Google. The Better Business Bureau. Facebook. Trustpilot. Angi. Yelp. Everywhere you look online, customers have shared their experiences with EcoShield technicians, service quality, communication, and the results they have seen on their properties.
Taken together, those reviews paint a picture of a company that is built around the local technician relationship and a focus on delivering consistent service across its network of branches throughout the United States.
Recurring themes in positive feedback
A common thread in positive EcoShield reviews is praise for the technician who visited the property. Customers frequently mention technicians by name, describing them as thorough, knowledgeable, and willing to take the time to walk the homeowner through what was observed and treated.
Customers also speak positively about scheduling and responsiveness. Reviews regularly mention being able to get an appointment quickly, receiving advance notice before a visit, and being able to reach real customer support representatives at the local branch when questions come up.
For customers who have had frustrating experiences with other service providers, that responsiveness is often the difference that turns a one-time service call into a long-term relationship.
Results customers report
Beyond the service experience itself, customers describe the results they have seen on their property after EcoShield’s visits.
Reductions in ant activity.
The disappearance of rodent signs in basements and garages.
Fewer mosquitoes in outdoor areas during the warmer months,
And much more!
Because pest pressures vary by region and season, the company encourages customers to think about pest control as an ongoing relationship rather than a one-time fix. (add in somewhere “Individual results may vary” depending on said factors)
Many of the reviews that describe the strongest outcomes come from customers on recurring service plans who have worked with the same branch over time and built a working relationship with their assigned technician.
Consistency across the footprint
Termites munching through wood. https://depositphotos.com/
One of the more notable patterns in EcoShield reviews is how similar the positive feedback sounds across markets.
A homeowner in the Seattle area describing a great experience with their technician uses much the same language as a homeowner in Minnesota or on Long Island.
That consistency across a nationwide footprint is the direct result of the operating model the company has built, with the same training, the same service standards, and the same expectations of branch leadership in every market EcoShield serves.
For prospective customers researching what other customers think of EcoShield Pest Solutions, that consistency is worth noting.
It means the experience customers describe is not the result of one exceptional branch but the result of a company that has invested in delivering the same standard everywhere it operates.
The company’s approach to feedback
EcoShield’s internal team treats reviews as an input rather than an output. All feedback from customers is reviewed at the branch level and used to refine training and service delivery.
That approach has shaped a number of operational improvements over the years and is part of what customers describe when they say their issues are taken seriously by their local EcoShield team.
For prospective customers researching EcoShield Pest Solutions, the broad takeaway across review platforms is that the company is built around local service quality, with technicians and branch staff who are accountable for the customer’s experience from scheduling through service completion.
Ninja‘s shiny new automatic bean-to-cup coffee machine is now available in an array of new colours so that you can personalise this appliance to your existing kitchen scheme.
Now available for £899.99 from the Ninja website, the AutoBarista Pro (which I’m currently testing out) has proved very popular with both fans of this ever-expanding kitchen brand and coffee lovers alike. And I expect this best bean-to-cup coffee machine in these new shades won’t be around for long before they sell out either. Here’s a look at the new colours: Midnight Blue, Oat Milk, Mocha and Vista Green.
Ninja
Autobarista Pro Coffee Machine in Vista Green
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This deep jade green colour will be just perfect for adding intriuge to your existing kitchen colour scheme!
Ninja
Autobarista Pro Coffee Machine in Oat Milk
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Ninja has nailed the neutral look with this sophisicated colour way. And I think the name is adorable.
Ninja
Autobarista Pro Coffee Machine in Midnight Blue
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Adding a touch of blue to your countertop will bring your kitchen right up to date in terms of colour trends.
I really like all of these colourways and think they are preferable to the standard stainless steel version, which is the one I currently have in my kitchen for testing. I find that the metal is prone to holding onto marks and fingerprints, and is more difficult to match into an existing kitchen colour scheme.
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I’m not just looking into a crystal ball when I predict these shades will be popular, either. One of the colours, Mocha, is already sold out. It’s a super delicate neutral shade that would look lovely in a black or white kitchen, so it’s no surprise it’s already been snapped up.
Ninja’s new coffee machine in stainless steel and green.
(Image credit: Ninja)
If I was choosing, I wouldn’t be able to resist this machine in Vista Green as I’ve always loved the idea of a coffee machine in an eye-catching colour. I have long pined after the De’Longhi Rivelia, which is one of the best coffee machines out there, in Jade Green. It’s an exclusive shade that you can buy directly from De’Longhi’s website for £699.99.
With these new shades, Ninja has really gone all out to colour drench the entire machine, with even the all-important milk jug and bean hopper covers available in the pastel shade of your choice. This is something we’ve seen with other Ninja colour releases recently too, including with David Beckham’s special Cotswolds-inspired machine.
(Image credit: Future)
In terms of performance, I’ve been nothing but impressed with the AutoBarista so far. The choice to keep the automatic milk frothing jug over a system that uses tubes and internal systems is a good one for me and means I have the chance to practice my latte art. The hands-free nature of the coffee making process for black drinks has been a huge help for me on busy mornings too.
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My full review of this ultra-capable machine is coming very soon but in the meantime I’d seriously recommend you check out the new range of colours available if you’ve been waiting to make a coffee investment for your kitchen!
The recent heatwave has reminded me that food waste bins really can stink, and if you’re keen to reduce odour and discourage flies from your kitchen, the Joseph Joseph Intelligent Waste Caddy (£29, Amazon) does just that.
The Simpler Recycling rules that were introduced earlier this year have meant that every household in England has been (or is in the process of being) issued a food waste bin and caddy. The plastic caddy is used for transporting food waste from your kitchen to the outdoor food waste bin, and is a brown plastic tub that is small enough to sit on a countertop.
However, I’ve found that my council-issued caddy does practically nothing to mask smells – especially during hot weather. And in my effort to get rid of flies from my kitchen, I’m investing in the Joseph Joseph Intelligent Waste Caddy. Here’s why.
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Joseph Joseph
Joseph Joseph Intelligent Waste Caddy
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I’ve had my eye on this bin for a while. It’s compact, much smarter looking than my current brown caddy and most importantly, has a clever built-in filter that absorbs bad smells!
Joseph Joseph
Joseph Joseph Iw2 Biodegradable, Compostable Bags, Pack of 50
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These bags fit the Joseph Joseph Intelligent Waste Caddy best, so are worth buying alongside the bin.
Unfortunately for you and me, a stinky food waste bin is like ambrosia for flies. Flies – particularly vinegar flies – are attracted to the smell of decaying food, in particular fruit, which releases a particularly attractive smell when it begins to overferment.
Of course, you should regularly clean your food waste bin to deter flies. By keeping it clean, it is less smelly and therefore less attractive to flies. I find that placing bicarbonate of soda (£2, Amazon) in the base of my bin is a handy trick for absorbing and neutralising bad odours. You can also purchase charcoal bin filters (£10.20, Amazon), which work similarly to absorb odour. Plus, you can even add a few drops of your favourite essential oil to some kitchen roll and place it in the bottom of a bin. Choose a scent that flies don’t like, such as lavender or peppermint.
