Winter is always the most challenging time of the year. It’s not only about the cold, wind chill, and snow. There is also the risk of power outages from winter storms. So what could be the most important project you need to make this winter on your property?
Most power outages last hours or a day at most, but some go on for days and even weeks. But even when the power is on we all see a spike in gas and electric bills.
There are some steps you can take to reduce your utility bills and most importantly survive a winter power outage. Here are some projects to make this winter starting with the most important one.
Installing an Alternative Heating System – One of the Most Important Project
I believe winter is one of the most dangerous seasons, especially during a blackout, power outage, or EMP event. That’s why, along with all the essential projects for your property, I always recommend keeping this EMP-proof cloth on hand.
This durable, specialized material blocks all electromagnetic waves, making it the easiest way to protect yourself and your property. Simply wrap your vital electronics in it, and they’ll be shielded from an EMP. It’s the most straightforward and reliable method I’ve found to safeguard essential devices from the devastating effects of an EMP.
The worst-case scenario during a winter power outage is having to leave your home. This happens when your house gets too cold because there is no power.
Worse, a house that dips below freezing temperatures can lead to frozen water pipes that could flood your entire home. When you finally return from your bugout, you may find that someone has reduced your floors to a sheet of ice. Think about alternative heat especially if you live in a northern latitude where the winters are often brutal.
A Wood Burning Stove 
If you live on forested property or have easy access to firewood, a wood-burning stove is a great option.
It can lower your utility bills. If the power goes out, you can stay warm, cook, and keep your water pipes from freezing.
If you don’t know how to choose a wood stove, this video might come in handy. It walks you through everything from selecting the right stove to gathering the necessary materials and tools. Plus, it explains how to install the stove and what equipment you’ll need for cooking on a traditional wood-burning stove.
Related:Â Do This To Your Wood Stove Before Winter
A Pellet Stove
If you don’t have access to a ready supply of firewood a pellet stove is a good option. Think about a gravity-fed pellet stove that doesn’t require electricity to operate.
You can buy the pellets by the ton in 40-pound bags that average $4 a bag. One bag can keep the stove running for 2 days. A ton of pellets can heat your home for 100 days for a total cost of $100.
A Vented Propane Stove
A propane stove can help keep your house warm. This is useful if you don’t have firewood. It’s also good if you don’t want to deal with pellets.
Thermostats usually exist, and you need to vent them through a wall or roof. You usually use the larger propane tanks, and how many you need largely depends on the stove and your temperature setting. These are actually better for emergencies rather than everyday use, but they’re another option.
If You Have a Fireplace… 
You’re in luck. But it’s important to remember that a fireplace can be one of the most inefficient heat sources. That’s because most of the heat goes up the chimney. It looks nice and adds some heat to a room, but most of it gets lost.
The Fireplace Insert
A fireplace insert fits into the fireplace opening. It has a lot of benefits:
- The installation is easy because you already have a chimney to exhaust smoke.
- The metal casing acts as a heat exchanger imparting heat to a room.
- The biggest benefit is a blower at the base of the insert that blows hot air into a room. Most are electric, but some have hand-cranked blowers that come in extremely handy if there is a power outage. Even if you don’t have a hand-cranked blower the hot metal of the insert will make your fireplace more efficient.
- Putting some metal trivets (for some reason they’re the shape of ducks) on top of the insert creates another level of heat exchange.
Other Winter Projects to Think About
There are other projects to consider before and during winter. Here’s a checklist to consider.
Furnace Maintenance
Even when the power is on and everything is running, annual furnace maintenance makes a lot of sense. At a minimum, make sure you change the furnace filter once a year.
Changing the filter twice a year is a good idea. Each time you change it, you will see how clogged it is. Dust, pet hair, and other things from the house collect in the filter. A clean filter saves you money and extends the life of the furnace.
Related:Â How to Survive a Winter Power Outage
Insulation Double-Check
There’s a good chance your home is insulated but there are areas where cold air can seep in. This includes windows, doors, and even power outlets.
Walk around the house on a cold day and hold your hand over frames of doors and windows and see if you notice cold air. Do the same with power outlets.
If you feel a draft, you can seal a window with a plastic sheet. You can also add foam insulation strips to door frames. There are foam cutouts for power outlets that you can install under the outlet face plate.
Prioritize Living Space
If you have a guest room and no guests in the house, think about closing the vent in the guest room and closing the door. It doesn’t really make sense to heat empty rooms.
Some people close the vents in all of the bedrooms during the day and open them in the evening before going to bed. Don’t do this in any bathroom. If there are water pipes you don’t want them to freeze.
Related:Â Off Grid Water Heaters
Learn How to Make DIY Survival Heat Sources
You can create a survival heat source in different ways. One method uses a roll of toilet paper in a 1-quart paint can filled with rubbing alcohol. Another option is a tea candle heater made with tea candles and a terra cotta pot.
There are countless articles and videos online about this, but knowing how to piece everything together is crucial. After searching extensively, this is the best resource I found for you.
Another Most Important Project is to Create a Dedicated Wood Pile
If you do install a wood-burning stove, you want a dedicated wood pile outside and inside. There are baskets and racks for inside wood storage but outside is the challenge. Here are some things to keep In mind.
- Arrange your wood pile so it starts with kindling and progresses along its length with firewood that gets progressively larger.
- Try to locate your outside wood pile close to home. You don’t want to trudge through a foot of snow for 100 feet to get more wood.
- Keep the pile covered with a tarp to keep the snow and ice from accumulating on the pile. That just makes fire-starting harder.
- Think about having separate piles for softwoods and hardwoods. Softwoods like pine and poplar are great for starting a fire, but hardwoods like oak, maple, and hickory burn long and hot.
Think About It
Where you live has a lot to do with your priorities. Think about anything that might concern you during the winter, especially if there’s a power outage.
It may be a good idea to add water storage to your list. You should also think about stockpiled food and lighting options. However, for now, it is important to consider heating alternatives.
You may also like: 
How To Winter-Proof Your Garden
An Inexpensive Device to Insulate Doors and Windows to Prevent Heat Loss (Video)
Veggies You Should Actually Grow in Winter
DIY Greenhouse (With Step-By-Step Pictures)
6 Foods You Should Bury in Your Backyard
