Brits Ditch Bedrooms for Kitchens to Escape ‘Heat Trap’ Homes
One in Six Britons Taking Drastic Measures to Survive Heatwaves, Study Finds
The Big Picture
Imagine your home turning into an oven every summer. That’s the reality for millions of people across the UK right now. A new study from Citizens Advice reveals that one in six Britons are taking extreme steps just to stay cool during heatwaves.
We’re not talking about just opening a window or turning on a fan. People are:
- Sleeping in their kitchens (often the coolest room)
- Camping out in gardens or on balconies
- Taking sick days or unpaid leave from work
- Paying for hotel rooms just to get a good night’s sleep
Why Is This Happening?
Homes Designed to Trap Heat
The study points to a fundamental problem: poorly designed homes. Many UK houses act like "heat traps" — they’re built to keep warmth in during winter, but that same design makes them unbearable in summer.
Important Point: The UK’s housing stock wasn’t built for the kind of extreme temperatures we’re now experiencing regularly.
Cooling Is Expensive
Air conditioning? Great if you can afford it. But for many, the cost of buying and running AC units is simply out of reach. This leaves people feeling powerless — 44% of those surveyed said they feel unable to prevent their homes from overheating.
The Numbers Tell the Story
| Group | Percentage Feeling Powerless |
|---|---|
| Tenants (private & social housing) | 51% |
| Homeowners | 40% |
Other shocking findings:
- 4 million people have resorted to makeshift solutions — taping tin foil, cardboard, or damp sheets to windows
- 90,000 heat network customers can’t even turn off their central heating in summer
A Year-Round Crisis
Citizens Advice warns this isn’t just a summer problem. Dame Clare Moriarty, the charity’s chief executive, explains:
"We’re now facing a year-round crisis, where poorly designed housing stock is acting as a giant heat trap in summer and as an ice box in winter."
The charity is demanding government action through the Warm Homes Plan — investing in:
- Better insulation
- Improved ventilation
- Heat network upgrades
The goal? Homes that are warmer in winter AND cooler in summer.
What Triggered This Study?
Record-Breaking Weather
- July 2026 was the driest month on record for England and Wales
- Temperatures soared above 34°C
- Extreme heat sparked wildfires and forced hosepipe bans across the country
- The Met Office confirmed these records
The Survey Details
- Who: Yonder (research company)
- When: July 1–2, 2026
- Who was asked: 2,105 UK adults
Good News: Relief Is Coming
After another heat spike this week, forecasters predict temperatures will drop to:
- 22°C in London (by Thursday)
- 17°C in Glasgow
Rain, showers, and lower pressure should bring some much-needed relief in August.
Summary
- 1 in 6 Britons are taking drastic action to cope with heatwaves
- Measures include sleeping in kitchens, missing work, and booking hotels
- 44% feel powerless to cool their homes
- Tenants suffer more (51% vs 40% of homeowners)
- 4 million use makeshift window coverings
- 90,000 can’t turn off heating in summer
- Citizens Advice calls this a year-round crisis requiring government investment
- The Warm Homes Plan could fix this with better insulation, ventilation, and heat network upgrades
- Weather relief is forecast for August
FAQ
Why are UK homes so bad at handling heat?
UK homes were traditionally built to retain heat for cold winters. With climate change bringing hotter summers, this design backfires — insulation and sealed windows trap heat inside.
What’s a "heat network" and why can’t people turn it off?
Heat networks (district heating) supply heat to multiple buildings from a central source. Some residents don’t have individual controls, meaning they’re stuck with heating even in summer.
What is the Warm Homes Plan?
It’s a proposed government initiative to upgrade UK housing with better insulation, ventilation, and heating/cooling systems — making homes comfortable year-round while reducing energy bills.
Are renters worse off than homeowners?
Yes. The study found 51% of tenants feel unable to control their home temperature vs 40% of homeowners. Renters often can’t install AC or make structural changes.
Is this just a UK problem?
No. Many countries with older housing stock face similar challenges as global temperatures rise. But the UK’s combination of old homes and increasing heatwaves makes it particularly acute.
