I have a small space under 800sq. ft in a location that will not require AC. Just heat. I am looking at Cadet base board heaters. In expensive, T stat controlled. Seem to have good reviews. They would fit the need in the space. There is a furnace with ducting but neither is usable and would need replaced and the cost is that is prohibitive. Four base bd. heaters would do it.
I may add a small pellet stove if needed. But think these heater would be just fine. Thought about their wall heaters but would be expensive to cut them in the walls. Any other options? I know they are old tech. but these seem gtg. Thoughts?

Thanks guys.

Electric baseboard?

Energy costs would prohibit that here, our rates are insane.

`Yes, elect. base board.

Why not a mini-split type heat pump?

That is going to be way cheaper to run than electric baseboards

The return on investment just is not there for something like that Pasig.

Is your electrical system up to handling the load of adding baseboard heating?

Decades ago we used a kerosene fueled heater to keep the basement above freezing in the winter. It makes a relatively cheap way to add some heat, but idk if they are still considered safe.

Previous owner had 4 of my bedrooms with electric baseboard heat when I moved in to my house in 2008. House was built in 1972. When we were heating just the master BR it wasn't too bad. Then I had 2 kids and it cost a fortune to heat the 3 bedrooms. After 1 winter I installed Williams natural gas direct vent wall heaters, which we still use to this day.

Much better option than electric baseboard. I ran the natural gas line on the exterior of the house. Cutting a hole on the outside wall was the easiest part of the process. I did everything myself.

You typically need 220V for each section of electric baseboard. How are you getting the wire there? Probably 12/2 with a separate 20A two pole breaker for each leg/section of baseboard. That's a lot of room in your panel.

ORC it would help if we knew what the space was. A basement? Separate garage etc?

If none of the above help, you can always try burning down the house...

quote:

Originally posted by Stlhead:
Heater

These things will run you out of the house they heat so well.

800 sq ft is a large space to heat with small heaters.

You are going to need 16000 to 30000 BTUs to heat the space depending on insulation, windows and outside temps.

1500 watts is about 5000 BTUs.

Electric heat would be insanely expensive here too.

S-I-L looked at one house a couple years ago that the only heat source in the upstairs were four 110v baseboard heaters, two in each room. Main floor had one wall unit, heat only. No ductwork, 100 y/o plus construction.

I urged her to look elsewhere.

Occupied or unoccupied space? Does the space need to be 70 degrees, or 45 degrees just to prevent freezing of pipes, etc? How well is the structure insulated? This info would go a long way to getting a recommendation that would best meet your needs.

Thanks guys. Some really good thoughts and questions and I appreciate them all.

It is basically a 2 bd. 1 bath converted construction type trailer into a residence as I can best describe it. It is not an old mobile, but does resemble one. It is stick framed, and lightly insulated. Vinyl widows. Wiring is being undated. New panel installed.
It will be occupied on a off and will need to keep some heat on while no one will be home. 68 degrees or so when occupied. As I said, during winter I hope to have a pellet stove in it eventually to use when occupied. Otherwise elect. to keep it warn. Stlhead, I do have and use those heaters in another residence I use when I am there and they do work great. Not sure I would feel great about leaving on over a period of time though.

It is in a coastal area that gets a lot of 35-45 degree winter temps with lots of moisture.

One thing about trailers like you’re considering is that they can be quite airtight. If you are considering some sort of combustion inside please be sure to have an external air source.

quote:

Originally posted by ruger357:

quote:

Originally posted by Stlhead:
Heater

These things will run you out of the house they heat so well.

My son has one of these oil filled radiators in his basement bedroom that never seemed to get warm before. It's very efficient, very warm, and very cheap.

quote:

Originally posted by smlsig:
One thing about trailers like you’re considering is that they can be quite airtight. If you are considering some sort of combustion inside please be sure to have an external air source.

Thanks

So we did go with baseboards. One in each bedroom and only one in the front room. All 6'er's. In addition to the one in the front room we put a cadet style wall heater in the front room that is on the same wall thermostat as the baseboard heater. There is also a little elect. toe kick heater in the bathroom vanity for heat in the bathroom.
The little building is pretty solid but is 2x3 framed with minimal insulation. I think it will be good. I am hoping for a target of $150 a month for elect. during the winter months. Less than half that in the rest of the year.