Urgent warning over common household appliance used by millions to slash energy bills
MILLIONS are turning to a cost-cutting electrical appliance in order to save on bills this winter.
But in light of Electrical Fire Safety Week, experts are warning households about the risks when using them.
Many billpayers are turning to electrical heaters and wood burners to heat their homes in a more cost-effective way.
However, they don't realise they could easily spark a fire if they come into contact with household items.
Fire experts Electrical Safety First confirmed that out of over 3,000 UK adults, 42% are using or considering electrical heaters as an alternative - and although it might save you money - there are safety factors to acknowledge.
Lesley Rudd, chief executive of Electrical Safety First, said: “Heating your home should never come at the expense of your own safety.
read more in heating gadgets
"While portable heaters can be useful to heat a small space, they can pose a real risk to your home and your life if mistakes are made when using them.
"With the significant number of people set to turn to these appliances this winter, it’s vital we use them safely.
There are some points to consider first if you've bought an electrical heater and plan to use it:
- It should be on a level surface - you don't want it to be knocked over or fall off
- Keep it well away from flammable objects like paper, furniture or curtains
- Never use it to dry your clothes
- Don't leave it unattended for long periods of time, especially when you're asleep
- You should never power it from an extension lead – they can overheat and start a fire fast
- Always check your heater for damage and deterioration - do not use it if it's not in good condition
- Make sure you buy from manufacturers or retailers that you know and trust - second-hand heaters could be faulty
- Double check your appliance is registered and hasn't been recalled
- Have somebody check your smoke alarm or make sure you know it's working - it's imperative to detect anything that goes wrong about the house
Most read in Money
Many electrical heating appliances are open-fronted, making it easy for household items to come into contact with red-hot metal heating elements - so keep surroundings in mind at all times.
Other ways to cut your energy bills
There are ways to reduce your energy bill without having to resort to unsafe practices.
This includes a few easy tips to remember, like closing your curtains in the evening.
So when temperatures naturally drop, you should draw them to keep the heat in, and then open them in the morning when the sun comes out.
You can also buy draught excluders which can be cheap - we spotted them on Amazon for £7.99 - but you should always shop around for better offers.
And always think about how much money you're spending on household appliances - the kettle is ranked one of the costliest, after the shower, heating and a fan-assisted oven.
You can read about how much they cost and how to keep prices down in our guides - like this one here.
Also, Energy Saving Trust estimates that between 9-16% of electricity used in homes is through appliances in standby mode.
On a bill of £500, this could account for as much as £80. We've rounded up the worst devices to leave on standby.
And remember installing a smart meter is free and usually provided by your energy supplier.
They keep a real-time record of your energy consumption so you can keep an eye on what you're using.
READ MORE SUN STORIES
Read More on The Sun
There's also a whole list of government help you might be eligible for in the colder months, like the Warm Home Discount.
And remember to check with your energy supplier for more grants you could receive - British Gas offer up to £1,500 for struggling customers, for instance.