Don’t let things get too hot in the bedroom this winter

As the cold winter nights approach and the temperature begins to drop, Abbey Insurance is warning people not to leave themselves at risk of fire in their home as a result of using heating appliances in the bedroom. Damage caused by additional heating devices could total as much as £3.3 million each year.

According to research by Abbey Insurance nearly half of the adult population, 19.6 million people, plan to use a form of heating appliance in their bedroom other than central heating to keep warm in the winter. Of those using such an appliance, 8.1 million people (41.5 per cent) will be using electric blankets to keep warm at night, while 6.2 million people (31 per cent) will be using electric heaters and two million (10 per cent) will rely on oil radiators.

What happens when damage occurs?

The average cost to repair damages caused by faulty heating devices used in the bedroom is nearly £500 with the appliance likely to cause the most damage being oil radiators (£809), electric heaters (£416) and electric blankets (£327).

Analysis of government data also shows that around 4,500 accidental fires start in the bedroom each year and that around 1,600 accidental fires are caused by space heating appliances. It is also estimated that electric blankets alone cause more than 5,000 fires in homes each year, 99 per cent of which are believed to be caused by blankets over 10 years old.

Prasad Shastri, Head of Insurance Marketing at Abbey, said: "It is understandable that additional heating appliances are used during the winter, but it is important that they are checked prior to use to ensure that they are not faulty and that they are used correctly otherwise they could prove to be very dangerous.”

“We would always advise that people do not leave the heating appliances unattended or fall asleep with it on. Purchasing a timer switch will ensure that electric heaters are not left on longer than necessary. Always exercise caution if the heater has not been used for a while, and If in any doubt, get a qualified person to check that it is not faulty.”

Abbey offers the following advice to help prevent accidents resulting from heating appliances in the home:

1. Keep objects at a safe distance away from any heat source

2. If you have an open fire in the bedroom, ensure you have a guard to prevent any sparks entering the room

3. Purchase a timer switch to ensure that electric heaters are not left on longer than necessary

4. Ensure that you get a qualified person to regularly check your appliances for faults and pay close inspection to any guidelines or instructions that accompany your appliance.

5. Carefully read any guidelines or instructions that accompany your appliance. You should re-read these each year before you reuse the appliance.

6. Check your home insurance policy, make sure your policy is up to date and covers you in the event of accidental fire damage.

For more information about Abbey’s home insurance, visit abbey.com/insurance.