Winter is coming: How does one keep warm without the electricity, and your house is ALL electric?


Well some of these tips are no brainers, but there are a lot of things to consider.

First and foremost, DO NOT USE PROPANE OR OTHER COMBUSTABLE GASES FOR HEATING WITHOUT VENTALATION!

http://www.ehow.com/how_5873762_keep-warm-house-electric.html

Now is the time to clean out your chimney and get the seasoned firewood.

http://www.googobits.com/articles/3046-get-the-most-from-your-fireplace.html

So I’ll start with the fireplace as something to consider if you have one. If you don’t have one, there are many other alternatives. But be warned ahead of time. There are many LP (Propane) space heaters that should NEVER be used indoors period! The reason why is simple. The heat and energy given off by one is so high that although there is no flame, they can, will and have burned people, things and houses down. In addition, a newer model home that is energy efficient and is sealed off cannot breathe well. Thus, the propane heater will consume the oxygen and put out Carbon Monoxide.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carbon_monoxide

Now on to fireplaces and the things to consider:

The history of the fireplace is one of very rich tradition and old time memories. It is ironic that the very thing that could bring families together on a cold winters night became the bane of existence for many in the later end of the 20th century and many new homes do not have a fireplace, or have one that is electric or gas. It is the aspect here that I will first address. Fireplaces have specific issues that must be regularly dealt with. The first is the buildup of soot. (Wood ash) that collects on the inside of a chimney. This soot can contain creosote. Creosote is a chemical found in many trees and is especially present in soft woods like pine. It is especially high in content of wood when the wood is green. Outside of the fact that green un-seasoned wood won’t burn well, that green wood will let out the creosote which will adhere to the soot in the chimney wall, and will eventually combust. (Catch fire.) This is NOT a good combination in a home fireplace, especially when the walls are made of pine or Douglas fir stick build construction and is only a few inches thick with LOTS of insulation between beams. The heat buildup will cause the house to burn completely to the ground.

http://real-estate-agents.com/tips/fireplaces/chimney-fireplace-care/


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chimney_sweep

Yes there is even a US National Chimney sweep guild.

http://www.ncsg.org/Home/tabid/36/Default.aspx


Here they are promotoing a new PSA.

http://www.ncsg.org/NewsEvents/PressRoom/PRPSALaunch/tabid/318/Default.aspx

Next up, Why you CANNOT use a gas fireplace with wood!