In SC, the winter low is usually around 30 degrees.. though it does drop down into the teens every once in a while. What kind of BTU do I need to heat 600 sq.ft if I have 6" insulation and insulted vinyl siding?
If you had to choose between these, what would you take?
Ductless heating/cooling system
Window units that heat/cool
Other??
Not exactly sure, but I know where I like to start.
http://www.tractorsupply.com/content/knowhow/homeimprovement/2009_heating_guide
http://www.ventfree.org/content/view/36/53/
*note, vent free heater not recommended but a good sizing guide.
Upstate NY, I don't really have to worry about cooling.
Heating.
Direct-vent propane gives safe, code compliant, automatic, and inexpensive heating.
Wood gives cheap heat after installation if you can get access to free wood and you like the exercise.
Quote from: Squirl on January 28, 2010, 02:43:33 PM
Not exactly sure, but I know where I like to start.
http://www.tractorsupply.com/content/knowhow/homeimprovement/2009_heating_guide
http://www.ventfree.org/content/view/36/53/
*note, vent free heater not recommended but a good sizing guide.
Great link. Tractor Supply Co's Interactive Heating Selector is fast and easy.
I've got a 20x30, 9' walls with a vaulted ceiling at 5000ft in Northern California. Winter temps. typically go down to 25F. I seem to remember my title 24 energy calculation came in at something like 22K BTU/hr (no insulation yet, so I only have the energy calcs). Our neighbors, with a slight bigger structure, have a 30K BTU/hr wood stove and that's more than enough for their place. These buildings both have R38 in the roof and R19 in the walls.
So 20->25K BTU/hr for heating?
What do you guys think about one of those electric infrared heaters, and maybe a ceiling fan right above it?
They claim to heat up to 1500 sq ft and they have pretty good reviews.
As for small space heaters, a 1500 watt heater will convert electricity to heat at 100% efficiency whether it has a resistance coil, a ceramic core, or a quartz bulb. The BTU output will be the same. We use a couple as chill chasers for parts of the house too far away from the stove.
http://www.consumersearch.com/space-heaters
There are infrared heaters that are mounted high at places like outdoor concession stands. These are direct radiant heaters that warm objects in their line of sight. Not usually used indoors where you are conditioning a larger space.
PS - Don't put too much faith in ads that feature heaters built by Amish men in suspenders. :D
Quote from: John Raabe on January 28, 2010, 07:12:46 PM
PS - They aren't really made by Amish men in suspenders. :D
WHAT???? That's crazy!! Next thing you know, you'll be telling me Glenn lives underground in a house made of dirt!!
Quote from: SardonicSmile on January 28, 2010, 06:44:07 PM
What do you guys think about one of those electric infrared heaters.....
Depends what you want to heat. Infrared heaters heat objects by heat radiating through the air, from the heat source to the object. An infrared heater is ideal for keeping a person warm in a cold room or even an open patio, but only as long as the "beam" hits the person. Some of the big box stores have them located above the cashiers and do not heat the rest of the building much or at all.
If the object of heating is to have a warm room, air and furniture, etc, I do not believe that is the way to go.