When facing down winter storms, it’s best to make preparations before the temperatures start dropping. And one of the most important things to prepare for during a winter storm is power outages. Without central heating, temperatures in your home can plummet quickly, impacting both your comfort and safety. To help your family keep warm until the power is back on, Bloomington Heating & Air shares some alternative heating options.
To ensure that your home heating system is working properly through winter, schedule an appointment with our HVAC company for heating repairs and installations.
Know What Causes It To Grow
Wood burning stoves and fireplaces are still in use today because of their dependability and multi-purpose. Wood burning stoves and fireplaces can heat an entire house and allow you to make warm meals when the power is out. When selecting a wood-burning stove, pay attention to their energy efficiency and whether or not it requires additional electricity to work. Wood makes safe fuel for fireplaces and stoves, but you’ll need to prepare the kindling in advance and store it somewhere dry. You’ll also need to have easy access to matches and fire starters. Both can be messy and require annual chimney cleanings to avoid chimney fires or carbon monoxide poisoning.
Signs Of Mold In Your AC System
There’s a slew of portable heaters on the market that can provide ample space heating without the need for electricity. Instead, these little heating units rely on propane for creating warmth. When deciding on the right one for you, make sure to only view units rated for indoor use. Also, connect the propane tank to the heater outside to ensure no gas leaks in your home, which can create an explosion hazard. Once connected, an indoor-rated propane heater will be able to warm your indoor space safely. Other things to look for are tip-over shut-off features and an oxygen depletion sensor. Overall, portable propane heaters are easy to maintain.
Prevention & Maintenance
If you’re in a pinch and need emergency heating, use what’s available to you. During the day, direct sunlight can help warm up areas of your home. You can even utilize bricks and stones to store a bit of that thermal energy to increase the effect. Just make sure to close the drapes and blinds once the sun has moved to prevent the heat from escaping with better insulation. Filling sinks and bathtubs with hot water can also provide a source of warmth — just make sure to empty them before it reaches the point of freezing. You can also trap body heat or heat from those sun-heated bricks and stones with a blanket. Make sure to choose wool or fleece for optimal insulation.