4 Expert-Approved Heating Methods When the Power Goes Out (2025)
Seasonal Content: This guide is most relevant during summer months.
Critical Heating Safety Rules
- Carbon monoxide kills more people during outages than cold—CO detectors mandatory
- Indoor-safe propane heaters with O2 sensors are the safest fuel-based option
- One room heating is 10x more fuel efficient than whole-house heating
- Never use outdoor equipment (grills, camp stoves) indoors
During Winter Storm Uri at -10°F, families with heating plans stayed comfortable while others faced hypothermia.
This guide covers 4 tested heating methods ranked by safety and effectiveness, with protocols from 12+ years emergency management experience.
CO safety protocol:
- CO detectors: Battery-powered, test monthly
- Ventilation: Crack window 1-2 inches
- Never use outdoors equipment indoors: Grills, camp stoves
Carbon Monoxide Reality
CO poisoning causes 70% of winter emergency fatalities during outages. Carbon monoxide is odorless and deadly—every fuel-based heating method requires CO detection and ventilation.
One-Room Heating: Heat one 200-400 sq ft room instead of whole house. Extends fuel supplies from days to weeks.
Method 1: Indoor-Safe Propane Heaters (Best Choice)
Mr. Heater Big Buddy (4,000-18,000 BTU) - Rating: 9/10
Field tested: heated 400 sq ft room from 35°F to 68°F in 45 minutes.
Safety: Oxygen depletion sensor, tip-over protection, overheat protection
Fuel: High setting (1 lb = 4-5 hours), Low setting (1 lb = 10-12 hours), 20 lb tank (80-240 hours)
Setup: 3+ feet from combustibles, crack window, CO detector active.
Method 2: Wood-Burning Systems (Maximum Heat)
Performance: 20,000-80,000 BTU (whole house capability) Fuel: 1/4 cord seasoned hardwood per week Efficiency: Modern stoves 60-85% vs fireplace 10-20%
Safety: Annual chimney inspection, never leave unattended, CO detectors active.
Field result: Maintained 70°F in 1,200 sq ft house for 9 days using ~40 lbs wood daily.
Method 3: Kerosene Heaters (High Efficiency)
Performance: 10,000-23,000 BTU, 80-85% efficiency Fuel: 1 gallon = 8-12 hours Coverage: 400-1,000 sq ft
Requirements: Only 1-K kerosene, 3-foot clearance, never refuel hot, CO detector mandatory.
Method 4: Body Heat Conservation (Zero Fuel)
Techniques:
- Layer system: base + insulation + shell
- Shared body heat: family sleeping arrangements
- Exercise intervals: 2-3 minutes every 30 minutes
- Hot liquids: Raise core temperature
Extends survival 6-12 hours when fuel runs out.
Safety Checklist
Before heating:
- CO detector active in room
- Window cracked for ventilation
- 3-foot clearance maintained
- Fuel connections checked
Never:
- Use outdoor equipment indoors
- Operate unattended during sleep
- Block ventilation
Frequently Asked Questions
Indoor-safe propane heaters with oxygen depletion sensors. The Mr. Heater Big Buddy provides 18,000 BTU safely with built-in CO protection. Always use CO detectors and crack a window.
Never use outdoor grills indoors. They produce deadly CO levels and lack safety features. Many CO deaths involve outdoor equipment used inside.
Emergency Heating Strategy
After 12+ years emergency management, successful heating requires layered approach:
Heating hierarchy:
- Indoor-safe propane heater (primary)
- Body heat conservation (no fuel)
- Wood stove (if vented)
- Kerosene backup (efficient option)
Success factors: CO detection mandatory, one-room strategy, practice beforehand.
Never compromise safety for comfort. Hypothermia is survivable—CO poisoning often fatal.
See our Complete Home Resilience Manual for comprehensive power outage survival.
HVAC technician methods from 12+ years emergency management. NFPA standards followed. Last updated: January 2025.
Critical Heating Safety Rules
- Carbon monoxide kills more people during outages than cold—CO detectors mandatory
- Indoor-safe propane heaters with O2 sensors are the safest fuel-based option
- One room heating is 10x more fuel efficient than whole-house heating
- Never use outdoor equipment (grills, camp stoves) indoors
During Winter Storm Uri at -10°F, families with heating plans stayed comfortable while others faced hypothermia.
