Consumeradvice

Electrical

I’m considering purchasing an electric blanket as a way of keeping warm at home without putting the heating on but struggling to get a reasonably priced one from bigger retailers. I’ve seen cheap copycat ones online but have had problems in the past. What would you recommend?

The cost of energy has increased significantly, and with most of us facing hikes in bills, many are looking at ways of keeping costs down and alternative ways to keep warm in our homes. Many agencies are encouraging people to ‘heat the person’ as opposed to the whole house. This advice appears to work for …

I’m considering purchasing an electric blanket as a way of keeping warm at home without putting the heating on but struggling to get a reasonably priced one from bigger retailers. I’ve seen cheap copycat ones online but have had problems in the past. What would you recommend? Read More »

Black Friday & Cyber Monday 2022 – Avoiding Regretful Bargains and Dangerous Products

Hot off the heels of National Consumer Week Scotland 2022 last week, Advice Direct Scotland are asking Scottish consumers to wear their ‘savvy shopper’ badges pride of place for a bit longer – to help avoid being caught out by counterfeit cosmetics and problematic products in the Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales. This year, …

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White Goods: New energy efficiency regulations will make household appliances more affordable and sustainable

An announcement from the UK Government on March 10th, 2021 outlined plans to implement legislation which will make appliances like fridges, washing machines, and televisions cheaper to run and longer lasting. UK consumers will soon find that their home appliances have a longer lifespan and greater cost-effectiveness, following the announcement of new energy efficiency legislation …

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Cyber Monday: Avoiding Counterfeit Electronics and Issues with Games Consoles

Black Friday and Cyber Monday are set to be more popular than ever this year, with many retailers offering early and extended sales on the must-have items for Christmas. Cyber Monday presents an opportunity to pick up the latest gadgets and electrical equipment, including the newest releases of games consoles. With the genuine retailers out …

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Gizmos and Gadgets – Avoiding Impulse Purchases and Understanding Consumer Psychology

For most of us, the purchase of a new gadget is exciting.  Opening the box and holding something which feels and looks shiny and new can be a great feeling. This interaction between the shiny new item, the act of opening the packaging and the anticipation of the experience is an important driver in encouraging …

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Whirlpool – Hotpoint / Indesit Washing Machine Recall

Over 500,000 Hotpoint and Indesit brands of washing machine have been recalled by Whirlpool today. There have been an estimated 79 fires in the UK caused by a fault which develops over time. This most recent recall accounts for around 20% of the washing machines sold since 2014.  consumeradvice.scot have put together the top Frequently Asked Questions in relation to this recall, and information on what consumers who think that they have …

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Keeping Communication Current: Top Tips to Avoid Unnecessary Expense

Tablet, Mobile Phone, Laptop, 4G TV with 3 different subscriptions and internet access. That’s a list of my own telecommunication devices, subscriptions and monthly costs that enable me to keep fully involved and interacting effectively with what is happening in the world. It’s a shopping list that seems to grow in length with every passing …

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Right to Repair 2021: Electrical Appliance Top Tips, Now!

With confirmation that the European Union will be implementing ‘right to repair’ principles in the production of lighting, washing machines, dishwashers and fridges by 2021, increased responsibility will be placed on manufacturers to ensure that these appliances are made longer-lasting, with additional responsibilities concerning maintenance for up to ten years. The consumer appliance market in …

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