Table of Contents
It’s winter, and the freezing temperatures seem to be getting worse. Luckily, you have your power AC on keeping things warm inside.
Then boom! The grid goes down.
Don’t worry; you can use several cool ideas to make your house homely again. But that means knowing what to do when it happens.
A DIY candle heater could be your savior. It might not be perfect, but it could still be all you need to save your life.
Today, we handle how to make one.
Key Considerations
Before starting, there are a few things to keep in mind. Your safety comes first, and it’s crucial that set everything in perfect order.
Here are the two main considerations:
Safety
Do not operate the heater under flammable conditions. Set your candle heater in a safe area, far from anything that could easily catch fire.
The middle of the room or the fireplace should be the best place to set it.
Ventilation Requirements
Anything that burns can produce carbon monoxide, which harms your health. Many people get sick when exposed to such fumes, forcing them to spend much on medication.
Luckily, candles burn clear, which means little risk of CO poisoning in your emergency heater. You don’t need to break a window for this.
However, you still need to set it on a flat surface, far from any flammable item.
Materials
Another important consideration for this project is choosing the right materials. Understand that not all candles are good.
For instance, tea candles may provide heat but are made with paraffin. Hence, the chances of producing smoke and soot are very high.
Also, they produce chemical fragrances that may not be very healthy.
Whenever buying candles, therefore, research carefully to ensure they don’t come with such risks. You want clean energy and only get it from the right materials.
The Number And Size Of Candles
You need to buy the right number and size of candles for the best results. A single votive candle could be enough for a small room.
But if you have a larger space, consider getting larger candles with many wigs. That should get you enough heat for the house and much more.
How To Make A Candle Heater At Home
A DIY heater is relatively easy to make. You don’t need any complex tools or knowledge to get your home warm again when the freezing temperatures begin.
So, how do you do it?
You are on the right page for this information.
Tools And Materials
The first and crucial step is collecting the necessary materials and tools. It’s much easier when you are set in a comfortable position where you can work without many disturbances.
Here is what you need:
- Candles: Consider candles made from soy or beeswax https://www.diynatural.com/how-to-make-beeswax-candles-natural/. They use essential oils and produce nearly no smoke. It makes them perfect for your DIY home heater. Luckily, you can make such candles yourself and avoid scents. Also, this allows you to make any size you need as long as it brings out the best results.
- A flower pot. Terracotta pots are more recommended because they last longer and retain heat much better. You can also use clay pots if that is what you have to work with.
- About four bricks. The brick should be taller than the candles.
- A screen (option). If you have children or pets, you may want to keep them away from the fireplace. Some screens should be enough for such a task.
- Somewhere to place the candles. You could use a beaten cookie sheet or anything else that can hold the candles well in the position.
- A lighter.
These are the materials for the simplest candle heater. You can use many other things to make a more advanced version, but we focus here on something you can easily make at home.
Make Your Clay Pot Candle Heater – Steps
Now that you have everything, it’s time to heat things in your house using a DIY candle heater. Here are the steps:
Step 1: Prepare The Space
You need a good working space. Ensure you have removed anything that can easily catch fire from that area to avoid accidental fires.
Also, keep pets and children away, perhaps with a shield.
If possible, clear the area by moving your couches further from the heater. It will give you a wide and safe working area.
Step 2: Place The Candle Holder On The Ground
If you want to set your candle heater on the table, start by placing down the cookie sheet or whatever you use to hold it. It will keep the surface clean while protecting it from burning too.
Step 3: Set The Bricks
If you use bricks, set them up in a square formation, leaving space between them. The idea is to allow enough airflow to the candles so they can go off for lack of oxygen.
You will be placing the pot on these bricks. So, make sure they are within the circumference of your pot.
If the pot is too small, use two or three bricks.
Step 4: Arrange Your Candles In The Center
Now it’s to set your candles in place. Finding the right position for every candle to get maximum heat would be best.
You can have one candle in the center and others around it. Consider how much heat you want and perhaps how wide your area is.
Step 5: Light The Candles
Once the candles are set in place, you can light them. There is no specific order here; as long as the candles are in their holders, you can light them in any order.
Step 6: Cover It With The Flower Pot
Turn the pot over and place it on the bricks upside down. Ensure it covers all the candles.
Now your house is ready for some heat.
Does A Heater Make From Candles And Clay Pot Work?
Yes, this emergency room heater can produce surprisingly substantial heat. The heat permeates the pot and flows into the surrounding air to warm the room.
Something as small as a 6 or 8-inch pot can spread heat throughout the room.
A terracotta or clay material can hold and radiate heat. It should give you enough heat for a long period.
It won’t get the whole house warm, but it will keep you alive in a small area.
Votive candles burn out too fast. Get ready to replace them after a while.
Jarred candles last much longer, which is why they are recommended.
Precaution
Using a clay pot candle heater requires proper care. Never leave it unattended.
And since candles create liquid wax which can stick on your home items. Also, candles burn oxygen, which is why it’s important to open a window at least.
Conclusion
A DIY candle heater should only be used in an emergency. If you expect the heat issue to continue for an extended period, consider finding a longer-lasting solution.
You can either see an emergency shelter or buy an automatic heater.
Otherwise, this flower pot candle home warmer should be enough to keep you alive. If you have any more ideas, be sure to reach out and share them with us.