For way too long, air purifiers have been boring, white eyesores that add absolutely nothing to your home decor. But in an attempt to help you show off your air purifier (rather than hide it away), Shark has launched a smaller version of their bestselling air purifier in a range of pastel colourways – the Shark NeverChange5 Compact Pro models (£149.99 at Shark) – and it’s safe to say that I’m a little bit obsessed.
While the Shark NeverChange5 has already made its way into our best air purifiers guide, these new models are smaller and more compact – perfect for desktops, bedside tables, nurseries or even uni halls. The fact that they come in three new amazing colourways is also the cherry on top of the cake, and this is everything you need to know about them.
Shark NeverChange5 Air Purifier Compact Pro -Lavender
Shark NeverChange5 Air Purifier Compact Pro -Quartz
Shark NeverChange5 Air Purifier Compact Pro – Mint
These new releases are particularly exciting for me, as the Shark NeverChange5 is the air purifier I use in my own home, having done so since it impressed me so much during testing. And while the recommended room size of the Compact Pro is (obviously) a bit smaller – 23m² compared to the larger model’s 60m² – this is still more than enough for the average UK living room, bedroom or office.
But as the model I use at home is white and fairly unassuming, I have my eyes on brightening up my space with these new colourways – and just know how good the mint will match with my green sofa bed and wardrobe in my home office.
(Image credit: Shark)
However, the quartz and the lavender are close seconds, and I can’t help but wonder whether I should just buy all three. After all, each colourway brings something different to the table…
It seems as though this is something Shark is focusing its attention on at the moment. Not only have we seen similar colourways in their viral Shark FlexBreeze HydroGo, but the same colourways can be found within their Shark VacMop vacuum and mop combo, too. And as I own both of these things (yes, you could say that I am somewhat of a Shark superfan), I’m excited to add another bright appliance to my collection.
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(Image credit: Shark)
However, this new air purifier offers so much more than just its looks. It’s also equipped to capture up to 99.97% of allergens in your home (which is ideal if you want to pollen-proof your home or you live by a particularly busy road or in a big city), offers CleanSense IQ technology to detect air quality changes before you do, and it even comes with Anti-Odour Capsules that release a fresh scent while it’s cleaning your air.
But the pièce de résistance of the NeverChange5 – and why it’s been given its name – is that you won’t need to replace the filter of your air purifier for a whopping five years. And considering some other models and competitors require bi-annual filter changes, this will save you a lot of money in the long run. Up to £200 of savings, according to Shark, actually.
However, if the new pastel colours don’t quite tickle your pickle and you want to opt for something a little more unassuming, Shark has also released the Compact Pro in a dove-white colourway instead. And it’s currently on sale!
Shark NeverChange5 Air Purifier Compact Pro HP072UK
I’m definitely here for Shark’s new brighter, bolder look… are you?!
Few things in life compare to the feeling of getting into fresh bedding after a long day, in my opinion. But my one gripe after I’ve changed the sheets is how creased they look. Even with the luxury of drying bedding outdoors, they still come off the line with a multitude of wrinkles.
I used the Lenor Crease Releaser in the Summer Breeze scent, and from the moment I gave it a spritz, I was sold on the smell alone. It filled the whole bedroom with a fresh, just-cleaned scent that made the chore feel instantly more enjoyable.
After popping my fitted sheet over the mattress, I decided to test the crease spray on this first. As you can see, it’s heavily wrinkled – and this is after leaving the sheet to dry naturally outside.
My bedding before spraying it with the crease release
(Image credit: Future / Katie Sims)
I spritzed the crease spray generously over the sheet, then used my hand to smooth over the fabric in quick, sweeping motions. Because of how creased the sheet was, I felt like the spray needed a helping hand to be effective.
Bedding after being sprayed with the Lenor crease release
(Image credit: Future / Katie Sims)
It’s fair to say that I was impressed. After a few minutes, the sheet looked noticeably better, and smelled more fresh to boot. While the spray hadn’t worked out every single crease (that would require a serious bit of power), there was no denying the difference it made.
