Latest news with #Windmill
Daily Record
10-08-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
BBC Gardeners' World fans in tears as star shares tragic cancer news
Gardeners' World fans were left in floods of tears after watching an emotional episode of the BBC series where professional inventor Steve broke down in tears Viewers of the latest episode of Gardeners' World were deeply moved, some to tears, by Steve's poignant story. Steve, an inventive professional who resides with his wife Pippa, shared his personal struggles with health on the programme. In the show, Steve disclosed to the audience that he had been diagnosed with terminal cancer and was facing uncertainty about his remaining time, which could be "two months or two years, possibly." Despite this, he maintained a positive spirit, treating his diagnosis as a "new challenge". This emotional segment aired following the release of rankings for the best and worst GP surgeries across the UK, reports the Mirror. BBC viewers were quick to express their emotions regarding the heartfelt narrative. One viewer wrote on X: "Stunning cottage-type garden with Windmill a bonus and unique. Typical Cancer comes along for the bloke who still wants to finish the Windmill. Let's hope he can do it and beats the disease as he dearly loves his wife. #GardenersWorld." Another added: "Inventor man, what an inspiration #Gardenersworld." A third shared: "Well that took a sad and rather dark turn," including an emotional emoji. Similarly, a fourth commented: "Wonderful couple Windmill garden #GardenersWorld #PositiveMindset." And a fifth exclaimed: "How marvellous to have a windmill. Love it, shall we call him Windy Miller? No, call him Mr. Toad. He has the correct attitude, be positive, get up, dress up, show up and never give up #GardenersWorld." Earlier this year, Monty Don, the cherished host of Gardeners' World since 2003, spoke candidly about the future of the beloved BBC programme. At 69, there has been chatter about whether he might retire, particularly following a number of health concerns. Monty has given his fans some reassurance, stating in a Radio Times interview that the show will go on for at least another two years: "I never make plans beyond two years, but I've agreed to do another two. "If the programme is made well, I'll continue," he further mentioned. This update follows an incident where Monty had to cancel several tour dates due to an emergency hospital visit. "I had a little spate of illness in the middle of the tour. I was in hospital last week, so I've been taking it easy." Monty has often spoken about the therapeutic nature of gardening, especially since being diagnosed with seasonal affective disorder (SAD). On Kate Thornton's White Wine Question Time podcast, he shared his struggles with SAD: "I was long ago diagnosed with SAD there's no question about it, that November and December are always the worst time for me I can't bear them." Back in 2008, Monty experienced a minor stroke which led him to take a break from Gardener's World and temporarily step back from his media work.
Daily Mirror
10-08-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
BBC Gardeners' World fans in tears as star shares tragic cancer news
Viewers who watched the latest instalment of Gardeners' World were moved to tears after witnessing Steve's heartbreaking journey. Steve, a professional inventor who lives with his wife Pippa, opened up about his health issues while appearing on the show. During the episode, Steve revealed to viewers that he'd recently received a terminal cancer diagnosis, admitting he's uncertain about how long he has left to live. He explained it could be "two months or two years, possibly." Nevertheless, his optimistic outlook has endured, and he viewed his cancer as a "new challenge". BBC audiences couldn't resist responding to the touching story. One viewer posted on X: "Stunning cottage-type garden with Windmill a bonus and unique. Typical Cancer comes along for the bloke who still wants to finish the Windmill. Let's hope he can do it and beats the disease as he dearly loves his wife. #GardenersWorld." Another commented: "Inventor man, what an inspiration # Gardenersworld." A third person reflected: "Well that took a sad and rather dark turn," accompanied by an emotional emoji. A fourth viewer similarly remarked: "Wonderful couple Windmill garden #GardenersWorld #PositiveMindset." A fifth also declared: "How marvellous to have a windmill. Love it, shall we call him Windy Miller? No, call him Mr. Toad. He has the correct attitude, be positive, get up, dress up, show up and never give up #GardenersWorld."