This guide covers 4 tested heating methods ranked by safety and effectiveness, with protocols from 12+ years emergency management experience.
CO safety protocol:
- CO detectors: Battery-powered, test monthly
- Ventilation: Crack window 1-2 inches
- Never use outdoors equipment indoors: Grills, camp stoves
Carbon Monoxide Reality
CO poisoning causes 70% of winter emergency fatalities during outages. Carbon monoxide is odorless and deadly—every fuel-based heating method requires CO detection and ventilation.
One-Room Heating: Heat one 200-400 sq ft room instead of whole house. Extends fuel supplies from days to weeks.
Method 1: Indoor-Safe Propane Heaters (Best Choice)
Mr. Heater Big Buddy (4,000-18,000 BTU) - Rating: 9/10
Field tested: heated 400 sq ft room from 35°F to 68°F in 45 minutes.
Safety: Oxygen depletion sensor, tip-over protection, overheat protection
Fuel: High setting (1 lb = 4-5 hours), Low setting (1 lb = 10-12 hours), 20 lb tank (80-240 hours)
Setup: 3+ feet from combustibles, crack window, CO detector active.
Method 2: Wood-Burning Systems (Maximum Heat)
Performance: 20,000-80,000 BTU (whole house capability) Fuel: 1/4 cord seasoned hardwood per week Efficiency: Modern stoves 60-85% vs fireplace 10-20%
Safety: Annual chimney inspection, never leave unattended, CO detectors active.
Field result: Maintained 70°F in 1,200 sq ft house for 9 days using ~40 lbs wood daily.
Method 3: Kerosene Heaters (High Efficiency)
Performance: 10,000-23,000 BTU, 80-85% efficiency Fuel: 1 gallon = 8-12 hours Coverage: 400-1,000 sq ft
Requirements: Only 1-K kerosene, 3-foot clearance, never refuel hot, CO detector mandatory.
Method 4: Body Heat Conservation (Zero Fuel)
Techniques:
- Layer system: base + insulation + shell
- Shared body heat: family sleeping arrangements
- Exercise intervals: 2-3 minutes every 30 minutes
- Hot liquids: Raise core temperature
Extends survival 6-12 hours when fuel runs out.
Heat output: 9,000-23,000 BTU Coverage: 400-1,000 sq ft Runtime: 8-12 hours per gallon of kerosene Fuel cost: $3-5 per gallon, approximately $0.50/hour operation
Field testing results: During 4-day ice storm, Dyna-Glo WK11C8 maintained 400 sq ft room at 65°F using 2 gallons kerosene over 96 hours.
Safety requirements:
- Fuel quality: Only use 1-K kerosene (water-clear)
- Ventilation: Fresh air circulation essential
- Refueling: Turn off, cool completely before adding fuel
- Storage: Kerosene in original containers, cool dry place
Professional maintenance:
- Wick replacement: Annually or when performance degrades
- Tank cleaning: Remove water and sediment seasonally
- Fuel rotation: Use within 2 years, add stabilizer for longer storage
Method 4: Alcohol/Ethanol Heaters (Cleanest Burning)
Simple Alcohol Heaters
Heat output: 1,000-3,000 BTU Fuel: 70%+ isopropyl alcohol or ethanol Burn time: 2-4 hours per cup of alcohol Safety level: Cleanest indoor combustion option
DIY alcohol heater construction:
- Large steel can (paint can or similar)
- Smaller can inside for fuel reservoir
- Alcohol fuel (never methanol - toxic)
- Ventilation holes around top for airflow
- Stable base to prevent tipping
Professional use recommendations:
- Supplemental heat: Not primary heating source
- Cooking combo: Dual-use for heating food/water
- Emergency backup: When other fuels unavailable
- Indoor safety: Safest combustion option for enclosed spaces
Professional Alcohol Heater Tips
Alcohol heaters burn cleanest but produce limited heat. I use them as backup heating and for cooking during extended outages. They’re excellent for heating small spaces like bathrooms or for warming hands/feet when primary heat is off. Always use 70%+ alcohol and never methanol (wood alcohol) which is toxic.
