Why are London apartments so hot?
Find out more
The Hidden Problem—and How to Fix It
Summer in London can be a joy—until you step into your high-rise apartment. So, why are London apartments so hot? Residents of modern flats across Battersea, Canary Wharf, Vauxhall, and Nine Elms often find themselves sweltering in glass-walled homes that trap the heat and never let it go. So, why is this happening—and more importantly, what can be done about it?
In this post, we uncover the real reasons behind the overheating problem in London apartments and introduce the smart, fully internal solution that Cool You offers—an elegant, powerful, and quiet answer tailored for premium London living.
Why are London apartments so hot? The Urban Heat Island Effect: London’s Warming Climate
The Urban Heat Island effect means London retains more heat than its surrounding countryside, particularly in areas with dense building materials and limited greenery. Temperatures in central London can be up to 7°C higher than nearby rural areas—a trend only intensifying with climate change.
- Solar Gain
Modern apartments feature expansive glass walls that face the sun, which allows intense solar radiation to flood in and warm up the walls, floors, and furnishings. This solar gain causes the internal temperature to soar, often reaching 30–35°C or higher. - Lack of Ventilation
Contemporary buildings feature high insulation and airtight designs to enhance energy efficiency, but this approach often results in minimal natural ventilation. Heat builds up and stays trapped inside. - Noise and Air Pollution
Opening windows might seem like an easy fix—but with many apartments located near busy roads, rail lines, or the river, letting in “fresh” air can also mean inviting in traffic noise, pollutants, and security risks. - Ineffective Portable Cooling
Fans and portable air conditioners offer minimal relief. They’re noisy, bulky, inefficient, and can’t come close to the comfort of a built-in system. Worse still, they often require window venting, ruining both your view and your security - No regulation
Unlike heating, which developers must provide, there’s no regulation for cooling. So, while everything is equipped to be nice and toasty for the chillier winter months, there’s nothing in place for when it’s boiling.
Why Aren’t These Apartments Built with Air Conditioning?
Most modern developments in London are designed to meet strict planning and aesthetic guidelines. This often excludes the use of external condensers, which are noisy, bulky, and visually disruptive. As a result, many luxury homes are delivered without any form of integrated cooling.
The Cool You Solution: Designed Exclusively for London Living
Cool You has reimagined air conditioning for the city. We engineer our fully internal, water-cooled systems specifically for London apartments, both modern and listed.
- No external units – Perfect for buildings with aesthetic or planning restrictions
- Whisper-quiet performance – No background hum or intrusive sounds – Ultra-quiet performance—wall-mounted indoor units as quiet as 19 dBA – Great for bedrooms and noise-sensitive areas
- Uses R32 refrigerant – Environmentally responsible and energy-efficient
- Bespoke and compact – Tailored to your space and fits discreetly in a cupboard
- We bring premium comfort to high-end living spaces—seamlessly, elegantly, and without compromise.
Expert Installation: Quiet Craftsmanship Meets Cool Technology
At Cool You, we treat every installation like a bespoke commission. Think Savile Row tailoring—not generic HVAC fitting. Our dedicated, internal team of engineers handles everything in just one day, with minimal disruption to your home.
From the initial consultation to the finishing touches, we apply unmatched care, discretion, and attention to detail. Every system is designed and manufactured exclusively for London properties by Cool You.
You can watch the video below for a more detailed explanation.
Don’t Just Take Our Word For It
“The difference is extraordinary. Our flat is finally comfortable all summer. It’s silent, discreet, and incredibly effective.” – Resident, Nine Elms
“Installation was done in a single day and the result was flawless. You wouldn’t even know the system was there—except that it works brilliantly.” – Homeowner, Canary Wharf
Real Comfort, All Year Round
Whether you’re working from home, entertaining guests, or simply trying to sleep at night, your home should be a sanctuary, not a sauna. Cool You systems provide reliable, invisible comfort 365 days a year.
Plus, with our exclusive 6-year warranty, maintenance plans and long-term support, you’re investing in more than just a cooler home—you’re investing in peace of mind.
Ready to Stay Cool?
We’re facing a “perfect storm” scenario in London right now. People are buying beautiful apartments with great views but are overwhelmed with heat. If you’re tired of living in a hot, stuffy glass box, it’s time to discover the Cool You difference.
📞 Call our friendly experts today on 0207 043 2275
📍 Or book a free consultation – fill out the form below – We’d be happy to help. Be sure to follow our YouTube videos for more advice and information!
Take back control of your comfort—with Cool You.
To enquire about air conditioning in your apartment, please contact the team at Cool You on (0207) 043 2275 or fill in this form to arrange a site survey in your home.