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Next, I repeated the process on the duvet cover, and I was equally impressed. I do think using your hand to really press the spray into the bedding makes a big difference – but I doubt I would have got the same results by just smoothing over the sheets without adding the spray first.
Image 1 of 2
Before(Image credit: Future / Katie Sims)
After(Image credit: Future / Katie Sims)
The bed looked far less rumpled and instantly fresher after using the crease spray on it, which in turn made it look even more inviting than usual.
Suffice to say that I’ll definitely be using Lenor’s Crease Releaser on my bedding going forward. It’s a quick, low-effort solution for anyone who can’t be bothered to iron the sheets but still wants their bed to have that crisp, hotel-esque look.
I’ve lived in flats with large sash windows for the last four years, however, it wasn’t until the first heatwave of this year that I discovered I’d been opening them wrong all this time, and not taking advantage of their in-built cooling design feature.
I’d always believed I could only open my sash windows from the bottom. So my mind was blown when I discovered not only do they open at the top, but that the most efficient way to cool down a room and keep a bedroom cool was to open sash windows at the top AND bottom. I’ve been testing this trick out for the last few weeks, and can vouch for its effectiveness.
Sash windows are typically found in period homes, and this hidden trick would have been what the Georgians and Victorians used to keep cool before the age of the best air conditioners and electric fans.
(Image credit: Future PLC / Carolyn Barker)
‘Opening sash windows at both the top and bottom is one of the most effective ways to naturally cool a room,’ agrees Jo Trotman, marketing manager at The Residence Collection, which specialises in windows and doors.
‘This method creates a convection flow: warm air rises and escapes through the top opening, while cooler air is drawn into the room through the bottom.’
‘This continuous airflow helps regulate the temperature more efficiently than opening just one part of the window. It’s a simple yet clever feature that makes sash windows not only timeless in style but also smart in function, especially during warmer months.’
Yvonne Keal, product expert at Hillarys, a window dressing brand, agrees, saying: ‘This simple method is a great way to make the most of your sash windows and keep your home cool naturally.’
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(Image credit: Future PLC / David De Lovatti)
I’ve been using this trick for the last few weeks in the evening to help quickly cool down my bedroom before going to bed. I don’t have the space or budget to invest in an AC unit at the moment, but this has done the trick of cooling my bedroom down quickly to make it a better temperature to sleep.
However, note that it will only work effectively if the air is cooler outside, which usually happens in early mornings and evenings.
If you don’t have sash windows, you can mimic the effect by opening a higher-up window and a nearby lower window to create the same convection flow. Alternatively, you can try to create a wind tunnel to force the air flow through by opening windows (or a door) on opposite sides of a room.
(Image credit: Future PLC / David Giles)
I have been encouraging the flow of air and the cooling effect by positioning a fan in front of the open bottom part of the sash window to help draw the cold air in. If you have a second fan, you can also try positioning it facing out of the window to force out the lingering hot air.
Boost the effect
Duux
Duux Whisper Flex Ultimate Smart Portable Fan
I use the older model of this fan, the Duux Whisper Flex at home, and it has been my heatwave best friend for years. However, what this version has over my fan is that it is completely portable as well as whisper-quiet.
MeacoFan 1056 Air Circulator
If you have a surface near your window, a desk fan like this will work brilliantly. The MeacoFan 1056 Air Circulator has impressive cooling powers and is super compact and portable.
Honeywell Turbo Force Power Fan
If you’re on a budget and want to invest in a second fan to help encourage that airflow, you can pick this Amazon bestseller up for under £30. It only has basic features and is on the noisy side, but does what it says for a great price.
Were you already in the know about this sash window cooling trick?
If there’s one thing I’ve learned this summer, it’s that air conditioning is an absolute game-changer when the weather spikes. And the Coldeez Cooling Ace (£49.99 at Amazon) is the latest I’ve spotted that I think will be a big hit this summer.
