Brits looking to save money by running appliances at night are being warned of potential fire risk

Millions of Brits are looking for ways to save money and reduce their electricity bills continuing into the new year; however, one common money-saving hack could pose a serious fire risk.

Google searches for electricity tariffs with cheaper off-peak rates are rising as Brits have turned to using appliances late at night to cut costs.

In the past month alone, searches for Economy 7, a tariff offering lower electricity rates during off-peak hours, typically between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m., have surged by 41%.

Whilst doing laundry whilst you sleep may seem like the perfect money-saving hack, it raises the question of whether or not using large electric appliances unattended at night is dangerous.

To answer this question, experts from personal finance brand Sambla have teamed up with Adam Harper, a fire safety expert from Fire and Evacuation Services to share the dangers of running high kWh appliances at night, tips for doing so safely and highlight the most dangerous appliances to leave on overnight. Adam Commented:

“While running these appliances overnight might seem like a time-saver, it comes with risks. Faulty wiring, leaks, or mechanical failures could result in fires or flooding, making it safer to use them when someone is around to monitor.”

“If you run appliances with a kWh overnight, you’ll likely be asleep and won’t be aware if something goes wrong, including if a fire starts. Night-time fires can be life-threatening, as those asleep won’t react as quickly, increasing the risk.”

“It is important to avoid using the tumble dryer at night. These machines generate a lot of heat, and if lint accumulates in the filter or vents, it can pose a serious fire hazard. Many house fires have been caused by dryers running unattended, so it’s always best to use them during the day when you can keep an eye on them.”

ADVICE

Unplug kitchen appliances
Kitchen appliances such as toasters, coffee machines, and air fryers should never be left plugged in overnight.

Electrical faults can develop unexpectedly, and leaving these devices plugged in overnight increases the fire risk. So make sure to unplug all kitchen appliances before you go to sleep every night. It’s a simple habit that can make a real difference.

Switch off space heaters
While space heaters are the perfect alternative to central heating in winter, leaving them on overnight can lead to overheating, electrical faults, or even fires—especially if they’re positioned too close to flammable materials like curtains or bedding.

If you need a heater in your bedroom, opt for one with an automatic shut-off or built-in timer to reduce the risk.

Check cables and wires, and don’t plug in too many at once
Regularly examine electrical cables and connections for any signs of damage, such as fraying, exposed wires, or scorch marks. If you spot any issues, replace the cables immediately to prevent a potential fire hazard

As well as checking cables, make sure not too plug too many devices into a single socket or extension lead, as this can lead to overheating. Use extension leads with built-in surge protection and avoid linking multiple extension leads together.

Take care of your appliances
By keeping household appliances like washing machines and dishwashers in good condition you can reduce the risk of fire hazards.

Cleaning filters and checking for leaks regularly while following the manufacturer’s maintenance guidelines reduces the risk of an electrical fault occurring and lowers the risk of a possible fire.

Smart plugs and timers
Timers and smart plugs can help manage when appliances switch on and off, allowing you to take advantage of off-peak electricity rates while reducing the risk of leaving devices running unattended.

If you rely on electric heaters or blankets, check to see if they have safety features like automatic shut-off. If they don’t, make sure to never leave them switched on while you’re sleeping.

“Many people leave their phones, tablets, and laptops charging overnight, but damaged chargers or overloaded sockets can increase the risk of fire. Always use manufacturer-approved chargers and avoid stacking multiple devices on one extension lead.”

“Always use chargers and power adapters from trusted brands. Cheap, unbranded chargers are often poorly made, increasing the risk of overheating and fire. Where possible, avoid charging phones, tablets, or laptops while you sleep. Always place them on a hard, flat surface, away from anything flammable, and unplug them once fully charged to prevent overheating.”

Fit smoke alarms
Some households facing high energy costs may feel the need to do so to take advantage of cheaper off-peak electricity rates and run their appliances unattended at night despite the risk.

It’s best to avoid leaving high-energy appliances like washing machines, tumble dryers, or dishwashers running unattended at night. However, if you do, make sure you have smoke alarms in key areas such as kitchens, bedrooms, and hallways and test them regularly to ensure they’re working correctly.

This will help prevent any minor electrical issues from turning into serious incidents.