Umair Gaines
There are many ways to heat your home when you don't have access to electricity. If you have a gas stove, you can heat water on the stove and pour it into bottles. Wrap the bottles in towels to create a heater to put under your blanket. You can also use a portable soapstone block, which absorbs and slowly radiates heat. If you have a gas fireplace, you may be able to light it manually. If you have a backup generator, you can use it to run space heaters. If you have a wood stove or fireplace, you can use dry, seasoned wood to keep your house warm. To conserve heat, choose a room with minimal windows, and cover vents, windows, and doors to other areas with blankets or towels.
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What You'll Learn
Use a generator
Using a generator is a great way to heat your home when you don't have electricity. It is important to note that you should only use generators outdoors as they can produce carbon monoxide.
Firstly, you should ensure that you have a generator that can power your heating system. Many appliances require a power surge to turn on, called starting wattage. Therefore, even if your generator can power a running heating system, its starting wattage must be higher than your system's starting wattage, or your system won't start. You can calculate the total starting and running watts of your appliances using a form provided by Generac.
If you have a large enough generator, you can attach it to your HVAC system. To do this, you will need to install a transfer switch between your furnace and circuit breaker. This should be done by a professional electrician. Once the transfer switch is installed, you can cut the wire that runs from the furnace to the circuit breaker and install an outlet to the breaker panel. Ensure that the wires run from the circuit breaker to the furnace with the extra outlet, so you can plug in the generator when you need it.
If you have a gas heater, you may be able to light it manually. However, be cautious of carbon dioxide buildup.
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Insulate a central room
Insulating a central room in your home can help to stabilise the temperature, improve energy efficiency, and reduce electricity costs. Here are some ways to insulate a central room without using electricity:
Identify Sources of Heat Loss
Firstly, it's important to identify areas where heat might be escaping from your home. Common sources of heat loss include electrical outlets, windows, doors, and HVAC ducts.
Seal Air Leaks
Seal any air leaks around windows and doors using caulking and weatherstripping. You can also use a window insulator kit to cover the window with a layer of heat-shrink plastic. For electrical outlets, use outlet insulators or foam gaskets to block drafts and reduce heat loss.
Insulate HVAC Ducts
If your home has HVAC ducts, ensure they are properly sealed and insulated. Cracked or poorly sealed ducts can cause significant energy loss. Add insulation around the ductwork, especially in longer duct areas, to maintain temperatures and improve efficiency.
Radiant Barriers
If you live in an area with warm summers, consider installing a radiant barrier in your attic. Radiant barriers reflect heat instead of absorbing it, reducing the need for air conditioning.
Floor Insulation
Insulating your floor can help maintain a comfortable temperature in your home. If you have access to your crawl space, use rigid foam board insulation or fiberboard underlayment. For rooms without a crawl space, consider a polystyrene board under your flooring.
Window Treatments
Windows can be a significant source of heat loss, especially if they are not properly insulated. Consider installing thermal curtains or blackout shades to create a barrier of warm air and reduce the impact of outdoor temperatures.
Remember, insulating a room can be a big project, and it's important to prepare the room by clearing furniture and ensuring enough space for proper insulation. Proper insulation can lead to a more comfortable living environment and reduced electricity bills.
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Seal off drafts
Sealing off drafts is an important step in keeping your house warm during winter. Here are some ways to do this:
Identify Sources of Drafts
Before you can seal off drafts, you need to identify where they are coming from. You can do this by using a candle or incense and walking around the house, paying attention to when and where the flame or smoke moves. Alternatively, use a thermal leak detector to locate temperature differences around your house. Common sources of drafts include windows, doors, and gaps along floorboards, fixtures, and pipes.
Seal Windows and Doors
Once you have identified the sources of drafts, you can take steps to seal them. For windows, consider using a window insulator kit, which comes with clear insulating plastic film and double-sided tape to seal any drafty windows. You can also re-caulk windows and doors, as caulking can wear out over time. Weatherstripping is another inexpensive and easy way to seal air leaks in windows and doors, and it is readily available at hardware stores.