It’s no secret that the best portable air conditioners have been selling out fast, so I’m surprised to see Coldeez still in stock, especially as it has plenty of glowing reviews from happy customers.
If you’ve been wondering how to cool a bedroom in light of the weekend’s blistering heat, investing in a Coldeeze Cooling Ace is great if you’re too short on space for a typical air conditioning unit.
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Coldeez Cooling Ace
If you have a small home or flat, a bulky portable air conditioner is not always a practical choice. The Coldeeze Cooling Ace is a portable air conditioner that you can mount to your wall, meaning it will take up less floor space in your home.
Attach to your walls, kitchen worktops and even the extractor fan, this promises to be a game-changer when you’re trying to cook in a hot kitchen. This unit is small enough that it can even sit on your desk while you work, place it on a bedside table, or even bring it with you in the car on your commute.
The device is charged via a USB connection, so you really can take it anywhere, and it provides instant cooling as soon as you turn it on. The unit has a built-in air purifier, too, which filters dust and allergens out of the air. The Coldeeze Cooling Ace is more of an air cooler than an air conditioner, the difference being that air conditioners remove heat and humidity from a room, while air coolers use evaporative cooling to circulate cool, moist air.
The Coldeeze Cooling Ace is also incredibly efficient and whisper quiet with a sound level of just 20dB, so you can leave it on while you sleep.
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(Image credit: Coldeeze)
Now, I haven’t tested this model myself, but there are a number of reviews on Amazon and the Coldeeze website that have been left impressed.
‘Very efficient and perfect for desk tops or small spaces. My only issue is the battery life, as it only lasts about 2 hours on full power. I tend to plug it into a power pack whilst at work, and that will give me a full day. It is a bit big for carrying in luggage, if taking on holiday, but otherwise really worth their money. Not too noisy either,’ said one.
‘Coldeez has completely changed how I deal with the summer heat. It cools the room quickly and doesn’t increase my electricity bill. The bladeless design is a huge plus, as I have pets and can leave it on without worry. The built-in filter also makes the air feel fresher. It’s portable, efficient, and worth every penny!’ says another.
If you’ve been struggling to find a portable air conditioner in stock, an air cooler is a great alternative, and here are a few more to choose from.
Midea 7l Air Cooler
This air cooler has a 7L water tank and includes ice packs, making it perfect for rapid cooling. It has six speeds, five modes and a 12-hour timer.
Beldray 6l Portable Air Cooler
This cooler has a 6 litre capacity and three speed settings. Reviews say it is a good, budget-friendly option.
Chillmax Pure Chill
Small but powerful, this cooler adds cold moisture to the air, making your room feel cooler. It also provides a mist for instant relief.
Portable, lightweight and space-saving, have you been convinced to try out the Coldeeze Cooling Ace?
Today’s homes depend on a wide array of appliances and devices that require a stable, high-capacity electrical system. However, many older houses were built with panels that simply can’t handle the demands of modern living. Recognizing the signs your home needs electrical panel upgrade is crucial before installing high-power additions like HVAC units, tankless water heaters, or electric vehicle chargers.
Why Panel Capacity Matters
Electrical panels distribute power across all your home’s circuits. In homes built before the 1990s, most panels were rated for 60 to 100 amps — a far cry from the 150- to 200-amp standard needed today. Plugging in modern appliances without upgrading the panel can cause serious safety risks and system inefficiencies.
What Happens When a Panel is Overloaded?
When the panel can’t keep up, circuits trip, fuses blow, or worse — heat builds up inside the panel, leading to melted wires or even fire. These failures often occur when multiple high-demand appliances run at once, such as a dryer, oven, and air conditioning unit.
Even less energy-intensive appliances like microwaves and hairdryers can compound the issue when combined with older infrastructure. Over time, this constant strain accelerates wear on the panel, weakening its ability to safely manage the load.
