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Daily Mirror
10-07-2025
- Climate
- Daily Mirror
Brits told to close their doors and windows from 5am to 9pm this weekend
Close the windows to keep the warm air out (Image: Kinga Krzeminska via Getty Images) UK households are being advised to keep their windows, curtains and blinds shut this Thursday through Sunday from 8am to 9.15pm. After a slight dip in temperatures over the past few weeks due to rain replacing sunshine, a five-day heatwave started at 5am on Thursday and will last until Tuesday. The Met Office predicts temperatures will reach 31C on Thursday and Friday, peak at 32C on Saturday, then drop back to 31C on Sunday and 29C on Monday, before cooling down to a relatively chilly 25C on Tuesday. Homes across much of England and Wales will be particularly hot as the sun heats up our well-insulated buildings designed more for cold British winters than prolonged periods of summer sun exceeding 30C. READ MORE: Huge Amazon Prime Day sale slashes Coco & Eve's 'best tanner on the market' by 30% This means that households are being encouraged to take measures to keep their homes cool during the sunny weather. One such measure is to close windows and curtains or blinds when the sun is out, and strategically open windows in shaded areas and reopen all windows in the evening, once the sun has set and outside temperatures have dropped. This week, sunrise is around 4.55am on average (though this varies by a few minutes depending on whether you're on the south coast of England or the northern tip of Scotland), with sunset at approximately 9.15pm. While you may not fancy rising at the crack of dawn, experts advise that you should snap your windows shut as the sun comes up, and pop them open again after sunset. Off-peak, you can leave your windows ajar if they're in the cooler spots or away from the sun's glare, reports the Express. Energy experts at OVO suggest: "Tempting as it is to fling open the windows at the first sign of summer, it's not actually the best idea. To keep your house cool, you need to keep the hot air out. "This means keeping windows closed during the day - particularly south-facing windows. Keep curtains, blinds and windows shut when the sun is shining directly on them, and when you're out. Try opening windows on the most shaded side of your home, to avoid sunlight and hot air getting in." Heating connoisseurs at BOXT echo the sentiment, stressing that open windows in sunny weather might just make your abode toastier. Andy Kerr, founder of BOXT, said: "Getting rid of unwanted heat in your home can be difficult in the summer months, especially when most UK properties are built to retain heat. "While grabbing a fan or opening up all your windows are often mentioned as effective ways to cool your home, these methods may not result in the desired results. "To help homeowners keep cool as the warmer months approach, we have revealed which common home cooling hacks are myths and why they don't work so you can avoid them this summer. "When temperatures are particularly warm, opening up all your windows will let more hot air into your home, heating up your home and making you feel warmer. "Instead of opening all your windows, it is much better to strategically open windows to create cross breezes throughout the day and open your windows during the night to let cooler air in."
Scottish Sun
06-07-2025
- Scottish Sun
15 danger zones around the home you must check NOW before you go on holiday – or risk being hit with £390 costs
Find out how to prevent yourself being landed with a big bill when you get home HOUSE THAT 15 danger zones around the home you must check NOW before you go on holiday – or risk being hit with £390 costs Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) NOT going through these 15 checks before you go on holiday could land you with a huge bill. It's easy to get caught up in the excitement of heading off on a break. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 1 Fridges and freezers can usually be left running unless you're going away for a long time Credit: Alamy But research by BOXT has found one in Brits have returned home to be hit with an unexpected home emergency - with the average repair bill totalling a massive £390. Some of the common culprits include break-ins, boiler problems, mould, flooding and fires. If you want to avoid being landed with a hefty bill, these are the 15 things you should be checking for before you head off on your travels. Check for fire risks An estimated 35,000 house fires happen in the UK every year. Here's how to protect your home while you're away. Look at your electricals Electrical fires are one of the most common causes of house fires in the UK. You're particularly at risk when you go away on holiday, and the main culprits are often tumble dryers, chargers and toasters. Sam Starbuck, home expert at HomeServe, says: "It's worth unplugging things like TVs, audio systems, Wi-Fi routers, kitchen appliances like coffee machines and toasters, dishwashers, and washing machines, all of which can use power when on standby and, in some cases, cause an electrical fire. "Fridges and freezers can usually be left running, unless you're going to be away for an extended period. Just make sure they're working properly before you go." You should also check for overloaded plug sockets and ageing wiring. I'm a mum-of-12, I swear by £1.15 bathroom cleaner and £3.25 mould cleaner in our busy house Move mirrors and glassware Another fire risk is sunlight reflecting off everyday items in your home. Avoid putting magnifying mirrors, mirrored display trays or even glass ornaments near windows as these can concentrate sunlight into a