But considering it’s meant to be a scorching summer this year, I want a bin that works as hard as I do. This is why I’ve been considering the Joseph Joseph Intelligent Waste Caddy. Although the Joseph Joseph caddy is a little more than I’d typically spend on a food waste bin, especially as I do get one for free from my local council, its clever design features have convinced me to make the splurge.
(Image credit: Joseph Joseph)
The caddy has a four-litre capacity, easily handling the food waste of a busy household. It has a tight-lipped lid, which makes it harder for flies to access the inside because it seals shut. Plus, there is a built-in odour filter in the lid, which helps reduce odour and moisture, making it a less friendly environment for pests. It’s also easy to clean, with the manufacturers stating it’s easy to clean with hot soapy water, then wipe dry with a soft cloth.
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What’s more, the Joseph Joseph Intelligent Waste Caddy has over 10,000 positive reviews to back it up.
‘Solved the issues I had with throwing food waste into my normal bin. It used to really smell. This container uses a filter to aid with smell. I can tie bags of food up and throw them away separately. The build is pretty good. The lid opens easily. There is a handle to carry it with. It is small enough to barely take up space on my kitchen counter. No complaints. I would recommend it,’ said one.
‘Was more than I planned to spend, but worth it for the quality. The lid sits firmly over the base – and on hotter days, I have peace of mind that flies won’t get into it. There is no smell of food inside either when it’s closed,’ said another.
Alternatives
Kazai. Compost Bin ‘elin’
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This bin looks far too good to be handling food waste. It has an activated charcoal filter to neutralise bad smells, and the caddy itself is safe to go in the dishwasher.
Another sleek, steel choice, this bin has a magnetic docking system to keep the lid firmly shut. It has been specially designed to keep odours in and flies out.","brand":"","name":"Simplehuman 4L Compost Caddy","urlStyle":"","retailer":"","layout":"hero","linkText":"","noFollow":false,"noAffiliateTracking":false,"promoLabel":"","price":49.95,"salePrice":39.99,"currency":"GBP","linkLayout":"text","sponsored":false,"hawkProductNameMatchedCode":"","review":{"cons":[],"id":"","name":"","pros":[],"rating":0,"strapline":"","url":""},"id":"","externalId":"2e656d67abb6c3794e69b8adf4ad6a5d170df6c4","lastCheckedPriceDate":"","link":{"url":"https:\/\/target.georiot.com\/Proxy.ashx?tsid=107653&GR_URL=https%3A%2F%2Famazon.co.uk%2Fsimplehuman-Compost-Fingerprint-Proof-Brushed-Stainless%2Fdp%2FB08S2P53GD%2Fref%3Dasc_df_B08S2P53GD%3Ftag%3Dftr-idealhome-gb-21%26ascsubtag%3Dhawk-custom-tracking-21","merchantName":"Amazon UK","merchantId":1027,"merchantNetwork":"Amazonuk","merchantUrl":"amazon.co.uk"}}}}}” data-link=”https://target.georiot.com/Proxy.ashx?tsid=107653&GR_URL=https%3A%2F%2Famazon.co.uk%2Fsimplehuman-Compost-Fingerprint-Proof-Brushed-Stainless%2Fdp%2FB08S2P53GD%2Fref%3Dasc_df_B08S2P53GD%3Ftag%3Dftr-idealhome-gb-21%26ascsubtag%3Dhawk-custom-tracking-21″ data-link-merchant=”Amazon UK” data-merchant-id=”1027″ data-merchant-name=”Amazon UK” data-merchant-network=”Amazonuk” data-merchant-url=”amazon.co.uk” data-model-name=”Simplehuman 4L Compost Caddy” data-name=”Product Block merchantlink widget” data-render-type=”fte” data-show-fallback=”button” data-widget-type=”merchantlink” class=”hawk-root”>
Another sleek, steel choice, this bin has a magnetic docking system to keep the lid firmly shut. It has been specially designed to keep odours in and flies out.
Bad bin smells, and fruit flies are enough to put most of us in a grump. But ensuring you have the right products and practises in place, this grievance can be a thing of the past.
There’s a new Mediterranean garden star on the horizon, and it’s a surprising one for the UK: lemon trees.
They’re far easier to grow here than you’d think – I recently talked about citrus trees as one of the best Mediterranean plants for pots, and many lemon tree varieties do unexpectedly well in containers on a patio. According to TikTok Shop gardening business YouGarden, lemon tree sales have increased by 613% this year – which means they’re definitely becoming more mainstream in UK gardens.
Here’s why you should consider growing a lemon tree in your garden, no matter its size.
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A lemon tree would look beautiful in one of these ribbed terracotta pots. They’re ideal for a Mediterranean-style garden.
For TikTok Shop gardening business YouGarden, lemon trees have been a standout garden trend for 2026. The business has noticed a pattern of more and more gardeners embracing Mediterranean-inspired planting, and lemons are among the most popular choices.
‘We’re seeing customers inspired by holidays abroad, Mediterranean planting and alfresco living, while warmer summers are giving people more confidence to try varieties that might once have felt a little ambitious for UK gardens,’ says Peter McDermott, founder of YouGarden.
‘In fact, this has been our strongest-ever year for citrus tree sales since launching in 2011, with lemon trees proving the standout favourite. We’ve seen lemon tree sales increase by 613% year-on-year on TikTok Shop, which suggests more people are looking to recreate that Mediterranean feel at home.’
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(Image credit: Getty Images / Westend61)
Plus, lemon trees are much lower maintenance than I ever thought they were. You’ll just need to find the right spot for them.
‘A sunny, sheltered spot and regular water through summer are all a lemon tree asks for,’ Says Jo Lambell, founder of Beards & Daisies. ‘Bring it inside over winter, and it’ll keep going year after year. The fruit is genuinely excellent in a gin and tonic, by the way.’
So, if you’re looking for fruits to grow in pots and want to nail the Mediterranean garden look, lemon trees are the ideal candidates.
Better yet? Plant one up in a terracotta pot, like these whitewashed classic Italian terracotta pots from Crocus. They come in a range of sizes, so make sure you check the measurements of your lemon tree before you buy one.
‘Container-grown citrus trees, figs and bay trees are brilliant for adding fragrance, texture and a real Mediterranean atmosphere,’ adds Peter from YouGarden. ‘They work particularly well on terraces and patios where people can enjoy them up close.’
Lemon trees are a staple Mediterranean garden idea now, so they’re definitely worth adding to your list if you want to feel like you’re on holiday at home.
Having just escaped the sweaty embrace of one heatwave, already another is on the horizon, which is why I’m using this week to ensure I have all the cooling solutions I need in place. And Aldi‘s new portable cooling range is making this so easy.
I’m sure you’re probably already well aware that the best portable air conditioners and some of the best fans have pretty much sold out everywhere, with many brands not restocking until later this month.
While there are still air coolers available on Amazon, what attracted me to Aldi’s range is the incredibly affordable prices and small but mighty nature. Perfect for home working, spaces and taking on the go, here’s everything you need to know about Aldi’s new cooling range.
