Over the past fifty or so years, we have become more and more reliant on centralized power grids and mains gas supply. In recent times, however, the fragility of these systems has become more and more apparent. Natural disasters, infrastructure failures, and other unforeseen circumstances such as wars and conflicts, even half way across the globe, can disrupt these services, leaving many UK households vulnerable to the elements.
The UK's current gas storage infrastructure has some big vulnerabilities, stemming mainly from its limited capacity and reliance on imported supplies. According to industry estimates, the nation's gas storage capacity is among the lowest in Europe, leaving it exposed to supply disruptions and price fluctuations in the global market. The closure of aging storage facilities, such as the Rough gas storage site in 2017, has further eroded the UK's cushion against sudden spikes in demand or interruptions in supply.
Published estimates suggest that the UK's existing gas reserves would last for approximately 10 to 15 days in the event of a break in the supply chain. This incredibly short timeframe underscores the need for urgent action from Government and suppliers to increase storage capacity and enhance resilience against potential emergencies. As a net importer of natural gas, the UK is susceptible to disruptions in key transit routes, political instability in supplier countries, and embargoes imposed by exporting nations.
Therefore, the ability to heat one's home with alternative sources is an absolute necessity in the face of any such disruptions. Let’s look at the benefits of these alternative heating methods, particularly in times of grid and gas supply interruptions.
The use of wood-burning stoves, Calor gas heaters, bioethanol and kerosene heaters promotes energy independence and allows homeowners to take control of their heating needs. Rather than relying solely on external utilities, individuals can source their fuel locally, reducing dependence on centralized systems. Self-sufficiency not only enhances resilience during emergencies but also fosters a sense of autonomy and sustainability in everyday living.
Beyond resilience and versatility, alternative heating sources offer cost-effective solutions for homeowners. While initial investments may be required for the installation of wood-burning stoves or the purchase of Calor gas heaters, the long-term savings can be substantial, particularly when compared to rising energy costs associated with conventional heating systems. Additionally, the availability of renewable fuel sources such as wood or bioethanol further contributes to cost savings over time.
Therefore, it is worthwhile to have an alternative, fully off-grid method to heat your home should the piped gas supply be terminated for any reason. No matter what kind of dwelling you live in, there is a practical alternative to heating your home using piped gas or the electrical grid:
Wood (or multifuel) stoves:
Wood (or multifuel)-burning stoves are, for our money, the very best off grid heating source. They can significantly reduce heating expenses by utilizing locally sourced fuel, which is often cheaper than electricity or natural gas. Moreover, the efficiency of modern wood-burning stoves has improved dramatically in recent years, with many models boasting high heat output and low emissions, further enhancing their cost-effectiveness.
Wood, or multifuel stoves aren’t just limited to being very efficient heaters. There are various models out there that will give you a very efficient and affordable way to cook your food. You don’t even have to go all out and buy an Aga. There are very reasonably priced pot-bellied stoves that will lower your fuel bills dramatically for both heating and cooking.
Solid fuel stoves can be installed in various settings, from traditional fireplaces to standalone units, and can utilize a variety of fuel types, including seasoned logs, wood pellets, wood chips, or smokeless coal. This versatility allows homeowners to adapt their heating systems to suit their specific needs and preferences, whether they live in rural areas with abundant access to firewood or urban environments where space is limited.
Solid fuel stoves utilize a renewable resource, provided they are sourced responsibly and managed efficiently. By burning wood pellets or other biomass fuels, homeowners can significantly reduce their reliance on fossil fuels and lower their carbon emissions.
PRO’S: Renewable Resource/ Low running costs compared to other heating methods/High efficiency and heat output/ Simplicity of use.
CONS: Fuel limitation in some areas/ Maintenance/ High upfront costs
Open fires:
If your home has a fireplace and a chimney, you’re lucky in that your half way there. You can either install a wood burning, or multi fuel stove or even an old fashioned range that will not only keep you warm but also enable you to cook with real fire. It’s not as primitive, or even as difficult as you might think. People have been cooking from the hearth since time immemorial. Indeed, using the range to cook meals was still widely practised in the UK until the second half of the twentieth century.
If you’re going to cook over real fire, though, a good set of cast iron pans is highly recommended.
