Losing electricity during a storm is not just an inconvenience. When it happens during the winter, you will be without heat as well as hot domestic water. Power can be knocked out for days or even longer. This can pose a serious health risk besides causing other problems.
Staying warm and having hot water to clean dishes and clothes is going to be a challenge. This is not to say that you have to accept being without it during a power outage. In this article, we will go over several ways that you can still have hot water even when the power is out.
Have a generator
A power station is essential in these times of frequent natural disasters. Hurricanes, wildfires and blizzards are all happening with greater strength. Chances are high that you will experience more power outages in the near future.
It is essential to have an alternate power source to keep the electricity on. A power generator is a good stop gap that can keep your water hot and the lights on. Gas powered generators only last as long as there is enough fuel. And they are also noisy, dirty and dangerous if you have the exhaust near a window. Having a solar generator is a good option for many people and has limitless power.
Where can I buy a solar generator, you ask? That link will bring you to many that can be bought online.
Will a gas water heater still work?
A gas conventional water heater is not going to work during a power outage. That is the case even though it uses natural gas or propane as fuel. The start switch is an electrical board as is the computer inside. Then there is the thermostat that connects to the heater.
All of these factors mean that it is not going to work even when there is a power outage. A tankless water heater will have the same issues, although there are models that will work well with a battery pack to keep the water hot for a while.
A conventional gas water heater will keep the water hot for a few hours to a day or two. It all depends on the capacity of the tank. To keep it hot for longer you can cover it with a heater blanket.
Heat pump
Those that live in a climate that doesn’t get much below 40°F can use a heat pump to heat domestic water and heat. It works much like a refrigerator in that it pulls heat out of the air and compresses it. Only, it brings the hot air into the house and can heat the water in a hydronic heating system.
These are good to use when the power is out if you have a solar power system. It can work with a generator as the others do. It works very efficiently with solar panels as it requires little electricity. Those that live in an area with frequent power outages should look into getting solar power with a heat pump.
