WITH the cold weather well and truly here, we’re all looking for ways to keep our homes warm without turning the heating on.
And one hack people have been taking to social media to share involves using an upside-down terracotta pot over lit candles as a makeshift heater.
However, while the idea seems both low-priced and effective, heating experts have issued an urgent warning not to try it.
One of the main risks of the hack is the increase in risk of carbon monoxide poisoning – as the colourless, odourless gas can be lethal in high concentrations.
“This can occur due to inadequate ventilation for the candles,” Gordon Wallis from Your NRG explained.
“When candles burn in an enclosed space like under a terracotta pot, they consume oxygen and produce carbon monoxide, which can be trapped and accumulate to dangerous levels.”
There’s also a chance the pot could shatter or explode, potentially leading to injuries and burns.
“This could happen due to the pot being exposed to high temperatures, which it might not be designed to withstand,” Wallis added.
“The explosion or shattering of the pot can lead to serious burns, posing a significant danger to millions.”
In addition, another critical concern is the fire hazard posed by the melted wax from the candles in the heater.
“If the pot becomes unstable or falls, the candles can tip over, causing the melted wax to come into contact with flammable materials,” Wallis explained.
“This can lead to a fire, putting lives and properties at risk.”
So instead of relying on the risky trick, there are some other things you can try to keep your house cosy and toasty.
“One of the most effective ways to keep your home warm is by ensuring it’s well-insulated,” he said.
“This includes things like sealing gaps around doors and windows, adding insulation to your attic, and using thermal curtains.
“These measures help retain heat inside your home, reducing the need for additional heating sources.”
Property expert Joshua Houston shared his tips.
1. Curtains
“Windows are a common place for the outside cold to get into your home, this is because of small gaps that can let in air so always close your curtains as soon as it gets dark,” he said.
This simple method gives you an extra layer of warmth as it can provide a kind of “insulation” between your window and curtain.
2. Rugs
“Your floor is another area of your home where heat can be lost and can make your home feel chilly,” he continued. “You might notice on cold days, that your floor is not nice to walk on due to it freezing your feet.
“Add rugs to areas that don’t already have a carpet, this provides a layer of insulation between your bare floor and the room above.”
3. Check your insulation
Check your pipes, loft space, crawlspaces and underneath floorboards.
“Loose-fill insulation is very good for this, and is a more affordable type of insulation, with a big bag being able to be picked up for around £30,” Joshua explained.
4. Keep your internal doors closed
“Household members often gather in one room in the evening, and this is usually either the kitchen or living room,” Joshua said.
“This means you only have to heat a small area of your home, and closing the doors keeps the heat in and the cold out.”
5. Block drafts
Don’t forget to check cat flaps, chimneys and letterboxes, as they can let in cold air if they aren’t secure.
Consider bleeding your radiators too, Wallis explained, adding: “Trapped air in the heating system can prevent hot water from circulating effectively.
“By bleeding your radiators, you release this air, allowing the radiator to heat up properly.”
