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 The simplest, safest and most DIY-friendly
solution is to create a designated heating room. Blankets and towels
can block doorway and window drafts, and then you can choose from
localized heat sources.
While it is not safe to use an oven to heat your home due to carbon
monoxide fumes, a sink or tub full of hot water can contribute some
heat to a room.
Fireplaces
One option is to utilize a fireplace. However, just because a home
has a fireplace does not mean it's always usable. Prior homeowners
may have had the chimney capped, usually to keep animals out, or for
a better external appearance. They may have even taken things a step
further and removed portions of a chimney or internal venting pipes,
and left the indoor fireplace for aesthetics or not wanting to
remodel.
If your home has a fireplace, you will want to be sure it still
works and can be used safely. This means that before it ever becomes
necessary for use you have your fireplace inspected by a
professional and have kept it clean and clear of debris.
You should also do a test run on a chilly day to make sure it all
works and to estimate how much space you might expect to heat.
The major downside to a fireplace is that installing a new one is
costly and often troublesome in terms of logistics. But a fireplace
is not the only way to generate heat through burning material.
Wood-burning stoves
A wood-burning stove can make a good or better substitute when it
comes to practical heating function. These stoves are still popular
and easy to find in stores, and some older homes may have one
already.
Much like a fireplace, this kind of stove still requires somewhere
for exhaust to go, so it still needs to be properly installed, and
is often attached to a chimney or other vent system.
The difference between the two is that a wood-burning stove is
generally regarded as being more efficient in delivering heat.
Stoves burn less wood due to their smaller size, generate less
exhaust, and due to their smaller scope, use less fuel with greater
output to a wider area. In contrast, a fireplace may generate more
heat in an immediate area, but once the heat moves beyond a certain
threshold, it's not as effective, and it only heats in one
direction. Stoves have smaller exhaust systems and can be built in
multiple parts of a house, and release heat in multiple directions.
Additionally, newer stoves are built to be more efficient than older
stoves, saving on energy costs.
There's also the added benefit of more utility. A fireplace only has
so many uses depending on its size, but a stove can be used for
heating water and food if it's built right and has a top that is
accessible.
Portable heaters
Another alternative heating source is the increasing amount of
options for gas-powered portable heaters. These heaters are usually
powered by kerosene or propane. They can be moved from room to room
with greater ease, and are relatively cheaper compared to other
heating options.
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However, these heaters are a little more risky to use
long-term. While they may not generate fire, the gas containers can
cause damage if they are improperly secured, or if they are used
constantly. Older homes often have damage caused by overuse of
kerosene heaters, and there is a greater risk of carbon monoxide
building up in the area.
Another downside to portable gas heaters is that they can be slow to
heat and generally only reach so far into an area. Depending on the
type of heater, it may also be relatively noisy.
Solar powered heating
Finally, there is a small but growing industry surrounding solar
heaters. Solar heaters are powered by the sun, gathering energy
through solar panels. There are relatively small solar heaters than
can be purchased and moved from room to room, so long as there is a
way for you to charge it. This means having access to the outdoors
or clear enough windows, or maybe even a skylight. Some can be
placed over windows to provide heat and collect power at the same
time.
Alternatively, there are systems that can be installed on homes with
solar panels. These storage systems allow for homeowners to utilize
gathered solar energy and specifically direct its use for heating
purposes. These options are a lot more expensive than a stove or a
fireplace or any other option, but a growing demand for green energy
options are making it more accessible to the public.
These are just a few ways to heat up a home that don't involve the
traditional furnace or heating systems. Each of these has their own
strengths, and even if there isn't an emergency, may be worth
considering to keep your own home warm.
[Derek Hurley]
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