As temperatures drop, many households will be looking for ways to keep warm.
While people would have previously opted to turn up their heating, some are seeking alternatives due to the recent energy bill cap increase.
Alternative methods to keep the house warm have been popping up on various social media sites, and one in particular which has gone viral could potentially be life-threatening.
The viral hack involves using an upside-down terracotta flower pot over tealight candles.
This DIY heater may be enticing as the resources are easily accessible and it takes no time to put together, but experts from Heat Adviser warn that it could be dangerous for a number of reasons.
The heating advice specialists have shared some the dangers of this popular heating hack, and why it's best avoided this winter.
Why is this heating hack unsafe?
Fire hazard
The combination of the melted wax from the candle mixed with the terracotta of the flower pot can easily catch fire. If the pot were to fall or become unstable, the candles can get knocked over and come into contact with something flammable, resulting in a fire as well.
Burns
The clay on the flower pot can get extremely hot and touching it can cause significant burns. If there was an emergency it would be nearly impossible for anyone to touch the pot without getting harmed.
Additionally, the pot can’t be placed anywhere safely or without causing any damage to the surface.
Poor air quality
When tealights are used, soot is produced, which reduces the quality of air. This low air quality could be harmful and risk the health of the people breathing it in.
Paraffin wax releases toxic chemicals such as toluene and benzene which affect development and reproduction. These also increase the risk of lung cancer.
Doesn’t follow guidelines for safe candle use
Having a pot that is held above candles can cause an accident if the pot were to tip over slightly.
Additionally, candles should always be supervised and in an open space without any coverings over them.
Explosions
The terracotta pot can cause an explosion when it is heated if it still contains moisture. This is because when it reaches 100 degrees Celsius, the production of steam can cause an explosion.
It is hard to tell whether the pot is completely dry and the hidden moisture would make it hard to know that you are actually setting yourself up for an explosion.
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