Small propane fireplace options (200sq/ft), or other inexpensive heating options

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burnface

New Member
Jul 13, 2020
3
MN
Hey there!

I'm building a small (about 200sq/ft) office out on our farm, and I'm trying to find a small and semi-inexpensive fireplace.

I'll be out there roughly 8-12 hours per day, but I need it to still be heated while I'm away. So ultimately a wood stove will not work, unfortunately.

Vented or not, I'm not too picky. Doesn't really matter to me if it's recessed or not either.

I know I could do something electric, I'm just trying to keep costs down.

Any suggestions??

Thanks!!
 
Go to your local hearth shop & see what they offer.
A free-standing direct vent (DV) stove is probably the best way to go.
Depending on the insulation of the office, you won't need something very large,
& 20 -25K BTU will probably be fine.
 
Go to your local hearth shop & see what they offer.
A free-standing direct vent (DV) stove is probably the best way to go.
Depending on the insulation of the office, you won't need something very large,
& 20 -25K BTU will probably be fine.
I'm hoping to make it to one sometime soon.. I don't have any near me at all, that's the biggest issue!
Also it will be well insulated. From my little google it looks like the suggested BTU output is about 20/square foot.. if that's accurate, then something 4-5K BTU should suffice?
 
20/sq ft sounds low. In MN I would double that to 40. As an alternative, an electric space heater or baseboard could also cover this.
I would only go vented for the heater. US stove used to make a fairly inexpensive one - US Stove AGDV12L. A better unit would be the Rinnai EX11CT.
Amazon product ASIN B07F1JZ26G
 
20/sq ft sounds low. In MN I would double that to 40. As an alternative, an electric space heater or baseboard could also cover this.
I would only go vented for the heater. US stove used to make a fairly inexpensive one - US Stove AGDV12L. A better unit would be the Rinnai EX11CT.
Amazon product ASIN B07F1JZ26G
Thanks!
I've considered an electric baseboard heater, since we have a couple extra 6' from when we remodeled.. I'm just a little scared of the price to keep it running. Maybe it wouldn't be bad in that small of an area?
 
Thanks!
I've considered an electric baseboard heater, since we have a couple extra 6' from when we remodeled.. I'm just a little scared of the price to keep it running. Maybe it wouldn't be bad in that small of an area?
If there will be 220v in the cabin then I would consider electric, but it depends on the local rates. A 6ft baseboard would not be enough heat for the dead of winter. Where I live propane is very expensive and electricity is not, so that would work for here, but your situation may not be the same.

If it's well insulated (floor to ceiling) then the heating load might not be too bad. For windows, make insulation inserts for the times when you are not in there or make good insulated curtains, etc..