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Daily Mirror
01-05-2025
- Climate
- Daily Mirror
UK households urged to keep windows closed from Friday until Saturday
Hot weather is still expected in parts of the country on Friday and Saturday, as the Met Office confirmed 29C was recorded in London this week - and Brits are being urged to take action Brits are being warned to keep their windows shut - along with their curtains and blinds - from today until at least Saturday as temperatures soar unexpectedly. Today saw a sharp rise in the mercury, with the Met Office confirming a sizzling 29.3C at Kew Gardens, London. While the heat is set to dip slightly, parts of the UK can still anticipate balmy conditions on Friday and Saturday. Met Office Deputy Chief Meteorologist Michael Silverstone commented on Wednesday: "We are experiencing a brief very warm or even hot spell, which isn't abnormal for the time of year. However, if we reach 30C on Thursday, May 1, it will be the earliest date in May that the UK has seen 30C since our records began in 1860." He added: "This week has already seen highs of 24.5C at St James's Park on Monday and 24.9C at Ross-on-Wye and Trawsgoed on Tuesday. Temperatures are set to climb to 29C or even 30C [on Thursday]. By Friday, the heat will start to ease, though parts of the south and south east may still reach 27C or 28C. The weekend will bring cooler conditions, with more average temperatures for all parts by Sunday." As the UK faces a scorching May sun, our homes are heating up - challenging the high insulation designed for chilly British winters. It means British households are encouraged to introduce steps that will maintain cooler indoor environments during sunny spells. Energy experts are dishing out advice on how to keep our homes cool without burning cash. OVO Energy advises against the urge to open windows during a heatwave, saying: "Tempting as it is to fling open the windows at the first sign of summer, it's not actually the best idea. To keep your house cool, you need to keep the hot air out." The firm suggests keeping windows firmly shut. It added: "This means keeping windows closed during the day – particularly south-facing windows. Keep curtains, blinds and windows shut when the sun is shining directly on them, and when you're out. Try opening windows on the most shaded side of your home, to avoid sunlight and hot air getting in." BOXT's Andy Kerr says Brits struggle with getting rid of the heat because homes here are built like toasty fortresses designed to cling onto warmth. Many believe that blasting fans or leaving windows wide open will cut through the heat – but Andy says otherwise. He said: "Getting rid of unwanted heat in your home can be difficult in the summer months, especially when most UK properties are built to retain heat. While grabbing a fan or opening up all your windows are often mentioned as effective ways to cool your home, these methods may not result in the desired results. "To help homeowners keep cool as the warmer months approach, we have revealed which common home cooling hacks are myths and why they don't work so you can avoid them this summer. When temperatures are particularly warm, opening up all your windows will let more hot air into your home, heating up your home and making you feel warmer. "Instead of opening all your windows, it is much better to strategically open windows to create cross breezes throughout the day and open your windows during the night to let cooler air in."
Wales Online
28-04-2025
- General
- Wales Online
Warning over energy bills hack which risks burning your home down as you sleep
Warning over energy bills hack which risks burning your home down as you sleep Experts have warned that advice to help you save money on energy bills could actually pose a significant fire risk to your home People may need to rethink their energy saving measures (Image: Getty Images ) Families have been advised against using certain household appliances at night as this could increase the risk of fires. According to experts at BOXT, these common appliances can be hazardous when left unattended due to their powerful motors, high wattage, and heat output. Some households might consider using energy tariffs that offer lower rates during off-peak hours. This means some people prefer to use appliances like washing machines, dishwashers, and tumble dryers overnight. However, for appliances with significant power consumption, the likelihood of malfunctions occurring while the household is asleep rises. To minimise risks, it's recommended that such appliances are used only when someone is present to handle any emergencies that might occur. For money-saving tips, sign up to our Money newsletter here Article continues below Andy Pattison, an energy expert at BOXT, suggests that families could explore using home batteries as an alternative to off-peak tariffs. He said: "Lots of people are stuck in this dilemma where they want to use their cheaper overnight tariff but don't want to take the fire risk of running appliances while they sleep. "But what many don't realise is that a home battery could be the missing piece of the puzzle - letting you bank that cheap electricity overnight and use it safely during the day instead.", reports the Mirror. Home batteries are devices that can be charged from the grid and store energy