Warning over energy bills hack which risks burning your home down as you sleep
Warning over energy bills hack which risks burning your home down as you sleep
Experts have warned that advice to help you save money on energy bills could actually pose a significant fire risk to your home
People may need to rethink their energy saving measures
(Image: Getty Images )
Families have been advised against using certain household appliances at night as this could increase the risk of fires. According to experts at BOXT, these common appliances can be hazardous when left unattended due to their powerful motors, high wattage, and heat output.
Some households might consider using energy tariffs that offer lower rates during off-peak hours. This means some people prefer to use appliances like washing machines, dishwashers, and tumble dryers overnight. However, for appliances with significant power consumption, the likelihood of malfunctions occurring while the household is asleep rises.
To minimise risks, it's recommended that such appliances are used only when someone is present to handle any emergencies that might occur. For money-saving tips, sign up to our Money newsletter here
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Andy Pattison, an energy expert at BOXT, suggests that families could explore using home batteries as an alternative to off-peak tariffs.
He said: "Lots of people are stuck in this dilemma where they want to use their cheaper overnight tariff but don't want to take the fire risk of running appliances while they sleep.
"But what many don't realise is that a home battery could be the missing piece of the puzzle - letting you bank that cheap electricity overnight and use it safely during the day instead.", reports the Mirror.
Home batteries are devices that can be charged from the grid and store energy for later use.
Those on off-peak tariffs can take advantage of lower rates by charging their batteries during cheaper periods and then using that stored energy to power their appliances during the day.
However, recent research from BOXT has revealed that 61% of Brits are unaware of what a home battery is.
Home batteries have the capacity to store anywhere between 5kWh and 15kWh of electricity, depending on the model chosen.
A washing machine typically utilises between 1kW and 2.5kW of power, based on its size, efficiency, and cycle settings. On average, it consumes around 2.1kWh per hour.
This implies that a 10kWh home battery could operate between five and ten wash cycles, contingent on the machine's efficiency and the selected settings.
Andy commented: "If you're using the grid to power a home battery, a typical UK household would need a system with a capacity between 5kWh and 10kWh, as you only need enough storage to supplement your grid electricity during peak usage times, not fully power your home off-grid.
"Larger homes may however require a battery with a capacity closer to 15kWh. It's worth considering a scalable system, allowing you to easily add more batteries as your energy needs grow."
The cost of a standalone 5kWh home battery might be around £5,000, while a 10kWh standalone battery could be approximately £7,000. The price ultimately depends on the model and its energy storage capacity.
You have the option to purchase a standalone battery that connects to the grid, or one that connects to solar panels. Bear in mind that installation costs will also apply.
Andy emphasised the importance of expertise and consumer protection when choosing an installer for home energy systems: "It's important to use an installer with years of experience in both home battery systems and solar installations.
Also, look for companies that are signed up to the Home Insulation and Energy Systems Consumer Code, which enforces high consumer protection standards, ensuring quality and safety from start to finish."
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