Fight the MA Clean Heat Standard Today! LEARN HOW
Written on: December 13, 2018
During the frigid winter months, it’s vital to know about alternative ways to heat your home in case the power goes out.
If power is cut for a few hours, bundling up in additional clothing and blankets should alleviate any worry about the cold. But what if the power outage last for a couple days or more? What do you do for emergency heat?
Plan now for the following ways to heat your home:
1. Use a Generator
Do you own a generator? They’re so important in times like this. Portable electrical generators can supply enough power to keep the house warm until electricity comes back on. Plus, the electrical power they provide might allow for some additional comforts like lighting and refrigeration.
Before winter hits, make sure you have fuel for the generator, and enough to last through potential snowstorms.
2. Get an Indoor Propane Heater
Indoor propane-fueled heaters are designed specifically for using inside. Don’t let the mention of propane throw you off — they’re perfectly safe for using in your home.
3. Use a Wood Stove or Fireplace
Starting a fire in the fireplace or keeping a wood stove burning are common ways to remain warm while your power’s out.
Just make sure there is an appropriate amount of ventilation in the home so you aren’t at risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.
4. Increase Heat If You Know Power Might Go Out
If there’s any prior indication from your local news channel or radio station that power will go out, immediately set the thermostat to a higher temperature. The warmer your home is, the longer it will take to grow cold.
5. Don’t Open and Close Outside Doors
If you avoid opening and closing exterior doors during an outage, you’ll help keep heat inside the home. Temperatures can easily drop up to 10 degrees when a blast of cold air hits after doors are opened and closed.
Another way to ensure optimum warmth: Keep inside doors closed, especially doors to outlying rooms that could potentially cool your main living area.
6. Insulate and Block Drafts
If you feel a draft coming from windows or doors, consider makeshift insulation. Hang blankets over windows to keep cold air from getting inside, and place rolled up towels or blankets at the base of doors to keep cold air out or warm air in.
7. Let Sunshine Through Windows
If the sun is shining, utilize the warmth by opening blinds and letting the sun stream through windows. For added absorption, spread dark blankets or towels in front of the windows to soak in the direct sunlight.
Most important, make sure you have enough fuel in your tank and that everything is in working order so that after the power outage, you’ll be ready to heat your home. Contact the team at Williams Energy today for help!
