For most people, the winter is relatively uneventful. They can depend on their home’s essential systems to keep them warm and cozy. Unfortunately, not every homeowner is as lucky, with some facing the coldest winter days without a furnace.
There are many reasons a furnace might clunk out, not the least of which is maintenance. However, when your primary heat source goes out, how can you keep your house warm until the furnace is repaired?
1. SPACE HEATERS
If the electricity was not the cause of your furnace’s problems, the best alternative source of warmth is a space heater. You can plug several space heaters in around the home to keep the structure warm, but that will likely be expensive.
Another option is to choose one or two rooms and use space heaters in those areas. However, you will need to consider problems with freezing pipes.
2. FIREPLACE
If available, a less expensive option than space heaters is using your home’s wood-burning or gas fireplace. While the fireplace will work best in areas closer to it, if it is left burning long enough, it should help build the ambient temperature in the house. Natural fireplaces tend to work better than gas and electric options, but you will have to make do with whatever option you have.
3. CURTAINS, BLANKETS, TOWELS
You need to seal every potential draft. Therefore, use curtains, blankets, and towels to block the chill from doorways, thresholds, and windows.
If your area experiences a particularly sunny day, you can uncover the windows getting direct sun exposure because it can add some warmth to the space. At night, make sure everything is sealed up tight.
4. DOORS AND WINDOWS
When your furnace is out, you want to keep as much warm air in as possible. It is best to keep all doors and windows shut and locked. Do not go outside unless absolutely necessary. Even opening a door for a few seconds is enough to let a significant amount of heat out.
If you must go outside, try to use transitional spaces, like mudrooms or garages. If you can find an area closed off from the rest of the house, it is best.
5. COOKTOP
While you do not want to use ovens and stoves to heat your space by themselves, you can use them to make meals. Cooking on the stove or in the oven will help heat a cold room.
Using the oven alone without cooking is dangerous and quickly becomes a fire hazard. However, there is no rule against baking and cooking meals in advance. You want to make sure you turn the oven off when it is unattended or you are going to bed.
6. GATHERINGS
Bodies give off heat. If your furnace is out, consider having a “keeping warm” party or something similar. The more people you can have over, the better. Additionally, gatherings tend to lift spirits, which you might need after your furnace breaks down.
Losing your furnace in the middle of winter is not ideal, but it is not the end of the world. You can do several things to keep warm until the appliance is fixed or replaced.
Do you have any other suggestions about how to keep warm without a furnace?