The Case of the Overheating Building. Summer Isn't the Real Problem.

Roasting residents. Soaring complaints. Uninhabitable conditions.

If your building is reaching 40–45°C indoors during summer, it’s not just the weather – it’s a maintenance warning sign. And it’s affecting your residents’ health, your energy bills, and your reputation.

As temperatures rise, overheating in residential buildings continues to be a growing concern. While many assume it’s simply the result of hot weather and solar gain, the reality is often far more complex.

The Hidden Causes of Overheating in Modern Buildings.

Overheating is often assumed to be caused by solar gain – but that’s rarely the full story. In most cases, the building’s own systems are silently turning up the heat.

Here’s what might be going wrong:

• BMS not seasonally adjusted – The building still thinks it’s winter and continues pumping heat.
• HIUs (Heat Interface Units) not serviced – Faulty or inefficient units contribute to temperature imbalances.
• No pump cycle control – Constant heat circulation, even when it’s not needed.
• Poor insulation (lagging) – Heat escapes from pipework into risers and communal areas.
• No shut-off strategy – Communal heating running year-round, even in 30°C weather.

These are all fixable – but left unresolved, they create spiralling energy costs, frustrated residents, and unnecessary wear on your system.

“One of the biggest misconceptions I come across is that overheating is simply a consequence of warm weather. While external temperatures certainly play a role, they don’t always explain why some buildings become significantly hotter than others.

 

When we investigate overheating issues, we often find that communal heating systems, plant equipment and control strategies are contributing more heat into the building than intended. These issues can go unnoticed for months, gradually increasing resident discomfort and energy consumption.

It’s understandable why property managers initially focus on factors such as glazing or solar gain, but it’s important to take a wider view. Before investing in expensive remedial works, it’s worth understanding how the building’s systems are actually performing.

In many cases, the root cause can be identified through a thorough maintenance review, allowing building operators to address the issue more effectively and improve comfort for residents.”

Rupert Mackay, Director, DMG Delta

Why Regular Maintenance Makes All the Difference

Overheating is often a sign of system imbalance or poor maintenance.

Regular servicing helps you:

• Spot issues before they become complaints
• Reduce unnecessary energy use and spending
• Keep residents safe and comfortable
• Stay compliant with upcoming legislation
• Get expert insight before making costly changes

Maintain It’s Heat-Busting Superpowers

When overheating strikes again, there’s no need to call for backup – Maintain It is already on the case.

Armed with years of maintenance, Maintain It’s superpower solutions help uncover the hidden causes of overheating and restore balance to your building’s systems.

His trusted superpowers include:

• BMS reviews and correction
• Pump schedule optimisation
• Lagging and insulation checks
• HIU inspections and servicing
• Root cause investigation with clear, no-jargon reports

These aren’t just quick fixes – they’re proactive maintenance solutions designed to tackle overheating at its source, helping keep buildings running efficiently, residents comfortable, and property managers one step ahead.

Take Control This Summer

If you’ve been fielding complaints, facing eye-watering energy bills, or struggling to explain the sweltering indoor temperatures, now’s the time to act.

Contact us today to speak with our team and find out how we can help you take control of overheating, protect your building, and keep your residents comfortable all year round.

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