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Home heating sans electricity?

matthew.Contributor - October 17, 2020

Hello, and thanks again to all the awesome people who make this website possible.  It truly is a wonderful resource.

I am researching various methods/options for heating my home in the case of an extended power outage.  I have a traditional masonary fireplace that I never use because it’s so innefficient, but am considering a fireplace insert or other options.  I’m curious if anyone has gone down this road and has words of wisdom to share.

A fireplace insert would be nice, but they’re also spendy, and outside of an emergency and/or the occasional holiday-time fire, I would likely rarely use it, so I am also eager to find safe alternatives, if there are any.  

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  • Comments (8)

    • 6
      hikermor - October 18, 2020

      Yes, the traditional fireplace isinefficient, but it does the job, and it will burn a variety of fuels.  Dress warmer than usual, close off portions of your dwelling, and huddle around the cheery blaze.  This has worked for meonseveral occasions in the past.

      • 8
        John AdamaStaff - October 18, 2020

        This is where my first reaction went too… don’t overlook the stone fireplace you already have.

        OP do you live in an area with lots of natural fuel around?

      • 7
        matthew.Contributor - October 19, 2020

        Thanks for your reply John.  Unfortunately the bulk of any fuel I’d have access to would come from what I stocked up ahead of time.  

    • 6
      Josh CentersContributor - October 18, 2020

      I have a propane fireplace, and I got my tank filled up a few weeks ago. I was told the propane prices are the lowest they’ve been in years. I got a Mr. Heater propane heater a few years ago to keep our bedroom warm when the power is out. It’s safe and works well. It uses little propane tank, though I have an adapter that will connect it to larger tanks.

      • 7
        matthew.Contributor - October 18, 2020

        Thanks Josh!  Do you find any issue with fumes with the Mr Heater?

    • 7
      John AdamaStaff - October 18, 2020

      FYI tomorrow we’re starting research for the main guide on this topic, will include this discussion in the sources for that article. 

      • 8
        Andrew Myers - October 18, 2020

        Get an insert for fireplace it puts out 4-5 times the heat i use mine everyday all winter 9 months in Wyoming with the harsh winds we get the fireplace was useless 

      • 5
        matthew.Contributor - October 19, 2020

        Thanks Andrew, much of the research I’m doing is pointing in that direction. 

        I look forward to seeing TP’s upcoming guide!

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