Latest news with #Bionic
New York Post
2 days ago
- Climate
- New York Post
‘Simple' fan hack will cool you down faster and better — and save your wallet, energy expert says
Summer is almost in full swing, and with that comes uncomfortable scorching temps and often high electric bills, thanks to the constant run of air conditioning. NYC is gearing up for its first heat wave of the season, with forecasters predicting temperatures to reach a high of 100 degrees next week. This hack can help keep you cool and comfortable during the hot summer months. Maria – Thankfully, there is an expert-backed trick that can solve New Yorkers' sweltering problems. To save yourself and your wallet — an expert recommends utilizing a fan in a specific way to keep the temps inside your home nice and cool. By default, most people think to point a fan directly at themselves to cool off, yet Les Roberts, an energy expert from Bionic, told the Daily Mail that fans should be pointed out the window instead. 'Opening opposite windows or doors allows air to flow through,' Roberts said. His logic is that if two windows are open, the fan can help push the hot air inside the room out, allowing for cool air to enter from the other window. Sounds genius. 'For even better airflow, you can place a second fan facing inward at the opposite opening to pull cooler air into the room, creating a strong cross-breeze,' he told the outlet. To reap the effects of this tip, the expert said people should do this in the early mornings or later evenings — the coolest parts of the day. 'It's a simple trick that could make a noticeable difference, especially at night, when outdoor temperatures drop,' he said. This simple yet effective trick seems to be one that some people weren't aware of, according to the comment section of a viral TikTok that demonstrated it. 'When he says if we point the fan out the open window, it will cool the room down quicker and he's right,' text read in the video with over 2 million views. 'wait how do i do this?? can i just point a fan out the window or do i need another window open in the house for a breeze to come from??' one commenter asked. 'Why am I learning more on TikTok than I learned in school?' asked someone else. While many others chimed in, agreeing that this hack is a game-changer. 'yuppp bathroom window open, bedroom window open with fan pointing out, cool in minutes,' a comment read. 'I have my fan right in front of one open window to suck cool air into my room, and another window open so the warm air gets pushed out. Bliss,' agreed someone else. 'I've always pointed my fan out of the window and opened a window elsewhere, open the door and you're then funneling cool air through the gaff!' read another comment.
Daily Mail
2 days ago
- Lifestyle
- Daily Mail
You're using your fan wrong! Expert reveals why you should point it OUT the window to stay cool
When it's this warm, people resort to all sorts of tips and tricks to try and cool down. As an amber heat alert is issued in England, many will have bought fans in a bid to reduce the temperature in their homes. But if you've been positioning it to blow air directly onto you then you're doing it wrong, experts say. However, their advice will likely raise a few eyebrows – as it involves pointing your fan out of the window. If two windows are open in a house then doing this this helps to push the hot air outside, while drawing cooler air in from the other opening, they said. 'Opening opposite windows or doors allows air to flow through,' Les Roberts, an energy expert from Bionic, said. 'For even better airflow, you can place a second fan facing inward at the opposite opening to pull cooler air into the room, creating a strong cross-breeze.' The method is most effective in the evenings or early morning, he explained. 'It works best when it's cooler outside than inside - usually in the evening, overnight, or early morning - as the temperature difference creates a natural flow of air,' Mr Roberts said. 'The temperature gradient enhances the movement of air, allowing the fan to more effectively push hot air out and pull cooler air in, resulting in a more comfortable indoor environment.' This approach can significantly cool your living space without air conditioning, through natural ventilation 'enhanced' by fans. 'It's a simple trick that could make a noticeable difference, especially at night, when outdoor temperatures drop,' he added. 'On average, portable air-conditioning units cost around £8.40 to run per day, whereas a fan could cost you as little as 71 pence. 'By utilising a fan to its full advantage with this hack and forfeiting air con, households could save nearly £55 a week.' This cooling trick has already been shared on TikTok, with one post racking up over 180,000 views. In it, user ' Tayyyylz ' shows her fan pointing out the window at her boyfriend's request with the caption: 'When he says if we point the fan out of the window it will cool the room down quicker and he's right'. One person commented: 'It's mental how people are only just figuring this out – should be common knowledge'. Others were baffled, however, asking: 'Wait what? You don't point it directly at your face?' British gadget store Curry's even joked: 'You teach that hot weather a lesson.' Other tips include closing curtains and blinds during the hottest parts of the day to block sunlight and heat, and opting for cooking methods that produce less heat. Longer-term cooling methods could be planting trees strategically in your garden to provide more shade, and rethinking your interior colour scheme. 'Darker colours absorb more heat, whilst lighter colours reflect sunlight and help keep things cooler,' Mr Roberts said. 'If you're redecorating or planning home improvements, choosing lighter-coloured paint and furniture is a simple way to stay cool and cut down on energy use. 