Use Door Snakes and Blankets
Door snakes, which are long tubes filled with insulating materials, are an effective way to block drafts at the foot of a door. You can also use a rolled-up towel or blanket. For larger gaps, consider hanging a heavy quilt or blanket over the door.
Combine Window Treatments
Combining multiple window treatments can provide excellent insulation against cold air. Hang heavy drapes for maximum insulation, and pair them with sheer curtains for privacy and light filtering. Install blinds inside the window frame to further trap heat. On cold but sunny days, open the drapes and blinds to let sunlight warm the room naturally.
Seal Gaps and Cracks
In addition to windows and doors, drafts can also come from gaps and cracks in walls, floorboards, and fixtures. Seal these gaps with foam tape or other appropriate materials.
By following these steps, you can effectively seal off drafts and improve the insulation of your home, helping to keep it warm during the winter months.
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Portable propane heaters
When choosing a propane heater, consider safety, heat output (measured in British thermal units or BTUs), heater type (convection vs. radiant), ease of use, and cost. For example, the Mr. Heater MH18CH propane heater, which can be purchased from Amazon, Lowe's, or The Home Depot, has a sturdy fold-down carrying handle that makes it easy to transport. The heater has two heat output options: 4,000 or 9,000 BTUs, making it capable of heating up to 225 square feet of space. It is a radiant heater, warming objects rather than the air, but the heated objects will warm up the room. The heater also has an oxygen depletion sensor (ODS) to ensure that oxygen levels never drop to a dangerous level and a tip-over safety mechanism that immediately shuts off the heater if it is tipped over.
Another option is the Heat Hog propane heater, which has a curved heating plaque that provides a 33-degree wider heating area than a standard portable propane heater. Heat Hog also offers a Dock feature to keep your extra cylinder warm, allowing you to get more out of your fuel with fewer tanks.
If you are using a portable propane heater to heat your home during a power outage, it is important to take precautions to retain heat. Choose a central room for your family to gather, preferably one with minimal windows, and cover door gaps and windows with towels or blankets to prevent drafts. Body heat can be a surprisingly effective way to stay warm, so gathering in the same insulated room under blankets or sleeping bags can help maintain warmth.
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Gas fireplace
If you have a gas fireplace, you may be able to use it to heat your home during a power outage. Some gas fireplaces use electricity to spark the flame, but others use a piezo igniter, which only requires a tiny amount of electricity (millivolts or milliamps) to function. If your gas fireplace has a remote, it may also have a control box with a battery backup.
Even if your gas fireplace usually uses electricity to spark the flame, you may be able to light it manually. Some gas fireplaces have a pilot light that can be ignited with a wall switch or remote. If you can access the pilot light, you may be able to ignite it with a lighter. Alternatively, you can get a company to swap out the unit in the fireplace for a manual one.
If your gas fireplace doesn't require electricity to ignite, it may still require electricity to power a fan that distributes warm air throughout your house. However, this is not necessary, as the rising heat will create a flow that draws air in.
If you have a backup generator, you can use it to power your gas fireplace, as well as some space heaters. However, be careful when running a heat pump on a generator, as the system requires triple the energy to start up.
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Frequently asked questions
Here are some ways to heat your house without electricity:
- Layer up with warm clothing and blankets.
- Choose a room with minimal windows and good insulation, and gather everyone there. Body heat will help keep the room warm.
- Seal off any drafts with blankets, sheets, or towels.
- If you have a gas stove, heat some water and pour it into bottles. Wrap them in a towel and use them as a personal heater.
Alternative heat sources include:
- A portable propane heater.
- A wood stove or fireplace.
- A gas generator.
- A small wind electrical system.
Here are some ways to prepare for a power outage:
- Stock up on dry, seasoned wood if you have a fireplace.
- Invest in a backup generator.
- Check your windows and doors for any leaks and seal them.
Safety precautions to consider include:
- Follow the manufacturer's guidelines to prevent carbon monoxide buildup.
- Be careful when running a heat pump on a generator to avoid overloading it.
- If you have a gas heater, ensure proper ventilation to prevent carbon dioxide buildup.
