Warning on ‘viral makeshift heater hack’ that could burn homes down

The dangerous heating ‘tip’ that has gone viral…

Desperate to cut down on soaring energy bills, thousands of UK households are turning to a cheap £10 heating hack—but experts warn it could have catastrophic consequences. What seems like a budget-friendly fix to keep warm this winter may actually be a deadly mistake, putting homes at serious risk of gas leaks, fires, or even explosions.

Industry specialists, including experts from SimplyEasy Refurbs, are raising the alarm, revealing to ATV Today Lifestyle that improper DIY heating solutions are becoming an increasing hazard. As more homeowners take matters into their own hands to battle the cost-of-living crisis, are they unknowingly endangering their families?

The hack in question involves using tea light candles, terracotta pots, and makeshift heaters to create DIY radiators. The concept is simple: by trapping heat from burning candles under a clay pot, users believe they can generate enough warmth to heat a room.

With thousands of videos and tutorials circulating on TikTok and YouTube, it’s easy to see why struggling homeowners are tempted to give it a try—especially as energy bills remain at record highs.

But fire safety experts and housing specialists, including SimplyEasy Refurbs, warn that these improvised heaters are far from safe.

This disaster waiting to happen comes thanks to tea light candles not being designed for prolonged burning, and when placed close together under a confined space like a terracotta pot, the heat can build up to dangerous levels. The wax can overheat, leading to sudden ignition—or worse, the pot itself could crack from the temperature fluctuations, causing an instant fire.

The London Fire Brigade has already issued warnings against these homemade heaters, stating that “using open flames in an enclosed or unstable setup drastically increases the risk of house fires.”

There is also a risk of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning. Burning multiple candles in a poorly ventilated space can lead to a buildup of carbon monoxide (CO)—a deadly, invisible gas. CO poisoning symptoms, including dizziness, nausea, and confusion, can quickly become fatal without warning. Household safety experts emphasise that any heat source involving an open flame should be used with extreme caution, especially in small or unventilated rooms.

Most seriously there is the possibility of a fire or worse a Gas explosion. In homes that rely on gas heating, placing open flames near a faulty or leaking gas line can be catastrophic. A single spark or a tipped-over candle could ignite a fire or even cause an explosion, endangering everyone inside.

Experts from SimplyEasy Refurbs highlight that older homes, particularly those with outdated gas lines, are at higher risk—making this DIY heating method an even greater concern.

Tips to keep your home warm safely

Instead of resorting to hazardous DIY heating tricks, there are safer and more effective ways to stay warm without breaking the bank:

1. Use Draft Excluders & Insulation – A significant amount of heat escapes through doors and windows. Installing draft excluders and thermal curtains can make a big difference.
2. Invest in Electric Blankets & Heated Throws – Energy-efficient and cost-effective, these provide direct warmth without the risks of open flames.
3. Layer Up & Trap Heat – Wearing thermal clothing indoors and using rugs to cover cold floors can help retain heat naturally.
4. Time Your Heating Efficiently – Instead of keeping the heating on all day, use a timer to warm your home during the coldest hours—typically early morning and evening.
5. Check for Government Support – Many households qualify for energy-saving grants and financial assistance schemes. Visit the UK government’s energy support website to see if you’re eligible.

While the £10 heating hack may seem like a cheap and easy fix, the risks far outweigh the benefits. Fires, gas leaks, and carbon monoxide poisoning are real dangers that no amount of energy savings can justify. If you’re struggling with high energy bills, seeking professional advice or exploring affordable, long-term solutions is a far better approach than risking your safety for a short-term fix.