'It's also a smart long-term move as heatwaves become more frequent.' Eat spicy chilli, tikka masala, a Thai curry or soup to keep cool in the heatwave, say experts You might not think that a spicy chilli, tikka masla curry and soup would be the best things to eat to cool down during the heatwave. But it turns out that having a hot meal in the evening can actually help you stay cool by the sweat you perspire evaporating into the air and cooling the body. A chilli can also be helpful, with the capsaicin found in the food sending a signal to your brain that your body is overheated - so you will sweat more to cool down. Tucking into watermelon, turmeric and reducing the carbohydrates and protein in your diet are also good ways to beat the heat. Nutritionist Daniel O'Shaughnessy has teamed up with online delivery firm JustEat to compile a list of the best foods to eat or avoid in order to cool down. Traditionally seen as a winter dish, a bowl of soup in the evening as temperatures start to drop can actually help people stay cool, Mr O'Shaughnessy explained. He said: 'It will make you perspire more, but as the sweat evaporates, the energy is absorbed into the air, therefore cooling the body.' Mr O'Shaughnessy also believes a spicy chilli is a good choice, with the capsaicin found in the food sending a signal to your brain that your body is overheated. As a result, you will sweat more to cool down. The powerful anti-inflammatory effects of turmeric also make a tikka masala curry a good option in the heat. Curcumin, which is the active ingredient in the spice, helps promote good circulation, helping to speed up your blood flow and cool your body down. Mr O'Shaughnessy also named onions as a top pick, with the vegetable being used in Ayurvedic medicine, a traditional form of Indian medicine which is more than 3,000 years old, to treat heatstroke. Other heatwave choices recommended by the nutritionist include mint, thanks to its cooling sensation, as well as spinach, which contains the vitamins and minerals needed to help keep your blood pressure under control and keep you cool. Mr O'Shaughnessy said coconut milk, found in Thai green curry, has important nutrients to support hydration, prevent exhaustion and muscle aches in hot weather. And watermelon, which is high in water content, also contains citrulline, an amino acid which relaxes you and helps to dilate the blood vessels, meaning more blood can circulate around your body and cool you down. But there are some foods to avoid, with Mr O'Shaughnessy advising Britons to cut down on carbohydrate-rich foods, such as rice and wholegrains, and foods high in protein like chicken. He said: 'It may be harder to digest a high protein food in a heat wave. Meat is quite hard to digest and the digestion process creates heat (thermogenesis) and can make you feel hotter in yourself. 'Opting for plant-based dishes can be a good choice as less energy is needed to break vegetarian dishes down compared to meat.'
South Wales Argus
03-05-2025
- Business
- South Wales Argus
Energy price cap update on zonal energy regional pricing
While this isn't new - the Energy Price Cap already has regional pricing for certain areas - Google searches for 'zonal energy pricing' have skyrocketed. Here's all you need to know about what a zonal energy pricing system could look like and how it could be implemented. So, what is zonal energy pricing, and who would be its winners and losers? Les Roberts, energy expert from Bionic, explains: 'Regional energy pricing, or zonal energy pricing, is set to be one of the biggest changes to the UK electricity market in over 35 years. 'The system, if approved by the government, is set to transform the UK's energy market, aiming to make the system more efficient by creating regional energy markets." What's going to happen to the energy Price Cap & is it worth getting a fix. Here are the latest predictions compared to the cheapest fix. The DOWN 8-9% July prediction is pretty solid, after that it's a bit crystal ball gazing. To find ur cheapest fix use — Martin Lewis (@MartinSLewis) April 30, 2025 What are regional energy markets? Regional energy markets are based on the cost of generating and transmitting electricity in each zone, rather than a blanket cost for the whole nation. 'In areas where renewable energy sources are in abundance already, such as Scotland, prices are set to fall by up to 8% in the proposed scheme," says Les. "However, in areas such as London and the South, where demand for electricity and energy is high and electricity often needs to be transmitted over long distances, prices are predicted to rise by 2.4% under regional energy pricing.' (Image: Bionic) Analysing the proposed zonal energy scheme, based on monthly utility bills for UK cities (electricity, heating, cooling, water, garbage) for 85m2 Apartment with percentages and proposed regional zones based on research provided by LPC Delta, Bionic has predicted which UK cities will benefit the most and the least from the regional energy pricing scheme. Birmingham would benefit most from the regional price increase, despite the new scheme proposing a predicted 2.4% increase in energy costs. London is set to rank 5th under the regional pricing scheme, with bills predicted to increase by 2.4%, taking the average monthly bill cost to £238.77. Surprisingly, Aberdeen is still set to have some of the highest utility bills in the UK, despite the proposed zonal energy scheme set to reduce costs by 8%. Les says: 'If implemented, regional energy markets are set to transform the UK's energy market, changing not just how much people pay, but also how and where new energy infrastructure is developed. The scheme is set to incentivise regional