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AMBIANO
Portable Air Cooler With Led
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I can’t get over how affordable this air cooler is. It’s such a bargain, that I will definitely be picking one up to see how it works.","brand":"AMBIANO","name":"Portable Air Cooler With Led","urlStyle":"","retailer":"","layout":"versus","linkText":"","noFollow":false,"noAffiliateTracking":false,"promoLabel":"","price":14.99,"salePrice":null,"currency":"GBP","linkLayout":"text","sponsored":false,"hawkProductNameMatchedCode":"","review":{"cons":[],"id":"","name":"","pros":[],"rating":0,"strapline":"","url":""},"id":"","externalId":"0c264682a60fcf9cc22c89290b73c132b211fcaf","lastCheckedPriceDate":"","link":{"url":"https:\/\/www.aldi.co.uk\/product\/ambiano-portable-air-cooler-with-led-000000000721157001","merchantName":"aldi.co.uk"}}}}}” data-link=”https://www.aldi.co.uk/product/ambiano-portable-air-cooler-with-led-000000000721157001″ data-link-merchant=”aldi.co.uk” data-merchant-name=”aldi.co.uk” data-model-brand=”AMBIANO” data-model-name=”AMBIANO Portable Air Cooler With Led” data-name=”Product Block merchantlink widget” data-render-type=”fte” data-show-fallback=”button” data-widget-type=”merchantlink” class=”hawk-root”>
I can’t get over how affordable this air cooler is. It’s such a bargain, that I will definitely be picking one up to see how it works.
XTTANK
1200ml Portable Air Conditioner With Remote Control
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This is the air cooler I was planning on buing while the best portable AC’s are out of stock. It’s large tank offers six to eight hours of usage, and it has three speeds and three mist modes. Reviews say it is quiet and effective.","brand":"XTTANK","name":"1200ml Portable Air Conditioner With Remote Control","urlStyle":"","retailer":"","layout":"versus","linkText":"","noFollow":false,"noAffiliateTracking":false,"promoLabel":"","price":69.99,"salePrice":56.55,"currency":"GBP","linkLayout":"text","sponsored":false,"hawkProductNameMatchedCode":"","review":{"cons":[],"id":"","name":"","pros":[],"rating":0,"strapline":"","url":""},"id":"","externalId":"8068c5519e2d2224314a46fc853cf0125574e8c2","lastCheckedPriceDate":"","link":{"url":"https:\/\/target.georiot.com\/Proxy.ashx?tsid=107653&GR_URL=https%3A%2F%2Famazon.co.uk%2FXTTANK-Portable-Conditioner-Control-Colours%2Fdp%2FB0H25KB4PM%2Fref%3Dsr_1_20%3Ftag%3Dftr-idealhome-gb-21%26ascsubtag%3Dhawk-custom-tracking-21","merchantName":"Amazon UK","merchantId":1027,"merchantNetwork":"Amazonuk","merchantUrl":"amazon.co.uk"}}}}}” data-link=”https://target.georiot.com/Proxy.ashx?tsid=107653&GR_URL=https%3A%2F%2Famazon.co.uk%2FXTTANK-Portable-Conditioner-Control-Colours%2Fdp%2FB0H25KB4PM%2Fref%3Dsr_1_20%3Ftag%3Dftr-idealhome-gb-21%26ascsubtag%3Dhawk-custom-tracking-21″ data-link-merchant=”Amazon UK” data-merchant-id=”1027″ data-merchant-name=”Amazon UK” data-merchant-network=”Amazonuk” data-merchant-url=”amazon.co.uk” data-model-brand=”XTTANK” data-model-name=”XTTANK 1200ml Portable Air Conditioner With Remote Control” data-name=”Product Block merchantlink widget” data-render-type=”fte” data-show-fallback=”button” data-widget-type=”merchantlink” class=”hawk-root”>
This is the air cooler I was planning on buing while the best portable AC’s are out of stock. It’s large tank offers six to eight hours of usage, and it has three speeds and three mist modes. Reviews say it is quiet and effective.
As someone who is both short on space (I have a small, one-bed flat) and works from home a lot, let me tell you the past heatwave was genuinely horrific. It reached 36 degrees inside, making both working and sleeping a near-impossible task.
My singular tower fan sadly wasn’t up to the job of keeping me cool, which is why I’ve vowed to buy an air conditioner as soon as they come back into stock. In the meantime, I’m torn between buying Aldi’s £14.99 Air Cooler and the XTTANK Portable Air Conditioner (£56.55, Amazon) to keep me cool.
As I’m not blessed with space, bulky appliances and tall pedestal fans are a bit of an inconvenience. Yet, Aldi’s air cooler is compact enough to sit on my desk. Available in three different blue colourways, it is compact and stylish, and most importantly, won’t take up loads of space.
(Image credit: Aldi)
The air cooler has three speed levels and built-in LED motion and colour-changing modes. It has a removable water tank and can be used both indoors and outdoors. For the same reason, we love the Shark HydroGo Misting Fan (it’s portable); this air cooler is great for taking on the go, whether that’s relaxing on your patio, taking to a BBQ or even on a camping trip.
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Also up for grabs is the Globe Fan with Multi-direction (£39.99), which is very similar to the Meaco 1056 Desk Fan (£100, Argos). This Aldi fan has three modes: natural wind, sleep and drying mode, 10 speed settings, and claims to circulate a cold breeze throughout your entire room. You can also set it to a timer for up to eight hours. While the Meaco fan has almost 500 glowing reviews, it is currently out of stock – so it might be a good idea to test out Aldi’s desk fan.
Alternatively, here are a few more well-rated, in-stock cooling products to buy before the heat hits again.
Midea
Midea 7l 3-In-1 Air Cooler
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This air cooler’s massive 7L water tank and included ice packs means itprovides rapid cooling quickly and quietly when the heatwave hits. Reviews not it doesn’t take up too much space, as well as wprking effectively.","brand":"Midea","name":"Midea 7l 3-In-1 Air Cooler","urlStyle":"","retailer":"","layout":"hero","linkText":"","noFollow":false,"noAffiliateTracking":false,"promoLabel":"","price":128.21,"salePrice":null,"currency":"GBP","linkLayout":"text","sponsored":false,"hawkProductNameMatchedCode":"","review":{"cons":[],"id":"","name":"","pros":[],"rating":0,"strapline":"","url":""},"id":"","externalId":"54b57a6eb479d255614209d2c18b1e2c1adad39a","lastCheckedPriceDate":"","link":{"url":"https:\/\/target.georiot.com\/Proxy.ashx?tsid=107653&GR_URL=https%3A%2F%2Famazon.co.uk%2FMidea-Portable-Conditioner-Automatic-Oscillation%2Fdp%2FB0DQKCTY1X%2Fref%3Dsr_1_3%3Ftag%3Dftr-idealhome-gb-21%26ascsubtag%3Dhawk-custom-tracking-21","merchantName":"Amazon UK","merchantId":1027,"merchantNetwork":"Amazonuk","merchantUrl":"amazon.co.uk"}}}}}” data-link=”https://target.georiot.com/Proxy.ashx?tsid=107653&GR_URL=https%3A%2F%2Famazon.co.uk%2FMidea-Portable-Conditioner-Automatic-Oscillation%2Fdp%2FB0DQKCTY1X%2Fref%3Dsr_1_3%3Ftag%3Dftr-idealhome-gb-21%26ascsubtag%3Dhawk-custom-tracking-21″ data-link-merchant=”Amazon UK” data-merchant-id=”1027″ data-merchant-name=”Amazon UK” data-merchant-network=”Amazonuk” data-merchant-url=”amazon.co.uk” data-model-brand=”Midea” data-model-name=”Midea Midea 7l 3-In-1 Air Cooler” data-name=”Product Block merchantlink widget” data-render-type=”fte” data-show-fallback=”button” data-widget-type=”merchantlink” class=”hawk-root”>
This air cooler’s massive 7L water tank and included ice packs means itprovides rapid cooling quickly and quietly when the heatwave hits. Reviews not it doesn’t take up too much space, as well as wprking effectively.
