How to make a DIY space heater without electricity

screwing in the nuts and washers
screwing in the nuts and washers

WHAT YOU WILL NEED:

2 different sized terracotta flower pots

1 bolt that will fit in the pot holes

4 washers

2 nuts

something to lift the pots – a baking pan is ideal

1 or more candles – the more flames the better!

1 lighter

building the structure
building the structure

First, attach the smaller pot to the inside of the larger one, by inserting the bolt into the hole. Put a washer on every time the terracotta will touch metal. Screw on the nuts tightly. Place candles in the baking sheet. Light them.

Diane feeling for the heat
Diane feeling for the heat

Next, place the attached pots upside down overtop of the lit candles. Wait about 20-30 minutes, and it will begin radiating heat. Be safe! Make sure the candles/pots won’t get tipped over easily and that the pots are secured ontop of the baking sheet.

DSC_0021

Heating a space without electricity is useful for situations when you can’t afford/don’t have access to adequate heating in your home, to save money, living in a portable shelter such as a car or a tent, or choosing to live “off-grid.” It can be used in black-out situations, or if you ever choose to build a cabin for yourself in the woods. Really, anytime you need to heat a space and don’t want to use/cannot use electricity.

DIY projects such as these are often attributed to the “living off-grid” ideology/movement, but are not restricted to it. You don’t have to have an off-grid lifestyle to implement ideas such as these into your life, or use when it is appropriate for you.

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