Coping with Cost of Heatwaves - Little Known Government Grant Key to Helping Households

As temperatures across the UK continue to rise and forecasters warn of further heatwaves this summer, renewable energy specialist Exeter-based SunGift Solar is urging homeowners to consider a little-known Government Grant that could play a vital part in keeping households cool as global temperatures rise.

The advice comes as parts of the UK prepare for temperatures above 30°C in the coming days, with amber heat-health alerts already issued across much of southern England and the Midlands, and warnings of a possible red heat-health alert.

The Met Office has also indicated that the likelihood of a warmer-than-average summer remains elevated following England and Wales' warmest spring on record.

While air conditioning has historically been viewed as a luxury in the UK, climate experts increasingly regard cooling as an essential adaptation measure for many buildings, particularly hospitals, care homes, workplaces and homes occupied by vulnerable people.

According to the UK Health Security Agency, there were an estimated 1,504 heat-associated deaths during five heat episodes in England during summer 2025. This follows 1,311 heat-associated deaths in 2024 and a record 2,985 heat-associated deaths during the extreme heat events of 2022.

As temperatures steadily increase, demand for cooling is anticipated to increase dramatically both in the short and long term, and this is where the little-known grant provides a window of opportunity for families.

From 2026, air-to-air heat pumps – systems capable of providing both highly efficient heating in winter and cooling during summer heatwaves – have become eligible for support under the Boiler Upgrade Scheme in England and Wales, with grants of £2,500 available towards installation costs.

The grant recognises the increasing importance of technologies that can help households adapt to rising temperatures while reducing carbon emissions and energy costs.

When combined with rooftop solar panels, air-to-air heat pumps create a particularly effective solution. As a result, electricity generated during sunny periods can be used directly to power cooling systems, helping households manage overheating without significantly increasing energy bills.

Why is solar energy so important for keeping households cool?

For households unable to access the grant, a typical four-bedroom UK home fitted with a modern air conditioning system can consume between 1,000kWh and 3,000kWh of electricity annually for cooling – depending on occupancy patterns, insulation standards and external temperatures.  With longer, hotter summers predicted, these figures are only set to rise. 

This is where energy independence provided by solar power makes sound sense.

Unlike many other energy demands, cooling requirements align closely with periods of peak solar generation, making solar the perfect solution for offsetting air con energy costs, at the same time as protecting vulnerable individuals including babies, toddlers and the elderly from extreme heat.

Climate Change Committee warns of risk of overheating

The growing need for cooling has been highlighted by the Climate Change Committee.

Emma Pinchbeck, Chief Executive of the Climate Change Committee, has repeatedly highlighted the need for the UK to adapt to a warmer climate, including air conditioning in critical settings such as hospitals, schools and care settings so that they can remain safe and operational during periods of extreme heat.

The Committee has warned that extreme heat poses one of the most significant climate risks facing the UK – with overheating projected to affect the majority of homes by mid-century unless adaptation measures are introduced.

Gabriel Wondrausch, Director at SunGift Solar, said: "The Government's decision to extend support to air-to-air heat pumps recognises that cooling is becoming a much more significant issue in the UK, but it’s not the whole story. Many households unable to access the grant will have no choice but to turn to more conventional air conditioning, and that brings with it high energy costs.

“With solar PV systems in place, that’s not an issue. You can offset the cost of cooling while reducing pressure on the grid. Whether it's a family home, an office building or a manufacturing facility, the combination of solar power, battery storage and efficient cooling technology offers the only practical pathway to lowering temperatures and bills while saving lives and increasing productivity."

For more information visit www.sungiftsolar.co.uk.