As the cooler temperatures start creeping in, people will be looking for cost-efficient ways to heat their homes. Due to the cost of living crisis that has seen energy prices soar, many people will want to avoid having their central heating on for long periods of time.
Some people are resorting to following heating hacks that have gone viral online. While we don't blame them for doing so, some of the tips people are sharing are incredibly dangerous. A heating technology expert said people should 'think twice' before people follow these hacks as they could 'put your life at risk'. She has warned people against four social media ideas, in particular, explaining the safety issues as well as why they won't actually reduce bills.
Using a terracotta pot to heat a room was a hugely popular TikTok craze that emerged last winter. It involved putting the pot upside down on top of three lit candles to warm a room quickly and cheaply. While it seemed like a good idea at the time, Jess Steele, a heating technology expert at online heating specialists BestHeating warns against doing it.
"There are various reasons we shouldn't do this, including the possibility that the terracotta pot will explode or shatter, leading to burns. The melted wax underneath the pot can also cause a fire, and there is a risk of carbon monoxide poisoning due to the lack of ventilation to the candles," she told Express.
She also warns against following the TikTok hack that saw people putting a house brick inside a heated oven. She said there is a high chance the brick could explode and put your life at risk. There is also the potential for the brick to catch fire.
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On social media, some influencers have posted pictures of their own DIY radiator covers. While they might look good, these can have a negative impact on energy costs. This is because the covers reduce the radiator's efficiency by preventing heat from entering the space. As the room's temperature cannot be detected, it will also confuse the thermostat and mess with thermostatic radiator valves.
Last winter, a popular social media fad encouraged Britons to cook indoors with grills and camping stoves to cut costs. These served as a source of heat inside people's houses as well. However, the hack proved to be dangerous, as there was a spike in reports of fire brigades putting fires out. Jess said: "This is extremely dangerous as it raises the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning as well as the potential to burn the property down. Leave this type of equipment for outside cooking." She added that there are much safer ways to increase the warmth of a property without spending an arm and a leg. She recommends purchasing draught excluders and only heating the room you are using.
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