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| - Last Updated on June 3, 2024 by Nazma
Quick Take
A viral social media post claims that one clay flower pot and a candle can heat the room. We fact-checked and found the claim to be Mostly False.
The Claim
A Facebook post claims that One clay flower pot and a candle will heat the room. The post says it can make the room warm if there is no other source.
We have attached a screenshot of the post below:
In context with quick DIY, THIP Media has previously debunked that snake plants improve home air quality.
Fact Check
Can a candle heat-up a room?
Not really. A clay flower pot and a candle can generate some heat. However, it is important to note that they may not be sufficient to adequately heat a room, especially in colder conditions.
This concept is a DIY project known as a ‘flower pot heater’ or ‘candle heater’. This involves placing a lit candle inside an overturned clay flower pot, with the pot acting as a heat diffuser.
The idea is that the candle heats the air inside the flower pot, and the pot radiates the heat into the room.
This method may produce a small amount of localized warmth. But it is generally not considered a reliable or efficient source of heating, and it may not be suitable for providing enough heat for an entire room.
A single candle and flower pot cannot generate enough heat to raise the temperature of a whole room significantly, especially in larger spaces. While the clay pot will absorb and radiate some heat, it is a small and inefficient system.
Moreover, it might offer localized warmth near the pot, similar to sitting by a fireplace, but it cannot evenly distribute warmth throughout the room.
We asked Dr Rohan Pandey (MBBS, MD), Clinical Microbiologist at MKCG, Odisha about the claim. He informs, “Ancient China utilized a pot system to heat cottages. While the emissions are not visible without a filter, they may offer some heat in close proximity. However, due to contemporary climatic conditions and housing architecture changes, it is advisable to opt for modern heaters over the obsolete technique”.
Are there safety concerns with the terracotta heater?
It may. Using one clay flower pot and a candle for heat can pose several potential health issues. Firstly, there are significant fire and burn risks associated with open flames from candles. If left unattended or knocked over, candles can lead to burns, property damage, or even house fires. Additionally, the clay pot becomes extremely hot from the candle flame, reaching temperatures high enough to cause burns if accidentally touched—especially dangerous for children or pets who may not be aware of the heat.
Another health concern is the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. Burning candles continuously in a closed room can produce colorless and odorless carbon monoxide, a poisonous gas that can lead to headaches, dizziness, nausea, and even death, if not addressed quickly.
Air quality becomes an issue as well, as candles produce soot and other pollutants when they burn. These pollutants can irritate the lungs and worsen respiratory problems, such as asthma, particularly in poorly ventilated spaces.
Chemical exposure is another consideration, especially with candles made from paraffin wax. When burned, paraffin wax releases chemicals like toluene and benzene, which are linked to respiratory problems, cancer, and other health issues.
Furthermore, using candles for heat can contribute to dehydration by drying out the air. This is a particular concern for vulnerable individuals, such as the old people or children. And in one of our post we also fact checked similar kind of claim related to candle heat burning body fat ,read and understand the science behind these things.
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