An outdoor air conditioning condenser unit mounted to the exterior brick wall of a home.
A Summer of Shortages
Sweltering temperatures have triggered an overwhelming rush for air conditioning across the region. Homeowners are now facing months-long delays as suppliers struggle to keep up with evaporating stock levels.
At Storm Gas in Bridgwater, Somerset, the phone lines have been jammed since two consecutive heatwaves hit the area. Due to severely depleted inventory, customers are being told they must wait until September or October for installations.
“Getting hold of air con parts and stock at the moment is like getting toilet rolls in Covid,” said Chris Bradley, a director at Storm Gas.
Modern Homes Turned Saunas
The severity of the heat has caught the entire plumbing and heating industry off guard. James Wilkins, director of Wilkins Plumbing and Heating in Glastonbury, reported his team is currently handling around 100 inquiries every week.
“People are just not able to tolerate the heat in their house in these temperatures in the late 30s,” Wilkins said.
He pointed out that strict building regulations have made new builds highly insulated to retain warmth. “That’s having an adverse effect with temperatures in the late 30s. It’s like stepping into a sauna,” he explained.
The surge in demand is reflected at the top of the supply chain. Air conditioning manufacturer Worcester Bosch confirmed that sales during the first five months of 2026 have already eclipsed their total sales for the entirety of 2025.
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A sleek indoor air conditioning unit mounted high on a white wall
Somerset Air Conditioning, which services homes across Somerset, Bristol, Gloucester, and Swindon, is experiencing what director Richard Martin calls “unprecedented” demand. His team is fully booked for the next three months.
The company has hundreds of installations in the pipeline, with 95% of them slated for residential properties. In a single day this week, the business fielded 50 separate inquiries.
“Nearly all from homeowners, and all of them understood they won’t get it this summer but just want it ready for next summer,” Martin added.
Weighing the Costs
For residents desperate for immediate relief, portable air conditioning units remain an option, though they come with distinct drawbacks. Phil Davis of Island HVAC Systems noted that portable units are the cheapest route and are readily available.
“But they can be really noisy and you need a hose to put out the window,” Davis warned.
Consumers typically pay between £300 and £600 for a portable unit. In contrast, a fully installed air conditioning system costs between £1,500 and £3,000 per room.
“I can see the cost side of installed air con units, but they can be used all year around with heat pumps as well,” Davis said. “It completely depends on your budget.”
