Gas and electricity are two elements homeowners take for granted. All you have to do is flick a switch and the lights turn on and the boiler begins to rumble, so it’s easy to see why. However, it’s coming to the time of year where storms lead to blackouts due to the high winds and volume of rain.
A blackout isn’t only when you have no electricity. It’s also when you can’t heat your home because the furnace can’t heat the water. And, it’s not nice a situation since it’s impossible to tell when the supplies will be reinstated. It could be later that night, in which case, you only have to cope for a few hours. Yet, it could take days.
The entire experience is made worse by the fact that property owners never see it coming. As a result, you probably won’t have a backup plan in case the worst happens. Whether you wait hours or days for a fix, it’s imperative to ensure you have some form of energy supply. Otherwise, the common tasks that are usually straightforward, such as cooking and showering, are suddenly very challenging.
You require a safety net, and you’ve come to the right place. Continue reading to learn more about the ways you can make sure your home always has an energy supply.
Install A Generator
The first port of call is a generator. By using a unit that isn’t connected to the grid, you can produce enough electricity to power your home quite comfortably. Some old-fashioned models require fuel, such as gas or propane, so you will need to have a supply to get you through the worst blackouts.
As always, the key is to choose wisely. After all, the topic of generators is specialized, which means you might not understand the basic concepts. For example, as well as the fuel type, Pro Tools Review says that you should factor in your energy needs as this impacts the size of the cell.
To do this, you’ll have to perform an energy audit to understand how much power you use daily. Don’t worry if the amount is greater than what a generator can provide, or what you’re willing to pay, because you can cut down on your usage in an emergency.
A prime example is keeping the lights so that you can see where you’re going, while turning off indulgent appliances, including the TV and home sound systems.
Don’t Go Fully Electric
Lots of properties like to use electricity only. There are several reasons why this is useful, for instance, you only have to pay for a single energy source. Cutting out gas appears as if it will save you money, yet in an emergency, it leaves you with fewer options. Remember that gas lines have different connections, so they usually work in a blackout.
With working gas, you can do everything from cooking on the hob to lighting your gas fire. All you need to do is ensure you have a large supply, which is easy with the automatic delivery service from Tri Gas & Oil. As the name suggests, the company will top-up your reserves when they run low.
Then, with vegetables you have growing in the garden, you should be able to take care of your basic requirements. It won’t be the most comfortable you have ever been, it will be effective enough to help you remain safe and secure until you hear more from your energy company or local authority.
A gas line doesn’t have to be expensive, either, since you can lower the running costs by keeping the thermostat at a steady temperature and covering the boiler with aluminum to prevent heat loss.
Keep It Old-School
Your best option is not to rely on gas or electricity because both connections can fail. When they do, you’ll have nowhere to turn in your cold, dark home. The good news is, the retro ways of living are still popular today as they are useful. Take a fire that burns logs. NCBI reports that 11.6 million homes in the US use wood as a primary or secondary source of heat.
That’s a lot of wood! But, it makes sense when you consider the freedom that timber provides, especially when your home isn’t working effectively. Whether it’s to power the stove to cook food or to warm your house, you won’t have to worry about a lack of fuel because wood is everywhere.
Yes, it’s hard work as it needs chopping down and cutting into small pieces, yet it’s better than sitting in a freezing-cold living room. Plus, it’s a renewable energy source as you can plant a seed for every tree you cut down.
Alternatives to wood include coal, which burns longer, but releases more CO2 and is less affordable. On the whole, a wood burner provides the necessary freedom.
Create A Blackout Kit
No matter how industrious you are, you can’t guarantee that you will have enough energy to power your home in a blackout. Sometimes, you have to cut your losses and hope for the best. In those circumstances, it’s essential to have an emergency blackout kit to avoid living in total darkness.
After all, some items are perfect for short stints, such as a portable battery pack that powers mobile appliances. NY Mag says this is a must, as is a mobile power station, solar panel, flashlight, and headlight. However, these are only a couple of examples, and you can also include everything from a first-aid kit to a lantern and a sleeping bag.
Where you can’t substitute energy, you can make up for it by packing the stuff that eliminates the need for it. For example, a warm blanket or sleeping bag should stop you from getting cold when the temperature drops, while a battery-powered flashlight illuminates rooms.
Of course, you must be prepared. It’s not as if you can nip out to the store to fill up on essentials when an emergency strikes!
Bottom Line
You don’t have to suffer in silence when bad weather or misfortune strikes and leaves your home without energy. Instead, you can use different types of fuel to keep your home burning bright.