if electrical power is out, how can we heat?

Question

We are probably not alone. 

Condo rules say, no kerosene heaters (no flammable liquids allowed in basement or garage). Fireplace 1 is "gas only" and of "box" type, i.e. no chimney. Fireplace 2 does have a chimney, but also "gas only". Both fireplaces have intelligent safety gadgets that allow only an electrical start up, matches will not work. 

Is there anything like a "battery backed power 110V inverter" that we can use to get the central gas heating and or the fireplaces running in case of a power outage?  Note: We cannot have a gasoline powered electrical generator. Same reason, where do we store the gasoline -- except siphon it out of one of the cars--

Any and all creative suggestions welcome.

Dan B · Accepted Answer

If you use an inverter, if must be large enough AND you must ensure that the electrical connections to the fireplace are isolated from commercial power.  If you don't and still have the inverter connected (is doesn't have to be running), and the power comes back on, MUCHO SMOKEO!  if you're lucky, MUCHO FIREO! if you're not so lucky.

See if you can find information on your fireplace inserts from the manufacturer.  There might be some kind of bypass in case of power failure, but your blowers (if any) won't work.

You don't want to use an inverter connected to your car.  Your car battery is not designed for deep cycle use, unlike a trolling motor battery or golf car battery.

It doesn't look like you have any options.

Don · Answer

You're right, a 12 volt deep-cycle battery and an inverter would take care of this.  Get a battery like off-grid houses and floor polishers use, Trojan makes the best ones.  I saw 1000 watt inverters at Costco for $79 awhile back.  Finish your system off with a trickle charger you keep plugged in.  Total expense under $300, I imagine.

Note that you shouldn't keep this battery inside your house unless it's in a sealed container that's vented upwards to the outside - it's not safe to live with the fumes from a battery.

Otherwise, you could look into other fireplace equipment without the intelligent gadgets, I imagine they make them.  I don't know how gas fireplaces are, but my wood fireplace was pretty much a net-energy loss until I installed a wood stove insert, instead.  You'll have to look to others if you're considering something like this for gas.

Anonym · Answer

Are you sure the fireplace won't run with the power off? Mine does, even though it is only a couple years old. They will not start if the pilot goes out, but as long as the pilot is on, they still function.

How about getting an inverter for the car. They would provide enough power to run something small in the house with an extension cord. That way, you don't have a gas storage problem. You can just let it idle in the parking lot.

dvdacmn · Answer

does your gas furnace have a plug on it ?you can get an inverter hook it up to furnace its 120 volt if its gas

if electrical power is out, how can we heat?

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