Extreme winter 2022-2023: how to cope without heating, electricity, gas and water?

The war in Ukraine teaches us to be ready for different circumstances. In particular, to the absence of the benefits of civilization.

And even if the power outage will be local, and the heating season will go according to plan, we should know some simple rules for survival in extreme conditions. Of course, the editors of Сostless will not tell you what to do in the event of a nuclear attack, but we will focus on more real things that will make your winter more comfortable.

Disappointing news for Ukraine: what to be ready for?

As a result of enemy missile attacks, as of the beginning of November, about 40% of Ukraine's energy infrastructure has already been damaged. Due to this, some problems with electricity and water supply arise in many regions.

Someone's light suddenly disappears. Others are luckier and find their addresses in advance in the blackout schedule on the DTEK website.

With water supply and heating, interruptions are also possible, which will not cover individual cities or villages, but entire regions. But in the case of damage to the main high-pressure gas pipeline, millions of Ukrainians may be left without gas as well.

Therefore, it is worth preparing for such an unusual winter. How to do it, read further.

Plan "B": a matter for the authorities or for each individual?

Everyone should have plan "B". Of course, at the level of government, including the local one, some issues are already being regulated, but citizens, taking into account their individual circumstances, should also take care of their own lives.

With this in mind, we are providing a short "shopping list", and then we will dwell on each item in more detail.

So, if you are lucky enough to live in Ukraine at a historical moment, you may need one or more of these things:

• diesel or gasoline generator;
• electric heater;
• “burzuyka”;
• gas bag;
• portable gas burner;
• tourist lantern;
• large container for water;
• uninterruptible power supply;
• power banks;
• warm socks and blankets.

Voltage surges: how to protect equipment?

Now, due to frequent voltage surges, electrical appliances can be damaged. In addition, it may cause a fire.

To protect equipment from the negative effects of power surges:

• disconnect appliances you do not use from the power grid;
• install a stabilizer or voltage relay at home;
• install an "uninterruptible power supply" (uninterruptible power supply; UPS); thanks to this, your equipment will work from the battery for a certain time.

Alternative sources of electricity: what difference and how to choose?

Alternative sources include:

• generators;
• uninterruptible power sources;
• portable solar panels.

The following factors influence the choice of one or another:

• do you live in a private house or apartment;
• approximate simultaneous load you plan.

Generators: what is this and where it can be installed?

Generators are divided into:

• gas;
• gasoline;
• diesel

Gas generators can be connected stationery to the gas network; they can also work from a gas bag. In any case, the process of connecting a gas generator is a rather complicated and dangerous procedure that must be performed by professionals. We also note that the connection to the gas network must be coordinated with the gas service. Another important point when installing a gas generator is ventilation.

Diesel and gasoline generators work by burning a certain type of fuel. Depending on the volume of the tank, they can work up to 10-12 hours, and the power of such devices is in a wide range from 1 kW to 100 kW, and even more. If you compare a diesel and gasoline generator, the last one works more quietly, but the cost of raw materials for it is quite high. A diesel generator is cheaper to operate, but it is louder and more difficult to start at low temperatures.

Why can't the generator be installed in the apartment?

The disadvantages of generators are significant emissions and high noise levels. Such equipment is appropriate only when you live in a private home.

In multi-apartment buildings, it is not possible to install generators due to:

•  impossibility of removing exhaust gases;
•  fire hazard;
•  noisy work, which is unacceptable in residential buildings.

Uninterruptible power supplies: what are the differences and how to choose?

An uninterruptible power supply is a great way to ensure reliable and stable power in your home. An important advantage of such devices is quiet operation, unlike generators.

There are two variants of uninterruptible power supplies:

• with a built-in battery;
• with the possibility of connecting an external battery.

Devices with a built-in battery usually have a small capacity and are most often used to power computer equipment for several hours.

Uninterruptible power supplies with an external battery are more flexible and versatile systems. They allow you to independently select the number and capacity of batteries for the organization of an uninterrupted power supply.

Solar panel: how does it work?