Edinburgh Live
10-08-2025
- Entertainment
- Edinburgh Live
BBC Gardeners' World fans in tears at 'sad and dark' turn in episode
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info Viewers of Gardeners' World were moved to tears by the poignant tale of Steve, a professional inventor, and his wife Pippa, who have a windmill in their garden. Their captivating story of restoring the windmill was overshadowed by the heartrending revelation that Steve has been diagnosed with terminal cancer, leaving him uncertain whether he has "two months or two years, possibly" left. Despite this, Steve's indomitable spirit remains intact as he views his diagnosis as a "new challenge". BBC audiences were deeply touched by the segment. One viewer posted on X: "Stunning cottage-type garden with Windmill a bonus and unique. Typical Cancer comes along for the bloke who still wants to finish the Windmill. Let's hope he can do it and beats the disease as he dearly loves his wife. #GardenersWorld." READ MORE - Edinburgh Oasis fan proposes to girlfriend during favourite song at Murrayfield gig READ MORE - Moment Edinburgh Oasis fan climbs on top of turnstiles before Murrayfield gig Another wrote, "Inventor man, what an inspiration #Gardenersworld." Another viewer shared their sentiment: "Well that took a sad and rather dark turn," accompanied by an emotional emoji. Similarly, another added: "Wonderful couple Windmill garden #GardenersWorld #PositiveMindset.", reports the Express. One more chimed in: "How marvellous to have a windmill. Love it, shall we call him Windy Miller? No, call him Mr. Toad. He has the correct attitude, be positive, get up, dress up, show up and never give up #GardenersWorld." During a recent episode of Gardeners' World, Monty Don informed BBC viewers that his garden has been struggling with the dry weather. The seasoned gardener, aged 70, shared with audiences that the lack of rain has negatively impacted some of his plants and vegetables. He emphasised the importance of watering for vegetables, stating, "water is essential" and noted, "What you water and when is key." Monty highlighted that his outdoor tomatoes were faring well despite the arid conditions. He mentioned that he waters them once a week and pointed out that the tomatoes "like the heat and they're not suffering." Conversely, his broad beans told a different tale. Monty revealed that he's never had to water them before, but this year they've struggled due to the summer's dry spell.
Business Insider
07-08-2025
- General
- Business Insider
Windmill air conditioner review: This AC makes my small NYC apartment feel like it has central air
When I moved into my NYC apartment three years ago, I soon realized that living in a pre-war building came with a unique set of challenges: The apartment runs hot and has been hard to cool down. I scoured the internet for the best air conditioners and prioritized a budget-friendly window unit to cool down my space. It quickly became clear that I made the wrong choice — my air conditioner was loud and struggled to cool my studio apartment effectively. Earlier this summer, my air conditioner broke, and I have to admit that I was relieved. This gave me an excuse to upgrade to the Windmill AC, which I originally found through positive social media reviews. This air conditioner was supposed to be sleeker, quieter, and more effective. I installed it right before a New York City heat wave, and it has made all the difference in cooling down my space without being noisy. Design and specs As someone who lives in a studio apartment, my air conditioner is pretty much always on full display, with the window being one of the main focal points in the space. The Windmill AC originally caught my attention for being more design-focused than your typical air conditioner. It's marketed toward city dwellers for this reason, with a modern design and a minimalist appearance, including a discreet top vent that blows air upward. Most air conditioners have accordion side panels, but this one comes with foam panel covers that help it blend in better with my "renter white" walls and provide double-sided insulation. While I'm happy with the appearance of this air conditioner overall, I will note that there's a small downside here: The opaque panels let in less light than my previous unit. My apartment faces another building, so it's not a huge difference, but it did take some getting used to. There are also a few fun accessories available to upgrade this air conditioner. To add some color to your space, you can purchase a front panel in solids or ombre gradients. Windmill also sells winter covers, which combine style and function in a number of fun patterns. Setup