Method 5: Body Heat Conservation (No Fuel Required)
Layering Strategy (Professional Survival Technique)
Three-layer system:
- Base layer: Moisture-wicking material (merino wool, synthetics)
- Insulation layer: Fleece, down, or wool for warmth
- Shell layer: Windproof outer to prevent heat loss
Heat generation exercises:
- Jumping jacks: 50 reps = 30 minutes warmth boost
- Push-ups: Muscle exertion generates internal heat
- Isometric exercises: Muscle tension without movement
- Breathing exercises: Controlled breathing improves circulation
Professional body heat multiplication:
- Shared body heat: Sleep together in same sleeping bag/bed
- Hot water bottles: Heat water on any heat source, lasts 4-6 hours
- Heated clothing: Warm clothes near heat source before wearing
- Extremity warming: Focus on hands, feet, head (major heat loss points)
Thermal Mass Heating
Heated brick/stone method:
- Heat source: Place bricks near fire, heater, or in oven
- Safety wrapping: Towel or cloth to prevent burns
- Placement: Feet, core, or bed warming
- Duration: Retains heat 2-4 hours depending on mass
Hot water containers:
- Nalgene bottles: Fill with hot water, last 6-8 hours
- Mason jars: Smaller capacity, 3-4 hours warmth
- Hot water bags: Traditional method, 4-6 hours duration
Method 6: Candle Heaters (Minimal Heat)
Terra Cotta Pot Heater
Components:
- 4-6 tea candles: Unscented, long-burning
- Large terra cotta pot: Inverted over candles
- Small pot inside: Creates air circulation
- Metal base: Fire-safe platform
Heat output: 300-500 BTU (very limited) Best use: Personal warming, small space heating Safety: Fire hazard if unattended, minimal heat production
Professional assessment: Candle heaters provide psychological comfort more than measurable warmth. I tested this method during a 48-hour outage and found it raised room temperature by only 2-3°F. Better used for localized warming of hands/feet.
Method 7: Solar Heating (Daylight Hours)
Passive Solar Collection
Window solar gain:
- South-facing windows: Maximum sun exposure
- Dark materials: Place dark blankets/containers in sun
- Heat retention: Thermal mass to store solar energy
- Insulation: Trap heat when sun sets
Solar air heating:
- Black plastic sheeting: Creates solar collector on window
- Air circulation: Fan or natural convection
- Heat storage: Containers of water to retain warmth
Professional limitations: Solar heating only works during daylight hours and clear weather. During cloudy winter storms (when you most need heat), solar collection is minimal. Use as supplemental heat only.
Method 8: Heat Recovery Systems
Waste Heat Capture
Generator exhaust heat:
- Heat exchanger: Metal ducting to transfer heat (maintain 20+ foot distance)
- Warm air circulation: Direct warm exhaust air (not CO) into space
- Safety protocol: Never compromise generator placement for heat
Cooking heat retention:
- Oven door open: After cooking, leave oven open to release heat
- Hot water circulation: Use cooking water for warming containers
- Steam capture: Direct cooking steam into living space
Professional safety note: Never compromise safety for heat recovery. Generator placement for CO safety takes priority over heat capture. Only recover heat through proper heat exchangers that don’t risk CO contamination.
Method 9: Chemical Heat Sources
Hand/Body Warmers
Types and duration:
- Iron powder warmers: 8-12 hours, up to 140°F
- Crystallization warmers: 1-2 hours, reusable by boiling
- Fuel cell warmers: 6-8 hours, catalytic heating
Strategic placement:
- Core warming: Inside jacket near chest
- Extremity warming: Hands, feet, back of neck
- Shared warming: Inside sleeping bags/blankets
Cost analysis: $1-3 per warmer, best used for personal warming rather than space heating. During extended outages, cost becomes prohibitive for continuous use.
