Switched On · 69 guides
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Practical tips to get more from what you already have.
Newest · Energy & Smart Home · 2 min read
What Are the New EU Energy Labels Telling You?Why the EU energy label rescaled to A–G, how to read the rating, kWh figure and QR code, and what to look for when buying.Read the guide
How to Deep Clean Your Carpets and Floors at HomeHow to deep clean carpets with a carpet washer, refresh hard floors with a steam mop, and keep them cleaner for longer.
Smart Heating: Can Tech Help You Cut Heating Bills?How smart thermostats, radiator valves and plugs reduce wasted heat — and whether smart heating is worth it for your home.
How to Heat One Room Cheaply This AutumnThe right portable heater with controls, heated throws, and keeping the warmth in — how to heat one room cheaply this autumn.
How to Cut Your Energy Bills as the Evenings Draw InHeat smarter with zoned heating and timers, cut standby waste with smart plugs, and keep the warmth in — practical autumn energy savings.
Robot Lawnmowers: Are They Right for an Irish Garden?Do robot lawnmowers suit the Irish climate and damp, uneven gardens? How they handle rain, slopes and complex lawns — plus picks.
Baking Like a Champion: The Brown Bread ToolkitThe brown soda bread toolkit — scales, an even oven and a stand mixer — plus champion tips, ahead of the Euronics-sponsored Ploughing competition.
How to Get Bakery Results at Home: Tools That Make a DifferenceA good stand mixer, an accurate oven, scales and bakeware — the tools and technique tips that give bakery-quality results at home.
What Is a Pyrolytic Oven? Self-Cleaning Ovens ExplainedHow pyrolytic self-cleaning ovens burn grease to ash, the benefits, energy use to know about, and the catalytic alternative.
Lunchbox Heroes: Air Fryers, Toasties & Quick Kitchen WinsThe air fryers, sandwich toasters and health grills that make fast, cheap back-to-school meals with minimal fuss.
Printer Running Costs: How to Save on Ink and TonerInk subscriptions, XL cartridges, draft and mono printing, and when laser wins — how to cut your printer running costs.
Robot Vacuums for Busy Homes: Are They Worth It?What robot vacuums do well, where they fall short, and the features worth having — are they worth it for a busy home? Plus our picks.
How to Speed Up an Old Laptop (Before You Replace It)Simple free fixes — startup, disk space and updates — plus the cheap SSD and RAM upgrades that transform a slow old laptop.
Back to School Tech Checklist: Laptops, Tablets & AccessoriesThe laptops, tablets, printers and accessories students need — a back-to-school checklist matched to primary, secondary and college.
Festival Survival Tech: Power, Speakers & Cameras for the WeekendYour festival survival kit — power banks, portable speakers and action cameras to keep the weekend powered and documented.
Streaming Devices Explained: Smart TV, Stick or Box?Smart TV, streaming stick or box? What each does and which you actually need to get Netflix, Disney+ and more on your TV.
How to Cut the Cost of Running Your Tumble DryerSpin drier, use sensor drying, clean the filter — and why a heat pump dryer saves the most — to cut tumble dryer running costs.
Drying Laundry Indoors: Dehumidifiers, Heat Pump Dryers & TipsDrying clothes indoors without damp and mould — how dehumidifiers and heat pump dryers help, plus spin and ventilation tips.
Steam Mops & Cleaners: Do They Actually Work?Do steam cleaners really work? What steam mops excel at, what to avoid, and the types to choose for a chemical-free clean.
How to Set Up a Home Office That WorksThe essential screen, laptop and printer, an ergonomic setup and the supporting tech — how to build a home office that works.
Washing Machine Capacity Guide: What Size Do You Need?What the kg rating means, the right washing machine capacity for your household, plus spin speed and energy tips.
What Is a Venting Hob? Downdraft Hobs ExplainedA venting (downdraft) hob combines a hob and extractor in one — how they work, ducted vs recirculating, and what to consider.
All-Ireland Final at Home: Set Up for the Big GameWatching the All-Ireland Final at home? Get set for throw-in — TV picture settings, a soundbar for atmosphere and easy crowd snacks.
What Is Mini-LED? TV Technology ExplainedMini-LED in plain English — how it works, how it compares to OLED, and whether it's worth paying for in your next TV.