Name:	MrHodja -	Reply
Subject:	Electric Fireplace Type Space Heaters
Date:	2/17/2022 10:17:03 PM

We are converting an 8x40 shipping container into a "she shed" for my wife's sewing room.  I have insulated it pretty well, but it still requires a heat source and we don't want to use propane (lots of heat but other drawbacks).  Most of the small "electric fireplace" free-standing units max out at 1500 watts and about 5200 BTU.  I did find one with an 1800 watt rating but it is too big for the space.

Does anyone know of a good option that might provide more heat?  I haven't completed the power setup yet, so if going to a 220 volt unit is an option I could add the wiring to make that happen.  Would prefer one with a blower if available.  The oil-filled radiators take forever to warm up after powering on, so they are also on the list of undesireables.  Does anyone have experience with a split unit heat pump?  That might be another option but would require finding someone to install it.

Thanks in advance for any "pearls of wisdom" any of you you can throw our way!

Name:	woodboat -	Reply
Subject:	Electric Fireplace Type Space Heaters
Date:	2/17/2022 11:27:32 PM

You might consider the all in one ac/heat window units.   We put two in the office/den/bedroom/kitchen/bathroom section of our warehouse that houses our classic boat collection.  They work great.  A/C in the summer and heat in the winter.  We chose that because we were replacing units that were already there and the price was great. They weren't cheap, but definitely cheaper than a central unit.

Name:	woodboat -	Reply
Subject:	Electric Fireplace Type Space Heaters
Date:	2/17/2022 11:35:13 PM

Just replaced the HVAC central unit at the lakehome.  That is sticker shock.

Name:	Lifer -	Reply
Subject:	Electric Fireplace Type Space Heaters
Date:	2/18/2022 8:41:41 AM (updated 2/18/2022 8:42:30 AM)

I would look at a small "mini split" system.  It will only require a one inch whole through the wall and has a very small footprint inside as well.  

Name:	MrHodja -	Reply
Subject:	Electric Fireplace Type Space Heaters
Date:	2/18/2022 9:26:59 AM

I am looking at that option.  Units can be procured for under $1K at HD, but at this stage I am not so bold and brave as to attempt the installation myself and fear the installation cost might make that option unattractive. 

Name:	MrHodja -	Reply
Subject:	Electric Fireplace Type Space Heaters
Date:	2/18/2022 9:31:33 AM

I am looking aty that option, but the container came to us with four windows, two rather small, and blocking one of the bigger ones with a big window unit isn't exactly at the top of my wife's list of desireables.  They make "saddle" window units that only take up about four inches or so vertically but I haven't been able to find one that has both heat and cool capabilities.

Name:	lakngulf -	Reply
Subject:	Electric Fireplace Type Space Heaters
Date:	2/18/2022 9:51:29 AM (updated 2/18/2022 9:56:31 AM)

Had a mini split installed in porous bunkhouse with loft at hunting land. Supposed to be one of top units , I will get the name. Installed was $900 more than quote....(1) installation was long time after quote  (2) quote not written (3) some electrical work was involved (4) I had to have it.

Experience is ok. AC is good. Lot of options. Heat good down to 30 degrees. Below that the unit WORKS.  It will cycle down and rethink every now and then.  I had to add electric heater and we use heated blankets. 

They cost. Installation cost.  Our bunkhouse is porous.  Chances are your wife is not out there in extreme cold.

Name:	lucky67 -	Reply
Subject:	Electric Fireplace Type Space Heaters
Date:	2/18/2022 10:19:30 AM

love our mini split on sunroom

Name:	MrHodja -	Reply
Subject:	Electric Fireplace Type Space Heaters
Date:	2/18/2022 10:28:12 AM

Container not porous, 1" closed cell styrofoam throughout, 1/2" beaded styrofoam under that in at least half the unit.  I have a trusted installer here in Monkeytown, just not sure how much he would charge.  Agree that she prolly won't be out there much in sub-30 weather and a small space heater should take up the slack if she does.  It is only about 300 sq ft so shouldn't need a big unit.  Up front cost would be higher but should be a better option over the long run due to better efficiency, and who knows these days how much the cost of electricity will go up.  

Name:	GoneFishin -	Reply
Subject:	Electric Fireplace Type Space Heaters
Date:	2/18/2022 4:06:06 PM (updated 2/18/2022 4:24:54 PM)

We had a house built on pilings with a 208sq ft storage room underneath  the house. I insulated the room and  my wife used it as her craft room.  The problem was not heat. She used a small electic heater by  her feet  when it was cold. When  the temp really dropped,  she just stayed upstairs. You could  try a small electric heater before you invest  in some larger heater that actually puts out too much heat.

The  real problem was the need  for air conditioning which was solved with a window unit. She needed ac  much more often than  heat. We purchased  a unit  that was too large and  the room felt damp. Bought a 5000 BTU and it was perfect for the  200  sq feet. It ran more often  but removed the humidity.

Trust me...having her view blocked  to stay warm and cool is no big deal. My  wife  had just  the one window and that was never  an  issue.

I would go the combo window unit but really check out the  correct size...the narrow split units appear to put out too much BTUs for the ac. Another option is through the wall like  a motel. They are about the same price  as  a  combo window unit.

Name:	MrHodja -	Reply
Subject:	Electric Fireplace Type Space Heaters
Date:	2/18/2022 6:35:03 PM

Thanks to all for the feedback.  GF, for a person with clautrophobia blocked windows are, indeed, a big deal.  For several reasons I am trying to stay away from making any additional holes in the "steel coccoon", like that required to mount a zoneline (through the wall) unit. The relatively small hole required (~2") for the refrigerant and control lines for a mini-split system would be an exception.  We have a couple small electrics in there now, but at 1500 watts per, the power bill increase could become an issue, especially in the colder months.