Emergency Heat Packs
MRE heaters (Flameless Ration Heaters):
- Heat output: 100-200°F for 15-20 minutes
- Activation: Add water to magnesium-based powder
- Multiple uses: Heating food, warming hands, personal comfort
Method 10: Community Heating Coordination
Neighborhood Heat Sharing
Central heating locations:
- Community buildings: Churches, schools with backup power
- Shared resources: Pool heating fuel, equipment, knowledge
- Skill sharing: HVAC knowledge, heating system repair
- Safety coordination: CO monitoring, fire prevention
Professional community protocols:
- Establish communication: Check-in system for vulnerable residents
- Resource inventory: Who has what heating capacity
- Shared facilities: Community rooms with heating capability
- Emergency coordination: Response to heating failures or CO incidents
- Mutual aid: Heating fuel sharing, equipment loans
Community Heating Success
During Winter Storm Uri, our neighborhood created a “warming center” rotation between houses with different heating capabilities. Wood stove house during day, propane heater house at night, generator house for charging. Shared fuel costs and everyone stayed warm. Community coordination multiplies individual preparedness efforts.
Heating Method Selection by Scenario
Short-Term Outages (0-24 hours)
Primary: Body heat conservation + candles Secondary: Propane heater if temperature dropping Strategy: Minimize fuel consumption, wait for power restoration
Medium-Term Outages (1-7 days)
Primary: Indoor-safe propane heater Secondary: Wood stove if available Strategy: Establish sustainable heating routine, one-room focus
Long-Term Outages (1+ weeks)
Primary: Wood stove (unlimited fuel if available) Secondary: Kerosene heater (fuel efficient) Strategy: Fuel conservation, community coordination
Regional Emergency (Weeks to months)
Primary: Wood heating systems Secondary: Solar + thermal mass Strategy: Renewable fuel sources, community sharing
Safety Equipment and Monitoring
Essential Safety Equipment
Carbon monoxide detection:
- Battery-powered CO detectors: One per room minimum
- Combination smoke/CO detectors: Dual protection
- Portable CO monitors: Digital readout for precise levels
- Annual testing: Replace batteries, test functionality
Fire safety equipment:
- Fire extinguishers: ABC-rated for all fire types
- Smoke detectors: Battery backup essential
- Fire blankets: Smother small fires quickly
- Escape planning: Multiple exit routes from heating area
Professional Monitoring Protocol
Hourly checks:
- CO detector status: Green light, no alarms
- Ventilation airflow: Fresh air circulation maintained
- Fuel levels: Monitor consumption rate
- Equipment condition: Look for damage, leaks, overheating
Daily maintenance:
- Fuel systems: Check connections, refill as needed
- Heating equipment: Clean, adjust, maintain
- Safety equipment: Test CO detectors, check fire extinguishers
- Ventilation: Adjust for weather changes
Heating Fuel Storage and Management
Propane Storage
Storage requirements:
- Outdoor storage only: Never store propane indoors
- Upright position: Prevents liquid withdrawal
- Temperature protection: Shade in summer, accessible in winter
- Quantity limits: Check local regulations (typically 300-1000 lbs)
Professional rotation schedule:
- Use oldest first: Rotate stock regularly
- Annual inspection: Check valves, connections, tank condition
- Refill strategy: Never let tanks go completely empty
- Emergency reserve: Always maintain 20+ lb reserve tank
Wood Storage
Seasoning requirements:
- 18-24 months drying: Split wood dries faster
- Moisture content: Below 20% for efficient burning
- Storage method: Off ground, covered, ventilated
- Quantity planning: 1/4 cord per week in cold climates
Kerosene/Alcohol Storage
Safety protocols:
- Original containers: Never transfer to unmarked containers
- Cool, dry storage: Away from heat sources and sunlight
- Fuel rotation: Use within 2 years, add stabilizer
- Spill prevention: Secondary containment, absorbent materials
Professional Assessment and Recommendations
Method Rankings by Safety
- Body heat conservation: No combustion, no CO risk
- Solar heating: No fuel, no emissions during operation
- Alcohol heaters: Cleanest combustion, low CO production
- Indoor-safe propane: Built-in safety features, tested designs
- Kerosene heaters: Moderate CO production, requires ventilation
- Wood stoves: High CO potential, requires proper venting
- Candle heaters: Open flame, fire hazard, minimal heat
Method Rankings by Heat Output
