The Sweltering Cities Summer Survey Report shows that high air-conditioning costs are significantly affecting Australians, particularly in Queensland.

68% of survey respondents feel unwell on hot days, with renters, people with chronic illness, and those with disabilities experiencing the highest discomfort.

In Queensland, renters endured median indoor temperatures over 28.2 degrees Celsius 50% of the time last summer.

Despite wide ownership of air conditioning units (78%), the high cost deters 65% of users from operating them.

Advocacy group Better Renting urges the Queensland government to set minimum rental standards for energy efficiency to mitigate the issue.

Medical professionals advocate for cooling standards in rentals, linking high temperatures to aggravated medical conditions and increased domestic violence.

Vulnerable populations, such as individuals with chronic illnesses or disabilities, are especially at risk as Australia's housing is ill-prepared for the climate, a situation likely to deteriorate with climate change.