Beatrice Lang
Before the invention of electricity, people had to find other ways to keep warm during the winter. In ancient times, people would keep a fire blazing on the hearth, huddling around it for warmth. Blankets, furs, and multiple layers of wool were also used to keep out the cold. In this text, we will explore the various methods people used to survive the chilly months before electricity was widely available.
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What You'll Learn
Burning wood, coal, or animal dung for heat
Burning wood, coal, or animal dung was a common way to stay warm before electricity. These materials were burned in fireplaces, stoves, or hearths to heat homes and cook food. In the 19th century, for example, coal was a popular fuel source in Britain, with coal fires in most rooms of grand houses to keep them warm and provide hot water. Similarly, wealthy people in 18th-century America had massive fireplaces to combat the harsh winters.
Wood has been a traditional fuel source for fireplaces and stoves, providing warmth and a cosy atmosphere. However, burning wood can release pollutants, contributing to indoor and outdoor air pollution. The practice has environmental implications, especially when wood is not sourced sustainably.
Coal, a fossil fuel, has been widely used for heating and industry. The Victorians, in particular, relied heavily on coal, which powered their trains and ships and heated their homes. However, coal burning also contributes to air pollution and has been associated with respiratory illnesses when used indoors.
Animal dung, typically dried before use, is another fuel source for heating and cooking. In regions where wood fuel is scarce, animal dung is a valuable alternative. For example, in places like Tibet, Mongolia, and high areas of the Andes, animal dung is burned for energy. However, burning animal dung emits higher levels of dioxins and chlorophenols compared to wood, impacting human health.
While burning wood, coal, or animal dung provided warmth in the past, it is essential to consider the health and environmental implications of these practices. Modern alternatives, such as renewable energy sources and improved stove technologies, offer more sustainable and safer options for heating and cooking.
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Using curtains, tapestries, or animal hides to block drafts
Before electricity, people relied on various methods to stay warm during cold weather. One effective way was to use curtains, tapestries, or animal hides to block drafts and insulate their living spaces.
Curtains, for example, can be excellent insulators. Heavy, insulated, or thermal curtains are particularly effective at blocking drafts and creating a warm, cozy atmosphere. During the day, opening them can allow solar heat to enter and warm up the room naturally. Then, at night, closing them keeps the cold air out. Layering curtains can also enhance insulation—a sheer, lightweight curtain closer to the window allows privacy and natural light during the day, while a heavier curtain on the inside can provide warmth at night. Adjusting the curtains throughout the day to capture warmth and block drafts can help reduce the need for additional heating methods.
Tapestries were also used to block drafts and insulate rooms. Hanging a large tapestry on an outer wall instantly added insulation to a room. This method not only provided warmth but also added a decorative touch to the space. Similarly, rugs, blankets, and even bookcases placed along outside walls could help insulate a room, making it cozier and more comfortable during cold weather.
Animal hides were another common way to stay warm before electricity. People would drape hides over windows and doors to act as a natural barrier against the cold, helping to retain warmth inside their living spaces.
By utilizing these methods, people were able to effectively manage the cold and create comfortable living environments without the need for electricity. These techniques, combined with other pre-electricity methods such as fireplaces, warm clothing, and close-knit communities, ensured that people stayed warm even during harsh winters.
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Sleeping in the same bed as others
Before electricity, people had to get creative when it came to staying warm during cold winter nights. One common practice was for multiple people to sleep in the same bed, huddling together for warmth. This tactic was often employed by impoverished people in Russia, France, and the Low Countries, where the winters were bitterly cold.
In these regions, poor families would spend their days in bed, packing their bodies tightly together to conserve heat and reduce the need for food. This strategy was so common that an observer in Burgundy in 1844 documented this practice, noting the practical benefits of staying warm and reducing food consumption.
In rural parts of France and Switzerland during the 19th century, people took this idea a step further by bedding down with their livestock. By hibernating with their animals, they could endure the harsh winters. Similarly, in Russia, as observed by the British Medical Journal in 1900, poor rural farm workers slept through the winter, only rising occasionally to eat and tend to the fire.
Sleeping in groups was a practical solution for those without access to other heating methods. In contrast, the wealthy often relied on massive fireplaces or coal-powered central heating systems to keep warm. However, for those without such luxuries, the body heat generated by sleeping in the same bed as others provided a simple yet effective way to survive the cold.
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Wearing warmer clothes in winter
People can stay warm in winter by wearing the right clothes. The two most important properties to look for in cold-weather gear are thermal insulation and wind resistance. Thermal insulation keeps you warm by trapping heat inside your clothes, while wind resistance helps block the wind and protect you from its chilling effect.
One of the best ways to stay warm is to avoid getting overheated. Dressing in layers is a good way to achieve this, as you can remove layers if you get too hot, and put them back on when you get cold. A good wicking base layer is important, and materials such as cotton should be avoided. A base layer made from Merino wool is a good choice, as it is quick-drying. Other layers could include fleece, a down vest, a jacket, and a windbreaker. Waterproof clothing is also important, especially if you plan to sit or kneel in the snow.
It is also important to keep your feet warm and dry. One pair of wool socks is enough, and layering socks is not recommended. Insulated rubber boots can keep your feet warm and dry. To keep your hands warm, mittens are better than gloves, as your fingers will be pressed together, facilitating warmth.
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Using passive solar heating
Passive solar heating is a great way to heat your home without electricity. It is a natural, low-cost way of heating your home, and it can be incorporated into new builds or retrofitted to existing structures.
Passive solar heating uses the sun's energy to warm your home. The key to this system is the use of thermal masses—materials that can absorb and retain heat. These include concrete walls and floors, bricks, tiles, and even water. The thermal mass absorbs the sun's heat during the day and then radiates this heat back into the home in the evening. This process is known as natural convection. To be effective, the thermal mass must be exposed to the sun and insulated to prevent heat loss.
To make the most of passive solar heating, the building should be designed to maximise solar gain. This means ensuring the sun's rays can enter the building through large south-facing windows (within 30 degrees of true south). The windows should not be shaded during the cool winter months between 9 am and 3 pm. The floor plan should also be considered, with the most-used rooms facing north to receive the best solar access.
Passive solar heating can be the sole heat source for a home, or it can be combined with other heating methods. It is a great way to reduce your carbon footprint and lower your utility bills.
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Frequently asked questions
Before electricity, people would burn wood or coal to produce heat. They would also use blankets and furs to keep warm. In addition, people who lived in colder climates would build their homes with thick, well-insulated walls to retain warmth. In ancient times, the Egyptians hung animal hides over doorways and windows to block drafts, while in medieval times, tapestries were used for insulation and as room dividers.
Yes, people's behaviours changed in response to colder temperatures. For example, people would adjust their clothing according to the weather, wearing warmer clothes in winter and cooler clothes in summer. In addition, people would sleep more during the winter due to fewer tasks and chores, such as farming.
People with less money would often share beds with others to stay warm. They would also make use of fireplaces or stoves for heating and cooking. In addition, they would wear multiple layers of wool for insulation.