Depending on what size you get, Windmill ACs range from 48 to 65 pounds. I got the 12,000 Btu unit, which is on the highest end of that range. Packaged in one rectangular box, I had no problem bringing it into my apartment on my own, and could tell that it was lighter than my previous AC. It also came with an installation kit that included instructions, hardware, foam panels, and a foam roll. With even a pair of scissors inside, it felt like the brand thought of everything. Windmill recommends two people for setup and has partnered with KeepCoolNYC and TaskRabbit to offer professional installation services. As someone who lives alone in a high-rise, I've never felt comfortable installing an air conditioner on my own. Most New York City buildings (including mine) require a metal bracket to enforce window ACs, so I decided to turn to a professional for help. Still, I was shocked by how quickly he installed the air conditioner in my standard-size, top-open window. The installer took just 10 minutes to remove my old AC and fully install the Windmill in my window. He used a drill for the bracket and a pair of scissors to cut the panels to size. After watching him, I wouldn't say I'm confident that I could have done the installation on my own (maybe after a few reps at the gym, or with the help of my dad), but I was surprised at how seamless the process was overall. Performance and energy use I live in a spacious New York City studio apartment (about 500 square feet total) with a bedroom 'nook' and a fully separate kitchen. I went with the 12,000 Btu model, Windmill's largest AC, which is recommended for rooms up to 550 square feet, to cool my entire apartment. Before this air conditioner, I had a different 12,000 Btu unit, but it was not sufficient to cool the different areas of my apartment. Previously, I could tell the outside temperature without checking my weather app because the apartment would heat up and down with the weather. From first use, the Windmill air conditioner has felt more like central air, reaching all the nooks of my studio. To truly put its cooling abilities to the test, I ran it on high on a 93-degree day. It cooled off my apartment by about 6 degrees in one hour, proving that it cools the space quickly as well as effectively. After one month with this air conditioner, I can confidently say that it's improved my overall quality of living. Plus, as a dog mom, I've noticed my pup feels more comfortable and energetic in our newly cooled apartment as well. My affinity for this air conditioner has come at a cost (literally). Ahead of my last Con Edison bill, I received a notice that my energy use is projected to be 34% higher this billing period. Ultimately, I blame this more on the time of year, along with the fact that I'm actually using my air conditioner more. Windmill's WisperTech technology is designed to increase energy efficiency with dual air flow and filtration. The brand advertises a 15.0 CEER, and in our at-home test, it registered 0.67 kWh in one hour of use, which is average and — assuming average nationwide electricity rates — will cost about $80 a month to run. Of course, NYC electricity rates are significantly higher than the rest of the country, so your mileage may vary. Ease of use and noise The Windmill AC has been intuitive to use since I first turned it on. It comes with a remote and has a control panel on the top of the machine with an overall minimal look. The buttons do take some getting used to at first because you have to be up close to see their labels, but once I learned their placements, it got easier. You can toggle between fan, cool, or eco modes and adjust the fan speed using the buttons, remote, or app. The buttons and front screen light while you're pressing them, but turn off after, which also keeps the machine discreet. More than anything, what originally drew me to the Windmill air conditioner is its promise to be quieter than other options. The window unit I previously had was so loud, I couldn't hear myself think while it was on. As a content creator who works from home, I had to turn it off for Zoom meetings and while recording videos because it was overpowering in the background. When I first turned the Windmill AC on, it brought an instant wave of relief along with its cool breeze. It gives off a low amount of white noise and sounds like a light hum. Using a decibel meter, I measured it as 44.5 decibels (dB) on low and 55.4 dB on high. It's quiet and doesn't make any jarring noises, so I'm able to record videos and take audio calls without having to turn it off. One thing to keep in mind is that Windmill offers an original model at 6,000 or 8,000 Btu or a WisperTech model at 8,000, 