What's the best auxiliary heater in the event of a power cut?

What are the different ways of heating in the event of a power cut?

There are 3 different systems, each with its own characteristics:

Ethanol heating

With an ethanol fireplace, you can enjoy the warmth and cosiness of a fire, without the inconvenience of a conventional fireplace (no fussing about with wood, sweeping, etc.). It's also attractive for its aesthetic appeal and ease of installation. It doesn't need a flue to work, and can be suspended, installed or built into a wall, as long as the support is stable.

The ethanol fireplace is a decorative feature in its own right. Its other major advantage is that ethanol is a renewable energy source. This fuel is derived from distilled plants (cereals, beetroot, etc.).

Heating with wood

Wood is five times less polluting than electricity. With this in mind, we recommend that you choose NF firewood to ensure the long-term survival of our forests. Every tree cut down is replaced by another. However, heating with wood takes time and a lot of handling. It also requires a large enough space to store this type of fuel.

You should also be aware that the price of wood has rocketed in recent years, particularly in 2022, due to the interplay of supply and demand (+20% increase in one year). Older installations are also a source of major pollution. Traditional open fireplaces are highly inefficient, with a very low heat output of just 10%.

Oil-fired heating

This can be a good way of supplementing your heating, and oil is cheaper than electricity. But its disadvantages are often a deterrent. Oil gives off an unpleasant smell. This is the case with paraffin stoves, particularly when they are switched on and off. Unless you air the rooms regularly, which admittedly isn't ideal in the middle of winter.

This type of heating also entails risks associated with carbon monoxide and starting fires. Recent models are equipped to detect these potential risks, but they still cause pollution (CO2 emissions and greenhouse gases).

Paraffin stoves are sometimes popular, as they quickly raise the temperature in the room. But they tend to blacken interiors and give off a lot of moisture.

All in all, ethanol heating is the best alternative in the event of a power cut this winter. It's both a thermal and aesthetic solution for creating a warm, trendy atmosphere.