Most of us have normal gas, coal or combined heating. Of course, there is also an electric way of heating a room, but it is not very common due to the high cost of electricity. But what to do if the heat is suddenly turned off, a failure in the pipe, a blackout, etc.? Don't freeze in the winter! Of course not, because in this case alternative heat sources come to the rescue. This is a mandatory attribute in an extreme or even catastrophic situation. Let's talk about everything in more detail.
Gas and electric heating
It is safe to say that today is an extremely turbulent and difficult time for many. Anything can happen to a gas line. For example, a major accident is eliminated for a long time, and if there are no alternative ways of supply, then people will freeze. WhatAs for the electric option, then, firstly, it is expensive, and secondly, it is not very reliable. This is due to possible congestion in the network when connecting a large number of consumers. Nevertheless, gas and electricity are by far the main sources of heat. All we can do is keep ourselves safe by installing emergency equipment. Sometimes you can make alternative heat sources with your own hands, we will talk about this a little later.
Solid and liquid fuel boilers
These are perhaps the two most common solutions today. This is due to the high availability of equipment. Of course, the laboriousness of installation work makes itself felt, but the cost of solid fuel (coal, firewood, etc.) is quite reasonable. But it is necessary to think about such a heat source in advance and install it together with gas equipment. Of course, the water system can be carried out in parallel with the electroconvector one, so, in fact, it is better to do so. As for liquid boilers, this is a good solution, but in recent years the popularity of this heating method has been decreasing. This is due to the increase in the cost of fuel. The latter is vegetable and machine oil, and mining is also suitable. If you work in a factory where dozens or even hundreds of such fuels are poured every day, then it's time to think about this issue. Such alternative heat sources for the home are extremely relevant, especially if there are oil reserves. Let's move on.
Do-it-yourself alternative heat sources are easy
Sometimes we can make something ourselves to keep warm. The easiest option is a potbelly stove. Most often, a barrel or a large diameter steel pipe is used as a body. Two holes are made in the body, one is larger - a firebox, the second is smaller - an ash pan. It is desirable to make doors. Slightly below the level of the firebox door, it is necessary to make brackets on which the grate will be placed. The latter can be made from conventional reinforcement by welding. If you are making a potbelly stove from a pipe, then you need to weld the upper and lower parts. But do not forget that you need a chimney. To do this, a small hole is cut out from above, and a pipe is inserted into it. In fact, such alternative heat sources, made by hand, are quite capable of heating a large room in the cold season. Coal or wood is used as fuel. Don't forget to connect to the chimney.
Long burning stoves
This heating option has become more common over the past few years. This is due not only to good advertising, but also to the high efficiency of the method. The bottom line is that there are two stages of fuel combustion. At the first, smoldering and the release of wood gas occur, and at the second, the combustion of the latter. As a result, we have a fairly efficient, but at the same time economical heating. But it is necessary to carefully monitor the moisture content of the fuel. If this value is higher than normal, thenthe amount of heat given off will not be so large, sometimes such fuel will not even smolder. Therefore, more attention must be paid to storage. It is better to give preference to a garage or any other covered dry room. Breneran (Canada) and Buleryan are considered leaders in the production of long-burning furnaces with an air or water circuit. In principle, such alternative heat sources for an apartment should not be ignored. Moreover, sometimes this is the only solution available.
Heat pumps - alternative sources of heat for private homes
Many people have not even heard of this method of heating a room. But today, if we consider alternative heat sources, this is one of the best options. This is due not only to high efficiency, but also to safety. The bottom line is that the heat collected from the soil or water is transferred to the heating system. In summer, the opposite principle is most often used (cooling the building). As you can see, one heat pump can solve several problems. In winter it is a heating system, in summer it is air conditioning. In terms of efficiency, heating costs will be about 10% lower than gas. But often the problem lies in the fact that not everyone can afford heat pumps, because this is expensive equipment that requires accurate professional installation. Yes, and this system is too dependent on electricity, so it does not make much sense when there are problems with electricity.
Install TEK or fireplace
Hydrodynamic installation (heating), aka TEK, is a new source of alternative space heating. The design of the installation includes an expansion tank (hydraulic accumulator), a pump and an electric pump. The principle of operation is based on the release of energy from two streams of water that collide with each other when they enter the tank. Often, it is simply connected to the heating system of an apartment or house and does not require the installation of additional equipment, such as a circulation pump, a mechanical filter, etc.
As for such a solution as installing a fireplace, it is not available to everyone. But if you live on the top floor or the building has a chimney, then you won't have any problems. Of course, this is quite expensive and requires a lot of space in the room. But in return you get excellent heating. In principle, these are the most popular alternative heat sources for summer cottages, where there is a lot of space and it is possible to make a chimney yourself. The main thing is to properly work out the air heating system so that air flows through the entire room.
Basic information about solar systems
Solar systems, despite their complexity, are quite popular. But if their use is difficult in apartments, then for a summer residence or a country house this is just what you need. Such a heat source consists of a solar collector (vacuum). A collector is installed on the roof, where it collects the energy of the sun. When the rays hitits surface, the room is heated. It is noteworthy that the system works even at sub-zero temperatures or cloudy weather. But do not forget that it is extremely important to monitor the condition of the plates, clean them from snow, leaves, etc. Since the thermal energy as a result enters the heat exchanger, it is used for the heating system and water heating for household needs. But in places where the sun is almost never there, it is not advisable to install such systems.
So what to choose
We have considered the main part of alternative heat sources. As you can see, there are quite a few of them. But what you install is up to you. So, solar systems are preferable in the southern and central regions, and it is practically useless to install them in the northern ones. A fireplace is suitable for a country house, and it is better to put a slow-burning stove in an apartment. The best alternative heat sources for a garage are potbelly stoves, as you can burn waste oil here without worrying about a peculiar smell.
Conclusion
That, in principle, is all that can be said on this topic. The choice is very large, it is necessary to be guided not only by your own preferences, but also soberly assess your financial capabilities, as well as the appropriateness of a particular choice. If you come to the country a couple of times a year, then it hardly makes sense to install a solar system there, this is equivalent to mounting a potbelly stove inrenovated apartment. Of course, the decision is yours, but make it wisely and put your safety first, as well as staying warm during hard times.
