When a snowstorm hits, keeping your home warm becomes not just about comfort but survival. Plummeting temperatures and power outages can quickly turn your cozy haven into a frigid danger zone if you’re unprepared. Knowing the right strategies to maintain heat can make all the difference between weathering the storm safely or facing potentially dangerous conditions.
You don’t need to be a survival expert to keep your home warm during extreme winter weather. With some simple preparations and smart techniques, you’ll be able to maintain a comfortable temperature even when the snow piles up outside. From proper insulation tactics to alternative heating methods, the right approach can help you stay warm until the storm passes.
10 Essential Ways to Keep Your Home Warm During a Snowstorm
- Seal all drafts and leaks around windows and doors immediately. Apply weatherstripping or use draft stoppers to prevent cold air from infiltrating your living spaces. Even small gaps can lower your home’s temperature by 5-10 degrees.
- Layer your windows with plastic insulation kits and thick curtains. Thermal curtains can reduce heat loss by up to 25% while plastic window insulation creates an additional barrier against frigid air.
- Reverse your ceiling fans to clockwise rotation. This simple adjustment pushes warm air down from the ceiling, distributing heat more efficiently throughout your rooms.
- Close off unused rooms by shutting doors and stuffing towels underneath them. This concentrates heat in your actively used living spaces rather than wasting energy on empty areas.
- Use alternative heat sources safely. Electric space heaters, propane heaters with CO detectors, or wood-burning fireplaces can supplement your main heating system during power outages.
- Create a “warm room” where your family can gather. Use sleeping bags, blankets, and body heat to maintain warmth in one designated space rather than heating your entire home.
- Block chimney drafts when not using your fireplace. An inflatable chimney balloon or chimney pillow prevents warm air from escaping up the flue while blocking cold air from entering.
- Insulate water pipes with foam pipe insulation to prevent freezing and to maintain hot water availability throughout the storm.
- Layer rugs on bare floors to provide insulation against cold surfaces. Floors can account for up to 10% of heat loss in a home, especially those made of tile, concrete, or wood.
- Cook warm meals frequently. Your oven and stovetop generate substantial heat while providing nourishing food that helps maintain body temperature.
Sealing Windows and Doors to Prevent Heat Loss
During a snowstorm, up to 30% of your home’s heat can escape through poorly sealed windows and doors. Taking time to properly seal these areas will significantly improve your home’s ability to retain warmth when you need it most.
Using Weather Stripping and Draft Stoppers
Weather stripping is your first line of defense against heat loss around doors and windows. Apply adhesive-backed foam tape to the frames where windows and doors close for an immediate improvement. For exterior doors, install door sweeps at the bottom to block cold air infiltration. Draft stoppers—fabric tubes filled with sand or rice—provide a simple DIY solution for interior doors and windowsills. Position these against the bottom crack of doors or along windowsills to effectively block cold air from seeping in.
Applying Insulation Film to Windows
Window insulation film creates an effective thermal barrier that can reduce heat loss by up to 70% on single-pane windows. Purchase a window insulation kit from any hardware store and apply the clear plastic film directly to the interior window frame using double-sided tape. Use a hairdryer to shrink the film tight, creating an invisible air barrier between your room and the window surface. This method works especially well for older windows or large picture windows where drafts are common.
Optimizing Your Heating System Before the Storm Hits
Servicing Your Furnace or Heat Pump
Schedule professional maintenance for your heating system at least once a year, ideally before winter arrives. Replace dirty filters immediately as they can reduce efficiency by up to 15% and strain your system during peak demand. Clear all vents and registers of dust, furniture, or curtains that might block airflow. Check that your carbon monoxide detector is functioning properly to prevent dangerous leaks during heavy system use. A well-maintained heating system runs more efficiently and is less likely to fail when you need it most.
