How to make a personal heater with a terracotta pot, candles: Video tutorial

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It’s very tempting to turn the heat up when the temperatures drop. However, that can come at a cost. If you’re looking for a simple solution and an alternative to the electric space heater, consider making a personal heater with a terracotta pot and tea candles. 

The do-it-yourself heater is an easy and cost-effective way to stay warm and cozy in a small space in your house. It’s also a great way to generate heat in emergencies, especially if there's no power. You may already have the supplies around your house, or it might require a quick trip to the store. Once you have what you need, it’s incredibly easy to assemble. 

Watch this video to see how to make a space heater with a terracotta pot. 

Terracotta heater 

To make a DIY terracotta heater, you need: 

• Terracotta pot. 
• Clay bricks or pavers. 
• Tile. 
• Saucers. 
• Tea lights. 

Once you have all the supplies: 

1. Arrange the tea lights in the saucers on top of the tile.
2. Place the bricks or pavers on both sides of the tile.
3. Place the terracotta pot upside down over the tea lights, resting on the bricks. There should be a gap between the tile and the pot.
4. Cover the hole on the top of the terracotta pot with another saucer. You want the fit to be snug. 
5. Light the candles. 

The pot gets very hot, so don’t touch it. In case you’re wondering how hot it gets, a temperature reading showed the surface at 118ºF about two minutes after lighting the candles. In less than 10 minutes, the temperature hit 180ºF.

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How to stay warm

The Department of Energy recommends keeping your thermostat between 68-70ºF during the daytime in the winter. But, sometimes, that doesn't feel warm enough. Before you turn your thermostat up a few more degrees, here are a few other ways to warm up that won’t cost you:

• Close blinds and curtains. 
• Cover the gaps at the bottom of your door with towels, pillows, or rags. 
• Wear layers and get cozy on the couch under a pile of blankets. Bonus warmth if you have an electric blanket. 
• Wear heated clothes. 
• Stay hydrated and move your body.