Are homes in Scotland air-conditioned?

Homes in Scotland and the wider United Kingdom generally do not have air conditioning. The weather is quite temperate in Scotland, and while not as cold as you think, we have long winters and fairly mild summers.

Why are air conditioning units not popular in Scotland?

Here are a few reasons why AC units are not popular in Scotland:

Home design

As we are generally trying to heat our homes most of the year, AC systems are redundant. The focus is more on making homes warmer, insulated, and less expensive to heat.

Energy costs

When we have a hot summer, generally, an open window or a stand fan is enough to keep us cool, so air conditioning is unnecessary. Installing expensive air conditioning systems isn't cost-effective when homes are not uncomfortably hot during the Scottish summer.

With average summer temperatures often hovering between 15°C to 20°C (59°F to 68°F), the need for active cooling is significantly reduced. Therefore, considering both the initial cost and ongoing energy bills, the investment in an air conditioning unit isn't justifiable for a few weeks of warmer weather.

Transmission fees

Despite generating clean, green electricity from hydroelectric dams, onshore and offshore wind farms and pioneering tidal wave power, Scotland has some of the most expensive electricity in Europe. Even though we generate all of this power, it is sold back to us at an even higher rate than in England, which is very unfair, but unfortunately, this is how the system currently works.

For an electricity company in north Scotland, it costs £7.36 per megawatt-hour (MWh) to connect to the grid; in south Scotland, £4.70. In England and Wales, it can be almost free.

Environmental concerns

The Scots are environment-savvy, leading the way in renewable energy in North Europe. Air conditioning systems, especially older models, can be energy-intensive and contribute to increased carbon emissions. This environmental impact and the often limited need for cooling make many Scots hesitant to install and use such systems.

We love the heat!

If Scotland gets warm weather, we embrace it and get our pastie white bodies out into the sun! If we're lucky enough to get a fortnight of nice weather, it would be a shame to turn on the air conditioning and spoil our break from the generally cooler, wetter weather.

FAQs on air conditioning in Scotland

Here are a few frequently asked questions about air conditioning in Scotland:

Do offices have air conditioning?

Generally, no. Air conditioning is not needed in offices and commercial premises; temperatures are usually just right for working in, or central heating brings the temperature up if it's too cold.

How can I cool down in Scotland?

Supermarkets like ALDI, Lidl, Home Bargains and The Factory Shop will often have seasonal deals on desk/floor fans for around £30... failing that, you can take a dip in the sea or a loch!

Are heat pumps popular in Scotland?

Air source heat pumps are becoming more popular for newly built homes. We have a heat pump installed in our house, but it is costly to run and hardly provides any heat... it has been quite disappointing.

Do any homes in the UK have air conditioning?

Some higher-end homes do have air conditioning, particularly in the more southerly areas of Britain.

Will tourists find Scotland too hot in the summer?

No, I've never heard of anyone complaining when the weather is nice in Scotland. Temperatures over 30°C (86°F) are rare in Scotland but fairly common in America, Europe and Asia.

Key information on air conditioning in Scotland

• Homes in Scotland are not usually air-conditioned.

• The ambient temperature is rarely warm enough for air conditioning.

• Running an air conditioning unit is expensive in Scotland due to high electricity costs.

• Scots are hesitant to install technologies that are not environmentally friendly.

• Hotels in Scotland do sometimes offer air-conditioned rooms.

Conclusion

So there we have it, air conditioning units are not installed in Scottish homes as it isn't really needed in Scotland's generally wetter and cooler climate. Secondary issues are the costs of running an AC unit and environmental concerns/climate change.

If you're visiting Scotland, you shouldn't need to worry about air conditioning in your accommodation... embrace the Scottish climate as it is, go for a walk and grab an ice cream; that's much better and tastier than air con!