background heating/frost protection

[glynnffc]

Any ideas as to where can get a small oil filled radiator with a thermostat to leave connected to shore pover over the winter and not cost an arm and a leg.
B andQ only seem to sell ones that are on all the time , and I can't afford that much electric.

 

[sarabande]

any oil-filled rad will have a thermostat, and as it's cold temperature that is concerning you, not WHEN it's cold, you set the t'stat for say +3. It won't work till needed.

Of course you could always buy a time clock (about a £5 in B&Q) and then set the rad to work say three hours only a day. But be careful that you choose the three hours when the temp is below freezing

 

[Canopy Locked]

I use a simple tube heater - this is plugged into a socket with a thermostat (like a timer socket) that allows you to pre-set a desired temp. This is plugged into a 3 pin socket on the boat and the shore power is on.

Only when the temp drops to (think I have it about 4C ) does the heater come on and just keeps an chill off.

Don't want it too hot or you'll get condensation

IMHO a timer is not much good as you never know what the temp will do

 

[andythilo]

Focus sell a mini oil filled rad for £30 with thermostat. Just bought one for my boat. Stuck it in this morning and going back in 20 mins so I will tell you how it's working!

 

[misterg]

Argos

The one we have (an 800w Challenge one) doesn't seem to be listed though.

Prices seem up-ish at the moment - must be a sale coming...

Andy

 

[l'escargot]

I've always used a Dimplex Coldwatcher, splashproof, thermostat and economical - designed for the job:

http://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Products/DXMPH500.html

 

[lancelot]

Heating / Frost Protection

I have just bought a small 500W. tube type heater in a protective cage type thingy. It has a thermostat, which I will set to +5 deg. It cost £10.00 on E Bay. It is probably designed for a greenhouse, shed, etc. to keep the place frost free. It seems to work very well.
Fair winds,
Lancelot

 

[glynnffc]

frost protection

Thanks for all the input.
Obviously more out there than i thought.

Now to choose!!

 

[andythilo]

Well the small oil radiator is working really well. Keeping the front cabin warmish. Thermostat is set just below halfway.

Gonna get another one probably for the back bedroom too.

 

[Kaypea]

Light on heating

All electrical appliances consume electricity that eventually changes its energy to heat..."you cannot creat or destroy energy - only change its form"

SO - why not use a cheap light bulb(s) at whatever wattage you consider appropriate. If you go for a 500watt halogen don't point it directly at heat sensitive material but rather let the light be diffused. A simple room thermostat will handle about 5 amps load (up to 1200watts) and will switch on and off as required.

When the kids were small I used a 15W light bulb fitted into a tin can and wrapped up with the feeding bottle - fantastic life saver !!!