Designing heating for your off-grid cottage or tiny house is similar to your home heating as you would need to determine the most suitable source of energy and ensure you have sufficient insulation. Even the best heating system would be useless if your cottage has insufficient insulation and lets the heat out. When you are “off-grid” without access to electricity, you could consider other energy options such as diesel, propane, natural gas, solar, or wood-fire.
Smart off-grid planning may also mean multiple energy sources to get the maximum benefit.
One of the main factors to consider, obviously, is the size of your cottage or tiny house. Wallas cottage air heaters (26 CC and 40 CC) are designed to warm up spaces from 40 m² (430 ft²) to 90 m² (970 ft²), but with smart planning, it may be viable to install two heaters to increase the heating power for even larger spaces. This would require a discussion with a Wallas heating professional as all cottages and heating needs are different.
Before you make your investment, it is good to determine will you be heating your off-grid cottage year-round or do you visit only in the warmer summer months. Consider is it necessary to have a heating system or will you be happy with the heat from the sun or an occasional wood fire. But don’t kid yourself as even the summer evenings can get chilly and going to sleep in damp sheets is not a memory anyone would like to remember. Furthermore, ask yourself how important it is to warm up your cottage quickly. Lighting a fire in the fireplace is idyllic, but it takes a long time to get the cottage warm. Wallas cottage heaters have remote accessibility allowing you to turn the heater on while you are still on your way and arrive at a warm cottage.
Wallas cottage heaters have a thermostat that maintains a smooth ambient temperature.
As far as safety is concerned, a diesel heater is an excellent option as there is no exposed flame. Families with children appreciate the fact that also the case surface temperature stays low – comfortable to the touch. It is safe to keep windows and doors closed since the enclosed combustion draws air from the outside and vents the minimal exhaust gas outside always keeping the indoor air fresh. It is also good to keep in mind, there are different types of heat. Propane heaters, for instance, create moisture condensing on the walls and windows and sometimes require a dehumidifier to keep everyone comfortable.
The laminar combustion in diesel heaters produces dry heat, which keeps the interior fresh.
There is also an option to incorporate indoor heating into the water heating system. Circulate hot water from the water heater into floor heating and radiators, add a solar panel for an additional energy source, and you are getting very close to optimizing comfort with the least amount of energy consumption.
Wallas 40 EA is a water heating system that heats up a domestic water tank and powers underfloor heating. Getting heating through floors is a very convenient alternative to air heating especially if any family members have allergy issues as there are no dust allergens circulating in the air. It is also quite luxurious to be able to walk barefoot on warm floors. Floor heating is also dry heat, which is typically more comfortable than moist heat. Building an underfloor heating system requires advanced knowledge which is why we recommend discussing it with an HVAC professional to ensure your installation will be code compliant and the right option for you.
Choosing the right heating system may seem like a complex topic, but with the help of a Wallas professional, you can narrow down the best option for your needs. With the right heater, you can transform your off-grid cottage into a second home you can’t wait to go to.