Programming Your Thermostat for Efficiency
Set your programmable thermostat to 68°F during waking hours and 62-65°F while sleeping to balance comfort with energy savings. Program temperature increases 30 minutes before waking up to ensure comfort when you start your day. Create a “storm mode” preset that maintains a steady temperature rather than cycling up and down, which puts less strain on your system. For smart thermostats, enable “learning mode” several days before the forecast storm to optimize heating patterns. These programming strategies can reduce your energy consumption by up to 10% while maintaining consistent warmth.
Utilizing Alternative Heat Sources Safely
When your primary heating system fails during a snowstorm, alternative heat sources become essential survival tools. However, these powerful options require careful handling to prevent fire hazards and carbon monoxide poisoning.
Setting Up Space Heaters Properly
Position space heaters on flat, non-flammable surfaces at least 3 feet from furniture, curtains, and other combustibles. Never use extension cords with space heaters—plug them directly into wall outlets. Always turn heaters off when leaving the room or sleeping, and select models with automatic shut-off features and tip-over protection for added safety.
Maximizing Fireplace and Wood Stove Efficiency
Prepare your fireplace by having the chimney professionally cleaned before winter to prevent dangerous creosote buildup. Use seasoned hardwoods like oak or maple that burn longer and produce more heat than softwoods. Keep the damper closed when not in use, and install a heat-resistant reflector behind the fireplace to bounce warmth back into your room instead of losing it up the chimney.
Insulating Your Home’s Vulnerable Areas
While you’ve tackled drafty windows and optimized your heating system, some critical areas remain vulnerable during extreme cold. These often-overlooked spots can significantly impact your home’s ability to retain heat during a snowstorm.
Adding Extra Attic Insulation
Your attic is a major source of heat loss, with up to 25% of your home’s warmth escaping through an under-insulated space. Check that your attic insulation reaches the recommended R-value for your climate zone (typically R-49 to R-60 in northern states). For a quick temporary solution during an approaching storm, lay unfaced fiberglass batts perpendicular to existing insulation or use reflective barriers to trap rising heat below the attic space.
Protecting Pipes from Freezing
Frozen pipes can burst and cause catastrophic damage during a snowstorm. Insulate exposed pipes in unheated areas with foam pipe sleeves or fiberglass insulation wrap. Keep cabinet doors open to allow warm air circulation around plumbing in kitchens and bathrooms. During extreme cold, maintain a slow drip from faucets connected to exposed pipes to prevent freezing. For additional protection, apply heat tape to vulnerable pipes in crawl spaces or along exterior walls.
Managing Room Temperatures Strategically
Strategic temperature management helps maximize warmth during snowstorms while minimizing energy usage. By controlling which areas get heated and how air circulates, you’ll stay warmer with less fuel consumption.
Closing Off Unused Rooms
Shut doors to guest rooms, storage areas, and rarely used spaces during a snowstorm to create a smaller heating zone. Place rolled towels or draft stoppers along door bottoms to prevent warm air from escaping. This simple tactic can reduce your heating area by up to 40%, allowing your limited heat resources to concentrate where you need them most.
Using Ceiling Fans to Circulate Warm Air
Reverse your ceiling fans to clockwise rotation during winter to push warm air down from the ceiling without creating a cooling breeze. Run fans at the lowest speed setting to gently circulate trapped heat throughout occupied rooms. This technique can improve room temperature by 2-4°F and reduce heating costs by up to 10% by preventing warm air from pooling uselessly near the ceiling.
Dressing Your Home with Thermal Fabrics
Hanging Insulated Curtains
Insulated curtains can reduce heat loss through windows by up to 25% during severe winter weather. These thermal window treatments feature multiple layers of fabric with insulating materials sandwiched between them. Install curtain rods that extend beyond window frames to create a complete seal against drafts. For maximum effectiveness, choose floor-length curtains with thermal backing and secure them tightly against walls using magnetic strips or velcro fasteners. During daylight hours, open curtains on south-facing windows to capture natural solar heat.