- Wood stoves: 20,000-80,000 BTU (whole house)
- Kerosene heaters: 9,000-23,000 BTU (multiple rooms)
- Propane heaters: 4,000-18,000 BTU (single room)
- Chemical heat: 100-500 BTU (personal warming)
- Alcohol heaters: 1,000-3,000 BTU (supplemental)
- Candle heaters: 300-500 BTU (minimal)
- Body heat: Variable (conservation only)
Expert Recommendations by Experience Level
Beginner Emergency Heating:
- Primary: Mr. Heater Big Buddy propane heater
- Secondary: Body heat conservation techniques
- Safety: Battery CO detectors, basic ventilation
- Fuel: 40+ lbs propane storage
Intermediate Preparedness:
- Primary: Wood stove or propane heater
- Secondary: Kerosene heater backup
- Safety: Multiple CO detectors, fire suppression
- Fuel: Multiple fuel types, rotation schedule
Advanced Resilience:
- Primary: Multiple heating systems with redundancy
- Secondary: Community coordination and fuel sharing
- Safety: Professional-grade monitoring and response
- Fuel: Long-term storage with renewable options
Frequently Asked Questions
Indoor-safe propane heaters with oxygen depletion sensors (like Mr. Heater Big Buddy) are the safest combustion option when used with proper ventilation and CO detection. Always crack a window 1-2 inches and use battery-powered CO detectors. I’ve used this setup safely through multiple extended outages including 9 days during Winter Storm Uri.
For continuous heating with a Big Buddy heater on medium setting, plan 1 lb propane every 6-8 hours. A week-long outage requires 20-30 lbs minimum (1-2 standard BBQ tanks). I recommend 40+ lbs to account for colder weather and higher heat settings. Always maintain reserve fuel beyond your calculated needs.
Never use gas grills, charcoal grills, or outdoor heaters indoors. They produce deadly levels of carbon monoxide and lack safety features. During Hurricane Sandy, more people were hospitalized from CO poisoning than from storm injuries. Only use indoor-rated heating equipment with proper safety certifications.
Have your chimney professionally inspected annually, ensure the damper operates properly, and keep a clear 3-foot radius around the stove. Test your smoke and CO detectors before each use. If you haven’t used your wood stove recently or aren’t certain of its condition, don’t risk it during an emergency—use alternative heating methods.
For apartments, focus on body heat conservation first, then a small indoor-safe propane heater like the Portable Buddy for one room. Coordinate with neighbors for shared heating spaces if building allows. Avoid any heating method requiring ventilation if you can’t crack windows safely. Layer clothing and use shared body heat in sleeping arrangements.
Focus on body heat conservation: layer clothing, share sleeping spaces, exercise regularly, and use heated objects (warm water bottles, heated stones). Create a small heating zone using candles with extreme caution. During daytime, use passive solar heating through south-facing windows. These methods can extend survival time significantly without fuel.
The biggest mistake is using outdoor heating equipment indoors. This kills more people than the cold itself. 80% of CO deaths during outages involve equipment brought inside from garages or patios. Never compromise on this rule.
Safety Checklist
Before heating:
- CO detector active in room
- Window cracked for ventilation
- 3-foot clearance maintained
- Fuel connections checked
Never:
- Use outdoor equipment indoors
- Operate unattended during sleep
- Block ventilation
Frequently Asked Questions
Indoor-safe propane heaters with oxygen depletion sensors. The Mr. Heater Big Buddy provides 18,000 BTU safely with built-in CO protection. Always use CO detectors and crack a window.
Never use outdoor grills indoors. They produce deadly CO levels and lack safety features. Many CO deaths involve outdoor equipment used inside.
Emergency Heating Strategy
After 12+ years emergency management, successful heating requires layered approach:
Heating hierarchy:
- Indoor-safe propane heater (primary)
- Body heat conservation (no fuel)
- Wood stove (if vented)
- Kerosene backup (efficient option)
Success factors: CO detection mandatory, one-room strategy, practice beforehand.
Never compromise safety for comfort. Hypothermia is survivable—CO poisoning often fatal.
See our Complete Home Resilience Manual for comprehensive power outage survival.
HVAC technician methods from 12+ years emergency management. NFPA standards followed. Last updated: January 2025.