Duux
Duux Mist Air Cooler
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While a little bulkier, this model is perfect for cooling open plan areas or even patios thanks to it’s huge 5.5L water tank. It has a night mode, three different speeds and a has a timer which you can set between 1-9 hours.","brand":"Duux","name":"Duux Mist Air Cooler","urlStyle":"","retailer":"","layout":"hero","linkText":"","noFollow":false,"noAffiliateTracking":false,"promoLabel":"","price":199.99,"salePrice":null,"currency":"GBP","linkLayout":"text","sponsored":false,"hawkProductNameMatchedCode":"","review":{"cons":[],"id":"","name":"","pros":[],"rating":0,"strapline":"","url":""},"id":"","externalId":"11c76df93533bf40bb8495acf679c2f8a91e4770","lastCheckedPriceDate":"","link":{"url":"https:\/\/target.georiot.com\/Proxy.ashx?tsid=107653&GR_URL=https%3A%2F%2Famazon.co.uk%2FDuux-Cooler-Evaporative-Dimmable-Display%2Fdp%2FB0GZ3K6WD4%2Fref%3Dasc_df_B0GZ3K6WD4%3Ftag%3Dftr-idealhome-gb-21%26ascsubtag%3Dhawk-custom-tracking-21","merchantName":"Amazon UK","merchantId":1027,"merchantNetwork":"Amazonuk","merchantUrl":"amazon.co.uk"}}}}}” data-link=”https://target.georiot.com/Proxy.ashx?tsid=107653&GR_URL=https%3A%2F%2Famazon.co.uk%2FDuux-Cooler-Evaporative-Dimmable-Display%2Fdp%2FB0GZ3K6WD4%2Fref%3Dasc_df_B0GZ3K6WD4%3Ftag%3Dftr-idealhome-gb-21%26ascsubtag%3Dhawk-custom-tracking-21″ data-link-merchant=”Amazon UK” data-merchant-id=”1027″ data-merchant-name=”Amazon UK” data-merchant-network=”Amazonuk” data-merchant-url=”amazon.co.uk” data-model-brand=”Duux” data-model-name=”Duux Duux Mist Air Cooler” data-name=”Product Block merchantlink widget” data-render-type=”fte” data-show-fallback=”button” data-widget-type=”merchantlink” class=”hawk-root”>
While a little bulkier, this model is perfect for cooling open plan areas or even patios thanks to it’s huge 5.5L water tank. It has a night mode, three different speeds and a has a timer which you can set between 1-9 hours.
Honeywell
Honeywell Turboforce Power Fan
<aside data-block-layout="hero" data-block-type="featured-product" data-editorial-currency="GBP" data-editorial-price="28.99" data-editorial-was-price="29.99" data-hawk-json="{"product":{"variants":{"Default":{"image":{"copyright":"","height":500,"id":"DhNZnAE9Xk9u4wnw2SuNrG","mimeType":"image\/jpeg","mos":"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DhNZnAE9Xk9u4wnw2SuNrG.jpg","role":"","width":500,"credit":"Honeywell","alt":"Honeywell Turboforce Power Fan (quiet Operation Cooling, 90\u00b0 Variable Tilt, 3 Speed Settings, Wall Mount Feature, Table Fan) Ht900e","caption":""},"strapline":"
Ideal for working from home, this fan won’t take up much room on your desk yet offers a powerful blast of cool air. Reviews praise this Amazon bestseller for its compact size and powerful cooling performance.","brand":"Honeywell","name":"Honeywell Turboforce Power Fan ","urlStyle":"","retailer":"","layout":"hero","linkText":"","noFollow":false,"noAffiliateTracking":false,"promoLabel":"","price":29.99,"salePrice":28.99,"currency":"GBP","linkLayout":"text","sponsored":false,"hawkProductNameMatchedCode":"","review":{"cons":[],"id":"","name":"","pros":[],"rating":0,"strapline":"","url":""},"id":"","externalId":"3128b2f231c15bdb5a0d116046f70b9074214580","lastCheckedPriceDate":"","link":{"url":"https:\/\/target.georiot.com\/Proxy.ashx?tsid=107653&GR_URL=https%3A%2F%2Famazon.co.uk%2FHoneywell-HT900E1-HT900E-Turbo-Fan%2Fdp%2FB001VEJFT6%2Fref%3Dasc_df_B001VEJFT6%3Ftag%3Dftr-idealhome-gb-21%26ascsubtag%3Dhawk-custom-tracking-21","merchantName":"Amazon UK","merchantId":1027,"merchantNetwork":"Amazonuk","merchantUrl":"amazon.co.uk"}}}}}” data-link=”https://target.georiot.com/Proxy.ashx?tsid=107653&GR_URL=https%3A%2F%2Famazon.co.uk%2FHoneywell-HT900E1-HT900E-Turbo-Fan%2Fdp%2FB001VEJFT6%2Fref%3Dasc_df_B001VEJFT6%3Ftag%3Dftr-idealhome-gb-21%26ascsubtag%3Dhawk-custom-tracking-21″ data-link-merchant=”Amazon UK” data-merchant-id=”1027″ data-merchant-name=”Amazon UK” data-merchant-network=”Amazonuk” data-merchant-url=”amazon.co.uk” data-model-brand=”Honeywell” data-model-name=”Honeywell Honeywell Turboforce Power Fan” data-name=”Product Block merchantlink widget” data-render-type=”fte” data-show-fallback=”button” data-widget-type=”merchantlink” class=”hawk-root”>
Ideal for working from home, this fan won’t take up much room on your desk yet offers a powerful blast of cool air. Reviews praise this Amazon bestseller for its compact size and powerful cooling performance.
If heatwaves past are continuing to haunt your memory, Aldi’s affordable cooling range could be exactly what you need to prepare you for the next one.
Long summer days spent in the garden are here and on the horizon for the foreseeable future. But once the sun sets, you’ll still want to illuminate your outdoor space and create a cosy, magical atmosphere. And the IKEA SOLVINDEN solar lantern is the perfect tool for that – as not only is it stylish, it’s also selling for just £11 a pop.
Both modern and chic, as well as whimsical garden lighting ideas have been all the rage this season since lighting’s not only functional but also an easy way to elevate an outdoor space, much like it does inside your home. And somehow, the IKEA SOLVINDEN outdoor lantern manages to be both modern and chic while being whimsical, too.
