air conditioning was not as prevalent in the UK compared to some other countries, particularly those with more consistently hot climates. There are several reasons for the relatively limited use of air conditioning in the UK:
Climate: The UK has a temperate maritime climate, which means that extreme temperatures, especially those reaching into the high 30s (degrees Celsius), are relatively rare. While the UK does experience warm summers, the need for air conditioning is not as pronounced as in regions with consistently hot and humid weather.
Building Design: Traditional UK building designs often prioritize retaining heat in colder weather, with thicker walls and smaller windows. While this helps in the winter, it may result in warmer indoor temperatures during the summer. Newer buildings are becoming more energy-efficient and better suited for ventilation and cooling, but it still takes time for changes to be adopted on a large scale.
Energy Consumption and Environmental Concerns: Air conditioning systems consume significant amounts of electricity, and the UK has been conscious of its energy consumption and carbon footprint. In the past, there have been concerns about the environmental impact of increased air conditioning use. This has led to a focus on alternative cooling methods, such as fans, natural ventilation, and improvements in building insulation.
Public Infrastructure: Compared to countries with hotter climates, the UK has a less established infrastructure for air conditioning, both in public places and residential properties. As a result, there may be fewer places with air conditioning available to the public.
and the situation may have evolved since then. It's best to refer to more current sources for the most recent data on air conditioning trends in the UK.