WITH bills rising this year, people are getting creative with finding ways to heat their homes.
People are taking to TikTok to share how they are placing plant pots over candles to make rooms warmer – but experts have warned against the trend.
TikTok user Marie Smith, who posts under @mas_2903, showed how she got three B&M candles which were priced at £2 each.
After lighting them, she then got a terracotta plant pot and placed it on top.
The theory is that the pot traps and absorbs heat from the candle, and acts like a mini radiator.
Marie explained why she made the DIY heater, saying: “Our heating system is so old it takes twice as long to heat up and costs loads!
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“We are buying a new boiler and all new plumbing.
“Kept us warm for the day.”
She added that she constantly watched it and didn’t leave it unattended.
Although some people were impressed, others pointed out that it could be a fire hazard.
And a senior officer at the London Fire Brigade agreed saying the terracotta heaters can be very dangerous.
Station Manager Charlie Pugsley, from the Brigade’s fire investigation team, said: “This heating system is unsafe.
“As a fire investigator, I see dozens of fires every year, including fatal fires, that are caused by people using alternative forms of heating and lighting, most of which include a naked flame.
“Candles and tea lights can be extremely dangerous – a small gust of wind can cause an innocent candle flame to set light to objects nearby if left too close.
“We understand that some people may be struggling to pay fuel bills, but we’d urge everyone to think carefully about their safety and the safety of those around them before using candles to heat their homes.”
• Candles need to be used in a safe, fire resistant holder or container – as you can see in the video, the flower pot would only need the slightest knock to cause it and the candles to fall.
• Candles need to be supervised at all times – so blow them out if you need to leave the room.
• Don’t cover candles with anything – anything placed over a candle flame will get very hot, and could melt or catch fire.
• Stick to radiators and if you’re especially cold, a hot water bottle is a much safer alternative.
Many people expressed their sadness that the pots were needed at all, with one saying: “we shouldn’t have to live like this.”
With energy prices still giving us the shivers and bills rising, now’s the time to find other ways to keep warm.
Martin shared the Money Saving Expert (MSE) guide, heat the human not the home, to help vulnerable households stay warm without raising bills.
The key is to keep yourself warm rather than pumping hot air into your house. These low-cost ideas should help you save on your bills.
Naturally, the more clothes you have on, the warmer you should feel.
You can wear as many layers as feels comfortable for you, but aim for a minimum of two when indoors and three when outdoors in cold conditions.
Wearing heated clothing is another idea, from fingerless gloves to warming gilets that either have a battery pack or a USB plug in.
After you’ve wrapped your body up, make sure you put something on your feet. Walking around the house barefoot can counteract your others attempts to warm up.
It’s as simple as putting on a pair of socks or using your slippers around the house.
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The guide also reminds people that eating and drinking warm things regularly helps us stay healthy, according to the NHS.
Keep warm between the sheets by making sure you have a heavy winter duvet in place.
Sometimes a hot water bottle is all you need and these days they come in all shapes and sizes.
