From trying to cut down on utility bills to preparing for power outages, it’s always good to learn how not to be too dependent on electrical appliances. Of course, these days, electric heaters seem like the easiest and most cost-effective option for heating a room. However, there are many simpler ways you can heat a room without electricity.
For instance, non-electric heaters are perhaps even better than electric ones. In this article, we’ll explore non-electric heaters, meaning what they are and the benefits they present. Moreover, to give you more ideas, we’ve provided six other ways of heating a room without electricity.
What Is a Non-Electric Heater?
As the name suggests, non-electric heaters don’t use electricity. Instead, they function either on natural gas, propane, or kerosene. Propane and kerosene heaters are more popular in the market because they’re user-friendly. They also serve as fail-safes for emergencies.
Simply keep disposable tanks on hand, so you have some supplies for unforeseen situations such as power outages and weather emergencies. Safety experts recommend having at least three tanks on hand at a given time.
Alternatively, if you don’t want to keep disposable gas tanks, non-electric heaters can easily be connected to your home’s permanent gas supply. Generally, kerosene heaters are more efficient in terms of cost and fuel. However, this depends on the brand and model.
If you live in risky areas, non-electric heaters are a good investment as they’re more reliable than electric heaters.
How to Heat a Room With Non-Electric Heaters?
Using non-electric heaters is the same as using electric heaters. It’s just the power supply that’s different. You just need to turn it on and adjust the temperature to your preference. However, there are some tips you can follow to maximize the heater’s efficiency.
For example:
- Don’t ever leave the heater running overnight. This isn’t just a safety hazard, but it also disrupts the efficiency and heating ability of the space heater.
- Stay in a small space because heaters work better for smaller areas rather than larger ones.
- Ensure the thermostat is at the right temperature. For instance, if it’s set too high, the heater may lose efficiency after a while.
- Lastly, close the windows and doors and cover all gaps (if any). This keeps the heat inside the room.
Other Ways of Heating a Room Without Electricity
Don’t want to use a non-electric space heater? It’s understandable. Over time, the maintenance costs for heaters can accumulate. Luckily, there are other ways you can heat a room without electricity. For your convenience, we’ve explored some of them below.
Consider the following tips to keep your home warm and cozy during winters:
Use Draft Stoppers
It’s a good idea to close draft areas such as vents and gaps in the walls or doors. These are useful in the summer but become irritating during the winter.
Improve Insulation
You don’t need to make structural changes for this. Simple changes can vastly improve your home’s insulation. For example, adding rugs and carpets to the floor help trap heat in the room.
Although, if you have the budget for structural changes, ensure everything’s looked over by a professional.
Take Advantage of Sunlight
Does your home have access to lots of direct sunlight? If yes, don’t waste the opportunity. If you have the budget, you can install solar panels and run your heater through it.
However, take the daily climate into account. If your winter months are more cloudy than sunny, this isn’t a good idea.
Don’t Forget About Candles
Candles are a simple yet effective solution to your heating woes. Light four or five in an enclosed space, and you’ll see a quick temperature difference.
Although, this method has its disadvantages because it is a fire hazard. Also, you have to use many candles at a time, making it less fuel-efficient than other methods.
Use Gas Lamps and Gas Generators
Both have their advantages and are highly effective in heating a room. However, gas lamps, like gas heaters, can cause suffocation. Make sure you’re not using them overnight. They’re good for small, enclosed spaces.
However, gas generators are good for larger spaces. If you have a large family, we strongly recommend gas generators.
Don’t Underestimate Organic Solutions
For example, some people (mostly in Africa and South Asia) use dried animal dung to insulate their homes. The idea may sound strange and gross, but it’s effective. If you live in a rural area, dried animal dung is easily accessible.
Conclusion
To sum it up, heating a room without electricity isn’t as difficult as it seems. By making simple changes to your home, you can keep warm and cozy in a cleaner and more sustainable way than with electric heating systems. We hope this article was helpful and informative.
