i want a system for heat/cool for 3800 sq ft-w story. is this prodct applicable, if so how many-additional costs?
159171
what little I do now is that heating is the most demanding and you would need multiple of these not sure how many.In addition there is battery load to consider you see your panels are only as good as were you are storing the excess solar energy & that means batteries and plenty of them!Hope my answer is helpful to you I will say building a small system for myself forced me to learn more about solar.
159172
If you are interested in solar power recommend you find a local company that installs solar and discuss your needs. I went to a local home show and saw at least 10-15 companies that install panels. They will be able to discuss solar capabilities compared to your intended use. You could talk for at least an hour covering various options, though most companies tend to specialize in certain types of installs based on my homeshow experience. You could also find books on solar energy that could teach you what you need to know if you are technically inclined. As the two answers below imply DIY solar design and install is not simple and requires specialized knowledge to do right. If you are interested in solar power recommend you find a local company that installs solar and discuss your needs. I went to a local home show and saw at least 10-15 companies that install panels. They will be able to discuss solar capabilities compared to your intended use. You could talk for at least an hour covering various options, though most companies tend to specialize in certain types of installs based on my homeshow experience. You could also find books on solar energy that could teach you what you need to know if you are technically inclined. As the two answers below imply DIY... » Read More If you are interested in solar power recommend you find a local company that installs solar and discuss your needs. I went to a local home show and saw at least 10-15 companies that install panels. They will be able to discuss solar capabilities compared to your intended use. You could talk for at least an hour covering various options, though most companies tend to specialize in certain types of installs based on my homeshow experience. You could also find books on solar energy that could teach you what you need to know if you are technically inclined. As the two answers below imply DIY solar design and install is not simple and requires specialized knowledge to do right. « Show Less
159173
I currently have a small system (4-250 watt panels and a battery bank of 20-12 volt batteries), which I use primarily for back-up in case of a power outage. My recommendations are: first, consider how you are going to use the system: total energy supply with the grid (i.e. power company) as a back-up; operate some of your house on solar, with any excess being fed into the grid; back-up in case of power outages. You also need a clear view of the southern sky, since the sun is always to the south in the U.S. Panels mounted on the roof of the house require a licensed contractor, and only the part of the roof that faces south is suitable. Where you live is also important. Solar does not work well on cloudy days and in the winter when the days are short and the sun is low on the horizon. This is especially true in northern climates. Cooling is very difficult, since air conditioners/heat pumps typically run on 220 volt/2 phase electric power, which is hard to produce with solar power. I suggest you find and consult with a qualified solar installer. Typically you need the solar panels, a large battery bank to store the electricity produced by the panels, inverters, which convert the DC to AC for use in the house, plus the appropriate wiring into the house circuits, etc.
159174
This product is NOT suited to heating. Electicity is a very high level and costly form of energy that is wasted on heating loads. In order of efficiecy 1) conservation (insulation) 2) hot air panels. 3) Windows (multiple uses, you have them anyway) 4) Hot water pannels 5) wood stove 6) and last solar electric
2051379
I heat a 24 x 24 garage with 10' ceiling. Works great, but a bigger heater would be advised for a 30x40 building. Also depends on your location and what you have for heat loss.
1483489
I don't run this make/model anymore because it died after about 3 months, but I still run two others by a different manufacturer. I don't know about sole source because I don't know how cold it gets where you are, but it should definitely take the chill off. I keep my boiler at about 62-64 all season in upstate NY, as backup just in case and to heat the upstairs. I use two infrared heaters in my downstairs because that's where I mainly spend time. I put an insulated curtain up in the archway to keep the heat it in the 3 main rooms - kitchen, livingroom and office, and I'd say those are about 750-800 sq ft with 10' ceilings. I keep one infrared heater on during the day set at about 64-66 and turn the second one on after I get home from work, both up to about 72-74 (i like it toasty). It takes about an hour to bring it up to temp with 2 running. When heading to bed I'll turn one off leaving one running until morning down at about 64-66 again. They say it costs $1 a day to run, or as much as a coffee maker, and I believe that's an accurate figure. My electric bill went up about $60-$75/mo running two infrared heaters a day. I'd much rather pay $75/mo extra in electric than $600/mo in fuel oil running the boiler. I hope this helps!
