Millions of Brits made ill because their home is too hot, study finds – as UK faces heatwave

A total of 4.5 million people have been so hot in their home that it has made them ill over the last 12 months, new research has found as the UK faces a heatwave.

That is nearly one in 10 people facing what has been dubbed as “hot house syndrome”, according to campaign group Warm this Winter.

Experts warn that this is a result of “appalling housing stock” with the poorest and most vulnerable most at risk during the heatwave.

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The research from Warm this Winter, carried out by Opinium, shows there is a much higher incidence of ill-health caused by high temperatures among those with pre-existing health conditions and disabilities.

Fiona Waters, a 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.”

People from Black, Asian and minority ethnic groups were also more likely to be impacted, as were young people aged 18 to 34 and those who rent from private landlords.

For nearly one in five people, the cost of keeping their homes at a reasonable temperature was one of the most common reasons for struggling over the last 12 months.

Dr Isobel Braithwaite, public health doctor and housing researcher, said: “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. Without action, high temperatures in the future will herald health fears for millions.”

People who suffer from excess summer heat have problems with sleep (31%) which can exacerbate poor health.

Jonathan Bean, from Fuel Poverty Action, said: “Millions of us in dangerously hot urban flats suffer in summer, unable to work or sleep.  We need a healthy home standard for all rentals, retrofits and new builds with decent standards of glazing, shading, insulation, ventilation and cooling to keep us safe during hot weather. “

Warm this Winter has advice on how to keep yourself cool if your home is too hot – such as putting bowls of water around your home or keeping your windows shut (read to the end for more tips) – but campaigners argue that the real solution is proper insulation and ventilation.

Donal Brown, the director of UK programmes for climate solutions charity Ashden, said: “Keeping homes cool and warm is mainly about insulation, insulation, insulation – of floors, walls and roofs. Then add ventilation and in some circumstances mechanical cooling using renewable energy.

“What’s essential in a rapidly warming world is that these techniques are adopted quickly by planners, regulators and the construction industry and we prioritise support for those least able to pay for them and those most vulnerable to overheating.”

Simon Francis, coordinator of the End Fuel Poverty Coalition, added: “The new government needs to act quickly after the election to improve housing standards and roll out a turbocharged programme to install more insulation and ventilation measures, especially among lower quality housing stock.”

Although the following tips are not a long-term solution to homes being too hot, they should help give some relief and keep your home more cool during the heatwave.

How to keep your home cool in the heatwave without spending too much money

Experts at Warm this Winter have shared some advice on what people can do to keep their homes cool during the heatwave which won’t cost too much money.

Use a fan if you have one

The average fan uses less than 100 watts of energy so only costs around 3p per hour – so keeping your fan on won’t make your electricity bill soar.

Keep windows and curtains shut

It might feel counterintuitive, but chances are it might actually be hotter outside than in your home during the summer heatwave – especially if you close your curtains or blinds to keep the heating out.

Keep bowls of water around your home

The water in the bowls will evaporate and help cool down your home.

Use appliances sparingly

Putting your kettle or your oven on, or other appliances, can create extra heat. Try to use sparingly when you can.

Get respite in a north-facing room

Cooler rooms tend to be those which are north-facing. They can offer respite in a heatwave.

Swap the duvet for a sheet

Just use a sheet when sleeping at night rather than a thick duvet.

Put your feet in cold water or a cold towel over your shoulders

Putting your feet in cold water or a cold towel over your shoulder will help cool your whole body down.

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