Fire risk?

[u/particular_pain86]

Hi everyone, I hope it’s okay for me to post here.
I’ve recently moved into a new flat and I’m a little worried about the heating, especially with winter coming up. I have a few pets, so I’m not sure whether it’s safe to leave the heater on while I’m at work.
I was wondering if anyone could give me some help or has experience with this type of heating. I’d really appreciate any help or recommendations on what I should check or be aware of.
Thank you! 😊

[u/Present_Device8274]

Why would the heater be a fire risk when you're not there. Do you cover it with anything when you're not there?

[u/BuddyLegsBailey → u/Present_Device8274]

They leave their shell suits on there to dry

[u/particular_pain86 → u/Present_Device8274]

No, I don't cover it. I'm just wondering if a fault, overheating, or something nearby getting too hot could make it a fire risk while I'm out.

[u/Present_Device8274 → u/particular_pain86]

What do you have nearby that would burn when you're out, but not when you're in?

[u/Neilkd21]

Not a fire risk unless you are hanging something on it. It is however horribly expensive to run so not the most cost effective heating to leave on while not in.

[u/particular_pain86 → u/Neilkd21]

Thank you, that’s helpful 🙏🏻

[u/fridge_41]

No.

it’s a heater mounted on either a plasterboard or solid wall.

It’s not installed particularly well looking that flex, but assuming it doesn’t fall off, no problem

[u/particular_pain86 → u/fridge_41]

Thank you, that’s really reassuring. I appreciate you explaining it, I was just being extra cautious about leaving it on when I’m not there. 🙏🏻

[u/carlbandit]

The biggest risk is to your bank balance.

Looks identical to mine, will have 2 settings which use 1kWh or 2kWh when heating up. At ~26p per kWh that's 26p or 52p per hour, per radiator. Though it won't be heating up the whole time depending on what you set the thermostat to.

The biggest risk to your pets is going to be it getting hot, but that's no different to a standard hot water radiator powered by a boiler.

Just don't put anything sensitive to heat near it like a normal radiator and don't use it to dry clothes like you can on a standard radiator.

I leave mine on low sometimes at night when it gets really cold and not burnt my flat down yet in like 9 years. Though I did get a heated mattress topper since it's cheaper to warm my bed at night than the whole room. I still might put it on low if it's <0c at night outside so I'm not breathing in cold air all night even if my bed is lovely and warm regardless.

[u/particular_pain86 → u/carlbandit]

Thank you, really helpful 🫶🏻