Latest news with #energyefficiency
The Independent
4 hours ago
- Health
- The Independent
Experts reveal how dehumidifiers work in your home
The best dehumidifiers not only defend against damp and mould in your home, but can help dry laundry loads and improve your abode's air quality – tick, tick, tick. They work by drawing excess moisture from the surroundings, which can speed up clothes drying times, oust odors and reduce dust and allergens in the air. A must-have during cold weather when dampness rears its ugly head, dehumidifiers are equally useful during the warmer months, as they help to reduce humidity levels in your home. Along with the best air fryers, dehumidifiers have become a buzzword when it comes to energy efficiency, too. Their cost-buzzing credentials reportedly save you on your household bills. But are they worth the initial investment? If you've been considering taking the plunge, I spoke to a range of experts about everything you need to know when it comes to dehumidifiers, from their health benefits to how they actually work. How do dehumidifiers work 'A compressor dehumidifier is the most common type of dehumidifier used in the UK and uses similar technology to a refrigerator,' explains Chris Michaels, chair and founder of leading company Meaco. 'The dehumidifier draws in air from the room using a fan and this air passes over a cold coil inside the unit, which cools it down and causes the moisture in the air to condense into water droplets.' He adds: 'This water is collected in the dehumidifier's tank, and the drier air is gently reheated and released back into the room.' Dr Rebecca Drummond, associate professor in the Institute of Immunology & Immunotherapy at the University of Birmingham, elaborates, saying: 'Dehumidifiers help remove moisture in the air, which can help your home feel less humid. Lots of moisture in the air can feel uncomfortable, but it also helps fungal spores from mould settle and grow. Dehumidifiers can therefore reduce the risk of mould growing in your home' Katie Lilywhite, air quality expert at AO, adds: 'High humidity levels can make a room feel uncomfortable and sticky. A dehumidifier works by pulling in humid air and extracting moisture from it through a refrigeration process.' The reduced humidity in your home can make the air feel cooler and more comfortable, even if the temperature remains the same. What are their benefits? Above all, Michaels says that dehumidifiers 'help prevent damp, mould and condensation, while improving indoor air quality'. But, according to Lilywhite, one of their most underrated uses is speeding up the drying time of your laundry. 'In colder months, when pegging your washing outside isn't an option, this can be a lifesaver,' she continues. 'Simply put your dehumidifier in the same room where your laundry is drying, near the drying rack or clothesline.' As dehumidifiers work by extracting moisture from the air in your room, they work to significantly reduce drying times. Michaels agrees, adding that they 'offer a low-cost alternative to dry wet washing indoors instead of electricity-guzzling tumble driers'. Dehumidifiers are also ideal for allergy sufferers. 'Many modern dehumidifiers also come with built-in air purifiers, improving indoor air quality by filtering out allergens like dust and pollen,' Lilywhite says. What are the dangers of mould? 'We breathe in mould spores all the time, but our immune system is very effective at destroying them,' Dr Drummond explains. 'In some people with compromised immune systems, mould can grow in the lung and cause a pneumonia-like infection. If not treated properly, mould infections can spread to other parts of the body and become life threatening.' But even people with healthy immune systems can suffer from excessive mould exposure (such as living in a damp home). 'Breathing in too many spores can overwhelm the immune system, and the fungus may produce toxins or other molecules that damage our lungs,' Dr Drummond says. 'Mould should therefore never be ignored, as it could cause a wide range of health issues.' our tried and tested review of dehumidifiers inform you on what model to buy. Duux's bora smart 30l gadget came out on top in our round-up of the best dehumidifiers for 2025. 'It's a high-performance model that's as stylish as it is functional. It might be large, but it features a premium, minimalist design, which is ideal if you're after a dehumidifier that won't ruin your home aesthetic,' our tester said. With a 30l per day extraction rate and a generous 4l water tank, it's perfect for larger rooms or open-plan homes. 'What really sets it apart is its smart functionality. The Duux app is intuitive, responsive, and packed with helpful features,' they added. 'It provides real-time air quality readings and enables you to control everything from fan speed to humidity settings, whether you're on the sofa or away from home.'
CBS News
12 hours ago
- Climate
- CBS News
Extreme heat expected for Metro Detroit starting Thursday. Here's how to prepare.
Thursday is expected to be one of the hottest days of the week, with temperatures potentially reaching triple digits in parts of the metro area. Experts say there are a few simple steps homeowners and outdoor workers can take to stay cool and safe during the extreme heat. As the temperatures rise, Brian Calka, senior vice president of distribution operations at DTE Energy, advises homeowners to take a few simple steps to keep their homes cool and energy-efficient. "If there's a room you're not using, shut the vent and close the door," Calka said. "That will help divert cooler air from your A/C into rooms that are actually occupied." In addition, keeping your HVAC equipment in good working order can go a long way in improving your home's cooling efficiency. "That fine-tuning of those pieces of equipment means savings from a dollar standpoint," Calka said. "Fine-tuning your equipment means savings ... Regular maintenance can keep your system running efficiently, which lowers both energy consumption and your utility bill." Experts also recommend blocking out the sun's heat by closing curtains and shades during the hottest parts of the day. For those working outdoors, the intense heat can lead to dehydration and heat-related illnesses. Michael Mangino, an exterminator who regularly works outside, advises everyone working outdoors to take it easy. "I've gotten ice vests that I can put freeze packs in to help cool myself down," Mangino said. Staying hydrated and taking breaks is key, he says. If you start feeling lightheaded, don't push yourself. Take a break and cool down. Mangino's advice is simple: "If you're sick or worse, you're not going to be good to the people who love you at home." With millions of residents relying on their air conditioning to stay cool, experts warn the power grid could face additional strain, potentially leading to outages. "It does put strain on the grid – that's going to happen, and you might see an uptick with power outages, but we have crews that are here – and we will be staffing them around the clock," Calka said. Experts recommend delaying the use of energy-draining appliances until later in the evening to help reduce strain on the grid and keep cooling costs low.
