Modern Homes and Temperature Challenges
Many of us reside in relatively new homes that boast vast, open living spaces – often referred to as “great rooms.” Even if you think your kitchen is compact, your great-grandmother would have been thrilled with it! Anyone who’s visited a home from the early 1900s or earlier can attest to how small the rooms were in comparison. However, these grand rooms become a challenge when there’s a power outage and we need to maintain warmth. A massive space is suddenly not so ideal.
But fear not, there’s a way to navigate this. Continue reading…
The Key to Staying Warm (or Cool) During Outages
Interestingly, in times of power loss or when furnace replacement is needed, those quaint, small rooms can be beneficial. Keeping a 12×10 room warm during winter or adequately cool in summer is far more manageable than trying to control the temperature in today’s expansive rooms.
So, here’s the tactic for those power outage moments when you’re battling the cold or heat: Choose one of the smaller rooms in your home (except the bathroom) as a temporary living space until everything’s back to normal.
Effective Tips for Temperature Control
If you find yourself in such a situation, here are some strategies to help you maintain a comfortable temperature:
- Opt for a room with minimal window space. Most of the summer’s warmth and winter’s chill seeps in through windows. Your chosen “Survival Room” should either have a small window or thermal curtains to guard against temperature fluctuations. If you live in a home with vast spaces, there’s a special tip for you below.
- Gather extra blankets and quilts. Use them to insulate windows and entrances, reducing external air intrusion. There’s also the option of using cost-effective mylar emergency blankets.
- Always have suitable clothing on hand, especially if power outages are frequent. Dress in layers during cold seasons and opt for lightweight attire in summer. Remember, wearing a hat can conserve body heat.
- Ensure your heating devices, such as a Mr. Buddy, are safe for indoor usage. Always have a carbon monoxide detector in your designated emergency room.
- Even if camping isn’t your thing, consider purchasing sleeping bags or small tents. Setting up a tent indoors on extremely cold nights can help in conserving warmth.
- Stock up on chemical warmers for hands, feet, and body.
- Ensure your chosen room has a phone connection. Opt for a traditional corded phone that doesn’t rely on AC power. It’s also wise to confirm that your landline uses a conventional system and not VOIP, which requires electricity. This ensures you stay connected during emergencies.
- For those with an open floor plan, here’s a suggestion from a reader named Dave: Use bed sheets to section off open spaces and corridors. By doing so, you can focus the warmth in one specific area.
Don’t rely solely on one tip. Combine them for maximum effect!
Additional Strategies for Staying Warm Without Electricity
Find more creative solutions to stay warm during power outages [here].
When there’s no electricity, it’s more efficient to stay in one room with bathroom access rather than heating or cooling an entire house. It can even feel like a fun indoor camping trip for the kids!
Have you ever resorted to staying warm in just one room? What additional advice would you offer?
