As winter tightens its grip, many UK households are reaching for portable electric heaters to fend off the chill. However, a stark new warning from Citizens Advice suggests this common practice could be burning a hole in your pocket far more effectively than it warms your home.
The High Cost of Portable Warmth
The charity's guidance is unequivocal: using portable heaters for extended periods is one of the most expensive ways to stay warm. These devices typically cost significantly more to run than a well-functioning central heating system or storage heaters. The advice is clear for those with a faulty boiler: prioritise getting it repaired or replaced.
"It's much more expensive to use portable heaters on their own," states Citizens Advice. While handy for providing a quick burst of heat in a single room, relying on them as a primary heat source can lead to unexpectedly high energy consumption and soaring bills.
A Significant Fire Hazard
Beyond the financial impact, safety experts are raising the alarm about the serious fire risks associated with electric heaters and blankets. The London Fire Brigade reports a chilling statistic: over 160 fires are caused by electric heaters every year in the capital alone. Even more tragically, heaters are involved in a third of all electrical fire fatalities.
Amber O'Connor from the Mirror emphasises the critical need to follow manufacturer instructions and general fire safety rules. Key precautions include:
- Keeping heaters at least one metre away from bedding, curtains, and furniture.
- Ensuring old electrical heaters are tested by a qualified electrician or replaced.
- Unplugging electric blankets before getting into bed, unless they are designed for all-night use with a thermostat.
- Avoiding second-hand electric blankets and replacing them at least every ten years.
"Fires involving heaters seem to have a particularly high fatality rate," warns the London Fire Brigade, urging the public not to take risks with ageing appliances.
Long-Term Solutions for Warmth and Savings
For those looking to stay warm while controlling costs, the long-term answer lies in improving a home's energy efficiency. Citizens Advice points households towards sustainable solutions that reduce overall energy demand.
Options like better insulation or installing modern, efficient heating systems such as heat pumps can provide lasting relief from high bills. These "energy efficiency home improvements" mean you need less energy to keep your home comfortably warm, offering a safer and more economical alternative to portable heaters.
The message from experts is clear: while a portable heater might offer a temporary fix, investing in your central heating system and your home's insulation is the smarter, safer, and ultimately cheaper strategy for surviving the British winter.
