Reliable Alternative Heat Sources For If You Lose Power This Winter

Snowfall can undeniably transform any dull landscape into a wonderland. After all, it's hard not to feel happy when you see kids building snowmen or while you're cozy and sipping hot cocoa with your family inside your home. But this season can quickly transform into a nightmare when winter shows its harsher side in the form of snowstorms and freezing temperatures. These natural occurrences could lead to power outages that leave homes without heat. The loss of electricity during freezing temperatures is not just a minor inconvenience, but a life-threatening issue, too. According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), more than 19,000 people have died in the United States since 1979 due to "cold-related causes." The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, meanwhile, estimates that deaths caused by excessive cold or hypothermia were "generally higher" in rural areas.

Preparation is key to avoid these dangerous and possibly fatal outcomes if you lose power this winter, and retaining heat during winter by properly insulating your attic hatch or door can only do so much. Fortunately, there are different options to heat your home without electricity, like fireplaces and pellet stoves, among others. Each comes with its own pros and cons. But before you pick one out of these reliable alternative heat sources, it's important to know the biggest things to avoid first. The EPA warns against using combustion appliances, like gas stoves and ovens to heat your home, as these could produce air pollutants that pose health risks (via the EPA). It's crucial, too, to remember to never run your heat sources when there's poor ventilation or if you're in a closed space.

Fireplaces are a time-tested way to keep warm during a power outage in the middle of winter. Using wood for heating is efficient, cleaner burning, and powerful enough to heat an average-sized home. Another advantage is that fireplaces are usually constructed using heat-resistant materials like brick or stone. There's also no problem getting materials to start a fire, since these are very accessible. Many households gather wood all year round to prepare for the harsh winter season. If you don't have access to such resources nearby, you can go buy a fire log on Amazon, like the six-pack from Pine Mountain for $20, with each log burning for at least two hours. There's also the Pine Mountain Four-Hour Six Pack of logs that can last four hours each.

However, there are some precautions to be observed when using a fireplace as an alternative heat source. First is to make sure that chimneys and flues are regularly cleaned to prevent buildup that can cause fires. Just remember to avoid some of the dangerous mistakes when cleaning your fireplace. Use seasoned hardwood instead of charcoal to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning (via the Environmental Protection Agency). Avoid using gasoline, lighter fluid, or other fuel to light a fire since these can trigger an explosion. Make sure that you also use a fireplace screen to catch flying embers!

If you don't have a fireplace built in your home, but would want to use wood, then pellet stoves may be the best alternative heat source if you've lost power. They are cost-effective since you would need compressed wood or biomass pellets which are often cheaper than traditional heating fuels like propane, oil, or electricity. Just make sure you choose pellets that are not for grilling or smoking! For example, a 40-pound bag of heating pellets from the U.S. Stove Company on Amazon costs about $30.

Pellet stoves produce low emissions, which makes them a cleaner alternative to traditional wood stoves and other heating methods. Pellet stoves are one of the cleanest heating appliances and can cause very little air pollution. Pellets are also easy to store and handle because they come in compact bags, unlike firewood which takes up more space and requires more work to manage. This makes pellets a convenient option when you're dealing with limited storage. When using pellet stoves, however, it's important to make sure the room is well-ventilated and to follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully to avoid any carbon monoxide buildup (via Energy Pellets of America).

Kerosene heaters are another heat source alternative for those who may want to look beyond using wood logs or pellets, especially during emergencies. They are a good option to consider due to their portability and effectiveness in providing warmth at a relatively low cost. These heaters use kerosene, a widely available and relatively inexpensive fuel that burns efficiently to deliver significant heat. A 32 ounce bottle of kerosene fuel from Coleman costs $12.99 on Amazon, while a gallon from Klean-Strip Green sells for $49.99 for a pack of two.

Modern kerosene heaters can heat medium-sized areas quickly. But make sure to pick kerosene heater models that come with built-in safety features, like automatic shut-offs and protective grills to help reduce the risk of fire or accidents. Also, to keep your family safe, it's essential to ventilate the room well while using the heater to prevent dangerous carbon monoxide buildup (via Insurance Information Institute). Only high-quality K1 grade kerosene should be used, too.

Using an electric space heater is still a practical option to stay warm if you already own a generator. This is because a small, portable generator can provide enough power to run small appliances, like a space heater, which can provide enough heat to warm a single room. Modern space heaters also come with features that can evenly distribute heat throughout a space, making it great for fuel efficiency of your generator, too. Just remember to stock up on fuel ahead of a storm since shortages are common during severe weather events.

But using a generator requires following strict safety measures. Generators produce carbon monoxide through their exhaust, so they should never be operated indoors or in enclosed spaces, such as garages (via the Federal Emergency Management Agency). Make sure to direct the exhaust away from any windows or doors, too. It's a good idea to check your generator regularly to make sure it's in good working order. Regular maintenance — including testing it periodically, checking the oil, and inspecting the fuel system — can help ensure that your generator will run smoothly when you need it the most.

If more advanced heating solutions aren't available at home, layering up and using heated blankets can help you stay warm if the power is out during winter. Heated blankets, through batteries or generators, can provide direct warmth and are useful for conserving body heat. You can pair them with thermal or fleece clothing to create an insulating barrier which can trap your body's heat for extended periods. Focus on covering your extremities like hands, feet, and the head since these areas lose heat the fastest.

This low-tech solution can be a lifesaver in emergencies or when you're still working to get another heat source up and running. Just remember to choose models of heated blankets with automatic shut-off features to prevent overheating. It's also crucial to regularly inspect them for frayed cords or damage before use. Lastly, avoid sleeping with them on the highest setting and be mindful of using them with young children who may not notice if the blanket becomes too hot!