BajaNomad

Alternate heat sorces

fishbuck - 5-8-2019 at 11:23 AM

I smell like a campfire, my bedroom smells like a campfire, and my asthma is getting a bit worse.
If I wanted a bunch of smoke in my lungs I'd use medical marijuana. Atleast that feels good.
So, what off-grid heat is available that is not burning wood or maybe a cleaner way to burn the wood.
This is filthy and requires that I clean out the fireplace daily.
Is there a cleaner way to stay warm.
Insert dirty joke here:

And then please give me some good advice on house heating in Baja.
Thank you
Mike:saint:


[Edited on 5-8-2019 by fishbuck]

chippy - 5-8-2019 at 11:35 AM

Space heater:light:

willardguy - 5-8-2019 at 11:37 AM

Lil Buddy propane heater

Bajaboy - 5-8-2019 at 11:50 AM

Put on pants and jacket!

fishbuck - 5-8-2019 at 11:58 AM

Quote: Originally posted by Bajaboy  
Put on pants and jacket!

That interferes with my Native American urge to be "naked and unafraid". Like my dad... Chief BuckAndAHalf.
But very good advice...
Thank you Boyband.

fishbuck - 5-8-2019 at 12:02 PM

Quote: Originally posted by chippy  
Space heater:light:

Brought one.
Killed the battery and got me in trouble with the Prince right away.
Them batteries is expensive and full cycle draining degrads the life of them.
But great idea. Didn't work. Cielings to high anyway.

fishbuck - 5-8-2019 at 12:05 PM

Quote: Originally posted by willardguy  
Lil Buddy propane heater

The Prince suggested these.
But propane INSIDE the house? Don't I read in the paper that this kills people?
That pesky carbon dioxide...

PaulW - 5-8-2019 at 12:20 PM

Been then and done that.
In my never ending source of winter heat even with our electric home.

* Tried electric quartz heater- to expensive - nice with no fumes.
* Tried a propane space heater - worked ok but the fumes were bad including the smell. Bedsides my CO2 detector kept going off.
* Yes, I gave up on the fireplace due to fumes and CO2 detector going off.
*So now we bit the bullet and use the electric heat pump - expensive.

Let me suggest for off grid to get a propane furnace like the ones in motorhomes and travel trailers. They use outside combustion air and a fan circulates hot air via a heat exchanger in the interior. Power requirements are modest as they can be found for battery power for the fan. All that is needed is a hole in the wall for incoming air and pout going exhaust. There are also units that do not have a fan , but use radiation for combustion and use a reflector to radiate the heat. I have seen these units, one in each room in homes throughout Baja. I even had a rental in California that had these units installed. Not in all rooms, but in the main rooms.

fishbuck - 5-8-2019 at 12:25 PM

Nice thanks.

willardguy - 5-8-2019 at 12:32 PM

Quote: Originally posted by fishbuck  
Quote: Originally posted by willardguy  
Lil Buddy propane heater

The Prince suggested these.
But propane INSIDE the house? Don't I read in the paper that this kills people?
That pesky carbon dioxide...


everyone I know uses em here, I used mine a couple times but find it easier (and cheaper) to just throw a comforter over.

DanO - 5-8-2019 at 12:52 PM

I've used radiant kerosene heaters in the past that were pretty effective, but the smell takes a little getting used to.

msteve1014 - 5-8-2019 at 01:00 PM

Google " ventless gas heater". I have a Dyna-Glow. I do not smell anything, and just the pilot light keeps the chill off a 650 square foot area. Very happy with it.

fishbuck - 5-8-2019 at 01:03 PM

My big issue is clean air.
My lungs are still recovering from 30 years of Metyl Ethyl Ketone
It's use now banned in CA.
And hundred of other chemicals it take to build an airliner.
Gallons of it per plane...
Boeing delivers 3 737s every 2 days. 365 days a year forever...
Cough, cough...

caj13 - 5-8-2019 at 01:04 PM

versions of these are all over ebay - cheapo, run on diesel, really no odor to speak of, 12V fan is all the electrical you need. work great in campers / vehicles, lot of guys using them in tents as well. no reason they wont work for a home (run the exhaust/ vent outside) - BTW tons of videos looking at CO virtually none registering on the meters

https://www.ebay.com/p/12v-8kw-Diesel-Air-Heater-LCD-Thermos...

[Edited on 5-9-2019 by caj13]

fishbuck - 5-8-2019 at 01:05 PM

Quote: Originally posted by msteve1014  
Google " ventless gas heater". I have a Dyna-Glow. I do not smell anything, and just the pilot light keeps the chill off a 650 square foot area. Very happy with it.

Will do thanks

A point of order,

AKgringo - 5-8-2019 at 01:10 PM

It is carbon monoxide, not dioxide that will kill you! An open fire is not likely to produce any of that, but they will produce soot and other atmospheric components that I would not want to breath.

