Should Your Home Have A Supplemental Heat Source? What Every Homeowner Should Consider
Heating the family home is a very simple process for most Americans. A central heating system operates at the touch of thermostat button, using some type of fuel or electricity to produce heat. While this process works very well most of the time, all it takes is a simple power outage to stop the heat from being produced. Even gas or fuel oil furnaces are affected by electrical outages because they keep the furnace fans from working to move the heat through the home.
Understanding the value of a supplemental heat source
Supplemental heat, provided by an alternate fuel type that will work without electrical power, can help homeowners keep their homes habitable during a power outage. In addition to keeping the occupants safe and comfortable, an effective supplemental heat source can also help homeowners prevent their homes from experiencing damage from frozen water lines, during a situation when the power is off for an extended time.
Choosing the right supplemental heat source
In order to provide a reliable form of supplemental heat when needed, homeowners should consider installing a heat source that is completely operational without electrical power. A wood or wood pellet stove are two excellent options to consider.
Using a wood stove or wood pellet stove effectively without electrical power
Although some wood and wood pellet stoves are equipped with a blower that operates on electricity, the stove will still be able to produce radiant heat even when the fan cannot be powered by electricity. Wood stoves that are designed to meet current safety and emissions standards and installed correctly can effectively heat a large room with the radiant heat that it produces.
An excellent way to overcome a lack of electricity to power the automatic fan component is to invest in a non-electrical fan that sits on top of the wood or wood pellet stove and operates only when a certain temperature is reached. Homeowners should also make sure that any supplemental heat source, such as wood or wood pellet stoves, is located in an area of the home where it will be possible for the family to be housed comfortably during a power outage, such as a large family room or basement.
To learn more about using a wood or wood pellet stove as your family's supplement heat source this winter, homeowners should spend some time exploring the various models, sizes, and installation and operating requirements of these products. Homeowners should also remember to abide by all safety requirements when using supplemental heat and always insist upon professional installation.