Rising Temperatures and Rising Energy Scams: Advice from our Energy Team

With the increase in heatwaves and higher temperatures across the country this summer, many of us have been looking for new ways to keep our homes cooler, especially homes which haven’t been built with these temperatures in mind. Unfortunately, at FEL Scotland we have noticed this rise in temperatures has also come with a rise in energy scams.

False Promises

Recently, we’ve noticed several advertisements have appeared on social media promoting so-called ‘portable air conditioners’. These products often claim to cool an entire room in under two minutes, use very little electricity, and even feature technology supposedly developed by former NASA engineers. While these claims may sound impressive, investigations and independent testing have shown that many of these products are not genuine air conditioners at all. 

Cases have showed that consumers have paid between £70 and £120 for devices that turned out to be small fans with a water tank and damp cardboard filters inside. Unlike real air conditioning units, these products do not contain a compressor, refrigerant or exhaust system, which are all needed to effectively remove heat from a room. While these units might be able to provide some cooling, they definitely are not worth the money and won’t do much to cool your home, despite the promises on the box!

How to Spot Energy Scams – Warning Signs

To avoid falling for energy scams and fake products, be cautious of buying anything that:

• Promise results that seem too good to be true (such as cooling large rooms within seconds or minutes)
• Have dramatic origin stories
• Vaguely reference experts or organisations without providing evidence 
• Feature overwhelmingly positive reviews that appear unrealistic or repetitive
• Use AI-generated images or videos that exaggerate the product’s capabilities or appearance

Instead, we recommend taking the following steps:

• Spend a few minutes researching the retailer rather than immediately buying the product
• Look for independent reviews and mixed reviews – perfect ones are likely to be ingenuine!
• Search for a genuine business address and clear contact information so you can make sure who is selling the product.

Our Top Tips for Staying Cool:

As energy advisers, we understand that many households are looking for affordable ways to stay comfortable during hot weather. Instead of spending money on ineffective products, try these strategies instead:

• Close curtains and keep windows shut during the hottest part of the day – if it’s warmer outside than inside, keep the hot air out! 
• Open windows and improve ventilation during cooler hours to last you the rest of the day
• Using fans to encourage moving cooler air between rooms
• Wear loose clothing
• Hydrate often
• Book a free Home Energy visit from our Energy team to learn how to best keep your home cool!

Our Advice 

At FEL Scotland, we encourage everyone to stay informed and seek trusted advice when considering new energy-related products. If an energy-saving or cooling product makes extraordinary claims, take a moment to pause and investigate before buying.  

If you would like advice on how to best improve energy efficiency in your home, please get in touch with us at the FEL Scotland Energy Team. Our Energy Advice Officers can provide free, impartial guidance and arrange a free Home Energy visit to help you make informed decisions and find out what is best for your home.