To make amends for trolling you on the "take a walk" thread, I went back through it and scrolled down through way more selfies than I ever want to see agin, and took a look at your fireplace. (did I just troll again?)

I have built a couple of fireplaces in the 70s, and that one looks just wrong. Not deep enough, opening too tall, and no doors for draft control.

If it is your house, a wood stove designed to be inserted in a fireplace is an excellent move. That is what I use for my primary heat source when I am in northern CA!

If it is a rental, I would seal off the damper and use the fire box for a portable heater, or to display something attractive. Feeding that fireplace is literally sending money up in smoke!

Bajazly - 5-8-2019 at 01:16 PM

Hot little chica who needs a place to live! If she has a cute sister, let me know, come November I'll be in the same boat.

fishbuck - 5-8-2019 at 01:22 PM

Quote: Originally posted by Bajazly  
Hot little chica who needs a place to live! If she has a cute sister, let me know, come November I'll be in the same boat.

The town is full of them...
But they are very cold(temp... not temperment)and will use you for heat...
Tried it... kinda fun.
But then needed a heater even more...
And man were my balls tired after... all three of them.;)
Sorry couldn't help myself...:saint:


[Edited on 5-8-2019 by fishbuck]

Paco Facullo - 5-8-2019 at 01:47 PM

I've used these when I was living in my motor home, They work great for directional heat.

https://www.consumerreports.org/products/space-heater/presto...

Also a "good" sleeping bag is great .....

advrider - 5-8-2019 at 01:58 PM

some of the wood burning stoves used on boats burn much cleaner. There are a few optioins out there..

Damper condition?

AKgringo - 5-8-2019 at 02:45 PM

Fishbuck, when I viewed the fireplace photo, it appeared to be a masonry construction with a metal fire box. If the damper in the chimney is improperly installed, or partially obstructed, it could cause smoke problems.

Do you know if the flue is metal, block, or terra cotta? It may need cleaning to draw properly.


I am not making this up, but I was thinking of your firewood needs today. I am clearing some manzanita on my property to improve the defencable space (fire season) and was thinking about smuggling a small load accross the border for you when I finally get on the road this fall.


[Edited on 5-8-2019 by AKgringo]

fishbuck - 5-8-2019 at 03:32 PM

Would love it. Was told that is the best wood. And it is prohibited from gathering it locally.
If they see it in your truck...

willardguy - 5-8-2019 at 03:43 PM

that should go in the bbq not your fireplace!

blackwolfmt - 5-8-2019 at 03:45 PM

you could run a wood stove insert in the fireplace and plumb it into a new stove pipe running up the fireplace flue efficient and clean

[Edited on 5-9-2019 by blackwolfmt]

THE BEST MONEY I HAVE SPENT

J.P. - 5-8-2019 at 03:56 PM

After a colder than usual winter we bought a ELECTRIC BLANKET the first time I ever used one. This is the third winter and I will never be without one again.:light::light:

AKgringo - 5-8-2019 at 04:20 PM

Quote: Originally posted by J.P.  
After a colder than usual winter we bought a ELECTRIC BLANKET



And keeping up with technology, get a solar electric blanket. It will keep you warm all day for free! :biggrin:

bajabuddha - 5-8-2019 at 04:54 PM

Wet suit and lotsa frejoles.

mtgoat666 - 5-8-2019 at 05:09 PM

Quote: Originally posted by fishbuck  
I smell like a campfire, my bedroom smells like a campfire, and my asthma is getting a bit worse.
If I wanted a bunch of smoke in my lungs I'd use medical marijuana. Atleast that feels good.
So, what off-grid heat is available that is not burning wood or maybe a cleaner way to burn the wood.
This is filthy and requires that I clean out the fireplace daily.
Is there a cleaner way to stay warm.
Insert dirty joke here:

And then please give me some good advice on house heating in Baja.
Thank you
Mike:saint:


[Edited on 5-8-2019 by fishbuck]


next you will be asking for help tieing your shoes.
if you got to 50 years age and havent figured out how to heat a house, then god help you, you need the help.

p.s. put a sweater on, you fool!

[Edited on 5-9-2019 by mtgoat666]

John Harper - 5-8-2019 at 05:35 PM

Learn how to build a proper fire. Make sure the chimney has a decent draft.

"White man build big fire, sit far away. Indian build small fire, sit close." Words to learn by.

John


[Edited on 5-9-2019 by John Harper]

Ventless Propane Heater

MrBillM - 5-8-2019 at 06:25 PM

We used a Mr. Heater Ventless Propane wall-mounted heater for around 30-years in Baja.

Nobody died.

Or experienced illness.

That said, it's something that I've been a bit paranoid over and always maintained a degree of outside ventilation. Still do.

I'd second that advice on Electric Blankets provided you have the power resource.

When I first moved to the high-desert 40+ years ago, I rented an isolated and uninsulated homestead cabin with a freestanding open wood fireplace and always smelled of smoke. Even tried burning coal in it. THAT was a mistake that almost killed me. Tried an electric space heater at night for awhile until I got an astronomical SCE bill. The electric blanket answer provided warm sleeping and a reasonable Edison bill.