1341266
Thanks everyone, your feedback helps a lot. The temps get down to about 25 in the early morning but always warms up to about 40-45 by mid day in Central NC. Ooops didn't see the typo... the space is 14x40x10 (560 sf with 10 ft ceiling height) fully insulated ceiling walls and floors with a ceiling fan to aid in heating or cooling circulation.
900335
Just measure your space, and ask the expert at the big box store to select. My concern on the 4 gal unitis, "is this enough hot water for you".
830393
I converted my whole system which was r-22 to r-410. It included the outside a/c and inside furnace. It was a different brand and went to Rheem. It ran $4200. For a complete change to a brand new r-22 system it would have ran $3800. It is a 3.5 ton 13 seer.
60846
It appears to me that the unit heats an area of square footage. Its not directional.
974460
Good question...I hooked up my Watts UP and the unit when cooling uses right at a kilowatt (mnfg says 1.16 KW.) So in North Dakota that's probably under 10 cents an hour, but if you are top tier PG&E Customer in the Peoples Republic of California its more like 40+ cents an hour. The way I use it is to temporarily cool a home office for no more a few hours a day (afternoon) in summer, so I'd guess it is about $50.-75./yr for electricity for that (rates are between the extreme rates above(California Central Valley where we have nice cool evenings and dry hot days)). I don't usually use it for heating. It has a pretty powerful fan that is easy to direct where you want it so if it is too warm and you don't mind the fan air that makes it feel like its cooling quite a bit more than it is so you don't run the cooling as much...when the thermostat turns cooling off the fan uses 0.075 KW...less than a tenth of the cooling usage. I'd expect this is similar to what a Window air conditioner would cost to run with similar cooling effect but less flexibility in where to send the air. So in my application the electrical cost isn't a big deal compared to the purchase price + CA Sales Tax.
83321
600 w is rated for a 4x4 space.2 systems would be better for 6x6.keep in mind temp control.
2171221
Curt I understand from MY installer that I could ramp up the temp to 140 with controller but no need to in my 3 bed home at beach. Great unit except install could cost some for venting etc, gas line
364156
Is it possible to buy 2500 units? What is the price in this case? Thank you.
1492467
I put mine in a 36x36 shop with 10ft ceiling that is well insulated. It has been down to 40degrees so far and heater work great. These heaters require 240 volt 30 amp circuit. I would install one now and try it knowing I may need another. The are quality American made heater.
314076
Forget @ using any of these units for heat. Look up an amp meter chart etc., compare what you heater will draw and divide the 1000 W and you will see the heater won't run for half an hour...a hair dryer will kill it quickly. This is strictly for lights, etc. Save it for medical equipment etc. in extended outages... maybe an occasional microwave use , etc. Even a computer charge will run it down. Be Careful how you use it. Also you can save a lot of power by using only lamps with the new twisted looking lamp bulbs .. Thet use @ 1/3 the power. Save the power for a quick sump pump need nothing continuous except lights. For heat, look into a small wall natural gas heater ( if you have gas heat ) @ $300. will heat 1000 sq feet quite well. Get a warm coat and blankets if the power may be out for days or you will be w/o lights too. Otherwise geta generator..note most condos won't allow them
1249700
I have no central heat in my concrete floored loft in LA...I ran this 24 hrs a day for a month and it cost me about $136
1296598
4600 BTU 250 sqft heating area, I'm assuming this is with everything set a maximum
223298
No too small get a 6in fan and filter you need Atleast 400cfm for that square footage
1565839
For my house (1400 sqfeet, in maryland), we typically use ~100 galon per month. We are using this for main heater of my house. Still a bit cheaper than electric central heating cost.