Winter is coming: we talk about must-haves during power outages, Japanese heaters, and "old-school" methods

When there's no electricity for 12 hours or more, we realize that comfort largely depends on our readiness for a difficult winter. And while some check their turn in the power outage and write indignant comments on Facebook with the remaining battery charge on their phones, others are modernizing their apartments to survive a possible blackout as comfortably as possible.

Especially for LIGA.net Andriy Yavorskyi, Candidate of Technical Sciences, Associate Professor at IFNTUNG, and energy efficiency specialist, spoke about what every Ukrainian should definitely have, why it is worth paying attention to the Japanese experience, and how to insulate an apartment without significant costs.

Basic security: where to start

Everything starts with the ability to move around safely, emphasizes Andriy Yavorskyi.

Point #1 – flashlightYou shouldn't rely on your phone, as using it as a flashlight quickly drains the battery.

When choosing a flashlight, you should pay attention to the following points:

• it must be strong, comfortable, and not slip out of the hand;
• powered by common power supplies – for example, AA (2A) batteries;
• not to have redundant functions, so as not to complicate the use.

Approximate prices:

• budget models – 70-200 UAH.
• middle class – 300-800 UAH

Regarding lighting in an apartment, then there are many autonomous solutions:

• camping lanterns (average cost 300-800 UAH);
• LED strips powered by power banks (can be found for 100-300 UAH, and for higher quality/longer models – 300-500 UAH and more);
• local light sources that react to movement, in corridors and bathrooms where we stay for a short time (150-500 UAH is enough for a good solution).

Power banks: what types of batteries are there and how do they differ?

– During power outages, it's important to stay connected. Your phone should always be charged, so you absolutely must have... power bankChoose a high-quality model with a large capacity – for example, 50,000 mAh, so you can charge your smartphone several times. There are many options on the market, but the main thing is reliability and sufficient power, says Andriy Yavorskyi.

Power banks typically use two types of batteries: lithium-ion (Li-ion) and lithium-polymer (Li-pol). Both options are good, but have their own characteristics.

Lithium-ion (Li-ion)

This is the most common type of battery used in high-capacity power banks. These cells (18650 or 21700* format) have a high energy density – meaning more charge can be "packed" into a small volume. Because of this, even a 50,000 mAh power bank can remain relatively compact, although it weighs quite a bit.

Li-ion batteries are cheaper to manufacture, so power banks with them are usually more affordable.

Approximate price: 50,000 mAh Li-ion power banks cost from 3,000 to 6,000–7,000 UAH, depending on the brand and power (for example, if it supports 100W charging).

*What do the codes 18650 and 21700 mean?

• the first two digits are the diameter in millimeters;
• the next two are length;
• The last digit (0) indicates a cylindrical shape.

Lithium-polymer (Li-pol)

This is a newer technology, more often used in more expensive and thinner models. Li-pol batteries are safer, generate less heat, and withstand more charging cycles. However, they have a slightly lower energy density, so large models with 50,000 mAh capacity may be larger in size (but thinner in thickness) and more expensive.

Approximate price: Li-pol power banks of this capacity usually cost from 5,000 to 8,000-10,000 UAH, especially if they are branded models with a power of 100-140 W.

Important: You shouldn't buy power banks equipped with small solar panels, because they won't be able to charge the power bank in a short amount of time.

Internet and radio

To have internet access even during power outages, it's worth switching to the technology... GPON (Gigabit Passive Optical Network). This is a modern data transmission technology using fiber optics. It provides stable and fast internet that is independent of weather or voltage fluctuations.

Thanks to GPON, you can get home internet with speeds up to 1 Gbps.

Don't forget about "old-school" technologies – radioBuy a radio that works on FM and AM frequencies. This will help you stay informed even when mobile communication and the internet are down.

The average price of radio receivers starts from 300 UAH.

Heat and power supply

If you have individual heating (e.g., a gas boiler), you should provide backup power for this device – via a charging station or an uninterruptible power supply (UPS).

"If you don't have individual heating, it's worth looking at the Japanese experience. They use catalytic heaters in their apartments, which run on either natural gas (using small cylinders) or kerosene," explains Andriy Yavorskyi.