Using Area Rugs on Cold Floors
Uninsulated floors can account for up to 10% of your home’s heat loss during a snowstorm. Adding thick area rugs creates an instant thermal barrier between your feet and cold surfaces. Choose rugs with dense pile and rubber backing for maximum insulation value. Layer multiple rugs for enhanced warmth in high-traffic areas. Wool rugs offer superior natural insulation compared to synthetic options, maintaining up to 30% more warmth. Place rugs strategically in pathways, seating areas, and beside beds where bare feet frequently touch cold floors.
Preparing Emergency Heating Solutions
Setting Up a Designated Warm Room
During a snowstorm power outage, designate one room as your family’s warm zone. Choose a small, interior room with minimal windows and close proximity to your emergency heat source. Seal this room by stuffing towels under doors and covering windows with blankets. Stock it with sleeping bags, extra blankets, and pillows so everyone can gather in one space. Your body heat combined with proper insulation can raise the room temperature by several degrees.
Safe Backup Heating Options During Power Outages
When selecting emergency heat sources, safety comes first. Battery-powered space heaters provide targeted warmth without fire risks. For fuel options, propane heaters labeled “indoor-safe” with automatic shut-off features prevent carbon monoxide buildup. Always keep a carbon monoxide detector in your warm room. Kerosene heaters work effectively but require proper ventilation. Place all heaters on non-flammable surfaces and maintain a 3-foot clearance from combustibles. Never leave alternative heating unattended while sleeping.
Cooking Smart to Generate Extra Heat
When you’re weathering a snowstorm, your kitchen can become a valuable source of supplementary warmth. Strategic cooking not only prepares nourishing meals but also efficiently utilizes the heat generated to warm your living space.
Using Your Oven for Dual-Purpose Warming
Your oven produces significant heat that can help warm your home during a snowstorm. After baking or roasting, leave the oven door partially open (with supervision and away from children) to allow residual heat to flow into your kitchen. Batch cooking multiple dishes simultaneously maximizes energy efficiency while generating more warmth. Remember to never use your oven as a primary heating source with the door open while it’s running—this creates dangerous carbon monoxide risks.
Making Hot Meals That Warm the Body
Prepare meals that naturally increase your body temperature from the inside out. Hearty soups, stews, and chilis provide sustained internal warming effects as your body digests them. Incorporate warming spices like cinnamon, ginger, and cayenne pepper, which naturally increase circulation and body heat. Hot beverages like herbal teas, hot chocolate, and coffee also help maintain your core temperature while providing comfort during the storm.
Blocking Cold Air Entry Points
Hidden cold air entry points throughout your home can dramatically undermine your heating efforts during a snowstorm. Even when windows and doors are sealed, numerous overlooked openings can let freezing air infiltrate your living space.
Sealing Electrical Outlets and Switches
Electrical outlets on exterior walls create tiny pathways for cold air to enter your home, accounting for up to 2% of total heat loss. Install pre-cut foam gaskets behind outlet and switch plates to block these drafts effectively. For maximum protection, add childproof outlet plugs to unused outlets to completely seal these openings. This simple 10-minute project can reduce your heating costs by preventing continuous cold air infiltration through dozens of small openings throughout your home.
Addressing Basement and Crawlspace Cold Spots
Unfinished basements and crawlspaces can introduce significant cold air into your living areas, decreasing overall home temperature by 3-5°F. Seal rim joists (where your house frame meets the foundation) with spray foam insulation to block major air leaks. Install rigid foam board insulation against foundation walls, securing it with construction adhesive. For immediate protection during a snowstorm, temporarily cover dirt floors with heavy plastic sheeting to prevent ground moisture from creating additional cold and humidity.
Creating a Snowstorm Home Heating Checklist
Staying warm during a snowstorm doesn’t require complex strategies—just thoughtful preparation and quick action. By implementing the techniques we’ve explored you can transform your home into a cozy haven even as temperatures plummet outside.
