As temperatures across the UK approach 40°C, Britons living in new build homes or with trendy bifold doors are finding their properties unbearably hot, with some considering moving to escape the heat. Social media is flooded with complaints about homes that trap heat, turning living spaces into saunas.
New Builds Trap Heat, Residents Struggle
TikToker Rosie Montalbano told her followers: "Now I've moved into a new build house, I'm only just discovering how hot it can get in the summer. It is hotter in this house than it is outdoors. It's unbearable." New builds are designed to be well-insulated and energy-efficient for winter, but this also traps heat during summer. The Climate Change Committee stated in May that the UK is "built for a climate that no longer exists," noting that 92% of British homes are prone to overheating during extreme temperatures.
Abigail Kendal, a mother living in a new build, shared her frustration: "It's 30 degrees outside and you're trying to keep your 9 month old entertained while living in a new build house." Cerys Gardiner, 26, from the East Midlands, bought a new build attracted by a five percent deposit match. She spent £1,200 on wooden shutters for four front windows to combat the heat. "It is very hot in here, I won't lie. I was hanging up blankets on all the windows," she said. She now needs similar solutions for her back double doors, where "the heat by the end of the day is insane."
Bifold Doors Turn Homes into Saunas
Bifold doors, once a desirable feature, are now a source of misery. Frances Barton, 43, from Berkshire, installed a 4m glass sliding door to brighten her home. "Now it's like living in a hot box, or a sauna. I regret it so much. It was 30 degrees inside at 7am today," she said. She finds the lounge unusable in summer, requiring sunglasses indoors. "I'd like to brick it up but that's not cheap either."
Abigail Thomas, 38, from Kent, has a south-facing living room with bifold doors and extensive windows that trap heat. She spent hundreds on partial blackout blinds and is considering installing air conditioning. "We had blinds fitted last week... We decided ahead of this summer to get these blinds fitted," she said. Her bedroom already has inherited air conditioning, which she finds effective.
Tips to Stay Cool
The UK government advises avoiding outdoor activity between 11am and 3pm and wearing loose, light clothing. The Red Cross recommends focusing on one or two rooms to keep cool, keeping windows covered and doors closed to prevent warm air entry. They warn against spending time in kitchens or rooms with large windows. For electric fans, Which? advises using them only when in the room and placing a bowl of ice in front for cooler air.
Many residents are resorting to DIY hacks, such as tin foil on windows, strategic fan placement, and repurposing hot water bottles as cold packs.
