Being without electricity during power outages may seem just annoying to some people. Still, it may also be fatal for other people living cold climates. To stay warm, it is advisable to consider alternative heat sources in winter storms. In these guides, we will tell you what is the most efficient means of heating the house during a power outage and provide suggestions for other non-electric energy sources to heat your space.
The short answer is this: During the winter if you experience a power outage and need an emergency heat source, you can use several alternative heating sources to heat your home without electricity. These non-electric heaters include propane, kerosene, wood-burning stoves, portable heaters, pellet stoves, radiant heat, and natural gas heaters. Keep reading to learn more about these heaters.
What you need to keep in mind when choosing a non-electric heater in case of power outages
Each of these emergency heat sources has its advantages and disadvantages. For example, propane heaters are very efficient and produce a lot of heat, but they can be expensive to operate.
Kerosene heaters are also very efficient and produce a lot of heat, but they can be dangerous if misused.
Wood-burning stoves are very efficient and can also help you save money on your energy bill, but they require a lot of maintenance.
Portable heaters like wood stoves and portable propane heaters are a great options if you want to be able to move them from room to room. Still, they may not be as efficient as other wood-burning stoves.
Pellet stoves are also very efficient and produce a lot of heat, but they can be expensive.
Radiant heat is an excellent option if you have ceramic tile or hardwood floors, but it can be expensive to install.
Natural gas heaters are the most efficient way to heat your home during a power outage. Still, they may not be available in all areas. Keep reading to learn which may be the best option for you.
How can I heat my house during power outages?
When your power is out in winter, you have a few alternative heat sources to choose from. You can use non-electric space heaters such as a propane heater, kerosene heaters, wood-burning stoves, portable wood stoves, pellet stoves, radiant heat, or a natural gas heater.
1. Propane Heaters:
Propane heaters, especially portable ones are a great alternative heat source for your home during a power outage. They are small and easy to move around, providing a lot of heat.
If you own a gas grill, you may already have propane tanks.
Note!
A portable propane heater will mostly likely not be able to heat your entire home, pick one room designated for heating and run the heater there.
2. Kerosene Heater:
Kerosene heaters are another great option for heating that doesn’t require electricity a power outage. They are larger than propane heaters but provide more heat. There are two types of kerosene heaters: forced air and radiant. A forced air kerosene heater blow air through the kerosene to create heat, while radiant kerosene heater use infrared light to create heat.
Both types of kerosene heaters have their pros and cons. Forced air kerosene heaters are cheaper than radiant kerosene heaters but can be noisy and create dust and fumes. Radiant kerosene heaters are more expensive than forced air kerosene heaters, but they are quieter and healthier because they don’t produce fumes or dust.
3. Wood Burning Stove:
A wood-burning stove is a great way for staying warm during a winter storm with the electricity out. Not only does it provide thermal radiation that will warm you up quickly, but it also gives you a place to cook food or boil water. Wood-burning stoves come in two types: traditional wood-burning and pellet stoves.
Traditional wood-burning stoves require you to chop your own wood to fuel them, while pellet stoves use pellets made from recycled materials like sawdust or cardboard boxes . Both types of wood-burning stoves have pros and cons: traditional wood-burning stoves are cheaper but produce more emissions than pellet stoves, while pellet stoves are more expensive but produce less.
NOTE: Be sure to vent the stove properly to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning
4. Portable Wood Stove:
A portable wood stove is an excellent option for people who don’t want to chop their own wood or use pellets. Portable wood stoves come in combustion camp stoves and ceramic catalytic stoves. Combustion camp stoves burn biomass (like twigs or branches) to create heat. While ceramic catalytic stoves use a catalytic converter to convert propane or methane into usable energy.
Both types of portable wood stoves have their pros and cons: combustion camp stoves are cheap but generate smoke and carbon monoxide , while ceramic catalytic stoves are expensive but don’t generate any smoke or carbon monoxide.
5. Pellet Stove:
A pellet stove is another excellent option for people who don’t want to chop their own wood or use pellets . Pellet stoves work by burning pellets from recycled materials like sawdust or cardboard boxes . Pellet stoves come in two types: freestanding and insert pellet stoves . Freestanding pellet stoves sit on the floor like traditional fireplaces, while insert pellet stoves fit inside of existing fireplaces.
Both types of pellet stoves have pros and cons: freestanding pellet stoves are cheaper but generate more emissions than insert pellet stoves, while insert pellet stoves are more expensive but generate fewer emissions.
6. Radiant Heat:
Radiant heating uses infrared light waves to warm
7. Just your fireplace
A fireplace is a great way to stay warm during power outages. Keep in mind there’s a lot of heat loss through the chimney to the nature of fireplaces. Not only does it provide thermal radiation that will warm you up quickly, but it also gives you a place to cook food or boil water.
Thermal radiation is when energy is transferred from a warm object (The fireplace) to a colder object (A couch, a person) in electromagnetic waves.
To use your fireplace as a heat source during a power outage, you first need to ensure that the damper is open and the flue is clear. Then, set some newspaper or kindling on the grate and light it with a match. Once the fire is going, add some larger pieces of wood to the fireplace. Keep the fire going for as long as possible to raise your body temperature.
8. Gas or Ethanol fireplace
If you have a gas fireplace, you can use it as a heat source during a power outage. Gas fireplaces are powered by natural gas or propane, so they don’t require electricity.
To use your gas fireplace as a heat source during power outages, ensure the damper is open and the flue is clear. Then, turn on the gas valve and ignite the pilot light.
9. Solar oven
A solar oven is a great alternative to an electric oven during a power outage. Solar ovens use the sun ’s rays to heat food, so they don’t require electricity.
To use a solar oven, first, preheat the oven by pointing it towards the sun for 20-30 minutes. Then, put your food in the oven and close the lid. The food will cook slowly, so you may need to wait longer than you would if using an electric oven.
10. Candles
Candles are a great alternative to electric lights during a power outage. They provide light and can also be used to produce heat. To use candles as a heat source, light several candles and place them safely away from flammable objects. The heat produced by the candles will help to warm up the room.
Note!
Be sure to blow out the candles before you sleep to avoid the fire risk.
Final Thoughts
Stay safe and warm this winter! These are just a few alternative heating sources you can use during a power outage. With a bit of creativity, you can find many more ways to To heat your home with no electricity.
