More than half of Brits have lost their temper with someone they live with due to excessive indoor heat, according to new research by home tech brand DREO. The study of 2,000 people found that 53% said soaring temperatures have created issues at home, while 25% said summer heat makes them feel 'less like themselves'.
Heat disrupts daily life and sleep
Two-fifths (40%) of Brits said excessive indoor heat stopped them from fully enjoying time at home during summer. Over 71% agreed that overheating significantly disrupts normal daily life, with sleeping (68%), relaxing (52%), cooking (49%) and working from home (21%) most affected.
Half (48%) said they have cut short or cancelled a social occasion at home because it was too hot indoors, and a further 24% have considered doing so. Younger households feel this most acutely: 72% of 18-24s have cut short or cancelled a social occasion at home due to heat, compared to 39% of over-65s. Londoners reported the highest disruption of any region, with 68% saying the same.
Emotional and wellbeing impact
Beyond disrupting routines, many Brits said overheating homes affect their emotional wellbeing (26%) and mood or patience with others (35%). Almost two-thirds (62%) of parents said summer heat has disrupted their child's school or nursery routine. Among those caring for an elderly or medically vulnerable person, 30% actively worry about their wellbeing during extreme heat.
Respondents also pointed to dwindling motivation to exercise (42%), general enjoyment of the day (41%), concentration and productivity (40%) and appetite (37%) as affected. Poor sleep is a key factor: 68% regularly struggle to sleep due to indoor heat, and one in five said a bad night's sleep during a heatwave can ruin the following day entirely.
Coping mechanisms fall short
Despite the impact, many households rely on simple methods. The electric fan is the most common (31%), ahead of closing blinds or curtains (18%) and opening windows and doors (14%). Yet only 19% said their current approach makes a real difference. A quarter (25%) said it makes little or no difference, and 23% have tried multiple methods without finding one that works.
For those working from home, 61% said indoor heat has affected their ability to work productively during summer. Nearly 83% said they would enjoy summer significantly more if their home remained consistently cool. If temperatures were easier to manage indoors, Brits said they would sleep better (71%), relax more often (56%), exercise at home more comfortably (34%), spend more quality time with loved ones (30%) and host friends and family more frequently (26%). Three-quarters (73%) said a comfortable home would make summer their favourite season.
Expert comment
Behavioural Psychologist Jo Hemmings said: 'Being hot and bothered has a real psychological impact. Poor sleep, prolonged discomfort and feeling unable to escape the heat can all affect our patience, mood and ability to regulate emotions. That's why we're often less productive, less tolerant and less able to enjoy everyday moments during periods of prolonged heat.'
Olivia Xu, Head of Marketing at DREO, said: 'People often think of summer heat as a few days of discomfort, but the research shows it's affecting how people experience everyday life at home - and they shouldn't have to live with that.'
