The perfect shed heater

I've got a big space at home (my wife's shed) that is very hard to heat - never gets winter sun, high ceiling etc.
The Europeans these days are much better than us at heating. They don't try and warm the air in an entire space because that can take ages and cost too much.
I did some research and bought this heater. It's an infra red short wave. It basically heats the surfaces it hits (including people) instead of heating the air. So it heats instantly - as soon as I turn it on. And if there is a draft, it doen't matter i.e. the heat doesn't blow away.
We had a bunch of people over for dinner the other night and we ate at that big white table. We were warm, even though the air in the space wasn't particularly warm.
I made a mounting post out of scraps so I can move it around. The other night I had to do something in my shed (that has no doors) so I took it out there and it was great.
Running costs are apparently about 20c per hour. It's the ideal heater for a workshop or big space. It cost me $460.
I've got another one of these mounted in my draughty kitchen and when the kids come downstairs for breakfast in the morning, I flick the switch and get instant warmth.

I've more or less decided on a heating solution for the house - www.solair.com.au

Scott
 

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Wow,

That looks like a fantastic fun space. What is in all those books on the shelves? Is it craft things or otherwise? I would love to come by & look into all those books!

Great ideas on the heating.

Above Average
 
love the look of your "shed".

I used to have a back room like that which was a hobby area and socialising area in an informal way. Plenty of books, maps one the walls (i love maps) and also a dandy music and video system all hooked up. Very informal room with plenty of attitude.

As for your heater - i didn't go to the website you mentioned, but is there any wording on the possible long terms affects of continuously being zapped with infra red waves to warm you up? Is this like being inside a microwave?


Thanks


g
 
Scott

Infrared light is not exactly harmeless.

IMO you should have installed an inverter aircon instead.
yes it would have costed you more to install but the running costs would have been similar and you would not have to worry about your kid's safety.

Here is some info on infrared heating.

The effects of infrared radiation on humans are normally only of a purely thermal nature-- meaning that they warm you! The potential hazards of infrared heat bulbs, lamps, and radiators are mainly to your skin and eyes. Because of the intense and radiant heat emitted, skin can burn rather quickly. However, any overheating or burning will be noticed fairly immediately because of a violet colored skin reaction, preventing any further damage because once you see your skin turn purple, you usually move away from the lamp's rays! If a infrared radiator is touched, especially tubular quartz types, severe burns can result. Most of the tubular quartz radiators also have a high working pressure, which can be dangerous if they explode or break. If considering a quartz type radiator, look for a low-pressure model.

Your eyes are very susceptible to high-intensity short-wave infrared radiation.

Long-term exposure to infrared radiation can permanently damage the eyes.
Glass blowers and arc welders, for instance, who are exposed to large amounts of infrared irradiation over time, are susceptible to depigmentation of the iris and opacity of the aqueous humor, also known as "glass-blowers' cataract." Goggles with special infrared absorbing glass should be worn by people experiencing long-term exposure to infrared radiation. People with limited exposure for only short periods do not need to take extra precautions.
 
the best old time heaters are made from 2 old truck drum brakes top and bottom welded together, and you burn all of those off cuts of wood in them , the coffee pot sits on top always hot and the flue runs out the back, i have seen a few different types all home made, not suitable in this instance though!
but always good fun ,
 
Hubby sometimes trims his toenails naked in the kitchen with one foot up on a chair. I have to say that the children don't see the funny side of that little habit.

I don't know what is funnier to watch, him doing the trimming or the kid's faces :eek:.
 
Hubby sometimes trims his toenails naked in the kitchen with one foot up on a chair. I have to say that the children don't see the funny side of that little habit.

I don't know what is funnier to watch, him doing the trimming or the kid's faces :eek:.

GEE! thanks for the mental, :eek:
 
You should both thank your lucky stars you only have to imagine the mental picture. We have to "live it" :p:D.

I know he does it on purpose to have a bit of fun with the boys ;).
 
Thanks BV,
I did a fair bit of research. The heater is mounted high and well out of harm's way and it isn't used all that often. So we fit with this:

People with limited exposure for only short periods do not need to take extra precautions.

The problem with an inverter air con or anything like that is that they won't work instantly and aren't great for a space like that (it's 80sqm with high ceilings and lots of drafts). Tonight there are a couple of people coming round at about 6pm for a chat. We'll inevitably be in that room. I'm going to get home a bit before 6pm. So if it's cold, I flick that heater on and presto, instant warmth where we are sitting.

I wouldn't use this sort of thing as my primary home heater. I'll end up with the Solair solution.

Above average, those books are art books. That building is my wife's studio. She has a much better shed than my smaller one out the back.

gg, I've still got my 70/80s records and a turntable in that room.

Wylie, better hope the kids never have a camera in their hands when he does that.
 
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