Call Our Stores: Ellesmere - 01691 624427 | Whitchurch - 01948 662463

Helplines: Ellesmere - 01691 624427 | Whitchurch - 01948 662463

Our Stores: 

Ellesmere - 01691 624427 | Whitchurch - 01948 662463

As temperatures rise across Shropshire, staying comfortable at home takes a bit more thought — especially in older properties where thick walls that keep you warm in winter can trap heat in summer. Here's what actually helps.

Tips & advice 2025 5 min read

You don't need air conditioning to keep a home comfortable in a UK summer. The right combination of fans, good refrigeration, and a few practical habits makes a significant difference — and most of it is available off the shelf.

1

Fans — the most effective starting point

A well-positioned fan makes a room noticeably more comfortable without significantly adding to your electricity bill. The key is choosing the right type for the space:

  • Tower fans — quiet, space-efficient, ideal for bedrooms. Many include sleep timers and remote controls.
  • Desk fans — compact and directional, great for home offices and children's rooms.
  • Pedestal fans — adjustable height and wider oscillation, good for living rooms and larger shared spaces.

For maximum effect, position a fan to draw cooler air in through a shaded window, rather than just circulating warm air around the room.

2

Check your fridge freezer can handle the heat

Warm weather puts extra strain on refrigeration — the motor works harder to maintain temperature when the ambient temperature rises. If your fridge freezer is 8–10 years old and you're noticing temperature fluctuations, frost build-up, or food not staying as fresh as usual, summer is often when these problems become most obvious.

Signs your fridge freezer is struggling in warm weather:

  • Food deteriorating faster than usual despite correct temperature settings
  • The motor running almost continuously
  • Ice forming in the fridge compartment (on non-Frost Free models)
  • The exterior feeling unusually warm to the touch

We stock a wide range of energy-efficient fridge freezers with free local delivery across Whitchurch, Ellesmere, and the surrounding area.

3

Cook without heating the kitchen

A conventional oven running for an hour will raise the temperature of a kitchen noticeably — not ideal in summer. Switching to smaller appliances for summer meals is a practical solution that also saves on energy costs.

  • Air fryers — fast, efficient, and produce minimal ambient heat. Ideal for summer cooking.
  • Mini ovens — heat up quickly, use less energy, and keep the kitchen cooler than a full-size oven.
  • Microwaves and microwave grills — quick, low-heat cooking for smaller meals and reheating.
  • Multicookers — one appliance for slow cooking, pressure cooking, and steaming without the oven heat.
4

Improve air quality with dehumidifiers and air purifiers

Humidity makes warmth feel more uncomfortable than the temperature alone. After rain or during close, thundery weather, a dehumidifier can make a significant difference to how a room feels — particularly in bedrooms, conservatories, and home offices where air tends to stagnate.

An air purifier is worth considering if summer pollen is a problem — particularly relevant in a rural area like North Shropshire where grass and crop pollen counts are typically high. Many models now combine air purification with circulation, giving you cleaner and cooler air in one unit.


Holiday lets and rental properties in North Shropshire

If you own a holiday let, Airbnb, or rental property in the Whitchurch, Ellesmere, or wider North Shropshire area, the run-up to summer is a good time to check appliances are up to the job before bookings ramp up.

We regularly help local landlords and hosts with:

  • Replacement fridges and undercounter freezers for smaller kitchens and annexes
  • Kettles, toasters, and microwaves built for frequent guest use
  • Quick local delivery and setup — no courier delays or complicated returns
  • Honest advice on durable, reliable brands suited to high-turnover use

Call us on 01948 662463 (Whitchurch) or 01691 624427 (Ellesmere), or come in and speak to the team directly.

Come and see us in store. We stock fans, dehumidifiers, air purifiers, and a full range of summer cooking appliances at both our Ellesmere and Whitchurch stores. Our team can help you find what works for your home — no pushy sales, just practical advice.

Browse our full range of fans, dehumidifiers, and air purifiers online or in store.

Shop heating & cooling →

How to Keep Cool This Summer – Tips and Appliances from Barlows Electrical in Whitchurch and Ellesmere

As temperatures rise across Shropshire, staying cool at home becomes a real priority – especially in older houses where insulation works a little too well in the summer.