Arabian Business
a day ago
- Business
- Arabian Business
Empower begins to cool to the first phase of Al Habtoor Tower
Emirates Central Cooling Systems Corporation (Empower) has commenced supplying its district cooling services to the first phase of the Al Habtoor Tower project, a mega residential development spanning 3.52 million square feet. Empower said all phases of the district cooling connection to the project, located in Al Habtoor City, right off Dubai's arterial Sheikh Zayed Road, are scheduled for completion by the end of 2027. The project will require a total cooling capacity of 7,200 refrigeration tons (RT), equivalent to nearly 75 per cent of the peak cooling demand of the Burj Khalifa. Empower cools Al Habtoor Tower Empower is servicing Al Habtoor Tower through its Business Bay district cooling project, utilising advanced systems designed to maximise energy efficiency and minimise carbon emissions. The distribution network for the project has been engineered in line with leading environmental standards. Ahmad bin Shafar, CEO of Empower, commented: 'We take pride in our partnership with Al Habtoor Group to deliver our industry-leading services to the Al Habtoor Tower. This collaboration stands as a testament to the confidence in Empower's expertise and capabilities in supporting landmark developments that shape the emirate's urban landscape. 'The scale and diversity of Empower's portfolio reflect our steadfast commitment to delivering the highest standards of quality and reliability to customers across all sectors. We remain committed to delivering sustainable cooling solutions that align with Dubai's rapid urban and population growth, and support its environmental objectives.' Al Habtoor Tower stands out as one of the most iconic urban developments in Empower's portfolio. Rising at 350 meters, the tower comprises 87 floors and 1,701 residential units, complemented by a range of luxury amenities. It is expected to house up to 5,000 residents. Empower provides environmentally friendly district cooling services to all projects of Al Habtoor City, including a collection of luxury international hotels and mixed-use residential towers.
Yahoo
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Benedict Cumberbatch slams 'grossly wasteful' film industry
Benedict Cumberbatch has branded the film industry "grossly wasteful". The Doctor Strange star is convinced Hollywood needs to improve standards when it comes to recycling, energy efficiency and waste - insisting simple measure such as banning single-use plastic bottles would be a big help. During an appearance on Ruthie's Table 4 podcast, he explained: "It just slowly, slowly, you have to meet people where they are on these issues in filmmaking. "It's a grossly wasteful industry … So let me think about set builds that aren't recycled, think about transport, think about food, think about housing but also light and energy. "The amount of wattage you need to sort of create daylight and consistent light in a studio environment. It's a lot of energy." However, Cumberbatch admitted actors who try to address green issues in the movie industry often find themselves the subject of criticism. He explained: "The first people to stick their head above the parapet to talk about anything to do with climate and excessive use of things, or hypocrisy, or systems that don't work, get slammed if they're actors, because they're ferried about." Cumberbatch went on to insist he's trying his best to instigate change in his role as a producer, saying: "It is a systemic thing. But as a producer, I'm really hot on that. "I try to push the green initiative, the green handshake into every agreement I can ... "Whether it's just a gentlemanly discussion about: 'Can we not have any single-use plastic? Really, I think we're beyond. "You don't have to give the crew plastic bottles. If you're in the middle of a desert and you can't get glass bottles there, fair enough, but we're in the 21st century.' During the podcast, the actor also talked about his physical transformation to play superhero Doctor Strange in the 2016 movie of the same name revealing he had to work out and eat five meals a day to meet his calorie intake quota, and he found it "horrific:. He said: "The exercise is great, and the end result is that you feel strong and you feel confident. You hold yourself better. You have a stamina through the exercise and the food that makes you last through the gig. But it is horrific. I don't like it personally. I think it's horrific, eating beyond your appetite. "|Going back to responsibility and resourcefulness and sustainability, it's just like, what am I doing? I could feed a family with the amount I'm eating."
Zawya
a day ago
- Health
- Zawya
Tarshid completes solar panel installation work at Saudi hospital
Bahrain - The National Energy Services Company (Tarshid) has announced that it has completed the installation of solar panels and systems across Al Iman General Hospital's buildings and facilities in Riyadh. The solar project, which was implemented in co-ordination with Al Iman General Hospital, will have a total capacity of 638 kilowatts, which is expected to result in annual energy savings of approximately 1 million kilowatt-hours. Tarshid said the move was mainly aimed at improving the hospital's energy efficiency and reduce consumption by generating solar power for on-site use as per the highest international standards and best practices. By achieving significant energy savings and reducing carbon emissions, Tarshid supports the Kingdom's strategic sustainability goals in line with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030. Tarshid Board Member and CEO Waled Al Ghreri said the company first conducted field surveys and technical studies on the buildings and facilities within the project's scope. These studies highlighted the importance of improving energy efficiency and reducing consumption by installing solar panels and systems on rooftops. This is a key measure to boost efficiency by enabling on-site electricity generation and supplying the hospital with clean, renewable energy for self-consumption, stated Al Ghreri. He said the total targeted annual electricity consumption for the project was approximately 22.8 million kilowatt-hours. "Following the installation, the consumption is expected to drop to 21.8 million kilowatt-hours annually," he noted. The anticipated savings from the project are equivalent to conserving over 1,500 barrels of oil and avoiding approximately 560 metric tons of harmful carbon emissions—an environmental impact comparable to planting more than 9,000 seedlings every year, he added. Copyright 2024 Al Hilal Publishing and Marketing Group Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
