In the winter, blackouts and power outages pose a greater threat than being in the dark for a few hours. Without central heating, the temperature in most homes will rapidly fall, which can pose a significant danger depending on the weather outside. However, in the event of a power outage or a central heating failure, there are a number of steps that you can take to heat up your home and keep the winter at bay.

Windbreaks and Sun Exposure

Manipulating the plant growth outside your home can be an extremely effective method of insulation. Planting trees around the perimeter of your home helps block your home from the wind, and also acts as a physical barrier to snow, preventing drifts from developing against your home. Trimming overhanging trees can allow the sunlight to reach your roof, which can help warm up your house, or at least prevent some heat loss.

Interior Decorating

A number of design decisions can significantly alter how well heat is trapped within your home. Laying down carpets and rugs, especially on tiled floors, can significantly warm up your home by preventing the cold surface of your floor from chilling the air. Additionally, installing curtains over your windows and drawing them shut during periods of intense cold can help keep heat from escaping. Candles are also an important source of heat and light in the event of a power outage.

Windows and Doors

Windows and doors are exposed to both the interior and exterior of your home, and weather a great deal of exposure. As a result, the trim and integrity of the seals around the edges of your windows and doors can break down fairly quickly. If you feel drafts in a room, you probably have a leaky window or door. Getting a professional to reseal your windows and doors can help reduce the influx of cold air into your home, and keep your home warmer even when the heat is turned off.

Cooking

Cooking generates a great deal of heat. While electric stoves will not heat your home in the event of a power outage, a gas powered stove can be used to produce a significant amount of heat. This is especially important in the event of a power outage, as kitchens tend to be near the center of the home, and as such are well insulated.

For more information, contact Jim's Burner Service Inc. or a similar company.