Remember that preparation is your best defense. Seal those drafts insulate your windows optimize your heating system and have backup options ready before the storm hits. These simple steps make all the difference between shivering through the storm and riding it out in comfort.
Don’t wait until the forecast shows snow. Start preparing today by creating your personalized snowstorm heating plan. With these strategies in place you’ll face winter’s worst with confidence knowing your home will remain a warm sanctuary for you and your loved ones no matter how fierce the storm.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much heat can escape through poorly sealed windows and doors?
Up to 30% of a home’s heat can escape through poorly sealed windows and doors. Using weather stripping, draft stoppers, and window insulation film can significantly reduce this heat loss. Window insulation film alone can reduce heat loss by up to 70% on single-pane windows, making it a cost-effective solution during snowstorms.
What temperature should I set my thermostat to during a snowstorm?
Set your thermostat to 68°F (20°C) during waking hours and 62-65°F (16-18°C) while sleeping. This balance maintains comfort while conserving energy. Consider creating a “storm mode” preset on programmable thermostats to quickly adjust settings if power becomes unreliable. Remember that each degree lower can save about 3% on heating costs.
How do I safely use space heaters during a power outage?
Only use space heaters designed for indoor use and keep them at least 3 feet away from flammable materials. Place them on level, non-flammable surfaces and never leave them unattended. Avoid using extension cords and never use gas-powered heaters indoors without proper ventilation to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. Always follow manufacturer instructions.
What’s the most effective way to create a “warm room” during a snowstorm?
Choose a centrally-located room with few windows and doors that can be completely sealed. Use towels or draft stoppers to block door gaps and hang blankets over windows. Gather family members and pets in this room to benefit from body heat. Add layers of blankets, sleeping bags, and consider using safe alternative heat sources in this concentrated area.
How can I prevent pipes from freezing during a winter storm?
Insulate exposed pipes with foam pipe insulation or heat tape, especially in unheated areas like basements, attics, and crawl spaces. Allow faucets to drip slightly to prevent pressure buildup in pipes. Keep cabinet doors under sinks open to allow warm air circulation. Maintain a consistent indoor temperature, even at night, to prevent freezing.
Can ceiling fans help keep my home warmer in winter?
Yes, ceiling fans can improve warmth when set to run clockwise at a low speed during winter. This creates an updraft that pushes warm air that has risen to the ceiling back down into the living space. The gentle circulation helps distribute heat more evenly throughout the room without creating a cooling wind chill effect.
What items should I keep on hand for emergency heating during a snowstorm?
Stock extra blankets, sleeping bags rated for cold temperatures, and emergency thermal blankets. Keep a supply of safe heating alternatives like indoor-safe propane heaters, candle lanterns, or alcohol-burning stoves with proper fuel supplies. Have warm clothing layers, hats, gloves, and thick socks accessible. Don’t forget flashlights, batteries, and matches/lighters.
How can cooking help keep my home warmer during a snowstorm?
Cooking generates significant heat and humidity that can warm your home. Use your oven and stovetop to prepare hearty meals like soups, stews, and casseroles. The heat released during cooking will raise your kitchen’s temperature, and warm foods help maintain your body temperature. Leave the oven door open after cooking (when safe) to release residual heat.
How effective is blocking unused chimney flues during winter?
Very effective. An open or poorly sealed chimney flue can allow warm air to escape continuously, acting like an open window. Installing a chimney balloon or flue sealer can prevent up to 80% of heat loss through the chimney when not in use. Always remember to remove these devices before lighting a fire.
Should I close vents in unused rooms to save heat?
It depends on your heating system. For forced-air systems, closing too many vents can increase pressure and reduce efficiency or damage the system. Instead, close the doors to unused rooms and use draft stoppers to prevent heated air from entering. This strategy works best when combined with proper insulation and sealing of the rooms you are actively heating.