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> you'd have to have a really good reason to stick with fossil fuels In Seattle, people lost power during a snow storm for days. As much as I hate burning foss

by itake 4y ago

> you'd have to have a really good reason to stick with fossil fuels In Seattle, people lost power during a snow storm for days. As much as I hate burning fossil fuels, what are my options if the power company takes 3+ days to bring back power during 32ºF below temperatures? My home has a fireplace, but that only heats the living room.

mikepavone 4y ago
I don't think I've ever lived in a house with fossil fuel heat that worked without electricity. Hot water, sure, but not heat. Typically the thermostat itself is at least partly electrical and beyond that you need electricity to power the blower motor for forced air or a circulation pump for hot water heat.
- Mavvie 4y ago
  Not exactly fossil fuel heat, but recently I was staying at a place that had a wood burning furnace which is explicitly designed to work even if the power goes out. The hot air naturally rises and pressurizes the vents slightly, and the only constraint is you have to set the damper in a way that keeps the fire small/cool. I don't think it would be possible with natural gas or anything like that, as you really do need a thermostat...I assume a continuous burn without the blower is not something they're designed for.
dgacmu 4y ago
All modern furnaces and boilers need electricity too. The only advantage that they have is that it's a bit more possible to run them for a while on battery backup, but for three days you need a generator.
m463 4y ago
that's why most of those "whole house" generators take natural gas. what's interesting is that when looking at solar recently, it turns out that solar generates LOTS more power when it's cold out. obviously when panels are not covered by snow. Actually snow on the ground could reflect more light to the panels too.
- scheme271 4y ago
  Solar panels do a great job of absorbing sunlight and heating up. Combine that with a smooth glass surface and panels will clear themselves surprisingly quickly if they are exposed to sunlight at all.

by itake 4y ago

mikepavone 4y ago

I don't think I've ever lived in a house with fossil fuel heat that worked without electricity. Hot water, sure, but not heat. Typically the thermostat itself is at least partly electrical and beyond that you need electricity to power the blower motor for forced air or a circulation pump for hot water heat.

Mavvie 4y ago
Not exactly fossil fuel heat, but recently I was staying at a place that had a wood burning furnace which is explicitly designed to work even if the power goes out. The hot air naturally rises and pressurizes the vents slightly, and the only constraint is you have to set the damper in a way that keeps the fire small/cool. I don't think it would be possible with natural gas or anything like that, as you really do need a thermostat...I assume a continuous burn without the blower is not something they're designed for.

dgacmu 4y ago

All modern furnaces and boilers need electricity too. The only advantage that they have is that it's a bit more possible to run them for a while on battery backup, but for three days you need a generator.

m463 4y ago

that's why most of those "whole house" generators take natural gas. what's interesting is that when looking at solar recently, it turns out that solar generates LOTS more power when it's cold out. obviously when panels are not covered by snow. Actually snow on the ground could reflect more light to the panels too.

scheme271 4y ago
Solar panels do a great job of absorbing sunlight and heating up. Combine that with a smooth glass surface and panels will clear themselves surprisingly quickly if they are exposed to sunlight at all.