beam hot enough to ignite curtains, furniture or carpet. Kara says: "Before you head off on holiday, it's worth doing a quick sweep of your home to make sure anything reflective is moved away from window ledges or sunlit spots. "It takes just a minute to reposition a mirror, but the damage from a fire could be devastating." Don't leave things charging You should avoid leaving electronics to charge while they're away, especially ones with lithium-ion batteries. This type of battery can be found in most rechargeable devices such as power banks, e-bikes, vapes and smart watches. If left unattended they can overheat and start fires. Kara says you should always store these types of electronics in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and flammable materials. Never throw these devices in the rubbish or your standard recycling bins, as these batteries can ignite if they're crushed or damaged. Check your curtains You should avoid draping curtains or blinds over radiators or plug sockets, as this can also create a fire risk. Thief-proof your home Another major risk while you're away is falling victim to a break-in. These are the steps you can take to try to prevent it... Safeguard your garden Stop thieves from being tempted to steal from your garden by storing your tools and equipment in a locked shed or garage. You could also add certain features like a gravel pathway to deter intruders as the sound of footsteps crunching on gravel could alert homeowners. Plus, planting thorny bushes near your fences can act as a natural barrier. Secure your doors and windows Mark Hodgson, chairman of Tremark and vice president of The Association of British Insurers, says you should invest in high-security door locks. You could also consider installing deadbolts. Don't forget about your windows too - you can upgrade your window locks to make it harder for people to enter. You could also apply security film to your windows to make them shatter-resistant. Mark your valuables You can use UV light to mark your valuables and it won't show up under normal lighting. "This technique not only makes it easier to identify stolen items, but also signals to potential thieves that the property is traceable, serving as a strong deterrent," Mark says. "Items such as electronics, tools and expensive garden equipment should be labelled accordingly." Get a security camera Installing a security camera or doorbell device can serve as a deterrent for thieves. Plus, it can let you monitor your home while you're away. You might even be able to use a "decoy" security camera that looks genuine but isn't operational. Avoid plumbing and boiler disasters If you're way from home for a while, it can cause issues with your heating and plumbing. Here's what to do to prevent it... Switch your boiler to 'holiday mode' Some boiler systems have a "holiday mode" or "away mode" that you can use when you'll be out of the house for a few days or more. The setting turns off your central heating to conserve energy but keeps essential heating functions such as frost protection and minimal hot water circulation active. This can stop you having issues like frozen pipes or stagnant water while also saving you from wasting energy. Adam Knight, lead engineer at BOXT, says: "Running the boiler for a short period could help prevent components from sticking or seizing, particularly if you're away for extended periods of time." Turn off your stop tap If you're going away for more than three days, you should make sure to switch off your water supply. This can protect you against surprises such as damp, floor damage or burst pipes. The stop tap is usually located under the kitchen sink but it might also be in a kitchen cupboard, a downstairs toilet, a utility room or garage, basement, or under the stairs. Turn the tap clockwise to switch off the water supply and anti-clockwise to turn it back on again. Make sure you always turn slowly and gently to avoid damaging the valve. Avoid pesky pests The last thing you want is to come home to a pest infestation. You'll want to make sure you do these things... Get rid of food scraps Rats and mice can do a surprising amount of damage to your home - and they love finding food scraps in bins or crumbs under the sofa. Kara Gammell says: "Rats can gnaw through almost anything, including concrete and metal. "They've been known to cause flooding by chewing through pipes." You can avoid this problem by clearing away clutter, getting rid of food scraps, keeping your bins tightly shut and sealing up gaps and holes in your home. Protect your car too Rats can also nibble their way through car engines and fuel hoses and damage headlights. Make sure you park away from rubbish or food sources and use a garage if possible. Also keep your car's interior clean and food-free. Prevent mould Another common issue that can happen while you're away is mould growth. Here are the areas you should keep an eye on... Bathrooms This is perhaps the most obvious area where mould can grow. Check your bathroom for any signs of mould starting to appear before you go, such as black, green or white patches on your walls. Another tell-tale sign is a musty smell. Washing machines Hudson Lambert, mould expert at Dryzone, says there are plenty of "less obvious" hotspots for mould that you might not think to check. For example, if you're washing your clothes at lower temperatures (below 40C) then mould can survive in your machine. Make sure to regularly wash your washing machine and check for signs of mould before you go away. Behind furniture Mould behind furniture can be caused by condensation on the wall. You should check behind sofas, bathroom mirrors and radiators that aren't in use for signs.