10,000, or 12,000 Btu. In previous testing, we found the original model to be on the louder side, at 63 dB on high (though the brand notes that it starts at 49 dB). If you're looking for a quiet AC, I would definitely recommend opting for a WisperTech unit. Smart features and filtration During setup, I was prompted to download an app and register my air conditioner. The process was seamless, and personally, I appreciate a machine with smart technology. While I generally use the controls on the unit when I'm home, I like to use the app to turn my air conditioner on when I'm on my way home after being out and about. It has the same settings as the machine and remote, but is slightly more descriptive. Plus, the app allows you to set up automations, such as a schedule for the AC to turn on at certain times of day. There are also options I've never seen on an AC app before, like a setting that turns the AC on and off based on the position of the sun. Another unique feature of the Windmill is that you can add a carbon filter for air purifying on top of cooling. (Note, this is in addition to a washable filter and isn't vital for the AC to function, but the brand does recommend it.) You can purchase 2 to 4 filters from the brand's website for $25.22 to $45.24 and set up a subscription for auto-renewal. Windmill recommends changing your activated carbon filter every three months, depending on use. Cons to consider When I first set out to buy a new air conditioner, I faced one major hesitation with Windmill: the price. Depending on which Btu you choose, the units range from $349 to $599, which is more expensive than other ACs I've personally purchased, though about average when compared to the picks in our best air conditioner guide. However, now that I've experienced both a budget-friendly AC and this more expensive model, I can confidently say it's worth the added cost. Overall, I've been extremely happy with this air conditioner and feel that it's improved my day-to-day living. I also wasn't sure how I would feel about Windmill's top vent since it only blows upward, and you can't control the direction of airflow. However, it's actually been a benefit for me — I appreciate that this AC doesn't feel too intense when I'm closer to it, and the cool air seems to disperse evenly through my studio apartment. While the AC has felt like central air to me, I could see how this could be frustrating to others, especially if you want to specifically target one area of your home. Finally, I have run into a few minor annoyances while using this AC. First, the plug to this air conditioner is shorter than my old one, so I needed an extension cord to reach the closest outlet. Windmill ACs have 6.5-foot power cords, so I recommend measuring before installing them. And if you do need an extension cord, ensure that it's heavy-duty and the correct voltage. To be extra careful, I monitored my unit at first to ensure the cord didn't heat up at all. Additionally, my AC has made a weird noise on a few occasions, which I've traced back to the front face coming loose. Luckily, this takes just seconds to fix by popping the cover back into place. What are your alternatives? During my search for a new AC, I stopped by a local hardware store for some advice on quieter models. The salesman told me that the LG Dual Inverter Window Air Conditioner is the most comparable model to Windmill. In previous testing, it measured 53 dB, which is slightly quieter than the Windmill unit. However, the LG AC starts at 85 pounds, which makes it harder to install and less city apartment-friendly. This air conditioner also doesn't feature as sleek a look as Windmill. It would be a better option to cool a larger room since it goes up to 23,500 Btu. Read our full LG Dual Inverter Air Conditioner review. If you're looking for a more design-focused air conditioner, both Frigidaire and Midea make attractive ACs that top our guide to the best air conditioners. Finally, if you have atypical windows (quite common in the city), you may want to consider one of our picks for the best portable air conditioners. They're also a good option if you can't fathom blocking off a window for a whole year, since they're much easier to install and deinstall than window ACs. The bottom line Not only does the Windmill Air Conditioner effectively cool off my home, but it has also improved my overall quality of living in New York City. It offers a modern look and operates easily without being noisy, making it perfect for an apartment like mine, where it's always visible. While it's more expensive than other air conditioners, it's worth the splurge, and I won't be going back to more budget-friendly options in the future.