investment in clean energy projects and has the potential to accelerate the UK towards its 2050 net-zero target.' Recommended reading: What is the energy price cap and when does it change? The term is quite confusing, and it's important to note it's not the maximum price you will pay - it's an average. If you use more, you will pay more. The cap was introduced on 1 January 2019 by regulator Ofgem, with the aim of preventing the millions of households on expensive variable tariffs from being ripped off. The next change is due to be announced later this month and come into force on July 1. But it only limits what you pay for each unit of gas and electricity that you use. It's based roughly on wholesale energy prices (those that firms pay) and applies only to providers' standard and default tariffs, which the vast majority of households are now on. The energy price cap is the maximum amount energy suppliers can charge you for each unit of energy and standing charge if you're on a standard variable tariff. The energy price cap also sets a maximum daily standing charge.
The Sun
26-04-2025
- Lifestyle
- The Sun
Improper use of your washing machine might be costing you £500 a year as experts reveals 5 mistakes most Brits make
A COMMON laundry mistake could be costing you money every time you turn on your machine. Experts have revealed the appliance errors which are racking up your household bills. Speaking to the Daily Express, one budgeting expert warned Brits to avoid "simple mistakes" that can add to their household bills. And as energy and water bills continued to increase, these tips can help you make significant savings. Matthew Sheeran from Money Wellness revealed millions of UK households could be "throwing away" up to £500 a year by using their appliances incorrectly. 'People are understandably focused on rising energy and water prices, but what many don't realise is that the way they use their appliances can be just as important," the pro said. "The good news is that these mistakes are easy to fix - and the savings can really add up. "Small changes could put hundreds of pounds back in your pocket every year.' The expert shared that making small changes to your laundry process alone can save you a lot. Selecting too high of a temperature setting can drain your energy supply. The pro explained that washing your clothes at 30 degrees Celsius is just as effective as doing a 40 degree Celsius or 60degree cycle. A typical wash at 60 degree Celsius wash uses around 1.5 to 2 kWh of electricity, while a 30 degree Celsius wash uses only 0.5 to 0.7 kWh, the expert revealed. Savvy woman shares how she creates more drying space inside with £2.99 Home Bargains buy & it even works outside too Washing clothes at higher temperatures four times a week, could be costing you £50 extra every year. Overloading your washing machine is another common error when trying to save. While you may think heaping as much items into one load will help you cut down on costs, the opposite is true. If your machine's drum cannot rotate properly, your clothes do not get cleaned effectively. This puts extra strain on the appliance, which could potentially lead to more frequent repairs or a shorter lifespan. 4 ways to keep your energy bills low Laura Court-Jones, Small Business Editor at Bionic shared her tips. 1. Turn your heating down by one degree You probably won't even notice this tiny temperature difference, but what you will notice is a saving on your energy bills as a result. Just taking your thermostat down a notch is a quick way to start saving fast. This one small action only takes seconds to carry out and could potentially slash your heating bills by £171.70. 2. Switch appliances and lights off It sounds simple, but fully turning off appliances and lights that are not in use can reduce your energy bills, especially in winter. Turning off lights and appliances when they are not in use, can save you up to £20 a year on your energy bills 3. Install a smart meter Smart meters are a great way to keep control over your energy use, largely because they allow you to see where and when your gas and electricity is being used. 4. Consider switching energy supplier No matter how happy you are with your current energy supplier, they may not be providing you with the best deals, especially if you've let a fixed-rate contract expire without arranging a new one. If you haven't browsed any alternative tariffs lately, then you may not be aware that there are better options out there. An overloaded washing machine can increase energy consumption by up to 15%, resulting in you spending £30 extra annually. And households should also rethink how often they use their tumble dryers. A dryer can consume around 2.5 to 4.5 kWh per cycle, so using it frequently can "quickly add up" the expert said. Frequent use of a tumble dryer could add £150 or more to your annual household bills. He recommended air-drying clothes indoors or outdoors to save on energy costs. You can also be adding to your energy costs if you run your machine with the wrong detergent. 2 This can lead to residue buildup in your washing machine, which makes the appliance less efficient. You may end up having to run an extra cycle to clear it out, wasting up to £15 a year on extra detergent and energy. The expert advised using the correct amount of detergent and opting for an eco-friendly version. These are less likely to leave residue and are gentler on fabrics as well as performing well at lower temperatures, helping your machine run more smoothly. Finally, running your appliances during peak hours can increase your energy bills by 10 to 20%. Instead, use time-of-use tariffs to run your appliances, including your washing machine, during off-peak hours. This will save you money on your energy bills.
