Options for emergency heat?

**Ebbie** · 02-08-2008, 12:16 PM

This has been on my mind since that storm a while ago that knocked out power to a lot of homes in the U.S. so I thought it's about time I asked...

I'm in a medium sized Canadian city and my house is heated by electricity. Not the cheapest option, but not bad because I'm in a townhouse. But I got to thinking....what would I do if power was knocked out for several days in the middle of the winter? I don't have a fireplace, either wood or gas (don't have gas lines installed at all). The power has only ever gone out for one 24 hour period and that was in summer, but that's not to say that something coudn't happen.

So...what options are available for backup heating in my situation? I think I'd rest easier if I had something in place. Ideas?

**sdrjeolsen** · 02-08-2008, 12:29 PM

You could purchase a karosene (sp?) heater and a few gallons of fuel for it.

One other important thing, be sure you know how to turn off water to parts of the house you may not be able to (or want to skip) heating so you don't freeze pipes, also maybe have some antifreeze to put into the toilets (tank and bowl) and shower drains so the traps don't freeze if those areas of your house were to get below freezing for long.

**PrairieRose** · 02-08-2008, 12:38 PM

We have gas heating but our thermostat is electric so when the electricity is out, we're without power too. We purchased a gasoline generator so we can at least run a small heater on it. We close off unneeded rooms, try to keep some water boiling on the stove (it's gas and we can light it manually) to make it feel warmer. We layer clothing, use candles and kerosene lamps for light. I know this b/c we were without electricity last year for 2 weeks. I found out then that I don't ever want to "that much" of a simple life.

**Momof4cats** · 02-08-2008, 01:16 PM

I live in Macon County, TN, and have been without power for 3 days. No damage though, thank God.

My personal preference is kerosene. Burns efficiently, the smell isn't too bad, and easy to store. I would use a gas generator for other items, but not for heating. In my experience a gallon of kerosene will heat longer than a gallon of gas will run a generator. Plus generators are noisy.

**FrugalMomof3** · 02-08-2008, 02:20 PM

What about a kerosene heater? When our electric went out last winter or so ago, we used those, we all cuddled in one room and kept warm till either the electric went back on.

For light use candles, that way you can see where your going and remember to layer on the blankets.

**momtoadiva** · 02-09-2008, 03:21 PM

I would suggest a gas generator too they're kinda pricey but if your concerned I would recommend one.

**mmy2grls** · 02-09-2008, 03:21 PM

Long time ago before kids I had a kersosene heater that I used to heat my house all winter because propane prices was high.

Kerosene heaters are excellent for emergencies

**anna021** · 02-10-2008, 06:19 PM

Our kerosene heater has saved us many times over the years, not only has it kept us warm, but we actually could heat canned foods on the top. So we always will at least 5-10 gallons stored in the shed, and the burner itself in good working order. A good tip, we always light it outside, and then carry it in, and bring it back outside before shutting it down. This omits having to smell that kerosene and that black smoke that sometimes rises when you shut it down.

**Lady_V** · 02-10-2008, 06:32 PM

Do you own the Townhouse?

If you do, can you get a small wood-burning or pellet stove? You can get heat and cook on them. I am assuming you have an electric stove as well as you said you don't have a gas-line.

**M55FF** · 02-23-2008, 09:47 AM

Originally Posted by Ebbie

This has been on my mind since that storm a while ago that knocked out power to a lot of homes in the U.S. so I thought it's about time I asked...

I'm in a medium sized Canadian city and my house is heated by electricity. Not the cheapest option, but not bad because I'm in a townhouse. But I got to thinking....what would I do if power was knocked out for several days in the middle of the winter? I don't have a fireplace, either wood or gas (don't have gas lines installed at all). The power has only ever gone out for one 24 hour period and that was in summer, but that's not to say that something coudn't happen.

So...what options are available for backup heating in my situation? I think I'd rest easier if I had something in place. Ideas?

If I lived in canada ( gets very cold up there) I would have a backup heat source !!!!
You can get an outdoor wood burner and have it made so the heat is vented into the house. I'd have some backup firewood and use it at least some every year to make sure its working. In some places if the power goes out at certain times ( dead of winter) you are not playing save money games but gambling with losing your life freezing to death.

**happimommi** · 02-26-2008, 08:58 PM

My in-laws live in Montreal and after the ice storms a few years ago, they heated and cooked with a kerosene heater for over 2 weeks.

**kvannuland** · 02-26-2008, 09:36 PM

We lost power about 5 years ago for just 2 days during winter. Froze our tail off! When summer came we installed a wood burning stove and for the last 4 years we do not turn on our furnace unless we will be gone for over 1 day. We have lived all those winters just on wood. A little cold in the furthest rooms (bathroom, kitchen and basement) but with the fuel prices so high, it has saved us thousands each year. My husband didn't want to buy wood so he bought a few chain saws and a stump grinder and started a side business cutting trees.

Worth it every minute and its so pretty!

Keri