Power Outage Heating: How to Stay Warm Without Electricity

The power goes out. The temperature outside is 15°F and dropping. Your furnace is useless without electricity, and the forecast says it could be days before power is restored.

This scenario plays out thousands of times every winter. Knowing how to safely heat your home without electricity can mean the difference between discomfort and danger.

How Fast Does a House Get Cold?

Without heat, a house loses temperature faster than most people expect:

Times vary based on insulation, home size, and starting temperature

Bottom line: You have hours, not days, to establish alternative heating in cold weather.

Safe Emergency Heating Options

Option 1: Indoor-Safe Propane Heaters

The most popular and practical emergency heating option for most homes.

Best for: Small to medium rooms, apartments, homes without fireplaces

Why propane heaters work well:

• No electricity required
• Heats quickly (9,000-18,000 BTU)
• Propane stores indefinitely
• Indoor-rated models have oxygen depletion sensors (ODS)
• Relatively affordable ($75-150)

Safety requirements:

• Use ONLY indoor-rated models with ODS
• Have CO detectors (battery-powered)
• Provide ventilation (crack window 1 inch)
• Keep away from combustibles
• Turn off when sleeping

Fuel planning:

Recommendation: Stock 10-20 1-lb cylinders, plus a 20-lb tank with adapter hose.

Option 2: Kerosene Heaters

Higher heat output than propane, better for larger spaces.

Best for: Larger rooms, garages, very cold climates

Pros:

• High heat output (10,000-23,000 BTU)
• Kerosene is energy-dense
• Can heat larger areas
• Works in extremely cold temperatures

Cons:

• More fumes than propane
• Kerosene can be hard to find
• Requires more ventilation
• Fuel doesn’t store as long

Safety:

• Use only K-1 kerosene (not diesel)
• Requires more ventilation than propane
• Never refuel while hot
• Keep fire extinguisher nearby

Option 3: Wood Stove or Fireplace

If you have one, this is the ultimate backup heat source.

Pros:

• Unlimited heat potential
• Can also cook
• No fuel supply chain (if you have wood)
• Creates comfortable radiant heat

Cons:

• Requires existing installation
• Need dry, seasoned firewood
• Must be properly maintained
• Fire risk

If you use your fireplace:

• Use seasoned hardwood (oak, maple, hickory)
• Open damper fully
• Use a fireplace screen
• Clean ashes regularly
• Never leave unattended

Option 4: Generator + Space Heater

Use a generator to power electric space heaters.

Pros:

• Uses safe electric heat
• Can power other essentials
• Most familiar heat source

Cons:

• Generator MUST be outdoors
• Requires gasoline storage
• Expensive fuel consumption
• Extension cord limitations

Sizing: A 1500W space heater needs a 2000W+ generator. Add your other loads.

Best Portable Generators →

Option 5: Passive Heating Strategies

No fuel required—maximize what you have:

Body heat concentration:

• Everyone in one room
• Small, interior room (less exterior walls)
• Keep doors closed

Insulation improvements:

• Hang blankets over windows
• Roll towels under doors
• Cover bare floors with rugs/blankets
• Close blinds and curtains

Thermal mass:

• Heat water bottles or rocks (if you can)
• Place warm objects in sleeping bags before bed

Room Isolation Strategy

You can’t heat your whole house without a furnace. Focus on one room.

Choosing Your Warm Room

Best options:

• Small bedroom (less volume to heat)
• Interior room (fewer exterior walls)
• Room with minimal windows
• Away from north-facing walls

Avoid:

• Large open spaces
• Rooms with lots of windows
• Rooms over unheated garage
• Corners of the house

Setting Up Your Warm Room

1. Choose the smallest practical room for your family
2. Seal it off — Close all doors to the rest of the house
3. Insulate windows — Hang blankets, sleeping bags, or plastic
4. Block door gaps — Roll towels at the bottom
5. Cover floor — Rugs and blankets trap air
6. Set up sleeping area — Mattresses on floor, sleeping bags
7. Place heater — Follow all safety guidelines
8. Install CO detector — Essential with any fuel-burning heat

Temperature Goals

You don’t need 68°F to survive:

Target: Keep your warm room above 50°F minimum. 55-60°F is manageable with layers.

Sleeping Warm Without Heat

Sleep is when you’re most vulnerable to cold. Prepare properly:

Sleeping Gear

Use sleeping bags, not blankets:

• Sleeping bags trap heat far better
• 20°F or 0°F rated bags are ideal
• Mummy style is warmest (less air space)
• Place on insulated surface (mattress, foam pad)

Best Cold Weather Sleeping Bags →

Sleeping Tips

• Wear a hat (you lose significant heat through your head)
• Wear dry base layers (not cotton)
• Use hand/toe warmers inside the sleeping bag
• Don’t bury your face (creates moisture)
• Hot water bottle at your feet (if you can heat water)
• Share body heat (zip sleeping bags together)

Protecting Vulnerable Family Members

Infants and elderly are at highest risk:

• Keep them closest to heat source
• Check on them frequently
• Watch for signs of hypothermia
• Keep them well-fed and hydrated
• Don’t let them sleep alone

Signs of Hypothermia

Know the warning signs:

Early (Mild):

• Shivering
• Cold hands and feet
• Numbness

Moderate:

• Intense shivering
• Slurred speech
• Drowsiness
• Confusion

Severe:

• Shivering stops
• Extreme drowsiness
• Weak pulse
• Unconsciousness

If you see these signs:

1. Move to warmest area
2. Remove wet clothing
3. Warm the core first (not extremities)
4. Skin-to-skin contact under blankets
5. Warm, sweet drinks if conscious
6. Seek medical help for moderate/severe cases

Related Guides:

• Winter Storm Preparedness
• Best Indoor Propane Heaters
• Best Cold Weather Sleeping Bags
• Best Portable Generators