IKEA
SOLVINDEN LED solar-powered outdoor lantern
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The ribbon-like striped design is equipped with a handle to easily move it around. And once the darkness falls, the barely visible light turns on automatically.","brand":"IKEA","name":"SOLVINDEN LED solar-powered outdoor lantern","urlStyle":"","retailer":"","layout":"horizontal","noFollow":true,"noAffiliateTracking":false,"promoLabel":"","price":null,"salePrice":null,"currency":null,"linkLayout":"button","sponsored":false,"hawkProductNameMatchedCode":"","review":{"cons":[],"id":"","name":"","pros":[],"rating":0,"strapline":"","url":""},"id":"","lastCheckedPriceDate":"","link":{"url":"https:\/\/go.redirectingat.com?id=92X1623319&xcust=hawk-custom-tracking&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ikea.com%2Fgb%2Fen%2Fp%2Fsolvinden-led-decorative-table-lamp-solar-powered-stripe-outdoor-light-green-00619370%2F&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.idealhome.co.uk%2Fgarden%2Foutdoor-living%2Fikea-solvinden-outdoor-solar-lantern","linkText":"\u00a311 at IKEA","merchantName":"ikea.com"}}}}}” data-link=”https://go.redirectingat.com?id=92X1623319&xcust=hawk-custom-tracking&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ikea.com%2Fgb%2Fen%2Fp%2Fsolvinden-led-decorative-table-lamp-solar-powered-stripe-outdoor-light-green-00619370%2F&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.idealhome.co.uk%2Fgarden%2Foutdoor-living%2Fikea-solvinden-outdoor-solar-lantern” data-link-merchant=”ikea.com” data-link-text=”£11 at IKEA” data-merchant-name=”ikea.com” data-model-brand=”IKEA” data-model-name=”IKEA SOLVINDEN LED solar-powered outdoor lantern” data-name=”Horizontal Product Block merchantlink widget” data-render-type=”fte” data-show-fallback=”button” data-widget-type=”merchantlink” class=”hawk-root”>
The ribbon-like striped design is equipped with a handle to easily move it around. And once the darkness falls, the barely visible light turns on automatically.
The lantern shape references fairytale-like Japanese garden lighting ideas. But as with most of its designs, the Swedish retailer put a fun and contemporary twist on the classic by streamlining the shape and giving it a more sculptural look, finished with a pistachio green colourway.
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The lantern runs on solar energy, which means it charges during the day when the sun is out and then utilises the power once the dark sets in and turns it into light. It’s part of a wider IKEA SOLVINDEN outdoor lighting range which also includes popular designs like the SOLVINDEN lamp stand and the LED decoration lighting in a range of colours and sizes.
But the lantern is currently beating both in terms of popularity as it’s the sixth bestselling outdoor lighting design from IKEA. And existing customers are already obsessed with it.
(Image credit: IKEA)
One reviewer wrote, ‘Great quality! The solar panel stores energy perfectly, so the lamp stays lit late into the night. It’s ideal for placing the lamp on a windowsill or a patio table.’
Meanwhile, another customer pointed out that the lamp can even withstand light rain. ‘Very nice, it illuminates well and has always worked even when wet. I love it.’
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But if you like the idea of outdoor solar lanterns but are not 100% sold on the IKEA style, I’ve found a few alternatives that are just as chic.
Stylish solar lantern alternatives
Garden Stories
Studio 70 Metal Cylinder Outdoor Solar Lantern
Nordlux
Coupar To-Go Portable Solar Powered Outdoor Lantern
If you’re after an even sleeker and more streamlined look than the IKEA lantern then this Scandi chic design from a Danish brand Nordlux would be my top recommendation.","brand":"Nordlux","name":"Coupar To-Go Portable Solar Powered Outdoor Lantern","urlStyle":"","retailer":"","layout":"hero","noFollow":true,"noAffiliateTracking":false,"promoLabel":"","price":null,"salePrice":null,"currency":null,"linkLayout":"button","sponsored":false,"hawkProductNameMatchedCode":"","review":{"cons":[],"id":"","name":"","pros":[],"rating":0,"strapline":"","url":""},"id":"","lastCheckedPriceDate":"","link":{"url":"https:\/\/john-lewis-and-partners.pxf.io\/c\/221109\/871855\/12148?subId1=hawk-custom-tracking&sharedId=hawk-prefix&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.johnlewis.com%2Fnordlux-coupar-to-go-portable-solar-powered-outdoor-lantern%2Fbeige%2Fp114725571","linkText":"\u00a344.95 at John Lewis","merchantName":"John Lewis","merchantId":179552,"merchantNetwork":"ImpactRad","merchantUrl":"johnlewis.com"}}}}}” data-link=”https://john-lewis-and-partners.pxf.io/c/221109/871855/12148?subId1=hawk-custom-tracking&sharedId=hawk-prefix&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.johnlewis.com%2Fnordlux-coupar-to-go-portable-solar-powered-outdoor-lantern%2Fbeige%2Fp114725571″ data-link-merchant=”John Lewis” data-link-text=”£44.95 at John Lewis” data-merchant-id=”179552″ data-merchant-name=”John Lewis” data-merchant-network=”ImpactRad” data-merchant-url=”johnlewis.com” data-model-brand=”Nordlux” data-model-name=”Nordlux Coupar To-Go Portable Solar Powered Outdoor Lantern” data-name=”Product Block merchantlink widget” data-render-type=”fte” data-show-fallback=”button” data-widget-type=”merchantlink” class=”hawk-root”>
If you’re after an even sleeker and more streamlined look than the IKEA lantern then this Scandi chic design from a Danish brand Nordlux would be my top recommendation.
Lights4fun
Confetti Glass Solar Lantern
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I didn’t think it was possible to find an outdoor solar lantern more affordable than the IKEA one. But Lights4fun proved me wrong. This pretty confetti glass style is available for just undr \u00a310 in their summer sale. ","brand":"Lights4fun","name":"Confetti Glass Solar Lantern","urlStyle":"","retailer":"","layout":"hero","noFollow":true,"noAffiliateTracking":false,"promoLabel":"","price":null,"salePrice":null,"currency":null,"linkLayout":"button","sponsored":false,"hawkProductNameMatchedCode":"","review":{"cons":[],"id":"","name":"","pros":[],"rating":0,"strapline":"","url":""},"id":"","lastCheckedPriceDate":"","link":{"url":"https:\/\/www.awin1.com\/awclick.php?awinmid=1531&awinaffid=103504&clickref=hawk-custom-tracking&p=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.lights4fun.co.uk%2Fproducts%2Fconfetti-glass-solar-lantern","linkText":"Was \u00a319.99 Now \u00a39.99 at Lights4fun","merchantName":"Lights4fun","merchantId":2154,"merchantNetwork":"AW","merchantUrl":"lights4fun.co.uk"}}}}}” data-link=”https://www.awin1.com/awclick.php?awinmid=1531&awinaffid=103504&clickref=hawk-custom-tracking&p=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.lights4fun.co.uk%2Fproducts%2Fconfetti-glass-solar-lantern” data-link-merchant=”Lights4fun” data-link-text=”Was £19.99 Now £9.99 at Lights4fun” data-merchant-id=”2154″ data-merchant-name=”Lights4fun” data-merchant-network=”AW” data-merchant-url=”lights4fun.co.uk” data-model-brand=”Lights4fun” data-model-name=”Lights4fun Confetti Glass Solar Lantern” data-name=”Product Block merchantlink widget” data-render-type=”fte” data-show-fallback=”button” data-widget-type=”merchantlink” class=”hawk-root”>
I didn’t think it was possible to find an outdoor solar lantern more affordable than the IKEA one. But Lights4fun proved me wrong. This pretty confetti glass style is available for just undr £10 in their summer sale.