PRO’S: Ambience and charm/Simplicity/Heat/Cost
CON’S: Heat efficiency/Airflow impact/safety concerns/Maintenance/Upfront costs
Bottled Gas:
Calor gas heaters offer a great alternative to on-grid heating methods for use during emergencies. They’re also an affordable alternative to electric or oil-based heating systems, with the added benefit of portability and convenience. They can be easily transported between different locations, making them ideal for use in temporary shelters or outdoor spaces. Indeed, they’re so versatile and efficient that many households already use them as their main source of heat.
There is a lot of choice when it comes to gas bottle heaters, from basic models that look just like Granny’s old gas fire, to more expensive (though slightly less efficient) models that burn with a real flame, emulating a wood burning stove or open fire.
For regular/constant use, bottle heaters usually work out a little more expensive than a piped gas supply, but on the other hand, there’s no standing charge to pay on bottled gas, so you’re not paying for the privilege of having it even when you’re not using it, such as throughout the summer months. It all depends on your average gas usage.
Of course, in a serious long-term emergency, you might find gas bottles harder to get hold of, as national supplies run low, but in the short to medium term, they’re probably the best alternative for anyone whose home doesn’t have a chimney.
PRO’S: cost effectiveness/Effective heat output/simplicity/ no installation/ ambiance (can reproduce real fires or stoves)
CONS: Water Vapour/Ventilation/Still relies on a gas supply infrastructure for the supply of bottles/Initial cost
Biofuel stoves:
Biofuel is a fuel that is produced over a short time span from biomass, rather than by the very slow natural processes involved in the formation of fossil fuels, such as oil. Biofuel can be produced from plants or from agricultural, domestic or industrial biowaste. Biofuels are mostly used for transportation but can also be used for heating and electricity. Biofuels are regarded as a renewable energy source. However, the use of biofuel has been controversial because of the several disadvantages associated with the use of it. These include for example: the "food vs fuel" debate, biofuel production methods being sustainable or not, leading to deforestation and loss of biodiversity or not.
Bioethanol heaters, with their clean-burning properties, offer a convenient heating solution that can be utilized indoors without the need for ventilation or chimney installation. This flexibility makes alternative heating methods accessible to a wide range of households, regardless of their location or housing infrastructure.
Bioethanol heaters, while initially more expensive to purchase, offer long-term savings through reduced fuel consumption and maintenance costs. Bioethanol fuel is derived from renewable sources such as sugarcane or corn, making it a sustainable and cost-effective option for environmentally conscious homeowners. Additionally, bioethanol heaters require minimal installation and upkeep, eliminating the need for chimney cleaning or ventilation systems associated with traditional wood-burning stoves.
Bioethanol heaters offer another eco-friendly heating option, as bioethanol fuel is derived from plant-based sources that absorb carbon dioxide during growth, effectively offsetting emissions produced during combustion. Unlike fossil fuels, which can release harmful gases, bioethanol burns cleanly, with minimal impact on air quality and indoor environments.
PRO’S: Ambiance (real flames)/Clean Burning and environmentally friendly/ No installation required/ Fuel that can be produced domestically and requires no imports/
CONS: Low heat output/ Higher running costs/ Limited fuel reservoirs/Safety considerations
Paraffin or Kerosene Heaters:
For many people, the heating of last resort would be the paraffin heater. These things were very common when I was very young, during the shortages and power cuts in the 1970’s, and kept us warm very effectively.
They do have downsides, however. They give off a lot of odour, and worse still, carbon monoxide fumes. You definitely need good ventilation if you’re relying on one of these.
Having said that, they are a cheap and simple source of emergency heating (which is why they were so popular, back in the day). Another upside is that fuel can be domestically produced, lessening the need to rely on imports in the event of a larger scale or Global disaster.
PRO’S: Cost effective/ Simplicity/ No installation/ portable and convenient/ Efficient long term heat production.
CONS: Safety considerations e.g. carbon monoxide/Odour/Regular maintenance/ Limited size of room that can be heated efficiently
Conclusion
The benefits of being able to heat one's home with wood-burning stoves, calor gas heaters, bioethanol, or kerosene heaters in the event of power grid and mains gas supply interruptions are many. From resilience and reliability to energy independence, versatility, and cost-effectiveness, these alternative heating sources offer a lifeline during times of crisis while promoting sustainability and self-sufficiency in everyday living. As uncertainties surrounding traditional utilities continue, investing in these heating solutions is a prudent method of safeguarding your household against unforeseen disruptions. By embracing alternative heating methods, homeowners can weather emergencies with confidence.
