Acclimatise has been installing air conditioning in Dorking and other Surrey towns. Over this time, we’ve noticed for ourselves that temperatures are going up. We’ve also seen that people are installing air conditioning for different reasons.
There’s no denying that the UK is getting hotter. Every summer the press talks of “unprecedented” temperatures and “the hottest day on record.” Sadly, there is a man-made reason for this: climate change.
Let’s take a closer look.
Why is the world getting hotter?
Meteorologists measure weather in thirty-year “averaging periods.” This gives them enough solid data to build up an accurate picture – the results are much more meaningful than comparing this year with the previous one. The most recent averaging period was 1991-2020 – almost exactly the same time that Acclimatise have been operating.
Over this period, the earth’s climate has changed and intensified for many reasons, most of which are man-made. Temperatures have increased. Globally, the temperature is up 0.8 degrees from the previous averaging period. Europe is seeing some of the most dramatic effects, becoming a heatwave hotspot. This is because the jet stream – the river of air that travels across the Atlantic Ocean – is being directly impacted by climate change. It now brings warmer air than it used to, to part of the world unused to dramatically high temperatures.
How air conditioning is changing
We’ve seen a change in our business, in line with rising temperatures. Now over 65% of offices have air conditioning, and over 30% of retail spaces. The number continues to grow as more workplaces battle high summer temperatures. This is because business owners need to create comfortable environments for employees and customers.
We’re also seeing more homeowners having air conditioning installed. As more of us work from home, we don’t want to sacrifice our productivity to hot weather!
Our lives and health are important too. There is an increasing awareness of the importance of a good night’s sleep, and the links between bad sleep and health problems. Research suggests that the optimal temperature for sleeping being roughly 18 degrees centigrade. With this in mind, more people are choosing air conditioning to help them get the rest they need.
As we become aware of the effects of climate change, many people are choosing alternatives to gas central heating. In addition, the upcoming gas boiler ban means that anyone replacing their boiler after 2025 must consider other options. Fortunately, our air conditioning systems become heat pumps in winter. The heat pumps take 80% of their heat from the air and only 20% from electricity. This makes them a great heating solution with a minimal environmental impact. It’s easy to see why more homeowners are choosing heat pumps.
Air conditioning in Dorking – book a consultation today
Since Acclimatise opened for business nearly thirty years ago, we’ve helped countless homeowners and business owners create the ideal environment to live and work. To find out how we can help you too, get in touch on 01483 570 120.