Editor's note: This brief was summarised by The Property AI Newsroom from a report by PropertyWire. Read the original article for full details.

Rising Cooling Costs Drive Retrofit Demand Amid UK Heatwaves

UK homeowners are increasingly investing in cooling measures as recurring heatwaves challenge traditional property design. External shading systems are emerging as a cost-effective alternative to air conditioning units, according to a report by PropertyWire.

Tom Greenhill, an engineer and author of the Heatwave Toolkit website, states that external shading can reject up to three times more solar heat than internal blinds. The British Blind & Shutter Association has reported increased demand for external shading products, with its vice-president highlighting the importance of shading before cooling a building.

External awning blinds for Velux roof windows are available from £80 for manual versions to £530 for electric aluminium shutters, with an additional £166 for control systems. Manual versions typically take 30 minutes to install, while electric shutters require professional fitting. Delivery times are currently 12-13 working days for standard models and 18-19 working days for premium products.

The retrofit market has seen property owners prioritising skylights, which receive direct sunlight for most of the day. Velux’s anti-heat blinds claim to reduce indoor temperatures by up to 4°C, while blackout shutters promise reductions of up to 5°C.

Budget Alternatives for Renters

Lower-cost solutions are gaining traction among renters and budget-conscious homeowners. Repurposed materials such as fitted sheets, priced at £5, can provide temporary shading for skylights. Solar sails are available from £20 for basic models, with specialist versions from £136. Camouflage nets, costing around £10, offer another temporary solution for windows and skylights. These options are particularly appealing to tenants unable to install permanent fixtures.

The trend towards larger glazed areas in modern properties, such as bifold and patio doors, has increased solar heat gain in residential buildings. Properties with extensive glazing require additional cooling measures, with Greenhill noting that homes with large glass areas are more susceptible to overheating.

Implications for Property Value

Cooling requirements may influence property valuations and buyer preferences, as energy efficiency considerations now extend to summer temperature management. Properties requiring significant cooling retrofits may face additional costs when sold, as buyers factor in the expense of installing sun protection systems. The cooling challenge is particularly relevant for Victorian and older properties not designed for current temperature ranges, as well as modern builds with extensive glazing.

External shading systems offer the advantage of seasonal adjustment, unlike permanent solar-reflecting films, which remain in place year-round and may reduce winter solar gain benefits.