How to Heat Your Tiny House
Choosing a heating method for a tiny house is different from choosing one for a large house. Regular heating options may not work because they are designed to expel enough heat for a large house. However, the market is packed with heating options for tiny houses from which you can choose. When choosing the best heater for a heater for your tiny house, it would help if you knew about the options that are available in the market.
There are two main types of heaters that you can choose for a tiny house. They are off and on-grid heating methods. Below are some incredible options in both categories:
1. Off-grid heating methods for tiny houses
Off-grid methods are those that do not depend on electricity. They are good choices because they do not cost as much. Off-grid heating methods generate power from alternative sources like solar. The most common off-grid heating methods are wood and propane heat.
• Wood
Wood is an incredible option for the winter. Wood can be used as a heating source in a variety of ways. The first one is the wood stoves. Wood stoves are also incredible because they can be used for a wide range of applications. For instance, you can heat water for tea while heating your house. Wood stoves can also be used as a source of heat for cooking and heating foods. Wood is also incredible for the winter season when there are electricity problems. Another advantage of wood heating is that it provides a cozy feeling in the house.
Another form of wood heating is a fireplace. Note that there are two types of fireplaces. The two types are wood fireplaces and electric fireplaces. Wood fireplaces are just as incredible as wood stoves. However, they have the added advantage of being aesthetically pleasing. The downside is that wood fireplaces are messier compared to wood stoves. The reason is that wood stoves feature a closed compartment where the wood is placed and burnt.
The main advantage of wood heating for a tiny house is that it is exceptionally cheaper. It is also multi-purpose, and it has less impact on the environment because wood is a renewable source of heat. On the other hand, wood is only a good choice when you are staying all the time indoors. If you have to work or leave the house for many hours, you cannot leave a wood stove or fireplace on. Doing so could result in a fire. Getting a wood stove or fireplace running also takes longer than turning on an electric heater.
• Propane
Propane is also an off-grid method that uses propane as the source of heat. Compared to wood, propane is more expensive. However, it is an incredible heating method if you do not live near a source of wood. Propane heaters are just as effective as electric heaters, if not more. Unlike wood heaters, propane heaters can be set to whatever temperature you want. Another advantage of propane heaters is that you do not have to keep an eye on them. This means that you can leave the heater on even when you are not in the house. The best propane heating option is one with a direct vent unit. This unit helps to discard the exhaust fumes to the exterior.
2. Off-grid heating methods for a tiny house
On-grid methods, also referred to as grid-tied methods are those that rely on an electric power source. Examples of such methods are electric heaters. The market is packed with small-sized heater options that would be perfect for your small house. Wall-mounted options are a great choice because they do not take up a lot of space, and they are also energy efficient. The heaters can either be installed internally or externally. External heaters are better space savers than their counterparts.
Another on-grid heating method is floor heating. Floor heaters are easy to install, they are cost-effective, and they do not take up any valuable floor or wall space. Plug-in heaters are also a good option because they are safer than other grid-tied heating methods. However, such heaters can be dangerous, especially those that have exposed wires. Such heaters are not appropriate for houses with young kids and pets.
Other than that, plug-in heaters are generally safe and economical. Also, depending on your location and the overall climate, they are very efficient. This means that you do not need a complementary source of heat. They also come in the form of plug-in baseboards, which are just as effective.
Boilers are also incredible choices for tiny houses. You can always explore the different types of boilers in the market for a compact design that suits your tiny house.
Conclusion
While off-grid heating methods are cheaper options for tiny houses, on-grid methods are more efficient. They are suitable for all seasons and in different situations. If you decide to choose methods like boilers, you will require boiler installation services.