Heating Options for Unheated Porch
![](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/64a3afdce456f2623824fa565d023a8f?s=52&d=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.finehomebuilding.com%2Fapp%2Favatars%2F200x200%2Fj.png&r=g)
I have an “L” shaped porch, approximately 350 sq.’ that is completely enclosed with windows. I would like to install some kind of heating in it so we can continue using it during Maryland’s winters. I was thinking of installing a Nutone wall heater (9198NT – 240V, 4,000 watts).
We don’t have natural gas or propane (remainder of house is forced hot air – oil). My kids use the porch as their play area (tricycle riding, rough-housing, etc.). Because it is a “play room” I don’t think a portable oil-filled radiator or anything with a flame would be a good idea. Would an electic wall heater like the one above be the best option?
Thanks – Jason
Replies
how's the insulation and do you have thermal windows...
Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming
WOW!!! What a Ride!
Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!
The walls are insulated and the windows are thermal insulated replacement windows (22 of them). The ceiling insulation is rock wool, and the floor has sprayed foam. We also will be installing a berber carpeting to help the floor "feel" warmer.Jason
We enclosed a porch in Alexandria, VA before we moved and used a Reiker Room Conditioner. It's a ceiling fan with a heater built in. I was happy with it and it didn't require any special wiring. Bought mine on eBay, but I can't remember how much it was.
http://www.buyreiker.com
couldn't find any real information on that heater...
seems as though that heater would be to aneimic for that space with all those windows...
can you supplement from the main house heat???
is base board electric an option for you???
in a while there'll be some folks that'll have calculation info and more ideas...
BTW which way does the room face..
Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming
WOW!!! What a Ride!
Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!
electric radiant mats might work as well, probably in the ceiling. I would probably go with electric baseboard though for a very easy installation, if you can protect them from the little tykes ;)
-=Northeast Radiant Technology=-
Radiant Design, Consultation, Parts Supply
http://www.NRTradiant.com
One side of the porch faces south, the other side faces west. I will look into electric baseboard heaters. I thought of the Nutone heater first because my parents had one in their basement (600 sq') and it kept it quite warm. However, if the baseboard will be more economical to install and operate, I will look into that.
Jason
I'm not really sure if one would be superior to the other, just giving some options for you!-------------------------------------
-=Northeast Radiant Technology=-
Radiant Design, Consultation, Parts Supply
http://www.NRTradiant.com
Operational any electrical resistance heater, baseboard, oil filled "radiator" ceiling fan, radiant in floor, will cost about the same to operate.Will you want to keep it at the same temp all the time, or only when in use?Do you also want to cool it. If so a trhough the wall type of heat pump is a good choice. Much costler to buy, but cheaper to operate.
The porch will only be used during the day (7am-8pm). At night, we close the door leading to the porch, so we would turn off the heat or set it to its lowest position. Currently, we have a 10,000 BTU air conditioner in one window that keeps the porch comfortable on even the hottest days. It has also helped cut down our electric bill as the central air for the house isn't trying to fight the heat radiating into the house from the previously unheated porch (110-120F on hot days).Jason