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LGD
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# Posted: 5 Dec 2015 01:53pm
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I'm planning a cabin build in 2016- about 800 square feet with a loft. I'm not keen on propane run HVAC, and would like some ideas on practical ways to heat. The cabin will be used in the winter. If I build this cabin on a slab, I was considering using a high efficiency electric water heater to act as a boiler, and run radiant in the slab. Off-setting that base heat with the addition of a wood stove for when we're at the cabin. Is this a good idea or a bad one?
The other idea would be an electric furnace. Inefficient, but cheap, and if run only low and offset with wood stove it might be a good idea. Looking for any experienced feedback. Thanks much
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MtnDon
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# Posted: 5 Dec 2015 02:51pm
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Electric heat is crazy expensive. Do some research on local prices for different fuels and then plug the costs into one of these calculators...
Heating Fuel Cost Comparator 1
Heating Fuel Cost Comparator 2
Radiant heat is very nice, but it is a very poor choice for a part time residence. Works best when the temperature is maintained constant.
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bldginsp
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# Posted: 5 Dec 2015 02:53pm
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Radiant heat takes a long time to heat up, so it won't help you much when you arrive to a cold cabin in winter, though by morning it will be working. I think wood stoves in combination with wall mounted propane furnaces with thermostats is the best way to go.
Are you on grid? Have you considered heat pumps?
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LGD
Member
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# Posted: 5 Dec 2015 05:05pm
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Thanks. What about radiant heat controlled wirelessly so I can turn the heat up a full 12 hours before we arrive? I'm debating the grid thing... I have not considered heat pumps, and don't even know what they are(!) I admit I'm a city slicker and need some education on this.
While I'm at it, any reason to think I could go solar for my electric? I think hooking up to municipal services is going to be super expensive because the location is high and remote. Are there solar options available that are reasonably priced? Thanks again
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cspot
Member
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# Posted: 5 Dec 2015 05:44pm
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First, I would check on availability of electric (on grid) to see if it is even economically feasible. If it isn't then you can rule out alot of options from that.
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MtnDon
Member
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# Posted: 5 Dec 2015 06:34pm - Edited by: MtnDon
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Yes, check with the power company and get an accurate estimate of establishing grid power. If you really want electric heat that is the ONLY way to do it. When you go to off grid solar you eliminate the use of electricity for any type of heating and cooking. Maybe a coffee maker but no space heaters. Unless you want to spend huge $$ amounts for battery storage.
Google split mini. Those are the best heat pumps available. Some have amazing efficiency. With a split mini and a reasonable solar array you can actually have air conditioning if you are far enough south; have good solar exposure. They can also run in reverse and supply some heat. But only when the sun shines as a rule. And heat pumps lose efficiency as the exterior temperatures drop. They work good where we are (NM) but not so good for most Canadian winter locations.
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Steve_S
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# Posted: 5 Dec 2015 06:51pm
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I used this companies kit Radiant Floor Company for my cabin. The kit is well made with high quality components, I was quite impressed with it. I'll be using the Takagi propane on demand system. I'm still building my cabin so it's not in use yet.
They have lot's of info and material that you can download & read up on for radiant heating.
My reasoning for going this route was because I'm off-grid solar only, therefore ongoing power use is minimized this way & propane costs for on-demand are reasonable. I also have a woodstove going in, as having backup heat is a must where I live.
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bldginsp
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# Posted: 5 Dec 2015 07:02pm - Edited by: bldginsp
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I suppose you could start your radiant heat wirelessly, but that means having the necessary equipment for that constantly powered. Not sure that a solar setup would do that well, but probably.
For a temporary use cabin I don't think it's worth the bother. Again, woodstove and propane wall heaters are your best bet.
There are two types of heat pumps, ground source and air source. An air source works like an air conditioner in reverse and pumps heat into the building instead of out of it. Or, in summer it works like regular air conditioning. As Don said, they don't work to heat a space below about 45 degrees F.
Ground source heat pumps have pipes laid in the earth which pull heat out of the earth to heat the house. This is an expensive alternative, but ultimately very cost effective. But you have to be on grid to operate the motors involved.
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Topper
Member
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# Posted: 5 Dec 2015 07:14pm
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Before making any kind of recommendation,
where are you located?
For example, if you are where I am, you would not want propane...
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rockies
Member
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# Posted: 5 Dec 2015 08:02pm
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You could use an indoor wood fired furnace.
http://profab.org/product.php?id=1
This furnace is placed inside a little shed near the cabin. Some have electric backup. The fire heats a water jacket which sends hot water through radiant floor tubing. The nice bonus is that you also get hot water for sinks, shower, washer, etc. You can also heat multiple buildings.
They are very similar to outdoor wood furnaces except you don't have to be standing in the rain or snow loading it. Everything is inside and protected. You might also be able to run the electric backup side of it on solar and a timer.
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