Key Signs You Need an Upgrade
Adding new appliances without addressing these warning signs could lead to major issues:
1. Frequent Breaker Trips
This is the most common red flag. If your breakers trip during simultaneous appliance use, your system is overextended. This behavior signals that your current panel lacks the capacity for additional devices.
2. Lights Flicker or Dim When Devices Start
Power dips when large appliances activate indicate load instability. Your panel may not be distributing power effectively. This is particularly noticeable in homes that rely on centralized HVAC systems or well pumps.
3. Warm Outlets or Panel Face
Excessive heat is a danger sign. It can mean poor connections or overloaded circuits. In some cases, the plastic around outlets may even become discolored — an early warning that the system is under significant stress.
4. Limited Circuit Availability
Running out of breaker slots means you can’t safely add more circuits to support new devices or rooms. This limitation forces homeowners to daisy-chain power strips and extension cords, which introduces fire hazards.
5. Original Panel from the Home’s Construction
If your home is more than 25 years old and still has the original panel, an upgrade is overdue — even if it seems functional. Electrical codes have evolved, and older panels are not built to handle today’s sustained loads.
Appliance Load and Power Demand
High-powered appliances like double ovens, hot tubs, HVAC systems, and EV chargers all draw significant amperage. Adding even one of these to an outdated system can trigger breaker panel overload, leading to appliance malfunctions or hazardous conditions.
According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, the average American household uses nearly 11,000 kWh of electricity annually. That number continues to climb as families add energy-hungry conveniences, making panel upgrades increasingly necessary.
Smart Tech and Continuous Power Draw
Homes now feature dozens of always-on devices, from routers and smart speakers to security systems and media servers. This constant draw adds a background load that older systems were never built to accommodate.
Add to that seasonal spikes from space heaters or cooling systems, and an outdated panel can quickly become overwhelmed. Smart appliances are also more sensitive to power irregularities, making reliable voltage regulation crucial.
Risks of Delaying an Upgrade
Ignoring the signs your home needs electrical panel upgrade doesn’t just lead to inconvenience. It can result in expensive repairs, failed inspections, and fire hazards. Insurance companies may even deny coverage for claims if your panel is outdated or improperly maintained.
Fire departments across the country report numerous residential incidents linked to electrical faults, many of which stem from old or insufficient panels. In worst-case scenarios, this could mean thousands in damages, displacement, or injury.
Tradeoffs: Temporary Fixes vs. Long-Term Solutions
While homeowners sometimes attempt workarounds, they often lead to more problems:
Subpanels: Can provide extra circuits but don’t increase total system capacity.
Surge Protectors: Defend against spikes but do nothing to improve overall load support.
Skipping Permits: Some opt to upgrade appliances without electrical permits, exposing themselves to code violations and insurance risk.
Taking shortcuts may reduce upfront costs, but they don’t solve the systemic issue of low amperage and outdated components. In the long run, retrofitting the entire system is more efficient and safer than patchwork fixes.
Benefits of a Proper Electrical Panel Upgrade
A full upgrade supports both safety and flexibility:
Add appliances and smart tech without system failure
Comply with National Electrical Code (NEC) standards
Reduce fire risks and insurance complications
Prepare for future enhancements like solar panels and EV charging stations
Modern panels also come with improved safety features, including arc fault circuit interrupters (AFCIs) and ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs), which add further protection against shorts and shocks.
For load calculation methods and national safety practices, explore resources such as:
Conclusion
Before installing new appliances, it’s essential to evaluate your home’s electrical panel. Breaker trips, flickering lights, and power limitations are all signs your home needs electrical panel upgrade – and delaying action can lead to overloads, damaged devices, or worse.
Upgrading your electrical panel isn’t just about capacity; it’s about peace of mind. A modern system enhances safety, efficiency, and compatibility with future technology. Make the smart move today and keep your home’s energy system safe, efficient, and ready for the future.