Energy Efficient Heater

[J.P.M.]

All our camping friends have the Mr. Heater little buddy heaters. They really are great little heaters.

Probably good for camping, but for confined spaces such as dwellings, maybe not so good from the safety standpoint..

[littleharbor]

Probably good for camping, but for confined spaces such as dwellings, maybe not so good from the safety standpoint..

They claim to be. They have tip sensors and o2 sensors, AND, you can buy them in California. Many of the similar type heaters can't be bought in Ca. Not sure how much carbon monoxide they produce. Interesting how they just keep a ceramic waffle looking plate glowing, without a visible flame, other than a pilot.

[qweiczz]

What is your source of fuel? (e.g., electric, natural gas, etc) How much do they cost? How well insulated and sealed is this space? Do you need AC too?

When it comes to converting electricity into BTUs of heat, all electric heaters are 100% efficient. What differentiates one electric heater from the other is the noise and the distribution of heat.

As for the budget, you can either choose an electric or kerosine heater

If you go with an electric space heater, I would think having a thermostat would go a long way to reduce operational cost and improve comfort. This link might be helpful:

https://www.solarpaneltalk.com/

Also, remember, be very careful with space heaters because they are the second leading cause of house fires

MOD NOTE: Please stop attaching that website.

[Mike90250]

Speaking of kerosene heaters, I've used them in a garage, but the fumes - never in a house. But I do use a kerosene lamp in the greenhouse and the pumpshed to keep the temps above freezing. Even a single lamp will keep frost away in a room, and a lamp does not stink like the heaters do.

[JSchnee21]

The idea of a hot water heater is a good one, though not the most inexpensive solution. You'll have to add a zone valve to the hot water output and a tee and check valve to the cold water input. Though I have seen hot water heaters in the past which have a separate loop specifically for radiant floors, small baseboards, etc.

Plus you'll need to find one which can use propane, and hook up a circulation pump, thermostat and radiator. Finally, having a hot water heater running in your tiny home will take up a lot of space and be pretty load (if power vent).

Something like this would probably be a better choice
(www).amazon.com/Rinnai-EX22CN-Direct-Furnace-Natural/dp/B002MACI1K/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1543857267&sr=8-3&keywords=natural+gas+baseboard+heater

Assuming they make a propane version
(www).rinnai.us/gas-home-heating/direct-vent-furnaces

-Jonathan

[NukeEngineer]

Well over the initial $100 budget, but will pay for itself many times over in electricity savings.

https://www.amazon.com/Senville-SENL-09CD-9000-Split-Conditioner/dp/B00UV3LGPY/

[bcroe]

Well over the initial $100 budget, but will pay for itself many
times over in electricity savings.

If you want to heat as well as cool with a mini split heat pump, do compare the lowest effective
outside operating temp to your climate. That one runs out at 5F, the ones used here are effective
to -13F. For some those extra degrees might translate to a lot less fire wood. Once the temp
is too low for the pump, heat will require inefficient electric resistance, firewood, or some other
fuel.

The challenge for a DIY heat pump is the freon. Best to line up a specialist to handle charging
after the rest of the installation. Some tools that might be needed include
vacuum pump
micron vacuum gauge.
high pressure gauge set
tank of R410A
tubing fitting torque wrench
tire valve removal tool
leak detector

Bruce Roe

[NukeEngineer]

If you want to heat as well as cool with a mini split heat pump, do compare the lowest effective
outside operating temp to your climate. That one runs out at 5F, the ones used here are effective
to -13F. For some those extra degrees might translate to a lot less fire wood. Once the temp
is too low for the pump, heat will require inefficient electric resistance, firewood, or some other
fuel.

The challenge for a DIY heat pump is the freon. Best to line up a specialist to handle charging
after the rest of the installation. Some tools that might be needed include
vacuum pump
micron vacuum gauge.
high pressure gauge set
tank of R410A
tubing fitting torque wrench
tire valve removal tool
leak detector

Bruce Roe

All true, I just put that one up because it's cheap and mostly well liked. I actually installed a Pioneer ceiling cassette mini split myself a few months back. It was really pretty easy once you see the process. You don't need to add 410A (Puron) unless your lineset length exceeds what the manual says the pre-charged unit can operate with (25ft for my unit). Also, you don't *have* to have a shrader valve Core Removal Tool (CRT) for evacuation, but it makes it go faster. I ended up purchasing a Fieldpiece SMAN 360, RYB hoses with ball valves along with a set of vacuum rated hoses, a vacuum pump, and Nylog blue, and a few other accessories. Plan on getting 608 universal cert. soon as well. HVAC is an interesting (and expensive) field, and it would be useful to get handy in it.

[azdave]

Funny...the OP hasn't replied since their first and only post here in October but we are still coming up with solutions in December. I'm sure they bought a cheap bathroom heater or two since then and have forgotten all about us.