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How to heat a summer house without electricity can be a challenge, especially if you’re off-grid. But there are ways, yes, and here are a few that work. Keep reading.
Non-Electric Summer House Heating Options
Most summerhouses don’t have chimneys, meaning a fireplace is not an option. Lighting a fire inside with no chimney, especially in a wooden structure, is an absolute no-no. However, if you can find a fireplace with a chimney pipe included, you could modify the summerhouse roof to create a hole for this. It would take some carpentry, and you would need to re-felt the roof around the new chimney.
Your next best bet is a propane or gas heater. It turns liquid propane into gas, then burns it to give off heat. This type of heater also comes in a wall design, perfect if you want to save floor space. These heaters can emit carbon monoxide, so ensure the heater is rated for indoor use and that your summer house has proper ventilation and a CO detector installed.
Now let’s talk about solar-powered heating. These systems traditionally work for heating water rather than rooms. However, if you are able to get your hands on some very efficient panels with battery banks, you could provide power to a heating system without needing an electrical connection from your main property.
And finally, passive solar heating. It sounds technical, but it’s basically about using what you already have. For instance, letting more sunlight in through south-facing windows during the day. Or, using stone or concrete floors to hold the heat.
All these give you ways to stay warm without flicking a switch.
Insulation and Thermal Management
The key to a year-round summer house use is insulation. It may cost a bit upfront, but it stops heat from slipping out and keeps the cold at bay, letting you stay cosy in winter. There are DIY options, too, if you’re handy with installation.
Stick weatherstripping around doors and windows; this will block drafts. Alternatively, use caulk to seal gaps and cracks. Then move on to the walls, floors, and ceiling.
Thermal curtains or blinds also help. They add a layer that traps warmth inside and stops it leaking out through the windows. Simple but effective.
Habits You Can Take During Your Stay
You don’t always need to turn the heating on to stay cosy. Dressing in layers, like jumpers, socks, and warm clothes, keeps you warmer.
Wrapping yourself up in a blanket or throw when relaxing or sleeping. This trick helps trap your body heat so you won’t feel the chill as much. Don’t leave the floor out! Cover it with a rug to stop cold from coming up through the floorboards.
Ready to ditch the cold and enjoy your summerhouse all year? Give these how to heat a summer house ideas a go. And if you’re thinking of investing in a new unit, have a look at our log cabin summerhouses for sale. This combination is sure to give you a better experience inside.
Heating a summerhouse can be made much more efficient with insulation. Read our next guide: How to Insulate a Summer House and Keep It Warm in Winter
