As the UK braces for another hot weekend, online adverts are showcasing portable air‑conditioners that claim to be “ ” designed by former NASA engineers” and to be able to “cool a room in 90 seconds.”
The ads appear on platforms such as Facebook and YouTube, yet the Advertising Standards Agency (ASA) warns that many of the products are “too good to be true.”
YouTuber Stuart Matthews, who purchased several units for his Proper DIY channel, told the BBC that despite paying £70 for one device it turned out to be “just a small, inexpensive fan.”
The BBC has reached out to Meta and YouTube for comment.
According to the ASA, some of the adverts claim that a compact device can cool an entire home within minutes or use very little electricity, statements that are deemed exaggerated.
The agency also highlighted that many ads feature fabricated customer reviews, boasting dramatic temperature drops or exceptional performance.
Shoppers are directed to websites selling these devices, typically priced between £70 and £120.
A number of the ads appear to be AI‑generated, using imagery such as copper coils and metallic housings to give the products an air of sophistication.