CNET
30-07-2025
- General
- CNET
This Is the Only Window AC I Can Count On to Cool My Two-Story Home All Summer Long
CNET's key takeaways The Windmill AC normally starts at $349 for 6,000 BTUs, but you can often find it on sale at Windmill's website Amazon Home Depot Not only is the Windmill AC the easiest unit I've ever installed, it's the only AC unit I've tried that effectively kept my older and not well-insulated home cool during a heat wave. Bonus: It's actually stylish. Although, I still would have paid for an ugly one that works. I'm a sucker for an old home. My current rental -- a 100-year old row home with original 1920s art deco tile -- lured me in with its character and tall ceilings. But it also came with a tough trade-off: no central air conditioning. With record-breaking heat waves regularly hitting in my area, I needed to find window ACs that could cool my poorly insulated 2,500 square foot home. I hunted for the right one for years. Every summer I'd buy and test out new window air conditioners, only to feel frustrated by how poorly they worked. I'd sell them at the end of the season, and restart the cycle again the following year. Finally, after years of sweating through sweltering three-digit temperatures and overbearing humidity, I found it: the Windmill WhisperTech window air conditioner. This innovative powerhouse was so effective at cooling my oversized master bedroom, that I eventually bought two more. These three AC units effectively cool my 2,500-square-foot Philadelphia row home even during intense heat waves. And they look great while they do it. The Windmill AC isn't the cheapest option on the market, but for me, it was well worth every cent. If you're also fed up with sweating indoors, here's why you need to try this game-changing AC. I've had the 12,000 BTU Windmill WhisperTech air conditioner for three years, and it keeps our master bedroom comfortable during intense temperatures. (It's stylish, too!) Courtney Johnston/CNET My experience with the Windmill air conditioner I was skeptical about the Windmill window air conditioner when it first arrived. It was lighter than other units I'd tried out (I could pick it up myself), so I panicked, thinking there was no way this one could cool our south-facing 350 plus square foot bedroom. But within minutes, my partner and I had the unit installed and running. Only a few hours later, our bedroom felt less like a sauna and dropped to 68 degrees Fahrenheit -- a feat that hadn't happened with prior ACs. The humidity, which often jumped up to 65% or higher on humid days also dropped to below 50%. I was equally impressed by how well it maintained its set temperature, too. Especially during intense heat waves. The very next day, I ordered a second unit for the other end of our house. Note: CNET does scientific testing on window ACs at our Louisville testing labs. We will be testing the Windmill AC unit there this summer to see how fast it can cool a heated 92 degree Fahrenheit room and how well it can maintain 68 degrees Fahrenheit -- a tough test many AC units fail at. What makes the Windmill AC different? Windmill air conditioners have a few unique features, but what prompted me to add one to my cart was the unit's cooling design. Windmill ACs push cool air out of the top of the unit at a 45 degree angle for better cooling. After trying several big name window ACs that pushed air out horizontally, I was excited to find that this feature actually cooled a second-story room with a tall ceiling; the air seemed to circulate better since the unit pushes the cold air up, rather than out and down. No more hiding the ugly AC units I'd deal with an ugly air conditioner as long as it cooled my home. But I'm glad I don't have to. The Windmill air conditioner has a sleek, minimal design that many of my friends and family have commented on. The unit has an attractive front panel design that hides its air filter and houses tiny buttons that are nearly hidden at the top of the panel. The LED display lights automatically dim, so you don't have to worry about any visual disruptions at night. It also comes with side panel covers that offer extra insulation and a seamless look. Windmill also offers colorful magnetic panel fronts to add some whimsy to your window, if you're into that kind of thing. It's the quietest AC I've ever owned Although it wasn't a main selling point for me, I'm now a huge fan of Windmill's Whispertech quiet cooling technology. My first priority was an air conditioner that made my house feel comfortable; I just assumed that would come with some noise. The specs list it as 42 decibels -- softer than the average household refrigerator. I found my Windmill units comfortably quiet, even after regularly using two for almost three years. My partner and I are able to watch TV at a normal volume, talk to each other from other