Experts are warning households of the potential safety risks of electric heaters as millions are choosing the device in a bid to lower energy bills.
Electrical heaters are designed to be used safely, but Electrical Safety First is concerned those with little knowledge on how to use them could put themselves in danger.
The charity has issued some key safety advice to users this winter, including a warning for shoppers to buy heaters directly from reputable retailers.
Electrical Safety First is urging people not to leave electric heaters turned on unattended for long periods or overnight, never to plug them into extension leads, never to dry clothes on them and to keep them well away from fabrics to ensure they do not put themselves at risk of a fire.
Chief executive Lesley Rudd told PA: "Heating your home should never come at the expense of your own safety. While portable heaters can be useful to heat a small space, they can pose a real risk to your home and your life if mistakes are made when using them.
"With the significant number of people set to turn to these appliances this winter, it’s vital we use them safely."
The latest research was released as the charity launches a new campaign video to mark Electrical Fire Safety Week, with members of fire and rescue services recounting devastating fires they have attended caused by electric heaters .
Richard Poole, crew manager at West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service, said: "In the blink of an eye your property can be gone.
"We were walking through this home that was destroyed when a plug-in heater was accidentally knocked over. Everything was black, everything was charred and smoke damaged. It’s heart-wrenching."
How to safely use electric heaters
Electrical Safety First’s advice on the safe use of electric heaters is:
- 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 well away from combustible materials, such as paper, furniture or curtains
- Never use it to dry your clothes
- Never leave your heater unattended for long periods 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
- Make sure you buy from manufacturers or retailers that you know and trust. Avoid second-hand heaters but if you do then ask sellers what safety checks have been carried out.
- Register your appliance and ensure you check your heater has not been recalled
- Ensure you have a working smoke alarm on every floor in your home and test it regularly
In a survey conducted by charity Electrical Safety First, 42 per cent of participants said they are considering or will definitely be using the portable heaters to warm single rooms, rather than turning on central heating.
Findings show that 37 percent of this group will be using the heaters for the first time, while 90 per cent highlighted their worries about the cost of heating during the cold months.
This comes as 22 percent of those worried about increased energy bills have purchased a portable heater this year, 45 percent of which were bought from an online marketplace.
Censuswide surveyed 3,010 UK adults between October 17-19.
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