CHARITY ISSUES WINTER WARNING AS ENERGY CRISIS SET TO SEE SPIKE IN PORTABLE ELECTRIC HEATER USE
Concerns around the cost of energy are set to see a spike in portable electric heater use this winter, prompting a safety warning to the nation.
With household energy bills expected to soar, consumers are turning towards cheaper alternatives to heat their homes, with portable electric heaters a popular alternative.
A survey of more than 3,000 adults in the UK commissioned by consumer safety charity, Electrical Safety First, found that 77% of respondents were either very or fairly concerned about rising energy costs when it comes to heating their home this winter[i].
Of those, 43% are considering using an electrical heater to heat a single room in their home due to worries about the cost of running central heating[ii].
However, the charity is warning consumers to be cautious when using portable heaters, as they can pose a significant fire risk when used incorrectly.
Although heaters are more commonly used in the winter the charity has discovered more than 30% of people set to use one this year have not done so before, making this choice due to their concerns around the rising cost of central heating. [iii]
Electric Safety First estimates this increase in use could see more than 5 million more consumers using electric heaters this winter than in previous years. [iv]
Of the 3,000 adults surveyed, one in ten admit to having used their electric heater to dry their clothes, posing a serious risk of fire[v]. Portable heaters should never be covered or obstructed by clothing or and kept at a safe distance from fabric.
Worryingly, a similar number admit to leaving their electric heater switched on overnight whilst sleeping. [vi]
Although not inherently dangerous to use, the charity is urging the public to be safe this winter when using plug in electric heaters and to avoid misusing them.
Electric heaters will typically heat a small room in a short period of time, but they are not designed to be permanent fixtures in the home and should always be plugged directly into a mains socket outlet. Of those surveyed who currently own an electric heater, one in six admitted they connect it with an extension lead, increasing the risk of a domestic fire. [vii]
Lesley Rudd, Chief Executive of Electrical Safety First commented: “Consumer concerns about rising energy prices are pushing people towards alternative ways of heating their homes but we are urging people to be cautious this winter if they are using electric heaters. Although they can be seen as a more economical way to keep warm, if used incorrectly they could cause a fire damaging property and possessions, and present a risk of serious injury or even death. So, if you are buying a portable heater this year, make sure you buy from a retailer that you know and trust and always follow the manufacturer’s instructions”.
You can find out more information about using your portable heater safely at www.electricalsafetyfirst.org.uk/heaters
Electrical Safety First tips on using portable electric heaters safely:
- Put your heater on a level surface, well away from anything or anyone that could knock it over
- Make sure your heater is at least one metre away from combustible materials, such as paper, furniture or curtains.
- Never use it to dry your clothes!
- Never leave your heater unattended whilst in use or while you are asleep
- Never power a heater from an extension lead – they can easily be overloaded and cause fires
- Regularly inspect your heater for damage and deterioration. If it isn’t in good condition, don’t use it!
- Avoid second-hand heaters. Make sure you buy from manufacturers or retailers that you know and trust.
- Make sure that you register your heater with the manufacturer so that, if there is a problem, they can contact you to repair or replace. You can find out more about product registration at electricalsafetyfirst.org.uk/registration
[i] Taken from Censuswide survey of 3000 UK adults commissioned by Electrical Safety First, 77.71% of those surveyed responded with ‘Very concerned’ or ‘Fairly concerned’ to ‘How concerned are you about rising energy costs when it comes to heating your home this winter?’
[ii] Taken from Censuswide survey of 3000 UK adults commissioned by Electrical Safety First, 43.32% of those surveyed who responded with ‘Very concerned’ or ‘Fairly concerned’ to ‘How concerned are you about rising energy costs when it comes to heating your home this winter?’ also responded with ‘Yes definitely’ or ‘Yes possibly’ to ‘Do you plan to use an electric heater solely to heat a single room in your home because you are concerned about the cost of central heating this winter?’
[iii] Taken from Censuswide survey of 3000 UK adults commissioned by Electrical Safety First, 31.24% of those surveyed who answered: ‘Very concerned’ or ‘Fairly concerned’ to ‘How concerned are you about rising energy costs when it comes to heating your home this winter?’, ‘Yes definitely’ and ‘Yes possibly’ to ‘Do you plan to use an electric heater solely to heat a single room in your home because you are concerned about the cost of central heating this winter?’ also answered ‘No’ to ‘Have you previously used an electric heater in the winter to heat a single room in the property you live in as an alternative to central heating in your home?’
[iv] Taken from Censuswide survey of 3000 UK adults commissioned by Electrical Safety First, respondents answered: ‘Very concerned’ or ‘Fairly concerned’ to ‘How concerned are you about rising energy costs when it comes to heating your home this winter?’, ‘Yes definitely’ and ‘Yes possibly’ to ‘Do you plan to use an electric heater solely to heat a single room in your home because you are concerned about the cost of central heating this winter?’ & ‘No’ to ‘Have you previously used an electric heater in the winter to heat a single room in the property you live in as an alternative to central heating in your home?’. Percentage of respondents were compared with UK adult (16+) population data from ONS (54,098,971). 10.517639% x 54,098,971 = 5,689,934.
[v] Taken from Censuswide survey of 3000 UK adults commissioned by Electrical Safety First, 10.81% of respondents answered, ‘Used it to dry wet or damp clothes’ to ‘Has any of the following happened with an electric heater that you own in the past 12 months? (Tick all that apply)’
[vi] Taken from Censuswide survey of 3000 UK adults commissioned by Electrical Safety First, 10.68% of respondents answered, ‘Left it on overnight/ whilst sleeping’ to ‘Has any of the following happened with an electric heater that you own in the past 12 months? (Tick all that apply)’
[vii] Taken from Censuswide survey of 3000 UK adults commissioned by Electrical Safety First, 18.59% of respondents answered ‘I use an extension lead’ to ‘How do you connect your electric heater?’