permaculture

[yarrow@sfo.com]

For a superinsulated 300 sf space, do you need supplemental heat? On 
another list, a person in Oregon's Willamette Valley uses 
incandescent light bulbs as the only heat source in a small house. To 
maintain a temp around 60-64F, he uses 7 hanging lights (at eye level 
or lower) -- on a rheostat, to provide less heat in spring and fall 
-- and 2 table lamps. The light over the computer is changed to a CFL 
in summer.

I'd try solar with architectural direct gain (masonry where the sun 
shines on it), plus nighttime window insulation.

A couple dogs can help, too.

I've read about some version of a homemade window-mounted heat pump 
somewhere -- basically some baffles that speed up the flow of warm 
air, which is vented to the room, and cooler room air enters at the 
bottom.

At 12:05 AM -0400 3/16/10, Lawrence F. London, Jr. wrote:
> Alternatives to electricity, LP gas and wood fuel for heating one's
> living space.
>
> For a super insulated 300 sq. ft. space what alternatives exist?
>
> I am looking at:
>
> 1) solar
>     a) direct gain
>     b) stored direct gain in masonry or water
>
> As for electric heat I can consider these options:
>
> 1) resistance, 220V 1phase, with fan, industrial grade
> 2) windowsill heat pump
> 3) 220V 1 phase 40 gallon hot water heater
> maybe with solar preheat; circulate hot water through
> heat exchanger coils (which I have, 2 of them designed
> for water heating on a Vermont Downdrafter wood stove;
> I would be using them in reverse) use a fan to circulate air
> through the coils to heat the rooms.
>
> Will 1) and 3) use the same amount of energy?
> Does 2) exist?, recommendations?
>
> Thanks for any feedback.
>
> LL
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