Do I need to move my stockpile?

**LastDragonfly** · 09-25-2008, 01:29 PM

I hope I'm asking in the right thread. Sorry mods if I'm not but it is a question about my self sufficiency:

I have a strange pantry. It's an addition that the owner put in years ago. My problem (or question): THE WATER HEATER IS IN MY PANTRY

It is HOT in the pantry room. My question is will it ruin my newly canned things? Since this is the first year I've canned I'm afraid it will be too warm in there.

I'm not really sure where I would put food since the kitchen has small cabinets and they are all near the stove. I would think our garage will freeze in the winter.

Your input is much appreciated!

**Starlight9803** · 09-25-2008, 02:00 PM

is there a window of some sort to provide ventilation? I would say to wrap the water heater in an insulation blanket (around $15 or so at a home improvement store) and crack a window when it is warmer in there to help control the temperature. A blanket may help the heat loss on its own though. If that doesn't help, then I would think you would need to move the stockpile. A bit of heat is fine, but hot all the time would drastically shorten the lifespan of the foods, and may cause some to spoil as well.

**LastDragonfly** · 09-25-2008, 02:11 PM

Originally Posted by Starlight9803

is there a window of some sort to provide ventilation? I would say to wrap the water heater in an insulation blanket (around $15 or so at a home improvement store) and crack a window when it is warmer in there to help control the temperature. A blanket may help the heat loss on its own though. If that doesn't help, then I would think you would need to move the stockpile. A bit of heat is fine, but hot all the time would drastically shorten the lifespan of the foods, and may cause some to spoil as well.

Unfortunately there is no ventilation It's like a closet with shelves and a waterheater. Sometimes in the winter I leave the door open a little to warm up the room!

I think I will have to move my stockpile. waaaaaaaa. Thanks for your feedback!

**Jeanna** · 09-25-2008, 04:06 PM

I would agree to move your canned items. They need to be keeped in a cool, somewhat dark place. If you have an extra bedroom that you can use, even under the bed, as long as it stay cool. Mine stays in my untility room off my carport. There is no heat in there but I do have a refridgerator and freezer in there so the heat off of them seems to keep the temp about right. Good luck finding a place

**LastDragonfly** · 09-25-2008, 04:10 PM

The garage is sounding better and better. I think I have a space between my freezer and 2nd fridge. Thanks ladies, I knew you would have some good advice!
Hugs.

**madhen** · 09-25-2008, 04:28 PM

I would second the garage. Most covered buildings are going to provide your stuff enough protection to keep it from freezing. I have the same situation as you - teeny kitchen with crappy cupboard space. I set up racks in one the "extra" rooms and just started piling stuff on there.

**Cricketlegs** · 10-10-2008, 04:26 PM

Wow, my hot water heater doesn't put off heat.

I do have my small canning in my kitchen cabinet though anyway.

Sounds like the garage is your best bet.

**dcompton** · 10-10-2008, 06:01 PM

I agree with Cricketlegs. I have a HUGE walk in closet that had the water heater in one end. I'm not using it for food storage now, but could. The hot water heater doesn't seem to give off any heat at all - at least I don't notice the closet being warmer than the rest of the house, allowing for lack of AC vents, and it stays cool to the touch.

I would definitely look into the outer insulation for it. That sounds like a big energy leak.

**frooz** · 10-10-2008, 11:41 PM

If a water heater is running properly it shouldn't be giving off heat and is probably costing you more money than it should

**HappyMama** · 10-14-2008, 04:55 PM

Originally Posted by Starlight9803

is there a window of some sort to provide ventilation? I would say to wrap the water heater in an insulation blanket (around $15 or so at a home improvement store) and crack a window when it is warmer in there to help control the temperature. A blanket may help the heat loss on its own though. If that doesn't help, then I would think you would need to move the stockpile. A bit of heat is fine, but hot all the time would drastically shorten the lifespan of the foods, and may cause some to spoil as well.

I agree as well as if it is canning you yourself have done the change in temperature ( intense heat ) is not good for your canned goods.

**fixer** · 10-27-2008, 12:50 PM

One thing I can think to try is an insulating blanket around your water heater. If it is hot, you are wasting energy by heating air. It may lower the temperature in your pantry. Put a thermometer in the pantry where your canned goods are and actually see how hot it is. Then you can compare this with what is recommended. Your local cooperative extension office can help you with this.