A solar panel is a device that absorbs the energy of the sun's rays and converts it into electricity.

One or more solar panels can be fixed on the facade or on the roof of the house. Standard sizes of solar panels are from 995 mm to 1400 mm in width, and from 1685 mm to 2500 mm in height. The maximum power of the solar panel is 500 W in ideal conditions. In addition, such equipment requires a special inverter. There are also small portable solar panels that can be used to charge mobile devices.

There are two options for using solar panels:

• in "online" mode (there is sun - there is electricity);
• in storage mode (you need to connect a battery to the panel, which will store electricity).

For example, from a 500 W panel in 10 hours of daylight under ideal conditions, you will get 5 kW, that is, a couple of hours of operation of an oil heater or an electric kettle.

How much will energy independence cost you?

Here are a few numbers to help you understand.

The cost of generators can range from UAH 10,000 to UAH 100,000. However, fuel costs must also be added here. For example, a simple gasoline generator of 3 kW worth UAH 20,000, which can work for 6 hours in autonomous mode, consumes 320 grams of fuel per 1 kW/h.

The price of uninterruptible power supplies is about UAH 5,000-7,000. And if you need batteries for them, you will spend about 10,000 - 15,000 hryvnias.

Solar panels cost about UAH 2,000 if they are portable options for charging mobile devices, and about UAH 30,000 if they are full-fledged 200 W models.

What to do during the war if there is no water?

The couple option is available.

If you live in an apartment building, and the water was cut off directly by the water supply company, or the water disappeared temporarily due to an accident, water reserves will come to the rescue. Buy several plastic tubs of 50-70 liters. The stock is small, but it will definitely be enough for the time of the first response. The cost of such a tank is 600-800 UAH. It can be made in the form of a simple tub with a lid, or it can also be equipped with a convenient faucet.

In case you live in a private house and have a well, it is a more complicated case. Usually in this case the water disappears with the light. Then it is important to make the pump work autonomously, say through the same generator.

Another solution to the water problem if there is a well but no light is - a hand well pump. It costs from 1,000 to 3,000 UAH and has several significant advantages:

• does not require an electricity connection;

• easy to operate and install;
• is much cheaper than electrical devices.

Heating: will a small heater save?

In multi-apartment buildings, in the absence of heating, but in the presence of electricity, you can use electric heaters. But what to do if there is neither one nor the other?

Look for a temporary house in the private sector and install a “burzuyka” or stove there. This is a rather economical and working option. A “burzhuika” costs 3,000 - 6,000 UAH. Firewood or other solid fuel are suitable as raw materials.

You need to choose such a stove depending on the volume of the room you plan to heat. The larger the dimensions of the furnace, the more heat it emits per unit of time.

In addition to boilers, there are also kerosene, gas, and gasoline heaters, which cost starting at 1,000 UAH(plus fuel). But for all these options, you definitely need high-quality ventilation. And besides, they can be quite fire-hazardous.

How to cook food if the gas is turned off?

Again, if there is electricity, you can use an electric hob or an induction hob. And it does not matter if you live in an apartment or in a private house.

If there is no light, buy a tourist gas stove and a tourist gas bag. A convenient alternative will also be tourist cooking surfaces on dry fuel. They cost about 1,000 - 2,000 UAH.

For those who live in the private sector, it is a little easier: you can cook food on a campfire. The main thing is to stock up on heat-resistant dishes. The ideal option is a cauldron made of cast iron.

A few more numbers at the end

No one knows for sure what this winter will be like, and of course, nobody can afford independent heating such as solar panels or a gasoline generator that will provide electricity for 10 hours a day.

However, you should still have the minimum necessary list of things:

• 10 packs of dry alcohol (about 500 UAH);
• portable gas stove (from 500 to 2,000 UAH);
• a large lantern with a powerful battery (700 - 1000 UAH);
• plastic tanks for water (600 - 800 UAH);
• power banks to charge smartphones and laptops (from 700 to 2,000 UAH, depending - on the capacity).

And if you want to save purchasing these or other useful things, including food, look for discounts on Costless.