US Markets
Home›US Markets›Sectors›ASA warns portable air conditioner ads exaggerate cool…
ASA warns portable air conditioner ads exaggerate cooling claims
The UK advertising watchdog said some listings touted rapid room cooling in minutes and low electricity use, but tests found devices were closer to small fans.
The UK Advertising Standards Agency (ASA) has warned that online adverts for portable air conditioners making extreme performance claims are often misleading, as the country braces for another hot weekend. BBC Business reports that ads appearing on platforms including Facebook and YouTube promoted devices as capable of cooling a room in 90 seconds, sometimes with claims such as being designed by former NASA engineers. The ASA said it had seen exaggerated statements including that small devices could cool an entire home within minutes or use very little electricity, and that some adverts featured fake customer reviews describing dramatic temperature drops.
BBC Business also reports that the products are typically sold via websites charging between £70 and £120, and that many of the adverts use AI generated imagery to appear more sophisticated. A YouTuber, Stuart Matthews, told the outlet he tested several machines, including one he paid £70 for that he said turned out to be essentially a small fan worth only a few pounds.
According to the report, the ASA advised shoppers to research retailers, verify genuine contact details and a business address, and look for independent reviews rather than relying on testimonials on sellers' sites. The regulator said concerned consumers can report misleading air conditioner ads through its website.