Garden Stories
Studio 70 Metal Hanging Solar Lantern
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QVC’s Studio 70 garden range is filled with great outdoor solar lanterns in gorgeous colourways. Just take this burgundy number, also available in deep rust orange.","brand":"Garden Stories","name":"Studio 70 Metal Hanging Solar Lantern","urlStyle":"","retailer":"","layout":"hero","noFollow":true,"noAffiliateTracking":false,"promoLabel":"","price":null,"salePrice":null,"currency":null,"linkLayout":"button","sponsored":false,"hawkProductNameMatchedCode":"","review":{"cons":[],"id":"","name":"","pros":[],"rating":0,"strapline":"","url":""},"id":"","lastCheckedPriceDate":"","link":{"url":"https:\/\/www.anrdoezrs.net\/click-100624752-17042721?sid=hawk-custom-tracking&url=https:\/\/www.qvcuk.com\/garden-stories-studio-70-metal-hanging-solar-lantern.product.745688.html","linkText":"\u00a318 at QVC","merchantName":"QVC UK","merchantId":574518,"merchantNetwork":"CJ","merchantUrl":"qvcuk.com"}}}}}” data-link=”https://www.anrdoezrs.net/click-100624752-17042721?sid=hawk-custom-tracking&url=https://www.qvcuk.com/garden-stories-studio-70-metal-hanging-solar-lantern.product.745688.html” data-link-merchant=”QVC UK” data-link-text=”£18 at QVC” data-merchant-id=”574518″ data-merchant-name=”QVC UK” data-merchant-network=”CJ” data-merchant-url=”qvcuk.com” data-model-brand=”Garden Stories” data-model-name=”Garden Stories Studio 70 Metal Hanging Solar Lantern” data-name=”Product Block merchantlink widget” data-render-type=”fte” data-show-fallback=”button” data-widget-type=”merchantlink” class=”hawk-root”>
QVC’s Studio 70 garden range is filled with great outdoor solar lanterns in gorgeous colourways. Just take this burgundy number, also available in deep rust orange.
Markslöjd
Portable Solar LED Lamp Cavia
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This lantern from Swedish brand Marksl\u00f6jd is the closest to the IKEA one in its look, it’s just a little more elevated version of it as is reflected in its higher price point. But it also features a dimmable feature.","brand":"Marksl\u00f6jd","name":"Portable Solar LED Lamp Cavia","urlStyle":"","retailer":"","layout":"hero","noFollow":true,"noAffiliateTracking":false,"promoLabel":"","price":null,"salePrice":null,"currency":null,"linkLayout":"button","sponsored":false,"hawkProductNameMatchedCode":"","review":{"cons":[],"id":"","name":"","pros":[],"rating":0,"strapline":"","url":""},"id":"","lastCheckedPriceDate":"","link":{"url":"https:\/\/click.linksynergy.com\/deeplink?id=kXQk6%2AivFEQ&mid=54090&u1=hawk-custom-tracking&murl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.westwing.co.uk%2Foutdoor-solar-lamp-cavia-en-25mak95467.html","linkText":"\u00a399 at Westwing","merchantName":"Westwing","merchantId":622989,"merchantNetwork":"LSfutureusLlc","merchantUrl":"westwing.co.uk"}}}}}” data-link=”https://click.linksynergy.com/deeplink?id=kXQk6%2AivFEQ&mid=54090&u1=hawk-custom-tracking&murl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.westwing.co.uk%2Foutdoor-solar-lamp-cavia-en-25mak95467.html” data-link-merchant=”Westwing” data-link-text=”£99 at Westwing” data-merchant-id=”622989″ data-merchant-name=”Westwing” data-merchant-network=”LSfutureusLlc” data-merchant-url=”westwing.co.uk” data-model-brand=”Markslöjd” data-model-name=”Markslöjd Portable Solar LED Lamp Cavia” data-name=”Product Block merchantlink widget” data-render-type=”fte” data-show-fallback=”button” data-widget-type=”merchantlink” class=”hawk-root”>
This lantern from Swedish brand Markslöjd is the closest to the IKEA one in its look, it’s just a little more elevated version of it as is reflected in its higher price point. But it also features a dimmable feature.
Garden Stories
Studio 70 59cm Metal Floor Solar Lantern
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Made from iron, this lantern is bigger in size than the rest and is designed more like an outdoor floor lamp but with a lantern-esque shape. ","brand":"Garden Stories","name":"Studio 70 59cm Metal Floor Solar Lantern","urlStyle":"","retailer":"","layout":"hero","noFollow":true,"noAffiliateTracking":false,"promoLabel":"","price":null,"salePrice":null,"currency":null,"linkLayout":"button","sponsored":false,"hawkProductNameMatchedCode":"","review":{"cons":[],"id":"","name":"","pros":[],"rating":0,"strapline":"","url":""},"id":"","lastCheckedPriceDate":"","link":{"url":"https:\/\/www.anrdoezrs.net\/click-100624752-17042721?sid=hawk-custom-tracking&url=https:\/\/www.qvcuk.com\/garden-stories-studio-70-59cm-metal-floor-solar-lantern.product.745682.html","linkText":"\u00a328.92 at QVC","merchantName":"QVC UK","merchantId":574518,"merchantNetwork":"CJ","merchantUrl":"qvcuk.com"}}}}}” data-link=”https://www.anrdoezrs.net/click-100624752-17042721?sid=hawk-custom-tracking&url=https://www.qvcuk.com/garden-stories-studio-70-59cm-metal-floor-solar-lantern.product.745682.html” data-link-merchant=”QVC UK” data-link-text=”£28.92 at QVC” data-merchant-id=”574518″ data-merchant-name=”QVC UK” data-merchant-network=”CJ” data-merchant-url=”qvcuk.com” data-model-brand=”Garden Stories” data-model-name=”Garden Stories Studio 70 59cm Metal Floor Solar Lantern” data-name=”Product Block merchantlink widget” data-render-type=”fte” data-show-fallback=”button” data-widget-type=”merchantlink” class=”hawk-root”>
Made from iron, this lantern is bigger in size than the rest and is designed more like an outdoor floor lamp but with a lantern-esque shape.
Are you going to add a solar lantern light to your garden this season?
Given that the weather has felt positively Mediterranean this past week, it feels rather fitting that Aldi has a new affordable range of citrus trees up for grabs in-store this week.
