WITH the cold weather well and truly here, we're all looking for ways to keep our homes warm without turning the heating on. And one hack people have been taking to social media to share involves using an upside-down terracotta pot over lit candles as a makeshift heater. However, while the idea seems both low-priced and effective, heating experts have issued an urgent warning not to try it.
One of the main risks of the hack is the increase in risk of carbon monoxide poisoning - as the colourless, odourless gas can be lethal in high concentrations. "This can occur due to inadequate ventilation for the candles," Gordon Wallis from Your NRG explained. "When candles burn in an enclosed space like under a terracotta pot, they consume oxygen and produce carbon monoxide, which can be trapped and accumulate to dangerous levels.
" There's also a chance the pot could shatter or explode, potentially leading to injuries and burns. "This could happen due to the pot being exposed to high temperatures, which it might not be designed to withstand," Wallis added. "The explosion or shattering of the pot can lead to serious burns, posing a significant danger to millions.
" In addition, another critical concern is the fire hazard posed by the melted wax from the candles in the heater. "If the pot becomes unstable or falls, the candles can tip over, causing the melted wax to come into contact with flammable materials," Wallis explained. "This can lead to a fire, putting lives and properties at risk.
