For UK homeowners, rising energy bills reaching a three-year high create an uncomfortable reminder of cooling costs. While searches for air-conditioned homes have doubled this summer according to property portal Rightmove, over half of those surveyed would consider adding shading like window shutters or awnings instead. A back-of-the-envelope calculation suggests about 15mn homes might need adjustment, focusing on southern England and Wales while excluding landlord-owned properties.

Building consultants Arup estimated £11,000 per home five years ago—now roughly £13,000—for shutters, ceiling fans and roof insulation. A 2025 government case study put external shutters at £6,000, while upgrading windows could add £20,000. Grosvenor Group, owner of London's prestigious streets, called for easier planning rules to install double glazing and air conditioning in heritage buildings.

Shares in window specialists Deceuninck and Eurocell, plus builders' merchant Travis Perkins, have outperformed the market recently as weather-related demand surged.