ends of the house and jump on work calls without the noise bothering us. I actually enjoy the white noise effect it offers in our bedroom at night. I do sometimes find the running noise distracting when I'm on work calls, but that would happen with any AC since my window is right next to my desk. This typically only happens if it's on high or medium, so I just switch it to low or eco-mode to solve this problem. You can install it in minutes (really) I've installed three of these units in multiple homes and windows, and it only takes me five to ten minutes to set up. That's because this unit comes pre-assembled. There's no attaching panels or screwing brackets onto the base before installing it. All you have to do is add the window foam to the sides of your windows, set the unit onto your window pane, expand the side panels, shut your window, then secure it with screws. If you can't drill into your window panes or if you rent (like me) and don't want to, you can secure it to a block of wood. I usually have my partner help me install this (one of us lifts while the other opens and lowers the window), but I've successfully installed it on my own in the past. It comes with a smart app and voice control Windmill will send a remote with your window AC, but if you have multiple units to control, I highly recommend using Windmill's smart app. It takes just a few minutes to install and register your device (they send a QR code you can use to make set up even easier). The Windmill app makes it easy to control settings for multiple window air conditioners in one spot. Screenshot by Courtney Johnston The app's easy to use and helpful if you leave the house and forget to adjust the temperature before you go. It does occasionally show the wrong temperatures, though. I had an issue with my office AC's temperature on the app showing as 61 degrees when it clearly wasn't, but a quick reset of the AC solved that. Similar to a smart thermostat, you can create automations to lower or raise the temperature, speed or even shut the unit off at certain times of day. It's a great tool if you want to raise the temperature while you're at work or away for a weekend. I don't use the voice control with Alexa feature, but if you're into that, it seems easy to set up. Eco mode keeps my energy bill low Since I have gas heat, my electric bill tends to go up in the summer when I'm running the AC. While that's still the case, I don't worry about large energy bill surges anymore. Windmill's eco-mode helps my rooms stay cool without causing a surprise electric bill. Windmill air conditioners are Energy Star rated, with up to a 15 Combined Energy Efficiency Ratio rating. To earn an Energy Star rating, air conditioners need a CEER rating of 12 or higher. Solves the storage dilemma I'm lucky to have a basement where I can store my air conditioners when I'm not using them. But if you don't have an extra closet or garage to house these units during the winter, Windmill sells winter covers that will protect your unit, keep your house insulated, and add a pop of color (if you choose) to your window. I like this idea, although the current options are fairly limited and I don't personally love any of the color schemes they offer. The specs 6,000, 8,000, 10,000 and 12,000 BTU units available. Pre-assembled for easy installation WhisperTech quiet technology The 6,000 BTU unit is 42 decibels Comes with side panel covers for extra insulation and a seamless finish Airflow at a 45 degree angle Auto-dimming LED lights Three cooling options Three fan speeds Eco-mode Remote control Smart app and voice control One-year limited warranty The 6,000 BTU unit retails for $350, but we usually see it on sale for $340. The 12,000 BTU retails for $629 and often on sale for $589. This 12,000 BTU Windmill air conditioner was installed in our dining room and cools our entire downstairs. Courtney Johnston/CNET CNET's buying advice I recommend Windmill window air conditioners to everyone I know who's looking for one. My experience with three units I own has been nothing but positive. They've outperformed GE and Midea air conditioners I've tried in the past and work well to keep my humid row house cool and comfortable. The biggest drawback of the Windmill air conditioner is its price. While the cost is on par with competitors like July (yes, they're an AC company named after one of the hottest months of the year) and Midea, you can find more affordable options. Paying $630 for a 12,000 BTU window air conditioner is a steep price, but you can frequently find them on sale at Windmill's website or at Amazon, Home Depot, Lowes, P.C. Richards and Costco. If a Windmill AC isn't in your budget, don't go into debt to buy one. Instead consider the GE 5,000 BTU mechanical window air conditioner, CNET's best budget pick, the GE AHEC05AC window AC for around $160-170.
