Stay Cozy All Winter: Choosing the Right Heat Source for Your Yurt

Yurtz
Nov 9
3 min read

When the temperatures drop, keeping your yurt warm and cozy becomes a top priority. The right heating source not only makes your yurt comfortable but also helps protect it from moisture and cold-weather wear. Whether your yurt is a full-time home, a weekend retreat, or a backyard studio, here’s how to choose a heating system that fits your lifestyle and your setup.

A snowy landscape with a round yurt featuring black walls and a tan roof covered in snow. Path leads to entrance. Bare trees and benches in the background.

Start with Your Yurt Setup

Before you decide on a heating, think about your yurt’s size, insulation, and location.

Insulation: A well-insulated yurt retains heat efficiently, reducing how often your heater runs. If your yurt has our insulation package, you’ll already be ahead on energy efficiency.
Power Source: Do you have access to electricity, or are you off-grid? That will shape your options.
Ventilation: Always ensure you have proper airflow, especially when using wood or propane heating systems.

Consider Your Heating Needs

Think about how you plan to use your yurt throughout the year. Are you looking for all-day warmth during winter months, or just occasional heat for weekends and short stays? Do you want a system that doubles as a design feature, like a wood stove, or one that’s low-maintenance and out of sight, like electric or radiant heat? Knowing how often and in what way you’ll need heat helps narrow down your options and ensures your yurt stays comfortable without overworking your system or your budget.

Wood Heat: Classic and Cozy

A wood stove remains one of the most popular heating choices for yurts — and for good reason.

Cozy yurt interior with gray sofas, wooden tables, red wood stove, and lamps. Wooden lattice walls, warm atmosphere, light fixture above.

Pros: Provides dry heat, adds rustic charm, and can double as a cooking surface.

Cons: Requires regular maintenance and a chimney setup.

Best for: Off-grid living or anyone who loves the warmth and ambiance of a real fire.

Pro tip: Choose a compact, high-efficiency stove to prevent overheating in smaller yurts.

Propane Heat: Efficient and Easy

Propane heaters offer a reliable option for those who want simplicity and quick warmth.

Wall-mounted propane heater in a yurt with wooden beams and shiny insulation.

Pros: Easy to control, burns clean, and ideal for part-time or seasonal use.

Cons: Needs proper venting and access to propane tanks.

Best for: Remote sites without electricity or for supplemental heat in cold snaps.

Electric Heat: Clean and Convenient

If your yurt is connected to the grid, electric heaters or infrared panels provide hassle-free warmth.

Cozy yurt interior with two dark sofas, a central patterned ottoman, a fireplace, colorful blanket, and warm lighting. Relaxing ambiance.

Pros: No emissions, easy installation, and adjustable temperature control.

Cons: Can be costly to run depending on energy rates.

Best for: Year-round yurts with consistent power access.

Alternative Options: Radiant & Solar

Looking for a sustainable twist?

Radiant floor heating creates even, efficient warmth from the ground up — perfect for those adding flooring.

Solar heating or hybrid setups can help lower energy costs while keeping your space eco-friendly.

Plan for Efficiency

Whichever heat source you choose, making sure your yurt holds that warmth is just as important as picking the heater itself. Even the most efficient stove or electric panel can struggle if heat is escaping. A few simple steps can make a big difference in comfort and energy efficiency:

Seal drafts around doors and windows: Even small gaps can let cold air in and warm air out.
Add an interior liner: Installing an interior liner adds an extra layer to the walls, helping to trap heat, reduce condensation, and keep your yurt feeling warmer without having to run the heater constantly.
Use rugs, thermal curtains, or other soft furnishings: Floor coverings and curtains not only make your space feel more inviting, they also help reduce heat loss. Thicker rugs insulate the floor, while thermal curtains block drafts and keep warmth inside.

Add a ceiling or roof fan: Warm air naturally rises to the top of your yurt, which can leave the lower living area cooler. Installing a ceiling or roof fan helps circulate this warm air back down, creating an even temperature throughout the space.
Mind ventilation strategically: Proper airflow is essential for safety, especially with wood or propane systems.

Insulated platform: An insulated platform provides a solid, energy-efficient base. It helps keep warmth in, blocks cold from the ground, and ensures your yurt stays cozy year-round.

By paying attention to how your yurt holds heat, you can maximize the efficiency of any heating system. Small upgrades like these make your space comfortable, cozy, and energy-efficient — keeping you warm all season long.

Warmth That Fits Your Lifestyle

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to heating your yurt — it’s about balance, comfort, and how you plan to use your space. Whether you’re after the crackle of a wood stove or the convenience of electric heat, your ideal setup should make your yurt feel like home all winter long.

Ready to make your yurt winter-ready?Explore our Upgrades Page or get in touch with our team to learn more about insulation, liners, and other features that help your yurt stay warm and inviting all season.