Catalytic heater This is a device that generates heat without an open flame. Inside the device is a special plate with a catalyst (usually a platinum coating), on which gas or kerosene is oxidized at a relatively low temperature. Thanks to this process, the fuel "burns" without visible flame, releasing only heat, water vapor, and a small amount of carbon dioxide. This makes the device safer and more economical compared to traditional heaters.

Warnings and safety instructions:

• Since carbon dioxide is released during the operation of the heater, the room must have fresh air. Ventilate the room regularly.

• Do not use the appliance in enclosed or small, unventilated rooms, and never leave it unattended.

• Use only the fuel recommended by the manufacturer – gas cartridges or special kerosene. Periodically check the condition of the catalyst.

• Buy certified models that have overheat and accidental tipping protection – this reduces the risks during use.

"Such devices are still new to us, little known on the Ukrainian market. Of course, the question of safety arises, since it involves the use of flammable substances, but the approach itself deserves attention. In situations where centralized heating may be unavailable, this could be one of the possible solutions," adds Andriy Yavorskyi.

In Ukraine, the prices of catalytic heaters start on average from 3,000 UAH.

Water supply and food preparation

Make sure you have a reserve of drinking and utility water – calculate at least 3-4 liters per family member per day.

For convenient access to your water reserves, it's worth having a battery-powered pump. This is a small electric pump with a built-in battery that dispenses water at the touch of a button. It's easy to attach to a bottle or canister – allowing you to draw water effortlessly, without lifting heavy containers or manual pumping.

The pump operates quietly, is energy-efficient, charges via USB, and takes up minimal space.

Estimated price:

• budget models – from 100 UAH;
• mid-range – 500–1000 UAH, often with additional features, such as a water level sensor or a small display.

Another important aspect is – food preparationIt's more difficult in an apartment than in a private house, but there are possibilities:

• The simplest option is tourist stoves that run on solid alcohol, used for heating water and preparing instant meals. The average price is 300-600 UAH.

• If possible (for example, on a balcony or a common, smoke-free stairwell), you can use tourist gas stoves. Prices start from 300 UAH for the simplest models to 2000 UAH for more "advanced" ones.

How to save heat and light: useful life hacks

The main task is to reduce heat loss and make the housing as energy-efficient as possible, says Andriy Yavorskyi.

Please note windowsIf they are of poor quality or do not fit tightly to the frame, they can be sealed independently using special tapes, silicone sealants, or even temporary solutions – for example, mounting film. Windows usually account for the greatest heat loss.

Thermal curtains or thick, multi-layered curtains create an additional barrier that reduces the cooling of the room.

Regarding lighting. Most people already use LED lamps, but now a new generation has appeared – Filament LED lampsThey combine energy efficiency with a cozy, warm light, very similar to conventional incandescent lamps.

Inside, they have thin LED filaments that evenly diffuse light at 360°. Therefore, the room is lit softly and naturally, without harsh shadows.

Such lamps consume several times less electricity, but provide comfortable light – this is especially important when using backup power, for example, from a power bank or charging station.

If there is no heating, it is best to gather in one room, minimizing the living space that needs to be heated. It's important to ventilate the room briefly but regularly to avoid excessive humidity.

For sleeping, it's convenient to use tourist sleeping bags, warm blankets or heating pads. If you don't have a heating pad on hand, you can pour hot water into a plastic bottle – it will act as a simple heat accumulator and release heat for a long time under the blanket.

Estimated cost:

• Window sealant: 10-160 UAH/meter or package depending on the type and material
• Thermal curtains / thick multi-layered curtains: 400-600 UAH and more, depending on size, material, and brand.
• Filament LED lamps: 60-300 UAH for standard models; more expensive ones – from 300 UAH.
• Sleeping bags for tourists – 700 – 4,000 UAH for typical tourist models; premium versions can be significantly more expensive.

"Of course, it's much easier to survive periods without heating in an energy-efficient house than in an old, uninsulated dwelling. But even simple household steps can significantly increase the level of comfort and autonomy," summarized Andriy Yavorskyi.