If the most recent heatwave has left you inspired to try out a few Mediterranean garden ideas, let me tell you, it wouldn’t be complete without a lemon or lime tree.
Retailing for £19.99 per plant, Aldi’s citrus trees are on sale right now and are a pretty good deal if you want to add one of the trending plants to your garden. So, if you’re looking to add some of the best fruit trees to your garden, I suggest you run, not walk. Here’s everything you need to know.
Choose between a lemon, Calamondin or Limequat tree for colourful (and delicious) fruit.","brand":"","name":"Citrus Plant","urlStyle":"","layout":"horizontal","noFollow":true,"noAffiliateTracking":false,"promoLabel":"","price":19.99,"salePrice":null,"currency":"GBP","linkLayout":"text","sponsored":false,"hawkProductNameMatchedCode":"","review":{"cons":[],"id":"","name":"","pros":[],"rating":0,"strapline":"","url":""},"id":"","externalId":"ed15bf9e0fcc1606109345a16e0dc90ddeef5463","lastCheckedPriceDate":"","link":{"url":"https:\/\/www.aldi.co.uk\/product\/roots-blooms-citrus-plant-000000000469397001","linkText":"\u00a319.99 at Aldi","editorialMerchantName":"\u00a319.99 at Aldi","merchantName":"aldi.co.uk"}}}}}” data-link=”https://www.aldi.co.uk/product/roots-blooms-citrus-plant-000000000469397001″ data-link-merchant=”aldi.co.uk” data-link-text=”£19.99 at Aldi” data-merchant-name=”aldi.co.uk” data-model-name=”Citrus Plant” data-name=”Horizontal Product Block merchantlink widget” data-render-type=”fte” data-show-fallback=”button” data-widget-type=”merchantlink” class=”hawk-root”>
Choose between a lemon, Calamondin or Limequat tree for colourful (and delicious) fruit.
If you’ve been dreaming of growing a lemon tree and giving your garden the essence of an Italian Summer, let Aldi’s £19.99 citrus tree be your starting point.
Choose from a classic lemon tree, Calamondin (also known as Philippine lime) and Limequat (a hybrid of key lime and kumquat).
The trees come in a 21cm pot. At this size, the plants are large enough to add impact to your garden ideas in their first year. However, lemon trees are typically better suited to growing indoors in the UK. But with the recent bursts of hot weather, they can be moved outside to frame your patio.
It is a good idea to grow your citrus tree in pots, so it can be moved indoors or into a greenhouse when the temperatures plummet during winter.
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(Image credit: Getty)
I’d also take the opportunity to invest in a terracotta pot to really nail the Mediterranean aesthetic. Not only will this look miles better than the standard plastic pot they’re sold in, but I’ve found a 21L terracotta pot for just £12 at B&Q.
To keep your citrus tree happy, you should water it freely during the summer months, and you should feed it once a month using a good quality plant feed. I’ve found the Zopper Citrus Feed on sale at Amazon for £9.99. It typically takes a year for a citrus tree to establish, but by next summer, you should be able to enjoy your own fresh home-grown fruit.
Alternatively, here are a few more citrus trees I’ve found for an affordable price online.
Orange lovers should try growing an orange tree. It’s perfect for a warm conservatory and produces stunning scented flowers. Once established, it will start fruiting, too.","brand":"","name":"Orange (citrus Fruit)","urlStyle":"","retailer":"","layout":"hero","linkText":"","noFollow":false,"noAffiliateTracking":false,"promoLabel":"","price":13.99,"salePrice":null,"currency":"GBP","linkLayout":"text","sponsored":false,"hawkProductNameMatchedCode":"","review":{"cons":[],"id":"","name":"","pros":[],"rating":0,"strapline":"","url":""},"id":"","externalId":"f9f6a28fd1ad980331fa67cfb237172e70d0483b","lastCheckedPriceDate":"","link":{"url":"https:\/\/www.awin1.com\/awclick.php?awinmid=2283&awinaffid=103504&clickref=hawk-custom-tracking&p=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.thompson-morgan.com%2Fp%2Forange-citrus-fruit%2FKA8552TM","merchantName":"Thompson & Morgan","merchantId":6134,"merchantNetwork":"AW","merchantUrl":"thompson-morgan.com"}}}}}” data-link=”https://www.awin1.com/awclick.php?awinmid=2283&awinaffid=103504&clickref=hawk-custom-tracking&p=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.thompson-morgan.com%2Fp%2Forange-citrus-fruit%2FKA8552TM” data-link-merchant=”Thompson & Morgan” data-merchant-id=”6134″ data-merchant-name=”Thompson & Morgan” data-merchant-network=”AW” data-merchant-url=”thompson-morgan.com” data-model-name=”Orange (citrus Fruit)” data-name=”Product Block merchantlink widget” data-render-type=”fte” data-show-fallback=”button” data-widget-type=”merchantlink” class=”hawk-root”>
Orange lovers should try growing an orange tree. It’s perfect for a warm conservatory and produces stunning scented flowers. Once established, it will start fruiting, too.
If you want an affordable citrus tree, head to your local Aldi while stocks last.
Thousands of homes in England and Wales will be eligible to receive a £9,000 grant to switch to a heat pump this summer, the Government has announced. This is an increase from the previous £7,500 grant that was available to help homes switch from fossil fuel buringing boilers.
Heat pumps are becoming a more popular heating choice due to the fact that they’re a more energy-efficient choice compared to a standard gas boiler, with lower running costs. They’re already hugely popular in countries with colder climates such as Norway, Finland and Sweden.
Heat pumps are powered by electricity rather than fossil fuels such as oil or gas, and this latest increase in the government’s boiler upgrade scheme funding is to help rural households in England and Wales make the move to a heat pump and protect them from fossil fuel spikes. Here’s everything you need to know.
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The Boiler Upgrade Scheme grant
On 26 June, the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero announced that from 21 July, the Boiler Upgrade Scheme grant is increasing by 20%, from £7,500 to £9,000, to help rural households switch from heating oil to heat pumps.
(Image credit: Getty Images/Oliver Hasselluhn)
The Government says this grant will electrify families’ heating, meaning they are protected from future fossil price spikes and providing greater certainty over energy bills. If the latest Price Cap Announcement has left you worried about your energy bills, investing in a heat pump can be a smart choice if you’re looking to make your home more energy efficient and save money in the long run.
Leaflets about the scheme will be posted to 200,00 eligible households across England and Wales this week (week commencing 29 June), providing more information on how to claim the extra funding. You can also check your eligibility via the Gov.uk website, on the Apply for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme page.
‘This government is determined to bring down energy bills, but I know the war in the Middle East has hit households on heating oil especially hard,’ said Minister for Energy Consumers Martin McCluskey.
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‘We have already taken action to support these households through confirming over £50 million in support for vulnerable customers on heating oil.
‘Now, the Boiler Upgrade Scheme will help thousands of families across England and Wales switch to clean heat to protect them from volatile fossil fuels.’
(Image credit: Alamy)
‘The Boiler Upgrade Scheme continues to play a vital role in supporting households to adopt heat pumps, and this £1,500 uplift will make the transition significantly more affordable for the thousands of oil-heated homes,’ says Charlotte Lee, CEO, Heat Pump Association UK.
