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hvac:heating [2018/12/18 18:32] frater_secessus [off-grid heating] |
hvac:heating [2019/12/13 10:17] frater_secessus [off-grid heating] |
Heads up: **heating an RV from batteries/solar is impractical**. | Heads up: **heating an RV from batteries/solar is impractical**. |
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| > "Fear of propane will be expensive." -- Sternwake((https://vandwellerforum.com/thread-3260-post-55086.html#pid55086)) |
===== space heating ===== | ===== space heating ===== |
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==== off-grid heating ==== | ==== propane heating ==== |
[[http://amzn.to/2gRq7qB|{{ https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51Fp5yqOMpL._AC_US160_.jpg}}]] | [[http://amzn.to/2gRq7qB|{{ https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51Fp5yqOMpL._AC_US160_.jpg}}]] |
The most common way to heat off-grid is with propane. There are a couple of things to remember about heating with propane: | The most common way to heat off-grid is with propane. There are a couple of things to remember about heating with propane: |
* [[http://amzn.to/2p9A6zk|Big Buddy]] - 400btu, 9000btu, 18,000btu. Oversized for most camper applications. | * [[http://amzn.to/2p9A6zk|Big Buddy]] - 400btu, 9000btu, 18,000btu. Oversized for most camper applications. |
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Tip: you can turn the Mr. Buddy down //below// the LOW setting by depressing the gas knob like you are turning it off, then //slowly// easing the setting back to the desired level. The flames will "flutter" a bit if set too low -- increase slightly from that point. | Tip: you can turn the Buddy down //below// the LOW setting by depressing the gas knob like you are turning it off, then //slowly// easing the setting back to the desired level. The flames will "flutter" a bit if set too low -- increase slightly from that point. |
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Tip: you can run the Buddy on just the pilot light; this will emit a small but noticeable amount of heat (~300-500 BTU).((http://www.cheaprvliving.com/forums/showthread.php?tid=21574)) | Tip: you can run the Buddy on just the pilot light; this will emit a small but noticeable amount of heat (~300-500 BTU).((http://www.cheaprvliving.com/forums/showthread.php?tid=21574)) |
The other major propane heater is the [[http://amzn.to/2fXwUCe|Camco Olympian Wave heater]] catalytic design, particularly the 3 (3k BTU) and 6 (6k BTU). Catalytic heaters make more efficient use of propane which should reduce costs and humidity. Catalytic heaters require extra care so their catalyzing surfaces don't get contaminated by dust or other particles. Camco says users should cover the heater when not in use, and that the catalytic pad may have to be replaced if contaminated or after a set number of years.((http://vagabonders-supreme.net/Wave_Catalytic_User_Guide.pdf)) | The other major propane heater is the [[http://amzn.to/2fXwUCe|Camco Olympian Wave heater]] catalytic design, particularly the 3 (3k BTU) and 6 (6k BTU). Catalytic heaters make more efficient use of propane which should reduce costs and humidity. Catalytic heaters require extra care so their catalyzing surfaces don't get contaminated by dust or other particles. Camco says users should cover the heater when not in use, and that the catalytic pad may have to be replaced if contaminated or after a set number of years.((http://vagabonders-supreme.net/Wave_Catalytic_User_Guide.pdf)) |
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| ===== diesel heating ===== |
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| Recently chinese diesel heaters (a la Webasto) have come on the market. They use a bit of electricity for the thermostat and fan. Gas van will need a small diesel tank to run it. |
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| * [[https://amzn.to/2YKbVWE|happybuy]] recommended by maddoggrimmyjimmy((https://www.reddit.com/r/VanLife/comments/e9ptvk/i_bought_myself_a_promaster_and_the_next_steps/fal28ap/)) |
| * [[https://amzn.to/2t7wCjx|superfastracing]] recommended by likesweirdthings((https://www.reddit.com/r/VanLife/comments/e9ptvk/i_bought_myself_a_promaster_and_the_next_steps/famw6ja/)) |
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==== on shore power ==== | ==== on shore power ==== |
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[[http://amzn.to/2gWpm2n|Micathermic heaters]] encase the heating element in a mica matrix, yielding similar results as the ceramic heater but often requiring more frontal area cases. Mica heaters can be made quite thin.((https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Micathermic_heater)) | [[http://amzn.to/2gWpm2n|Micathermic heaters]] encase the heating element in a mica matrix, yielding similar results as the ceramic heater but often requiring more frontal area cases. Mica heaters can be made quite thin.((https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Micathermic_heater)) |
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| === personal heaters === |
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| Inexpensive, low-wattage((200w - 250w) "personal" heaters have recently come to the market with prices as low as $10. Intended to be used at/under a work desk in an office, they deliver 675 - 850btu/hr. 'Dwellers with [[electrical:solar:nonessential|excess solar power]] or access to shore power could use these without affecting the bank. |
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=== radiant heaters === | === radiant heaters === |