Homeowners warned of fake portable AC ads and offered cooling advice

The UK Advertising Standards Agency has issued an enforcement notice after online adverts claimed portable air‑conditioners could cool a room in 90 seconds and were "designed by former NASA engineers". Tests by YouTuber Stuart Matthews showed the devices, sold for £70‑£120, were essentially cheap fans with cardboard fins, far from the advertised performance.

Consumer advice highlights when to repair an existing air‑conditioner versus replace it, citing the “50 percent rule” – if repair costs exceed half the price of a new unit, replacement may be wiser. Older units are less efficient and parts can become scarce, raising the cost of fixes.

Local HVAC firms in the United States promote rapid diagnostic services, often waiving fees if repairs proceed, emphasizing that swift repairs prevent larger damage and health risks during heatwaves.

Low‑cost cooling strategies for homes without AC include opening windows early to flush out hot air, then sealing them, using external shutters, light‑coloured sheets or foil on windows to reflect heat, and employing fans to create airflow tunnels. These DIY methods are especially promoted during the UK heatwave, where temperatures have reached 36 °C.