Portable heating options.

[N80]

I have a log cabin without central heat or air and with no fireplace. Since we built it we've used one of those can shaped kerosene heaters and several of those electric oil radiator type heaters and this combo has worked well. The kerosene heater puts out a ton of heat. But, last night it went on the fritz. It definitely needs a new wick and has been a bit smokey but last night the dial that raises the element cover (for lighting) broke and wouldn't raise the cover anymore.

This summer we will probably be installing central HVAC and a new kerosene heater costs about $129. So we don't want to spend a bunch of money on a temporary solution. I might be able to fix the old one but that's a big if and we are going to be down there a good bit in the next few weeks.

The question, is there anything better in the sub $200 range that will heat a room of about 700 sq. ft.?

 

[kenmac]

are you are using all these heaters at once to heat this area ??

If so, what is the total of the heaters you are now using ??


Just an estimate ,but you may be able to get by with something in the 30k btu range for a single heater. Hard to say not knowing how well the place is insulated, glass, the temps there, ceiling height,open area, etc,

 

[CurlyDave]

I use a "Big Buddy" propane heater to heat my camper ion hunting trips. Mr. Heater Big Buddy™ Indoor/Outdoor Propane Heater — Model# MH18B | Heaters | Northern Tool + Equipment

If you look around you can get one for about $100, but they are usually $130 or so.

I needed a propane hose ($30) to connect it to a 5-gal propane tank. If you don't already have the tank, this option could cost more than another kerosene heater, although I think it might be a little more safe.

You really need to have the main tank outside and run the hose inside to be legal with one of these.

 

[CurlyDave]

I use a "Big Buddy" propane heater to heat my camper on hunting trips. Mr. Heater Big Buddy Indoor/Outdoor Propane Heater Model# MH18B | Heaters | Northern Tool + Equipment

If you look around you can get one for about $100, but they are usually $130 or so.

I needed a propane hose ($30) to connect it to a 5-gal propane tank. If you don't already have the tank, this option could cost more than another kerosene heater, although I think it might be a little more safe.

You really need to have the main tank outside and run the hose inside to be legal with one of these.

 

[kenmac]

You really need to have the main tank outside and run the hose inside to be legal with one of these.

Good point dave. Never use or store a propane tank inside. I see people using 30 gal. propane tanks with fryers, heaters, etc, inside all the time

 

[N80]

kenmac, these kerosene heaters claim to put out 23,000 BTU. The only insulation is the log walls, windows are double paned but drafty. Anyway, this one heater heats the main room just fine, even when its in the 20s outside. We usually keep the little electric oil heaters in the two bedrooms and one of those works fine in a closed bedroom. We do not run the kerosene heater at night after we go to bed so the great room is cooooold in the mornings, but we can deal with it.

Dave, I'll look into the propane, which is probably cleaner and more efficient, but maybe a bit pricier.

 

[Wayne County Hose]

I've got the same exact one as Curly Dave. It works very well.

 

[N80]

Couple of questions regarding the propane heater. First, do you guys really run the hose from outside? How much does a long hose like that cost?

Second, it says it runs 108 hours on one 20 pound tank of propane. I'm assuming that's at the lower BTU settings. How long does it run at max output? Is a 20 pound tank the same as what you use on a grill? The kerosene heater runs about 8-10 ours on a tank full, maybe a gallon, but kerosene isn't cheap.

Third, what are the ventilation requirements? Probably about the same as for the kerosene?

Fourth, how much noise does it make? The kerosene heater is nearly silent.

I have several propane tanks and TSC has the heater on sale for $99. So all I'd need would be a hose.

 

[Wayne County Hose]

Couple of questions regarding the propane heater. First, do you guys really run the hose from outside? How much does a long hose like that cost?

Second, it says it runs 108 hours on one 20 pound tank of propane. I'm assuming that's at the lower BTU settings. How long does it run at max output? Is a 20 pound tank the same as what you use on a grill? The kerosene heater runs about 8-10 ours on a tank full, maybe a gallon, but kerosene isn't cheap.

Third, what are the ventilation requirements? Probably about the same as for the kerosene?

Fourth, how much noise does it make? The kerosene heater is nearly silent.

I have several propane tanks and TSC has the heater on sale for $99. So all I'd need would be a hose.

Unless your cabin is totally airtight, don't worry about it. I have my heater running inside my service vehicle right now. I have it on a 6' hose. This van is like a seive so it's no big deal. Same 20 lb tank as on a grill. I think it's like 40 hours on full output. It should say on the box. This thing is almost completely silent. My inverter makes more noise. I seriously doubt you will be disappointed with this unit. As with any unvented indoor unit, I would without a doubt have a CO detector.

 

[N80]

Cabin is not airtight. I'll give this unit a good look if wife hasn't already bought a new kerosene heater. I had said they were at TSC but Dave's link is from Northern Tool and we do have one here.

Not sure how I'll run a hose in from outside. Maybe through a slightly open window.