‘Many of these households have faced considerable price uncertainty in recent months, without the protection of the energy price cap, and this £9,000 grant will help shield families from volatile fossil fuel costs, by using home-grown electricity, in the years ahead.’
If you’ve been considering installing a heat pump, you should check to see if you’re eligible for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme. They are an expensive investment, costing £12,500 on average according to the Boiler Upgrade Scheme statistics. But the new increase in the grant available to certain households makes it a more affordable and accessible option.
Moving day has an unfortunate habit of causing damage where nobody expects it.
Most people worry about their expensive furniture, but in reality, it’s often the property itself that suffers first. A scuff mark appears on a wall. A scratch shows up on the wooden floor. A small piece of paint chips off a door frame because someone misjudged a turn by just a couple of inches while carrying a wardrobe.
The good news is that most of these problems can be avoided. They usually happen not because movers are careless, but because proper preparation wasn’t done in advance.
Here are a few ideas, from the experience of professional removers, to help protect furniture, floors and walls.
Protect Your Floors Before the Move Starts
The worst time to think about floor protection is when the sofa is already halfway down the hallway.
If your property has hardwood flooring, laminate or polished tiles, protection should be laid down before the first box comes through the door.
One of the most common causes of scratches isn’t actually the furniture itself. It’s sand and small stones brought in from outside. During a move, people constantly walk back and forth between the house and the van. Those tiny particles get trapped under shoes and end up being dragged across the floor.
On larger removals, professional removers will create a protected walkway from the front door to the rooms. It only takes a few minutes but can save hundreds of pounds in repair costs.
Dismantle Large Furniture in Advance
Almost every removal company has heard the same phrase:
“If it came in assembled, it should come out assembled.”
Sometimes that’s true. Often it isn’t.
A sofa may have originally come through French doors that have since been replaced. We regularly come across furniture that physically cannot leave a room without being dismantled first.
Taking furniture apart before the carrying starts is usually much quicker than trying to force it through tight doorways and awkward corners while risking damage to both the furniture and the property.
Wrap the Parts That Actually Get Damaged
Large flat surfaces rarely get damaged. Corners, table legs and wooden edges do.
A dining table can arrive without a single mark on the table top yet lose a piece of veneer from a corner during the very first trip through a doorway.
That’s why a good removal company will focus on the vulnerable areas. Table legs are wrapped individually. Glass shelves are protected separately. Mirrors are never transported without corner protection.
A blanket loosely thrown over a piece of furniture may look reassuring, but it won’t do much if a chest of drawers comes into contact with a brick wall or a metal gate.
Load the Van as if Everything Will Move
Because it will. Many people imagine that once the van doors are closed, everything stays exactly where it was loaded. In reality, it doesn’t.
Even on smooth roads, items shift slightly. Roundabouts, speed bumps and sudden braking all create movement inside the load area.
Heavy items should form the foundation of the load and tied to the wall of the van. Lighter and fragile items should be loaded separately, later, and on top of heavier pieces.
One badly positioned chest of drawers can damage several items around it before the van even reaches the new property.
Protect Door Frames and Wall Corners
Door frames deserve almost as much attention as floors.
Most wall damage happens around corners and door openings because that’s where furniture constantly changes direction.
A sofa can make it through an entire property without any issues and still leave a mark during the final turn into a room.
Professional corner protectors cost considerably less than repairing and repainting damaged walls afterwards.
Check Access Before Moving Day
Some of the most frustrating damage happens when people start improvising.
The van arrives and there’s nowhere to park. The lift suddenly isn’t working. The fridge won’t fit through the route planned to use.
Once delays begin, people start rushing. And rushing rarely goes well with a house move.
That’s why it’s worth checking parking arrangements, lift access, staircases and door widths well in advance.
In London, it’s also worth finding out whether a parking suspension is required. Occasionally, moves can be delayed simply because there’s nowhere suitable for the van to stop close to the property.
Consider Professional Packing for Valuable Items
Most people can pack clothes, books and kitchen items without any difficulty.
Expensive furniture is a different story.
Large mirrors, marble table tops, antique cabinets and designer furniture often require more protection than standard boxes and a roll of bubble wrap from the local shop can provide.
In these situations, professional packing often pays for itself. Working with a trusted removal company in London — Great Moving, for example — means packing is handled properly as part of the removal. It makes sense when replacing a damaged item would cost significantly more than protecting it properly in the first place.
Moving house doesn’t automatically mean something will get damaged.
Most scratches, dents and chips happen before the van even leaves the driveway. A little preparation, proper protection and a well-thought-out plan usually prevent the majority of problems before the move even begins.
We wanted to create a truly versatile collection, with a sofa to suit any style of interior, from modern country retreats to smart new-builds and everything in between. Style credentials were an all-important factor when developing the range, but that doesn’t mean sacrificing longevity and practicality. All four of the designs in our newly-launched collection are built to last – just as you’d expect from the commitment to quality that Furniture Village is so well-known for. We’re excited to finally reveal the four designs, now available in-store and online.
Channel a contemporary edge: Gemini
(Image credit: Furniture Village)
First up we have Gemini, our quiet luxe showstopper. With its clean lines and modern silhouette, this sofa also boasts a smart feature to take comfort to the next level. At the touch of a button Gemini’s soft and inviting seats glide out to extend the seat depth and create the ultimate lounging spot.
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Style it with…
Furniture Village
Saxham Coffee Table
Furniture Village
Basker Wood Table Lamp
Furniture Village
Ivor Cushion
Celebrate classic form: Cotswold
(Image credit: Furniture Village)
Bringing luxury country-house vibes, the Cotswold sofa takes a country aesthetic and elevates it, thanks to design details like the buttoned scroll arms and turned wood legs. It will instantly add elegance to any room, and comes with coordinating scatter cushions plus a matching snuggler, armchair and footstool, which means you can create the perfect combination to suit your space.
Style it with…
Furniture Village
Stratford Coffee Table
Furniture Village
Laura Ashley Elizabeth Table Lamp
Furniture Village
Tufti Large Cushion
Go for glam: Sienna
(Image credit: Furniture Village)
Designed to inject contemporary glamour into a room, the Sienna has a refined design that features a higher back and curved arms for an effortlessly sophisticated look.
There’s a huge range of upholstery options to choose from – we love bold shades like the deep blue of Hudson Ocean for a touch of understated drama and decadence, especially when you match it to your walls for a colour-drenched space. For more pared-back schemes, there are gorgeously rich neutrals, such as Hudson Mink or Bella Barley White.
Style it with…
Furniture Village
Xena Coffee Table
Furniture Village
Telesto Table Lamp
Furniture Village
Torcello Large Cushion
Choose timeless style: Brondy
(Image credit: Furniture Village)
Versatile and hard-working, the Brondby combines smart, good looks with hard-wearing upholstery options, and a compact design that makes it the ideal solution for smaller spaces. With two corner options, two- and three-seater designs and a footstool that doubles as storage, the Brondby works hard to help you make the most of every inch. This sofa range has been designed with real homes in mind, balancing style and practicality to create beautiful furniture for everyday moments.
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