Wood-stoves allow you to heat your home in the event power is lost
During the cold winter months, keeping our homes warm and toasty is often a top priority. Unfortunately, this can be difficult to do when the power goes out. Because so many of our modern heating appliances require electricity to run, fewer and fewer homeowners have ways to heat their home when the power is out.
Luckily, there are several alternative heating options that can operate without electricity. This not only reduces your monthly energy bill but can also keep your family comfortable and warm in the event of a power outage.
Wood stoves
Wood stoves aren’t just for log cabins anymore! These heating appliances now come in a wide variety of sizes and styles that allow them to seamlessly blend in to any home or décor. Modern wood stoves must be EPA certified in order to be sold; this increased efficiency means there is less soot, less smoke, and even less firewood needed to operate them.
Using a wood stove in place of or as a supplemental heating source can also help save money on your monthly power bills. Wood tends to be significantly less expensive than other fuel sources; while the cost of oil and natural gas has continued to rise, the price of firewood has remained relatively constant. Homeowners can save even more money by chopping and seasoning their own firewood instead of buying from a dealer.
In addition to their efficiency and low operating costs, some wood stoves have the added benefit of being able to be used as both a cooking and heating appliance. This makes them an extremely popular choice for those who live in rural areas or prefer a more “off grid” style of living.
Direct vent fireplaces
Many homeowners believe that burning wood is the only option when the power goes out. However, some gas fireplaces can continue to be used until the electricity comes back on. If you prefer gas over wood – but still want to be able to have a heat source in the event of a power outage – a direct vent fireplace may be the best choice.
Direct vent fireplaces do not require chimneys; they both vent and draw air using pipes that connect directly to the exterior of your home. This venting process is considered to be one of the safest in the industry because it nearly eliminates the chance of dangerous gasses such as carbon monoxide backing up in your home.
Depending on the brand and model, a direct vent fireplace may come equipped with its own blower. This means that it can be used as a heat source if the power goes out.
Electricity-Free Pellet Stoves
For homeowners who want the look and feel of a wood burning fire – but without the hassle – pellet stoves may be the answer. It’s important to note that while many pellet stoves require electricity to operate the hopper which feeds the stove with pellets, some models come with battery packs that allow them to continue operating during short term power outages. The small amount of electricity they take to operate, however, makes them ideal for homeowners with small generators. Likewise, it is even possible to invest in gravity-based models that require no electricity whatsoever. These units do not include the same features as their electric counterparts, however, they can still provide heat in a pinch.
When the power goes out in the winter, keeping your family warm can be a problem. If you’re interested in learning more about alternative heating that can run even when the electricity is out, contact Coopertown Services with your questions today.