Options for all electric heat in cabin
I have a small cabin about 800 sq, ft. (600 sq ft with 200 ft loft)
near Lake Arrowhead. San Bernardino county requires that I prove heat specs from manufacturer. I installed a hardwired 240v 3000 watt heater.
The specs say it only heats 450 sq ft (honestly in another part of the printed specs it says heats 500 to 1000 sq and that why I bought it, but the inspector seized on the 450 spec). Heater has to be hardwired. I originally bought a portable heater thinking this would be ok) Not true. Anyway I can’t find a single heater to meet my specs. Suggestions? Or can I install another heater side by side (same model) or stacked, or in a different place in the cabin. Will the heat specs add up? i.e., if I install another 450 sq ft heater will that give me 900 sq ft. of coverage? thanks ahead
Replies
A mini split is your best option. Much more efficient plus the benefit of AC
Install the second unit and you will be in compliance. You need to follow manufacturer's recommendations on spacing and wiring.
The manufacturer's square foot rating for the heater is meaningless. The brutal cold of Alaska is not the same as a bit of chill in Florida. The important consideration is the 3000W heating capacity and whether that 3000W is enough to heat your cabin in your climate zone. To do the calculation, one would consider R-value of the walls and ceiling (and perhaps floor) and the heat loss through each, combined with the heat loss through the particular windows (type, size and quantity) that you've installed.
It's a very simple calculation and you might even be able to find the particular values and a worksheet on-line. --heat loss per square foot per degree difference for the walls and ceiling with various R-values. The window manufacturer could assist with the heat loss values of their windows. The building code would probably state the inside temperature that must be met.--I'm assuming night-time temperature without the benefit of solar gain. The most difficult part of the calculation is knowing the lowest outside design temperature to use for your climate zone, but again, it might be in the building code of your state.
I'm really surprised. Here in Canada we have millions of cabins (cottages) little or no heat. They're for seasonal use. If it's a crummy weekend, you just don't go. I've even known people to turn on the range (stove) to take the chill off in the morning.
I’ve even known people to turn on the range (stove) to take the chill off in the morning.
Not a good idea!
Thanks for comments. Mine is for seasonal use anyway that's why I thought the plug in was fine for bedroom. Big brother rules and till I comply they wont let me hook up external electric.
Use a Mitsubishi split system, it should meet all the requirements of CA