Winter Planning
Winter 2022 could be one of the worst Winters since 1974.
We already know the cost of Energy is extremely high and set to rise higher into 2023. There is also talk of Energy Rationing, Power Cuts or Blackouts.
There is a possibility of either rolling Blackouts where selected areas are taken off power to reduce load on the Gris as was the case in the 1970’s.
Complete Grid power failure is another concern should Gas supply become problematic and Gas fired power stations are instructed to stop generating. This would cause the Grid to become unbalanced and overloaded. The efeect being the loss of heating, lights and other essential items such as fridges and freezers.
Here are some suggestions to help you prepare now prior to Winter. Having the right planning and equipment available.
Portable Gas Heaters
During power failure or Blackout period, there would be no electricity to run Gas Boilers, Electric Heaters and more than likely during a time when the outside temperature is cold.
By having stand-by heating available that is not reliant on Grid power could be the difference of freezing in your own home or staying warm enough to get through. A portable Gas Heater and Gas bottles would suffice to warm a room while power is off.
Convert to LPG
Due to the high prices of Mains Gas and possible supply issues, taking your Gas supply off-Grid to run on LPG is now viable and comparable in cost to mains Gas.
A 47kg Gas bottle can provide the equivalent of 600kwh of heat when consumes via a Condensing Gas Boiler.
Most Condensing Gas boilers can be easily converted to run on Propane Gas, either from 47kg bottles or a bulk tank in the garden. Supply is then in your control and not at risk of loosing supply.
Battery Backup / Solar Battery
By installing an Inverter that supports battery and off-Grid, during a power outage, it is simple to supply mains power to the property from High Capacity Lithium Ion batteries.
Batteries can maintain power supply and can be charged via Grid when available or via Solar panels if you have them or intend to fit them at a later date.
In order to use the off-Grid output of the Inverter, it is necessary to install a Transfer Switch to disconnect the Mains and then back-feed the power to the Consumer unit and the property from the Inverter.
Inverter Generator
By installing a Transfer Switch, outside socket and having a generator avilable it is simple and easy to switch to Generator power during a power failure.
Connect the generator, start up the engine and then switch over the property supply from Mains to Generator.
A 3kwh Inverter Generator is enough for most properties and can run lights, TV, Radio, Fridge Freezers and the Gas Boiler.