Leaving Electric(Oil-Filled Rad)Fire On 24/7 For 7 Days --Safe Or Not ?

[Dinger2]

Going to Spain forXmas my Mum is worried about sub-zero temps and burst pipes so wants to leave an oil-filled portable radiator plugged in 24/7 for 7 days. I think it could be dodgy and prepared to take a chance on no heat as our roof space is double loft insulated. Opinions A.B'ers please?

[ladybirder]

Many years ago when I had one I left it on the lowest setting for longer than that. It was fine.
Mind you if anything did go wrong I don't think your insurance people would be very happy.

[BRIGHT SPARK]

It may be cheaper to leave the heating on low...if you have heating.What is the kw rating of the heater?

[EDDIE51]

Do you have central heating ? if so just turn the thermostat down to the lowest setting about 10 deg . Some heating systems have a 'frost' setting to just give enough heat to prevent frost damage. Or get a timer switch , I have seen them in Morrisons for £3.99 and set it to turn the heater on for an hour every day.

[Sam1960]

if its got a thermostat and a timer switch ? can't see a problem !!
set it to on and off every few hours or so

[owdhamer]

Has it got a thermostat ,if so set it low.

[EDDIE51]

I'm not thinking straight, if you have central heating just adjust the timer to come on for 1 hour a day and set the thermostat to the lowest setting. That will ensure you do not get frost damage.

[boxtops]

Dinger says "no heat" so I guess they don't have central heating.

[Sam1960]

Dinger, assuming your mums radiator has a thermostat and a timer switch, then it's designed to be left on, and should be perfectly safe. If it doesn't have any of the above then I would check out your local suppliers to buy a modern one with the above switches.

[Mosaic]

I have run one literally for years, almost continuously. FIL who was a fireman commented they are extremely reliable and safe. never had any trouble from mine.

[Old_Geezer]

Leaving anything on has to be a risk at some level, for example freezers ? But IMO I'd have thought it wouldn't prove a problem. Your choice though. Probably get away with it whether you risk it off or risk it on.

[gingejbee]

Presumably you have no plumbing at all in the loft space (pipes, tanks etc)-- because, if you do have, these will be the most vulnerable to very cold weather. Since the loft is well insulated (even if you DO leave some heat on in the house) it will bear the brunt of intense cold.

[Bazile]

Haven't you got a kind neighbour , who can keep an eye on the house for you - drawing curtains / turning lights on and off / keeping an eye on the radiator ?