When the power goes out during a cold winter, your indoor temperature starts dropping. And dropping. Not a good feeling, right? Cold weather power outages pose a safety risk even if temperatures remain above freezing.

Read on to quickly learn a few ways you can heat your house without power. It can make your ill-timed outage a non-issue or at least a bit less uncomfortable until the power comes back on.

How to Heat a House Without Electricity

The best time to prepare for a power outage is before the lights go out.

The best way to heat (and cool) your home in a blackout is to prevent power loss! This can be achieved by installing a permanent backup power generator (installed outdoors on the side of your home and connected directly to your natural gas line or propane tank) or home battery.

(Never use a portable gas-powered generator indoors, as this is an extremely dangerous carbon monoxide hazard!)

Otherwise, consider your home’s other heating options, such as a fireplace, and other resources, including space blankets.

Never discount the value of an additional home heat source. With a well-stocked wood supply, you can heat a central living space near the hearth for days!

For homes without a wood-burning fireplace or wood stove, there are alternatives.

Here are three ways to keep a house warm without power:

  1. Backup generator or home battery – Backup power keeps your furnace, heat pump, mini-splits, or other heater (or air conditioner) humming, even when the rest of the homes on your street have gone dark. Having auxiliary power from a backup generator or home battery might be especially beneficial for homes with young children, seniors, or those with disabilities. If you live in an area prone to power outages or severe weather, a standby home generator or backup battery is a smart investment.
  2. Portable heater – Several types of gas-powered portable space heaters are available for emergency situations but require considerable caution. Not all models are made to be safe to use indoors and could cause deadly carbon monoxide poisoning. Some newer vented models can be good short-term solutions but should be used only in well-ventilated spaces with open windows or doors. Check usage instructions carefully before buying. Portable space heaters are also fire hazards, so keep them at least three feet away from people, furniture, or other materials, and never leave the device unattended (turn it off if you leave the room).
  3. Use the sun – Open drapes or blinds to let the sun’s warmth heat your home. Direct sunlight can slowly heat a cold room, but this may not be effective enough during winter storms to help stave off cold indoor temperatures.

You can also take additional steps to stay warm until power is restored …

Indoor Survival Heating Methods

There are plenty of other ways to keep yourself and your family warm during a power outage. Here are a few tips on what to do if you lose power in the winter.

Layer up

Wear as many layers as possible to retain body heat – undershirts, shirts, sweaters, jackets, and, if necessary, coats.

Also, take advantage of snow pants, thick socks, and slippers to prevent heat loss. It’s usually a good idea to wear warm clothes immediately before you get chilled, and not to overdress so you start to sweat. Don’t forget you can curl up in a big, warm blanket, too!

Keep a single space warm

Gather your family and pets in a single space and close unused rooms. Body heat will keep the room a bit warmer than unoccupied spaces. Playing active games like charades is also a great way to keep moving and generate extra heat!

Keep snacking

Hunger can lower your core body temperature by a degree or two, while active digestion can raise it. Staying properly fueled helps stave off the cold and raises spirits, too!

Insulate your space

Make sure all doors and windows are tightly shut and consider using folded-up blankets to seal the gaps on exterior doors to keep out cold air.

Once you’ve added layers and prepared your space, stay positive and consider additional ways to keep cozy!

Read more: Should I Shovel Snow off My Roof?

Remember, Most Appliances Won’t Work Without Electricity

Some of the most commonly asked questions our technicians hear during an outage are focused on gas appliances that may – or may not – run without electricity.

Will my furnace work without electricity?

Probably not. While you may be able to light the pilot, modern gas furnaces rely heavily on electrical components to distribute air efficiently. Without power, your gas furnace isn’t safe to use and probably won’t deliver heat where you need it.

Will a gas stove work without electricity?

Most likely not. Only very old gas stoves allow for safe manual ignition using a match or lighter. Most modern gas ovens use an electric starter; this won’t work without power unless the model includes a battery backup system, which is relatively rare. Additionally, without the electric control panel, you may be unable to control the cooking temperatures.

Most alternative forms of heat, including using an oven, can be dangerous. Before implementing untested heating methods, focus on preserving your home’s residual heat and bundling up.

How long until my pipes freeze?

Remember your heating system and water heater also keep your pipes from freezing. The longer the power outage, the greater the risk of frozen pipes. While the timeline varies based on indoor and outdoor temperatures, pipe materials, and many other factors, pipes can start to freeze in as little as six hours.

How Fast Does a House Cool Down Without Heat?

A well-insulated home should retain heat for 6-10 hours after losing power, but there are many determining factors, including:

  • The quality of the home’s construction (windows, doors, insulation, etc.)
  • Outdoor temperatures. (The colder it is outside, the faster it will get cold inside.)
  • Alternative heat sources. (Homes with fireplaces will stay warmer for longer.)

Once the power goes out, the clock starts ticking. Take proactive measures to retain heat and stay safe!

Explore Emergency Heating Options Before You Need Them

Home heating isn’t just about comfort. Knowing how to heat a room without electricity is a handy skill that can keep you and your family safe. Make emergency planning a part of your proactive homeownership tasks alongside preventative HVAC maintenance. You can always count on One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning for fast, friendly service whenever needed! Find a location near you or call (800) 893-3523 today to book an appointment!