Heating expert issues urgent warning about popular TikTok hack
Now that the cold weather is in full effect here, we are all looking for ways to keep our homes warm without turning on the heat.
And one hack that people have been using to share on social media is using an upside-down terracotta pot over lit candles as a makeshift heater.
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Although the idea seems both cheap and effective, heating experts have issued an urgent warning against trying it.
One of the main risks of the hack is the increase in the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning, as the colorless, odorless gas can be fatal in high concentrations.
“This can happen due to inadequate ventilation for the candles,” says Gordon Wallis Your NRG explained.
“When candles burn in an enclosed space, such as under a terracotta pot, they consume oxygen and produce carbon monoxide, which can be captured and build up to dangerous levels.”
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There is also a chance that the jar could shatter or explode, potentially causing injuries and burns.
“This can happen due to the pot being exposed to high temperatures, which it may not be able to withstand,” Wallis added.
“The explosion or shattering of the pot could cause severe burns and pose a significant hazard to millions.”
Additionally, another major concern is the fire hazard posed by the melted wax from the candles in the stove.
“If the jar becomes unstable or falls, the candles can fall over, causing the molten wax to come into contact with flammable materials,” Wallis explains.
“This could lead to fire, endangering lives and property.”
So instead of relying on the risky trick, there are some other things you can try to keep your home cozy and warm.
“One of the most effective ways to keep your home warm is to make sure it is well insulated,” he says.
“This includes things like sealing gaps around doors and windows, adding insulation to your attic and using thermal curtains.
“These measures help retain heat in your home, reducing the need for additional heating sources.”
5 ways to keep your house warm in winter
Real estate expert Joshua Houston shared his tips.
1. Curtains
“Windows are a common place for the cold from outside to enter your home, this is due to small openings that can let air in, so always close your curtains as soon as it gets dark,” he said.
This simple method gives you an extra layer of warmth because it can provide a kind of “insulation” between your window and curtain.
2. Rugs
“Your floor is another part of your home where heat can be lost and make your home feel cold,” he continued. “On cold days you may notice that your floor is not pleasant to walk on because your feet are freezing.
“Add rugs to areas that don’t already have carpet. This will provide a layer of insulation between your bare floor and the room above.”
3. Check your insulation
Check your pipes, attic space, crawl spaces and under floorboards.
“Loose insulation is great for this, and it is a more affordable form of insulation, with a large bag being picked up for around £30,” explains Joshua.
4. Keep your interior doors closed
“Household members often congregate in one room in the evening, which is usually the kitchen or living room,” says Joshua.
“This means you only need to heat a small part 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 mailboxes as these can let in cold air if they are not properly secured.
Also consider bleeding your radiators, Wallis explains, adding: ‘Trapped air in the heating system can prevent hot water from circulating effectively.
“By bleeding your radiators, you let this air escape, allowing the radiator to heat up properly.”
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