Power outages happen more often than anyone would like, but what do you do if the outage occurs when it's freezing outside? What can you do to stay warm? Here, you'll find a few tips that can help you stay warm while the power is out.

Invest in a Generator

If you have some extra money that you're looking to spend on something really worthwhile, this is it! Investing in a generator that provides enough power to provide your furnace with the electricity it needs to heat your home will be worth it the first time the power goes out. If you don't have enough set aside to buy a large enough generator to power the furnace, you do have the option of a smaller unit used to heat smaller heating units throughout the home.

Combustible Portable Heaters

Having at least one heater that runs on propane, kerosene, or oil is a good choice. Even if you only have to use it once or twice a year, it will prove to be a smart investment. The good thing about these portable units is that you can move them around to help protect the water lines from freezing before the power comes back on. This way, you can move a heater into the kitchen, open the cabinet doors, and keep those lines warm enough to prevent the freezing—same goes with the bathrooms.

Clay Pots

You know the reddish-clay flower pots? Well, believe it or not, they can be used to produce quite a bit of heat when you're in a pinch. All you have to do is get a plate or a pie-pan. Put a candle on the plate and light it. Place the pot upside-down over the candle. The flame of the candle will heat the clay, and soon, you'll begin to feel heat rising off of it. This won't help in large spaces, but it will be enough to take the sting out of the air as the interior temperatures drop.

Maybe, sometime in the future, someone will come up with a battery back-up system for your home's HVAC system, but at this time, nothing. All that you can do at this time is to prepare for the worst and hope for the best. If you're unsure about how to handle outages with your HVAC system, talk with your local HVAC technician. He or she will show you exactly how to handle the situation and get everything running perfectly for you.

For more information, reach out to companies like Any Season Heating & Air Conditioning. 

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