The Irish Sun
26-04-2025
- Lifestyle
- The Irish Sun
Improper use of your washing machine might be costing you £500 a year as experts reveals 5 mistakes most Brits make
A COMMON laundry mistake could be costing you money every time you turn on your machine. Experts have revealed the appliance errors which are racking up your household bills. Advertisement 2 A money-saving expert shared his top tips for cutting down on your household bills (stock image) Credit: Getty Speaking to the And as energy and water bills continued to increase, these tips can help you make significant savings. Matthew Sheeran from 'People are understandably focused on rising energy and water prices, but what many don't realise is that the way they use their appliances can be just as important," the pro said. Advertisement Read More On Washing Machines "The good news is that these mistakes are easy to fix - and the savings can really add up. "Small changes could put hundreds of pounds back in your pocket every year.' The expert shared that making small changes to your laundry process alone can save you a lot. Selecting too high of a temperature setting can drain your energy supply. Advertisement Most read in Fabulous The pro explained that washing your clothes at 30 degrees Celsius is just as effective as doing a 40 degree Celsius or 60degree cycle. A typical wash at 60 degree Celsius wash uses around 1.5 to 2 kWh of electricity, while a 30 degree Celsius wash uses only 0.5 to 0.7 kWh, the expert revealed. Savvy woman shares how she creates more drying space inside with £2.99 Home Bargains buy & it even works outside too Washing clothes at higher temperatures four times a week, could be costing you £50 extra every year. Overloading your washing machine is another common error when trying to save. Advertisement While you may think heaping as much items into one load will help you cut down on costs, the opposite is true. If your machine's drum cannot rotate properly, your clothes do not get cleaned effectively. This puts extra strain on the appliance, which could potentially lead to more frequent repairs or a shorter lifespan. 4 ways to keep your energy bills low Laura Court-Jones, Small Business Editor at Bionic shared her tips. 1. Turn your heating down by one degree You probably won't even notice this tiny temperature difference, but what you will notice is a saving on your energy bills as a result. Just taking your thermostat down a notch is a quick way to start saving fast. This one small action only takes seconds to carry out and could potentially slash your heating bills by £171.70. 2. Switch appliances and lights off It sounds simple, but fully turning off appliances and lights that are not in use can reduce your energy bills, especially in winter. Turning off lights and appliances when they are not in use, can save you up to £20 a year on your energy bills 3. Install a smart meter Smart meters are a great way to keep control over your energy use, largely because they allow you to see where and when your gas and electricity is being used. 4. Consider switching energy supplier No matter how happy you are with your current energy supplier, they may not be providing you with the best deals, especially if you've let a fixed-rate contract expire without arranging a new one. If you haven't browsed any alternative tariffs lately, then you may not be aware that there are better options out there. An overloaded washing machine can increase energy consumption by up to 15%, resulting in you spending £30 extra annually. Advertisement And households should also rethink how often they use their tumble dryers. A dryer can consume around 2.5 to 4.5 kWh per cycle, so using it frequently can "quickly add up" the expert said. Frequent use of a tumble dryer could add £150 or more to your annual household bills. He recommended air-drying clothes indoors or outdoors to save on energy costs. Advertisement You can also be adding to your energy costs if you run your machine with the wrong detergent. 2 Overloading your washing machine can cost you more money in the long-run (stock image) Credit: Getty This can lead to residue buildup in your washing machine, which makes the appliance less efficient. You may end up having to run an extra cycle to clear it out, wasting up to £15 a year on extra detergent and energy. Advertisement The expert advised using the correct amount of detergent and opting for an eco-friendly version. These are less likely to leave residue and are gentler on fabrics as well as performing well at lower temperatures, helping your machine run more smoothly. Finally, running your appliances during peak hours can increase your energy bills by 10 to 20%. Instead, use time-of-use tariffs to run your appliances, including your washing machine, during off-peak hours. Advertisement This will save you money on your energy bills.
