Power Your Furnace with Solar During Winter Outages

Winter in Idaho can be harsh, and losing power during a snowstorm is more than just an inconvenience—it's a serious concern. Keeping your home warm in a power outage is crucial for your family’s safety and comfort. If you have a natural gas furnace, you might assume it will keep working during an outage, but that’s not always the case. Most furnaces still rely on electricity to run components like the blower fan, control systems, and igniter. Without electricity, your furnace won't heat your home, even if you have a natural gas supply.

But don’t worry! A portable solar generator can be a lifesaver in these situations, providing the necessary power to keep your furnace running. In this post, I’ll walk you through how to use a portable solar generator to power your furnace during a power outage.

Why a Portable Solar Generator?

A portable solar generator is a great option because it’s clean, quiet, and renewable. Unlike a traditional gas-powered generator, it doesn’t require fuel, doesn’t emit harmful fumes, and is safe to use indoors. Plus, during prolonged outages, you can recharge it using solar panels, ensuring a continuous power supply.

Step 1: Determine Your Furnace's Power Requirements

Before purchasing a portable solar generator, you need to know how much power your furnace requires. This information is usually found on the furnace's data plate, typically located inside the access panel. The key figures to look for are the starting wattage (the initial power needed to start the furnace) and the running wattage (the power needed to keep it running).

For most home furnaces, the running wattage ranges from 600 to 1200 watts, with the starting wattage being about 1500 to 3000 watts. It’s crucial to choose a solar generator that can handle these requirements.

Step 2: Choose the Right Portable Solar Generator

When selecting a portable solar generator, look for one that can meet or exceed your furnace’s starting and running wattage. A generator with a capacity of at least 3000 watts would be ideal to cover the higher starting wattage. Some recommended models include:

• Jackery Explorer 3000 Pro: Offers 3000 watts of peak power, with 2000 watts of continuous output.
• EcoFlow Delta Pro: Provides 3600 watts of continuous power and can handle up to 4500 watts of peak power.
• Goal Zero Yeti 3000X: Another solid option with 3000 watts of peak power and 2000 watts of continuous output.

Ensure the generator has sufficient battery capacity to run your furnace for several hours, especially if the outage occurs at night when solar panels won’t be able to recharge the generator.

Step 3: Setting Up the Generator

Once you have your generator, here’s how to set it up:

1. Locate the Furnace’s Power Connection: Typically, your furnace will be hardwired into your home’s electrical system or plugged into an outlet. If it’s hardwired, you may need a qualified electrician to install a power inlet box that allows you to connect your generator.

2. Connect the Generator: If your furnace is plugged into an outlet, you can simply unplug it and connect it to the portable solar generator using an appropriate extension cord. Make sure the cord can handle the wattage.

3. Turn On the Generator: Power up your generator and make sure it’s fully charged. If possible, have the solar panels connected and placed outside in a location that receives maximum sunlight.

4. Power Your Furnace: Once the generator is running, turn on your furnace. The generator should provide the necessary power to start the furnace and keep it running. Monitor the generator’s battery level and recharge it as necessary.

Step 4: Maintain Your Generator

To ensure your generator is always ready for an emergency, keep it charged and test it regularly. Store it in a cool, dry place and ensure the solar panels are clean and free of debris. It's also a good idea to practice setting up the generator with your furnace before an actual outage occurs.

Final Thoughts

Using a portable solar generator to power your furnace during a winter power outage is a practical and eco-friendly solution. With the right equipment and a little preparation, you can keep your home warm and comfortable, no matter what Mother Nature throws your way. Be sure to assess your furnace's power requirements, choose a reliable generator, and familiarize yourself with the setup process to ensure you're ready for any winter storm.

By planning ahead, you can protect your family and home from the cold, even in the most challenging conditions.