The Sun
06-07-2025
- The Sun
15 danger zones around the home you must check NOW before you go on holiday – or risk being hit with £390 costs
NOT going through these 15 checks before you go on holiday could land you with a huge bill. It's easy to get caught up in the excitement of heading off on a break. 1 But research by BOXT has found one in Brits have returned home to be hit with an unexpected home emergency - with the average repair bill totalling a massive £390. Some of the common culprits include break-ins, boiler problems, mould, flooding and fires. If you want to avoid being landed with a hefty bill, these are the 15 things you should be checking for before you head off on your travels. Check for fire risks An estimated 35,000 house fires happen in the UK every year. Here's how to protect your home while you're away. Look at your electricals Electrical fires are one of the most common causes of house fires in the UK. You're particularly at risk when you go away on holiday, and the main culprits are often tumble dryers, chargers and toasters. Sam Starbuck, home expert at HomeServe, says: "It's worth unplugging things like TVs, audio systems, Wi-Fi routers, kitchen appliances like coffee machines and toasters, dishwashers, and washing machines, all of which can use power when on standby and, in some cases, cause an electrical fire. "Fridges and freezers can usually be left running, unless you're going to be away for an extended period. Just make sure they're working properly before you go." You should also check for overloaded plug sockets and ageing wiring. Move mirrors and glassware Another fire risk is sunlight reflecting off everyday items in your home. Avoid putting magnifying mirrors, mirrored display trays or even glass ornaments near windows as these can concentrate sunlight into a beam hot enough to ignite curtains, furniture or carpet. Kara says: "Before you head off on holiday, it's worth doing a quick sweep of your home to make sure anything reflective is moved away from window ledges or sunlit spots. "It takes just a minute to reposition a mirror, but the damage from a fire could be devastating." Don't leave things charging You should avoid leaving electronics to charge while they're away, especially ones with lithium-ion batteries. This type of battery can be found in most rechargeable devices such as power banks, e-bikes, vapes and smart watches. If left unattended they can overheat and start fires. Kara says you should always store these types of electronics in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and flammable materials. Never throw these devices in the rubbish or your standard recycling bins, as these batteries can ignite if they're crushed or damaged. Check your curtains You should avoid draping curtains or blinds over radiators or plug sockets, as this can also create a fire risk. Thief-proof your home Another major risk while you're away is falling victim to a break-in. These are the steps you can take to try to prevent it... Safeguard your garden Stop thieves from being tempted to steal from your garden by storing your tools and equipment in a locked shed or garage. You could also add certain features like a gravel pathway to deter intruders as the sound of footsteps crunching on gravel could alert homeowners. Plus, planting thorny bushes near your fences can act as a natural barrier. Secure your doors and windows Mark Hodgson, chairman of Tremark and vice president of The Association of British Insurers, says you should invest in high-security door locks. You could also consider installing deadbolts. Don't forget about your windows too - you can upgrade your window locks to make it harder for people to enter. You could also apply security film to your windows to make them shatter-resistant. Mark your valuables You can use UV light to mark your valuables and it won't show up under normal lighting. "This technique not only makes it easier to identify stolen items, but also signals to potential thieves that the property is traceable, serving as a strong deterrent," Mark says. "Items such as electronics, tools and expensive garden equipment should be labelled accordingly." Get a security camera Installing a security camera or doorbell device can serve as a deterrent for thieves. Plus, it can let you monitor your home while you're away. You might even be able to use a "decoy" security camera that looks genuine but isn't operational. Avoid plumbing and boiler disasters If you're way from home for a while, it can cause issues with your heating and plumbing. Here's what to do to prevent it... Switch your boiler to 'holiday mode' Some boiler systems have a "holiday mode" or "away mode" that you can use when you'll be out of the house for a few days or more. The setting turns off your central heating to conserve energy but keeps essential heating functions such as frost protection and minimal hot water circulation active. This can stop you having issues like frozen pipes or stagnant water while also saving you from wasting energy. Adam Knight, lead engineer at BOXT, says: "Running the boiler for a short period could help prevent components from sticking or seizing, particularly if you're away for extended periods of time." Turn off your stop tap If you're going away for more than three days, you should make sure to switch off your water supply. This can protect you against surprises such as damp, floor damage or burst pipes. The stop tap is usually located under the kitchen sink but it might also be in a kitchen cupboard, a downstairs toilet, a utility room or garage, basement, or under the stairs. Turn the tap clockwise to switch off the water supply and anti-clockwise to turn it back on again. Make sure you always turn slowly and gently to avoid damaging the valve. Avoid pesky pests The last thing you want is to come home to a pest infestation. You'll want to make sure you do these things... Get rid of food scraps Rats and mice can do a surprising amount of damage to your home - and they love finding food scraps in bins or crumbs under the sofa. Kara Gammell says: "Rats can gnaw through almost anything, including concrete and metal. "They've been known to cause flooding by chewing through pipes." You can avoid this problem by clearing away clutter, getting rid of food scraps, keeping your bins tightly shut and sealing up gaps and holes in your home. Protect your car too Rats can also nibble their way through car engines and fuel hoses and damage headlights. Make sure you park away from rubbish or food sources and use a garage if possible. Also keep your car's interior clean and food-free. Prevent mould Another common issue that can happen while you're away is mould growth. Here are the areas you should keep an eye on... Bathrooms This is perhaps the most obvious area where mould can grow. Check your bathroom for any signs of mould starting to appear before you go, such as black, green or white patches on your walls. Another tell-tale sign is a musty smell. Washing machines Hudson Lambert, mould expert at Dryzone, says there are plenty of "less obvious" hotspots for mould that you might not think to check. For example, if you're washing your clothes at lower temperatures (below 40C) then mould can survive in your machine. Make sure to regularly wash your washing machine and check for signs of mould before you go away. Mould behind furniture can be caused by condensation on the wall.