At Barlows Electrical, your local appliance shop in Whitchurch and Ellesmere, we help families, homeowners and landlords stay comfortable during hot weather with practical cooling tips and a great range of seasonal appliances.

Whether you're after a quiet fan, a fridge freezer that can handle the heat, or just want advice from someone local, we’re here to help.

1. Cooling Fans for Bedrooms, Offices and Living Rooms

If you’re finding it hard to sleep or work in the heat, a portable fan is a simple and affordable solution. We stock a full range of fans at our Whitchurch and Ellesmere shops, including:

  • Tower fans – ideal for bedrooms and quiet spaces
  • Desk fans – great for home offices or children’s rooms
  • Pedestal fans – perfect for lounges, kitchens and shared spaces

All our fans are energy-efficient and designed for UK summer use. Many come with timers, adjustable speeds and oscillation features – so you can stay cool without racking up the electricity bill.

Looking for cooling fans near Ellesmere or Whitchurch? Call in and we’ll help you choose the right one for your home.

2. Fridge Freezers That Won’t Let You Down in a Heatwave

Warm weather puts extra pressure on your fridge freezer – especially if it’s over 8-10 years old. If you’re noticing temperature fluctuations, frost build-up, or food not staying as fresh as usual, it might be time for an upgrade.

We stock a wide choice of energy-efficient fridge freezers in-store, including:

Top brands we carry include Bosch, Hotpoint, Blomberg, and Liebherr, all available with free local delivery and installation options across Whitchurch, Ellesmere and nearby villages.

Need help choosing the right model? We offer proper advice – not pushy sales.

3. Cooking Without Heating the House

The last thing you want on a hot summer day is to turn the oven on. That’s why many of our customers in Whitchurch and Ellesmere are turning to air fryers, multi-cookers and microwave grills for their summer cooking.

These appliances are:

  • Compact and cool-running
  • Faster than a conventional oven
  • Cheaper to run on electricity
  • Ideal for summer snacks, small meals and batch
    cooking

We stock trusted brands and can demonstrate features in-store. If you're looking for an air fryer in Whitchurch or a microwave grill near Ellesmere, Barlows Electrical has you covered.

4. Improve Air Quality with Dehumidifiers and Air Purifiers

Humidity, pollen and stale indoor air can all make your home feel stuffy in the summer – especially during thunderstorm weather. We stock compact dehumidifiers and air purifiers that are ideal for bedrooms, conservatories, and home offices.

If you're unsure whether you need one, just ask in store – we’ll talk through your home setup and help you decide.

5. Why Buy Local?

Barlows Electrical isn’t just another appliance retailer – we’re your local shop, serving Whitchurch, Ellesmere and the surrounding Shropshire and North Wales villages. Our service is what sets us apart.

We offer:

  • Installation options for larger items
  • Old appliance recycling, where possible
  • Honest, face-to-face advice from experienced staff
  • A proper shop you can visit, phone or pop into anytime

If you’re looking for cooling appliances near me, chances are we’re just around the corner – and happy to help.

6. Preparing Holiday Homes and Rentals for Summer Guests

If you own a holiday let, Airbnb, or second property in the Whitchurch, Ellesmere or North Shropshire area, now’s the time to check your appliances before the summer bookings kick in.

We regularly help landlords and local hosts with:

  • Replacement fridges and undercounter freezers for small kitchens or annexes
  • Microwaves, kettles and toasters ideal for guest use
  • Quick-turnaround delivery and setup in the local area
  • Advice on durable, reliable brands suitable for frequent use

Whether you're preparing a holiday home for guests or kitting out a new short-let property, our team can help you get what you need quickly – without the hassle of online returns or courier delays.

Looking for appliance support for your holiday let near Whitchurch or Ellesmere? Call or visit us in store – we’re happy to help local landlords keep things running smoothly.

Visit Barlows Electrical in Whitchurch or Ellesmere this week and let us help you keep cool this summer. Whether you need a fan, a new fridge freezer or just some practical advice, you’ll find it here – with friendly service and fair pricing.