Cooling costs cause one in seven adults to consider moving home – Barclays
Two in five adults (40%) would prefer to invest in home improvements to reduce overheating, rather than rely on cooling devices.
One in seven (13%) adults are considering a move to a cooler part of the country to manage ongoing costs, according to the latest Property Insights from Barclays.
Two in five adults (40%) would prefer to invest in home improvements to reduce overheating, rather than rely on cooling devices.
Three in 10 (30%) were worried about the impact of using electricity for cooling on their energy bills, while 44% said they avoid energy-intensive cooling methods.
Around 17% have bought portable air conditioning and 11% have installed fixed systems.
Nearly half (48%) use portable fans and a third (34%) have put up blackout blinds or curtains.
Around 31% have or are considering planting trees for shade, and 28% are improving ventilation with skylights or vents.
Jatin Patel, head of mortgages, savings and insurance at Barclays, said: “Hotter spells are a challenge for British households, particularly as much of the nation’s housing stock isn’t designed to combat sustained periods of high temperatures.
“For homeowners, it’s no longer just a question of comfort, but also cost-management as they balance staying cool with the impact on their energy bills.
“For some, this means choosing to retrofit their home with more passive ventilation options, meanwhile a growing number of homeowners are considering moving altogether to make sure their home is equipped from the outset.”
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