4.5 million adults (8% of the population) have been so hot in their home that it has made them unwell in the last 12 months according to new data released by energy efficiency campaigners. [1]
The issue is now becoming such a concern that it has been dubbed the ‘Hot House Syndrome’.
The research by Opinium reveals that among specific groups, there is a much higher incidence of ill-health caused by high heat among those with preexisting health conditions or disabilities (15%).
The UK’s Adverse Weather and Health Plan warns that “there is clear evidence of increased risk from heat and cold exposure for some” and in 2023, the Bureau of Investigative Journalism (TBIJ) / University of Glasgow’s Hot Homes project revealed how poor quality housing acts like a “greenhouse” for residents trapped in “stifling” and “unlivable” homes.
Fiona Waters, spokesperson for the Warm This Winter said:
“Hot House Syndrome is a real problem caused by the UK’s appalling housing stock and affects the poorest and the vulnerable the most. The same people who suffer from damp, mouldy homes in winter are stifled in summer when the sun comes out.
“That’s because the solutions to keep us warm in the colder weather are the same as keeping us cool in summer. Better insulation, ventilation and even heat pumps that can operate in a cooling mode can all help. But the public need financial support to upgrade their homes.”
Dr Isobel Braithwaite, Public Health Doctor and housing researcher, commented:
“The complications arising from being too warm are especially dangerous among those with pre-existing health conditions and can contribute to summer being as dangerous to health as the winter in some cases.
“This research has also highlighted, for the first time, some unique insights into other groups who may be more likely to be affected by the problem.
“We know cities, and particularly bigger cities, can be on average a few degrees hotter than the surrounding countryside, hence more heat-health risks. This is often coupled with poorer-quality housing in some urban areas.”
Previous analysis has shown that low income areas are particularly vulnerable to summer heat and the new figures expand on this to also reveal that those renting from private landlords are the most likely to suffer from one of the issues related to keeping cool in summer.
The new Opinium data also indicated that people aged 18-34, those from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic groups and those who rent from private landlords were more likely to experience heat related ill-health.
Despite public knowledge that proper home insulation keeps homes cool in summer and winter (72% are aware), previous research has found that four in ten households can’t afford to insulate their homes and need Government support.
Simon Francis, coordinator of the End Fuel Poverty Coalition, commented:
“The new Government will need to act quickly to improve housing standards and roll out a turbocharged programme to install more insulation and ventilation measures, especially among lower quality housing stock.”
Among the general public, 52% fully support formalised government programmes for insulation and ventilation with just 11% opposing such a plan.
Meanwhile the independent Climate Change Committee warns that “as the UK’s climate changes in the coming decades, periods of high temperature will become more common and more intense. As recent heat waves have demonstrated, high temperatures are a dangerous threat to health and wellbeing and reduce economic productivity.”
Matthew Scott, from the Chartered Institute of Housing, commented:
“The summer heatwaves of recent years offer a glimpse of what normal summer temperatures might look like in the future.
“As our world warms, this research adds to the growing body of evidence that energy efficiency and retrofit is crucial for making sure people can stay cool and healthy at home, as well as warm.”
Dr Braithwaite added:
“Whether you’re in a large city or a rural area, part of the solution to ill-health caused by heat is to ensure homes are well ventilated and insulated. This helps keep people cool in summer and warm in winter.
“Without action, heatwaves in the future will herald health fears for millions.”
At the Centre for Sustainable Energy, experts have provided low cost advice on how to keep your home cool, but as Ian Preston from the CSE adds:
“A well-insulated and ventilated home will actually help with keeping the heat out too. If you’re able to invest in insulation do so, just make sure ventilation is considered at the same time.”
Around half of the population isn’t adversely affected by excess summer heat, but for those that do suffer, problems with sleep (31%) and the cost of keeping their homes at a reasonable temperature (17%) were among the most common issues experienced in the last 12 months.
Seven measures that can help those affected in the short term, include.
- If you have a fan you can use it. People are put off by the cost but the average fan uses less than 100 watts of energy so costs around 3p per hour.
- Keep windows shut and curtains closed in rooms that get the sun.
- Keep bowls of water around your home.
- Use appliances carefully as kettles, ovens and even fridges can create extra heat.
- Cooler rooms tend to be north facing and can provide a welcome respite or place to live for the more vulnerable during a heatwave.
- Use a sheet instead of a duvet for humid nights.
- Cool your body down by putting your feet in cool water or putting a cold towel over your shoulders.
ENDS
[1] Opinium conducted an online survey of 2,185 nationally and politically representative UK adults between 29th and 31st May 2024. On a nationally representative sample of 2,185 UK adults, 184 have been so hot in their home that they have been unwell in the last 12 months. 184/21