People are more likely to make dangerous choices in how they heat their homes as energy costs rise this winter, an insurer warns.

1 in 7 people (13%) could turn to candles as a way to save on energy bills this winter, Zurich UK has found.

Although lighting candles are seemingly cost-effective on the surface, the damages caused by fires sparked from candles can lead to homeowners having to fork over £18,000 in average repair bills.

A claim from last year even reached as high as £140,000 after a blaze began from a candle that was left unattended.

Others include a duvet catching fire from an electric heater, raking up £200,000 in damages.

Paul Redington, property claims expert at Zurich UK, said: “The energy crisis is forcing people to make tough – and potentially more hazardous – choices over how they heat and light their home.”

“Accidental blazes could climb higher this winter as households use candles to keep energy bills down or cope with potential blackouts.”

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“Whether people are using candles out of choice or necessity, we want to ensure they are aware of the potential dangers and keep themselves safe.”

The expert explained the devastating consequences of candles which can burn out of control in seconds.

He said: “Homeowners should always keep candles in secure holders, blow them out before leaving a room and ensure naked flames are well away from soft furnishings such as curtains and duvets.”

A typical household in Britain pays an average of around £2,500 a year in energy bills, according to the energy price guarantee that limits the unit cost of electricity and gas.

Depending on factors such as insulation and size, some households could pay more.

The Government have also begun preparing for potential blackouts, although they are a highly unlikely possibility.

Liverpool, Manchester, Nottingham, Glasgow and Sheffield are the cities where people are most likely to light candles.

The research for Zurich was conducted by Opinium, surveying 2,000 people across the UK in September.

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