for later use. Those on off-peak tariffs can take advantage of lower rates by charging their batteries during cheaper periods and then using that stored energy to power their appliances during the day. However, recent research from BOXT has revealed that 61% of Brits are unaware of what a home battery is. Home batteries have the capacity to store anywhere between 5kWh and 15kWh of electricity, depending on the model chosen. A washing machine typically utilises between 1kW and 2.5kW of power, based on its size, efficiency, and cycle settings. On average, it consumes around 2.1kWh per hour. This implies that a 10kWh home battery could operate between five and ten wash cycles, contingent on the machine's efficiency and the selected settings. Andy commented: "If you're using the grid to power a home battery, a typical UK household would need a system with a capacity between 5kWh and 10kWh, as you only need enough storage to supplement your grid electricity during peak usage times, not fully power your home off-grid. "Larger homes may however require a battery with a capacity closer to 15kWh. It's worth considering a scalable system, allowing you to easily add more batteries as your energy needs grow." The cost of a standalone 5kWh home battery might be around £5,000, while a 10kWh standalone battery could be approximately £7,000. The price ultimately depends on the model and its energy storage capacity. You have the option to purchase a standalone battery that connects to the grid, or one that connects to solar panels. Bear in mind that installation costs will also apply. Andy emphasised the importance of expertise and consumer protection when choosing an installer for home energy systems: "It's important to use an installer with years of experience in both home battery systems and solar installations. Also, look for companies that are signed up to the Home Insulation and Energy Systems Consumer Code, which enforces high consumer protection standards, ensuring quality and safety from start to finish." Article continues below
Daily Mirror
25-04-2025
- General
- Daily Mirror
Warning over household appliances that could catch fire while you're asleep
Some families may want to take advantage of energy tariffs that pay cheaper rates during off-peak hours, but your appliances could be at risk of catching fire Households have been warned not to leave appliances such as washing machines, dishwashers, and tumble dryers running overnight. These common white goods pose a significant fire risk when left unattended, according to boiler experts at BOXT. Some families may want to take advantage of energy tariffs that pay cheaper rates during off-peak hours, but if your appliance has a powerful motor, high wattage, and heat, it can heighten the risk of faults occurring while you're asleep. To protect your household, it's crucial to use such appliances only when you're awake, so you can respond if any emergencies occur. Energy expert Andy Pattison at BOXT has suggested households could consider using a home battery as an alternative solution to off-peak tariffs. He said: "Lots of people are stuck in this dilemma where they want to use their cheaper overnight tariff but don't want to take the fire risk of running appliances while they sleep. "But what many don't realise is that a home battery could be the missing piece of the puzzle - letting you bank that cheap electricity overnight and use it safely during the day instead." A home battery is a device that you charge directly from the grid and then it stores the energy, so you can use it when you need it. If you're on an off-peak tariff, you can charge the battery while electricity is at its cheapest, and then use that energy to run your appliances in the day. But new research from BOXT has found that 61% of Brits have no idea what a home battery is. Home batteries can store anywhere from 5kWh to 15kWh of electricity, depending on the model you choose. A washing machine typically uses between 1kW and 2.5kW of power, depending on its size, efficiency, and cycle settings. On average, it consumes around 2.1kWh per hour. That means a 10kWh home battery could run between five and ten wash cycles, depending on the machine's efficiency and the chosen settings. Andy said: "If you're using the grid to power a home battery, a typical UK household would need a system with a capacity between 5kWh and 10kWh, as you only need enough storage to supplement your grid electricity during peak usage times, not fully power your home off-grid. "Larger homes may however require a battery with a capacity closer to 15kWh. It's worth considering a scalable system, allowing you to easily add more batteries as your energy needs grow." A 5kWh standalone home battery might cost around £5,000, while a 10kWh standalone battery could be around £7,000. It all depends on the model and how much energy it can store. You can buy a standalone battery that connects to the grid, or one that connects to solar panels. Keep in mind you will also have to pay for someone to install it. Andy said: "It's important to use an installer with years of experience in both home battery systems and solar installations. Also, look for companies that are signed up to the Home Insulation & Energy Systems Consumer Code, which enforces high consumer protection standards, ensuring quality and safety from start to finish."