Daily Mirror
27-06-2025
- Climate
- Daily Mirror
Tips on how to sleep through a heatwave as temperatures expected to soar
A new report has revealed that over half of Brits have pulled a sickie due to the roasting weather impacting their sleep - and it's only set to get worse, with temperatures expected to spike again this weekend Heatwaves are believed to cost the UK economy an average of £5.98bn each year, according to a recent study, and a significant factor is sleep. More than a third of Brits lose between one to two hours of sleep per night during a heatwave. As a result, over half of Brits have admitted to calling in sick due to the scorching weather affecting their sleep, others have arrived late or cancelled social plans. Worryingly for UK employers, the decrease in sleep quality is impacting productivity levels with the average adult losing nearly 14 hours of efficient work time during heatwaves. According to the study commissioned by BOXT, only 5 percent of UK homes are constructed to cope with the temperatures that the country is currently experiencing. Overheated Brits are also feeling the pinch financially. The research shows half of participants (57%) are splurging £150 on iced drinks and portable fans to stay cool, while a staggering 28% confessed to shelling out £300 for the same items. "We've long focused on keeping heat in but with hotter summers becoming the norm, good insulation is just as important for keeping our homes cool," said Adam Knight, lead engineer at BOXT. "Most of us are relying on temporary cooling hacks and still not sleeping well. We're seeing more hot, humid nights in the UK but our homes aren't built for it," he said. "Ask any parent with a cranky toddler after a sleepless night, or a commuter sweating through another sticky train journey. Heat affects behaviour and brain power." Despite the nationwide struggles, only 5 percent of Brits have a permanent air-conditioning unit fitted in their home and 14 percent consider the concept an American or Mediterranean 'luxury'. But it might not be as expensive as they think. You could get a unit installed with flexible finance options starting at just £30.67 a month with no deposit, says BOXT. Those who are happy to splash the cash upfront could purchase an air-conditioning unit for £2,199. Adam added: "Most people assume air conditioning is expensive or only for luxury homes – but it's more affordable than you may think. And, unlike fans or gadgets that just circulate air, proper AC cools the whole room, not just the space directly in front of you." To help struggling Brits get through their workday when temperatures rise, sleep expert and psychologist Hope Bastine has shared her top advice on how to get a good night's sleep. Heatwave hacks to improve your sleep Freeze your sheets Go for natural linen or eucalyptus fibre sheets – they wick away moisture, dry quickly and help air flow. To stay cool without soaking your bed, focus on smaller items. Stick to freezing just your pillowcase or a light throw, not the whole bedding set. Pop them in a plastic bag and freeze for 15 minutes before bed. Ditch your partner Cuddling partners and pets can be comforting but not in a heatwave – so try to sleep solo if possible. Body heat is your worst enemy on hot nights. Even one extra person in bed can raise the temp by a few degrees. Skip the cold shower before bed Instead, Hope recommends having a lukewarm shower 90 minutes before bed, which helps kickstart your body's cooling process and helps wind you down. Cut the caffeine Iced coffees might feel like a heatwave treat but caffeine is a diuretic and contributes to dehydration, one of the top causes of disturbed sleep. It also raises your body temperature, which is what you want to avoid.
Yahoo
19-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Win a signed 2024/25 Promotion Scarf
Are you a die-hard Leeds United supporter? Looking for the perfect piece of memorabilia to celebrate the team's hard-fought promotion? BOXT is giving fans a golden opportunity to get their hands on a limited-edition 2024/25 Leeds United Promotion Scarf – and not just any scarf, but one that's been personally signed by members of the squad! This exclusive giveaway is a must-enter for any passionate Leeds United fan. Whether you're a regular at Elland Road or cheer from afar, owning a signed promotion scarf is the ultimate way to mark this unforgettable moment in the club's history. Terms and Conditions apply.
