand.

As opposed to those built into or part of the property.

[quintessentone]

I don't have a clue if it would be more cost-effective, mate, quite possibly...

I just know a bit about renting privately here in the UK and what you tend to get included/and not included in your rent PCM. 

The UK doesn't require AC in most households.

Historically its mild enough that most homes were built without it. 

Obviously, during the likes of heatwaves, it's becoming more desirable, but i find that most people simply have portable AC/units or fans at hand.

As opposed to those built into or part of the property.

That's my point, your government is being shortsighted and that is why the people are angry about this issue.

----

"The Met Office estimates that there are between 4 and 10 heatwaves each year in the UK. A heatwave is officially defined as three consecutive days where daily maximum temperatures meet or exceed specific regional thresholds, typically ranging from 25°C to 28°C. 
Climate Change Trends

• Increasing Frequency: Heatwaves are becoming more common, with warm spells seeing their average length more than double since the 1960s. 
  
• Record Breaks: Summer 2022 marked the first time the UK exceeded 40°C, and Summer 2025 saw four declared heatwaves. 
  
• Future Projections: By mid-century, summers as warm as 2018 are expected to occur with a 50% chance, and by 2100, the UK could see 40°C days every 3–4 years under high emissions scenarios."
  

https://www.worldweatherattribution.org/...th-threat/

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Although, I agree with Khan, in that, new development should be designed in such a way as to promote natural cooling, such as window placement where a through draft can move hot air out of the dwelling. It seems housing design shifted course a while back and window placement changed.

"The housing regulations were adopted by local authorities in the capital from Mayor Sadiq Khan's "London Plan".The 2021 document holds that "new development in London should be designed to avoid the need for energy intensive air conditioning systems as much as possible".
 
While national building regulations promote "passive cooling" ahead of air con usage, London councils including Camden have taken a stronger stance, with a local plan actively "discouraging the use of air conditioning" because it makes "the local micro-climate hotter" and increases energy demand." (From OP's source on Page 1)

[andy06shake]

That's my point, your government is being shortsighted and that is why the people are angry about this issue.

I don't believe it!

Tell me it's not so.

The UK government...being shortsighted...well i never.

Buddy, trust me when i tell you, a shortage of air conditioning units is the least of concerns.

If in doubt, see our current housing crisis and the astronomical costs when it comes to rent and mortgages pcm.

Im mean i agree with the premise of your argument.

But i think it's kind of beside the point.

They can't put AC units in houses that they aren't building, as standard or otherwise...

[quintessentone]

I don't believe it!

Tell me it's not so.

The UK government...being shortsighted...well i never.

Buddy, trust me when i tell you, a shortage of air conditioning units is the least of concerns.

If in doubt, see our current housing crisis and the astronomical costs when it comes to rent and mortgages pcm.

Im mean i agree with the premise of your argument.

But i think it's kind of beside the point.

They can't put AC units in houses that they aren't building, as standard or otherwise...

So then what is Mayor Khan going on about talking about new housing developments?

[andy06shake]

So then what is Mayor Khan going on about talking about new housing developments?

Well, they are building some new housing, but it is generally all luxury or private properties(some of which may well have the likes of AC units).

They are not building anywhere near enouth affordable new homes for the average Joe.