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How to Stay Warm When the Heat Goes Out: A Complete Guide

  //house-home.news-articles.net/content/2026/01/0 .. arm-when-the-heat-goes-out-a-complete-guide.html
  Published in House and Home on Wednesday, January 7th 2026 at 16:13 GMT by Lifehacker

When the Heat Goes Out: A Comprehensive Guide to Staying Warm

The sudden loss of heat in winter can be incredibly disruptive and even dangerous. While waiting for repairs, or dealing with an extended outage, staying warm is paramount. Lifehacker’s article, “How to Keep Your House Warm When the Heat Goes Out,” provides a practical, multi-faceted approach to surviving a heating crisis, and this article will summarize and expand upon those crucial tips, incorporating information from linked resources.

The core philosophy outlined in the Lifehacker piece is preparation and layered defense. It's not about one trick, but a combination of strategies to retain existing heat, generate new heat (safely!), and protect yourself from the cold. The article rightly prioritizes safety, repeatedly warning against unsafe heating methods like ovens or gas stoves.

1. Immediate Actions & Heat Retention:

The very first step, as the article emphasizes, is to prevent heat loss. This begins with closing off rooms you aren't using. Concentrate on heating a smaller, more manageable space rather than trying to warm the entire house. This is a key principle of efficient heating. Closing curtains, blinds, and shades is also crucial. These act as another layer of insulation, trapping existing heat inside. The article suggests using towels or blankets to block drafts coming from doors and windows – a simple, effective solution. Further strengthening this approach involves identifying and sealing gaps around windows and door frames with weather stripping or caulk (a longer-term solution, but helpful for repeated outages).

A significant point made is regarding clothing. Layering is vital. Wearing multiple thin layers of clothing is far more effective than one bulky item. Materials like wool, fleece, and thermal underwear excel at trapping body heat. Don't forget warm socks, hats, and gloves! This is often overlooked, but significant heat is lost through extremities.

2. Safe Supplemental Heat Sources:

While dangerous methods are rightly discouraged, the article highlights safe options. Electric space heaters are a primary suggestion, but with significant caveats. It stresses the importance of using heaters with automatic shut-off features, keeping them away from flammable materials, and never using extension cords (plug directly into the wall to avoid fire hazards). The linked article from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) reinforces this, detailing the alarming number of fires caused by space heaters each year and providing specific safety guidelines. It highlights that newer oil-filled radiator heaters are generally considered safer than those with exposed heating elements.

Beyond electric heaters, the Lifehacker piece suggests kerosene heaters, but only if you have adequate ventilation. This is a critical point. Kerosene heaters produce fumes that can be dangerous, even fatal, in an enclosed space. Carbon Monoxide detectors are absolutely essential when using any fuel-burning appliance. The article linking to information on carbon monoxide poisoning underscores the silent and deadly nature of this threat, emphasizing the need for working detectors on every level of the home.

Another intriguing suggestion is heated blankets and throws. These use minimal electricity and can provide direct warmth, though their range is limited.

3. Body Heat & Emergency Strategies:

When power is limited or unavailable, relying on body heat becomes essential. The article recommends cuddling with pets or other people – a surprisingly effective way to share warmth. Creating a “nest” – a small, enclosed space layered with blankets, sleeping bags, and pillows – can further trap body heat.

For more severe situations, the article touches on the importance of preparing an “emergency kit”. This isn’t just about heat, but overall preparedness. It should include flashlights, extra batteries, a first-aid kit, non-perishable food, water, and blankets. A battery-powered or hand-crank radio is also essential for receiving updates about the outage.

4. Protecting Pipes and Preventing Further Damage:

A crucial, often overlooked aspect is protecting your plumbing. The article points out that frozen pipes can burst, causing significant water damage. Allowing faucets to drip slowly can help prevent freezing, as moving water is less likely to freeze. Opening cabinet doors under sinks can also expose pipes to warmer air. If you suspect a pipe has frozen, the article links to advice on how to thaw it safely – never with a direct flame.

5. Long-Term Preparation & Considerations:

The Lifehacker article suggests proactive measures to improve insulation in the long term. Adding insulation to attics, walls, and floors significantly reduces heat loss and can lower energy bills. While more expensive, investing in energy-efficient windows and doors is another worthwhile consideration.

Finally, the article subtly hints at the importance of knowing your neighbors. In a prolonged outage, checking on vulnerable individuals (the elderly, those with medical conditions, and families with young children) can be life-saving.

In conclusion, surviving a heating outage requires a blend of immediate actions to retain heat, safe supplemental heating methods, strategies to leverage body heat, and proactive preparation. The Lifehacker article provides a solid foundation for tackling this challenging situation, and expanding on their advice with resources from organizations like the CPSC and information regarding carbon monoxide safety, makes it a comprehensive guide to staying warm when the heat goes out. Remember, safety is paramount – never compromise it for temporary warmth.