Quick wins for a faster PC:
Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
Prepare in three ways: reduce avoidable heat loss, plan for a cold-weather outage, and make sure every backup heat source is safe for indoor use. These steps can improve comfort and reduce wasted energy, but they cannot guarantee a specific bill reduction or prevent a supply interruption. This guide uses U.S. federal guidance unless a section is explicitly labeled for Canada or the UK; it treats shortages and price spikes as risks, not as a claim that either is currently happening.
What to do before winter
Start with low-risk maintenance and draft control. If you are considering insulation or heating-system upgrades, arrange an energy assessment before spending heavily; a whole-house review can identify which work is most relevant to your home.
Reduce drafts and wasted heat
- Check doors and windows for drafts. Use weatherstripping at movable joints and caulk stationary gaps. Choose materials suited to the gap, surface, and how the door or window operates.
- Do not seal or alter combustion-air openings, flues, or appliance vents to stop a draft. If you cannot tell whether an opening is part of an appliance’s ventilation, ask a qualified professional.
- Check central-heating filters monthly during the season and replace them when dirty, following the equipment manufacturer’s directions. Set the thermostat so you are not heating an empty home unnecessarily.
- If leaks are hard to find, bills remain high, or you are weighing insulation or heating upgrades, seek a whole-house energy audit. The U.S. Department of Energy describes weatherization as evaluating the building envelope and energy systems together and addressing safety issues before efficiency measures. See DOE’s weatherization overview.
DOE says sealing uncontrolled air leaks can save 10%–20% on heating and cooling bills. That is a generalized estimate, not a guaranteed result for an individual home; savings depend on the building, climate, fuel, and work performed. Its guidance on locating leaks and air sealing is at Air Sealing Your Home.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsService the heating system and check alarms
Schedule heating-system maintenance before the coldest period, using the equipment maker’s service guidance and a qualified technician where required. Test smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) alarms, observe their installation and replacement instructions, and consider how they will work during an outage. EPA advises placing CO alarms outside sleeping areas and on every level, testing them monthly, and keeping outdoor appliance vents clear of snow and ice. Details are in EPA’s CO safety guidance.
#1 Best Overall
- Emits 4,000 or 9,000 BTU/hr radiant heat
- Designed and approved for indoor and outdoor use
- Heats up to approximately 225 square feet
- Features emergency low oxygen safety system
- 2 temperature settings: low and high
A battery-backup alarm can continue operating when household power fails, but it is only a warning layer. It does not make a stove, grill, or other unsuitable appliance safe to use as a heater.
Make a plan for a cold home or outage
Winter weather can disrupt heat, electricity, telephone service, and access to supplies. Prepare for those disruptions before they happen, and decide in advance where household members can go if the home becomes unsafe or too cold. The U.S. National Weather Service’s winter-storm checklist is at weather.gov/safety/winter-before.
Rank #2
- Heats up to 450 square feet
- Low, Medium, and High heat settings: 4,000 / 9,000 / 18,000 BTU
- Heats up to 216 hrs. on two 20lb Propane tanks with optional hose (low setting)
- Big Buddy dual heating system combines radiant heat comfort with convection heat air flow
- Built-in high powered fan
Keep essential supplies accessible
- Flashlights or battery-powered lanterns, spare batteries, and a battery-powered radio or another way to receive official alerts.
- Drinking water and food that does not require cooking, along with a manual can opener if needed.
- Prescription medicines, first-aid supplies, and infant supplies where relevant.
- Warm layers, blankets, and appropriate supplies for pets.
- Printed or offline copies of utility, emergency, and household contacts in case mobile service or internet access is unavailable.
Know when to leave
Identify a safe place you could reach if the temperature inside falls too low, a household member’s medical needs cannot be met, or an outage makes the home unsafe. Do not assume a gas range or oven can substitute for a heating system. Canada’s government also warns that a natural-gas stove is not a home-heating appliance and advises leaving if conditions make the home unsafe; see its power-outage advice.
Recommended Free Tools
Use only safe heat—and respond quickly to CO danger
Never use a gas range or oven to heat a room, and never use a grill or camp stove indoors. Never operate a portable fuel-powered generator inside a home, garage, shed, or other enclosed space. EPA says portable generators should be used outdoors and at least 20 feet from buildings; follow the generator manufacturer’s directions as well. See EPA’s carbon monoxide guidance.
Rank #3
- 🔥【ATTENTION】Fuel is Not Included. Please keep this duel fuel portable heater away from flammables. Always check gas leakage before operation. For your safety, please store the heater after the TANK is REMOVED, and DISCONNECT it from the cylinder if you don't plan on using it.(PROPANE TANKS ARE NOT INCLUDED)
- 🔥【Dual Fuel Butane/Propane Heater】Our dual fuel outdoor heater works efficiently with both 8 oz. butane canisters and propane tanks. It comes with an 8FT propane hose for connecting to 1 lb propane cylinders, and is also compatible with 20 lb propane tanks for extended outdoor heating.
- 🔥【Camping Heater: Safe to Use】The camping heater features butane cartridge ejection and a safety lock, as well as tip-over and low-oxygen safety auto shutoff for secure operation during use. These safety features ensure safe operation and prevent accidents.
- 🔥【Powerful Tent Heater】Our powerful propane tent heater generates an impressive 9000 BTU using cutting-edge heating technology. It swiftly and effectively heats an area of 200 square feet, ensuring your comfort and coziness during chilly weather.
- 🔥【Lightweight Portable Heater 】This compact and lightweight propane heater is designed for easy portability and quick setup, making this portable camping heaters for tents the perfect companion for outdoor activities such as camping, hiking,fishing,hunting, skiing and more.
Use only appliances designed for space heating, following their instructions for clearances and ventilation. Keep required vents unobstructed, including after snowfall. If a CO alarm sounds, or anyone develops possible CO symptoms, get everyone outside into fresh air and call emergency services or the appropriate local authority. Do not re-enter until it is safe.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Check local utility and assistance options
Contact your utility before winter to ask how it communicates outages, what emergency steps customers should follow, and whether it has payment arrangements or a priority or medical-needs registry. Names, eligibility, and availability differ by utility and location, so confirm details directly rather than relying on a general national description.
Rank #4
- 3,800 BTU per hour
- For use with propane gas
- Heats up to 95 sq ft
- One button ignition on function
- 8in round stand; uses little floor space
In the United States, the Department of Energy’s Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) supports energy improvements for eligible low-income households. Contact a local provider to confirm current eligibility, available work, and waiting times. DOE’s program information, including its stated service and jobs figures, is at the WAP page; those figures are program-page statistics, not a promise of service in your area.
Crashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?
Random freezes, missing sound and display glitches usually trace back to one bad driver. Find and replace yours safely.Free scan · under a minutePC Slower Than It Used to Be?
A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11UK-specific note
In the UK, eligible customers can ask to join the Priority Services Register for additional support from energy suppliers and network operators. Gas appliances, flues, and alarms should be handled in line with UK requirements, including using a Gas Safe registered engineer where applicable. These are UK-specific arrangements; see GOV.UK cold-weather guidance.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
