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UK Heatwaves Push Air Conditioning to the Political Spotlight. The UK’s recent heatwaves have sparked debate over air conditioning, with proponents arguing wider adoption could boost living standards, productivity, and even support the transition to net zero. Polling by More in Common shows 43% of Britons support broader A.C. installation, a number expected to rise as temperatures increase. Regulatory hurdles, outdated planning rules, and restrictive energy efficiency standards are cited as barriers preventing air conditioning from becoming mainstream. Tory MP Jack Rankin criticized the difficulty of installing A.C., blaming “outdated nanny state rules” and “enviro-loons” for the situation. Advocates argue that more A.C. could improve housing quality, economic growth, and health outcomes, as extreme heat poses serious risks to life and wellbeing. Politicians across the spectrum are increasingly engaging with the issue, from right-leaning calls to ease installation restrictions to Green and Liberal Democrat proposals for heatproofing public institutions and care homes. Critics of A.C. often cite energy consumption and net zero concerns, but experts argue air-to-air heat pumps can cut energy use by half while meeting cooling needs. Current UK building regulations prioritize passive cooling solutions, such as dual-aspect windows, before allowing A.C., making installation costly and challenging in dense urban areas. Government incentives, like the £7.5k heat pump scheme, exclude dual-purpose air-to-air systems, further slowing adoption despite their potential to cool and heat efficiently.
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