Gary Lawson, managing director at Sustainable Building Services (UK) Ltd, explains how retrofit helps homes remain comfortable year-round using smart design and communication
As the UK’s climate grows warmer and more unpredictable, home comfort is no longer just a winter concern. The rise in summer temperatures is making overheating a more prevalent issue, particularly in older or poorly insulated properties.
While retrofit programmes are often discussed in terms of winter warmth and energy savings, their role in keeping homes cooler during hot weather is just as vital.
Retrofit as a shield against overheating
Most people associate retrofit measures with retaining heat during the colder months. But with average summer temperatures rising and heatwaves becoming more common, the focus is shifting. Homes that are poorly insulated or lack ventilation can quickly become too hot, putting residents at risk and impacting their well-being.
Retrofit can make a major difference. Measures such as external wall insulation and glazing help reduce solar gain and prevent indoor spaces from becoming uncomfortably warm. Improvements to ventilation systems also help by allowing homes to release trapped heat while maintaining healthy airflow.
Although newer builds are designed with overheating in mind, many homes across the UK were not built to withstand hotter summers. Retrofit helps bridge this gap, ensuring older properties can keep pace with changing climate demands.
Smart technologies for smarter temperature regulation
Modern smart technologies are transforming how residents manage temperatures in their homes. Sensors that monitor indoor heat levels, humidity, and air quality in real-time give households the tools to stay comfortable even during temperature spikes.
These systems enable responsive control, alerting residents when conditions inside require adjustment and helping to prevent both overheating in summer and excessive heat loss in winter.
When installed as part of a retrofit programme, smart technologies support better temperature regulation without compromising energy efficiency. But the success of these tools depends on how well residents understand and use them.
Clear communication and hands-on training are essential. Housing providers and retrofit teams must ensure that smart systems are introduced with the right support, so residents feel confident using the technology to manage comfort in a way that suits their needs.
The role of ventilation in summer comfort
Effective ventilation is essential for a healthy home in any season. During summer, it becomes even more important. Without adequate ventilation, homes can trap heat and moisture, leading to stuffy, uncomfortable conditions and an increased risk of mould growth.
Modern ventilation systems, including Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery (MVHR), help maintain a steady flow of fresh air while preventing the home from overheating. These systems can be particularly beneficial in homes where opening windows is impractical due to noise, pollution, or safety concerns.
When retrofit work includes upgrades to insulation and airtightness, ventilation must not be overlooked. A whole-home approach is needed to ensure that measures designed to reduce energy loss do not lead to unintended consequences during warmer months.
Health and well-being beyond winter
The health risks of cold homes are well-documented, but overheating can also have serious impacts. Elderly people, young children and those with existing health conditions are particularly vulnerable to high indoor temperatures.
By reducing heat build-up and maintaining good air quality, retrofit can help protect the most at-risk residents during the summer. These improvements contribute to better sleep, lower stress levels and a general sense of well-being.
There are also social benefits. Homes that are comfortable and safe year-round support community stability and reduce strain on the NHS. When people feel well in their homes, they are more likely to engage with their neighbours, take pride in their surroundings and contribute to stronger, more resilient communities.
Planning for year-round comfort
As climate conditions continue to shift, retrofit strategies must adapt. This means thinking beyond winter performance and ensuring retrofit design takes summer comfort into account. Measures such as passive shading, improved glazing, and reflective materials all play a role in preventing overheating.
The government’s decarbonisation plan, including the Warm Homes: Social Housing Fund, provides a platform to promote retrofit solutions that deliver year-round benefits. Housing providers and contractors must seize this opportunity to develop retrofit programmes that are not only energy-efficient but also climate-resilient.
By planning with the full year in mind, the sector can deliver homes that are not only more sustainable but also more liveable.
Looking ahead
As retrofit evolves, its success will be measured not just by carbon reductions or cost savings, but by the comfort and well-being it delivers to residents. Summer resilience is now a critical part of the retrofit mission.
By embracing smart design, clear communication and whole-home thinking, we can ensure that the benefits of retrofit are felt year-round. This is about more than reducing energy use. It’s about creating homes where people can live well, regardless of the weather.
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