Hot flat in London? Here’s the fix everyone’s talking about

Living in a hot flat in London is not only uncomfortable, but it also changes the nature of how you use your home. Later in the afternoon, rooms get stuffy, sleep becomes harder and even the simplest of things such as working or cooking become tiring.

This guide discusses the reasons why certain flats are hard to live in during warmer times, why small fixes do not always solve the problems and why home air conditioning installation is becoming a practical choice many residents are now considering. Read on to learn more.

What options are available to you?

There are a few options  that are available depending on the type of building and whether or not you are in a conservation area or in a flat with a property management team. The most reliable proven unit is a standard split unit. The split units have one indoor and one outdoor unit, these have been around since the 1950s and are proven to be robust and work very well. However there are other options that are available including: 

• Small portable units
• Water cooled units (no need for an outdoor unit)
• Ground source heat pumps
• Absorbtion refrigeration
• Packaged air conditioning

When a flat stops feeling liveable

Most individuals do not consider heat, until it becomes a health issue. It usually begins with a couple of warm days and then it hits, the flat is no longer cooling in the evening. Walls are warm, air is still and the heat apparently remains indoors long after the sun goes down.

This tends to affect:

• Top floor flats
• Loft conversions
• Compact studio apartments
• Flats with large windows
• Properties with limited airflow

In these spaces, heat doesn’t just pass through; it builds up.

Why the usual fixes fall short

People usually try simple solutions first. Open window, fans, blackout curtains. These may assist in a small scale but they do not very often resolve the problem completely.

Here’s why:

• Opening windows only works if outside air is cooler
• Fans move air but don’t lower temperature
• Curtains and blinds reduce heat gain but don’t remove existing heat
• Portable units often struggle with noise and efficiency

Over time, these quick fixes start to feel like temporary workarounds rather than real solutions.

The real issue: Heat that doesn’t leave

The main problem is not just heat entering the flat;  it’s heat staying trapped inside.

In many London buildings:

• Walls absorb heat during the day
• Floors and ceilings retain warmth
• Air circulation is limited
• Nearby buildings reduce airflow

A report from London City Hall on heat risk across properties highlights how certain homes, especially flats, are more exposed to overheating risks. Once the structure itself holds heat, it becomes difficult to cool naturally.

Why more residents are changing their approach

More people are considering the means of directly regulating the temperature of the inside environment instead of depending on short term solutions. That is where air conditioning installation in London is getting into the discussion; not as a luxury but as a convenient addition to some forms of property.

This change is why an increasing number of homeowners and tenants are seeking long term solutions instead of seasonal solutions.

Why installation matters more than the unit

An aspect that is easily forgotten is the extent to which the installation process itself influences the performance. In flats, the setup needs to be carefully planned. An inappropriately placed unit may cause more issues than solutions. Proper planning of things includes:

• Airflow direction
• Indoor unit positioning
• Outdoor unit placement
• Noise considerations
• Drainage routes
• Pipework access

If you are comparing air conditioning solutions for your property, the key is not just choosing a system, but making sure it is installed in a way that suits the layout of the property.

The impact on daily life

The difference between a hot flat and a well cooled one is noticeable. People often report improvements in:

• Sleep quality
• Ability to work from home
• General comfort during evenings
• Reduced reliance on temporary cooling methods
• Better use of living space

This is particularly important in smaller flats, where one overheated room can affect the entire living area.

Why heat builds up faster in some flats

All flats do not heat up the same way. Certain spaces get uncomfortable far quicker due to their construction and utilisation. Factors that can make heat worse include:

• Large glass windows that trap sunlight
• Poor insulation that allows heat to enter and stay
• Limited airflow between rooms
• Appliances generating constant heat
• Upper floors exposed to direct sunlight for longer hours

The Climate Change Committee of the UK has pointed out that most of the existing homes have not been designed to withstand the rising temperatures and hence, overheating is increasingly becoming a part of everyday living spaces. 

Making a hot flat easier to live in

It is always a good idea to make the use of space during warmer seasons better before making any major changes. Simple modifications can minimise the accumulation of heat and make the cooling process more efficient. There are various practical methods of dealing with the heat inside a house and they include:

• Close blinds or curtains at the right time when the sun is at peak.
• Early morning or late evening ventilation when the outside air is cooler.
• Switching off unnecessary electrical appliances that generate heat.

These measures do not eliminate heat, but can decrease the rate at which it accumulates. They can assist in building a palpable difference in comfort without necessarily increasing the amount of energy consumption to the table.

Final thoughts

A properly designed domestic air conditioning system is a more effective means of controlling the environment inside the home, in flats that have difficulty with air circulation and heat retention. Luxury is not the aim of many residents. It is merely making the space comfortable enough to live in even in cases where the temperature outside does not go down.

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