IF one is going to burn wood, the best answer is to spend the serious bucks and buy a GOOD airtight. Efficient and NO Smell.

fishbuck - 5-8-2019 at 07:37 PM

Quote: Originally posted by AKgringo  
Quote: Originally posted by J.P.  
After a colder than usual winter we bought a ELECTRIC BLANKET



And keeping up with technology, get a solar electric blanket. It will keep you warm all day for free! :biggrin:


That's what I was thinking!

fishbuck - 5-8-2019 at 07:40 PM

Quote: Originally posted by John Harper  
Learn how to build a proper fire. Make sure the chimney has a decent draft.

"White man build big fire, sit far away. Indian build small fire, sit close." Words to learn by.

John


[Edited on 5-9-2019 by John Harper]


I did sleep on the warm end (foot) to get as close as I could.
Tonight I may drag it closer:yes:

fishbuck - 5-8-2019 at 07:43 PM

Quote: Originally posted by MrBillM  
We used a Mr. Heater Ventless Propane wall-mounted heater for around 30-years in Baja.

Nobody died.

Or experienced illness.

That said, it's something that I've been a bit paranoid over and always maintained a degree of outside ventilation. Still do.

I'd second that advice on Electric Blankets provided you have the power resource.

When I first moved to the high-desert 40+ years ago, I rented an isolated and uninsulated homestead cabin with a freestanding open wood fireplace and always smelled of smoke. Even tried burning coal in it. THAT was a mistake that almost killed me. Tried an electric space heater at night for awhile until I got an astronomical SCE bill. The electric blanket answer provided warm sleeping and a reasonable Edison bill.

IF one is going to burn wood, the best answer is to spend the serious bucks and buy a GOOD airtight. Efficient and NO Smell.


Well there goes my Mesquite Charcoal idea. They sell big bags cheap here.

fishbuck - 5-8-2019 at 07:47 PM

Quote: Originally posted by mtgoat666  
Quote: Originally posted by fishbuck  
I smell like a campfire, my bedroom smells like a campfire, and my asthma is getting a bit worse.
If I wanted a bunch of smoke in my lungs I'd use medical marijuana. Atleast that feels good.
So, what off-grid heat is available that is not burning wood or maybe a cleaner way to burn the wood.
This is filthy and requires that I clean out the fireplace daily.
Is there a cleaner way to stay warm.
Insert dirty joke here:

And then please give me some good advice on house heating in Baja.
Thank you
Mike:saint:


[Edited on 5-8-2019 by fishbuck]


next you will be asking for help tieing your shoes.
if you got to 50 years age and havent figured out how to heat a house, then god help you, you need the help.

p.s. put a sweater on, you fool!

[Edited on 5-9-2019 by mtgoat666]


Is it goat season yet. You see I have this Big F-ing Hammer that I would like to repurpose.
I was using it to fix bent rims...;)

4x4abc - 5-8-2019 at 07:47 PM

solar is the way to go in Baja
radiant floor
easiest when house is being built
but adding 2" of concrete to an existing floor is easy in most homes
rolled up black irrigation tubing outside will do to collect the energy
pex tubing in the floor will deliver
an inexpensive pump will transport the warm water through the floor
the energy stored during the day is sufficient even for cold Baja nights
floor heats up to around 80F
drops to around 72F in the morning hours

the heat distribution is much more convenient than convection heat
your feet will be warm - your head will be cool (and not the other way around as with all stoves and heaters)
no heat source related drafts either

the solar energy is free
the installation is dirt cheap
the pump can be run with solar as well (free)

I have mine since 2006 and it is maintenance free
the Romans had it already - why shouldn't we?

fishbuck - 5-8-2019 at 10:23 PM

Quote: Originally posted by 4x4abc  
solar is the way to go in Baja
radiant floor
easiest when house is being built
but adding 2" of concrete to an existing floor is easy in most homes
rolled up black irrigation tubing outside will do to collect the energy
pex tubing in the floor will deliver
an inexpensive pump will transport the warm water through the floor
the energy stored during the day is sufficient even for cold Baja nights
floor heats up to around 80F
drops to around 72F in the morning hours

the heat distribution is much more convenient than convection heat
your feet will be warm - your head will be cool (and not the other way around as with all stoves and heaters)
no heat source related drafts either

the solar energy is free
the installation is dirt cheap
the pump can be run with solar as well (free)

I have mine since 2006 and it is maintenance free
the Romans had it already - why shouldn't we?


Now we're getting somwhere!
Ultra cool... er warm I mean:cool:

fishbuck - 5-8-2019 at 10:39 PM

Ok time for a smoke.
And putting a fresh log on about every hour and a half for the rest of the night. And I'm getting good at waking up before it goes out too!:bounce:
I think I get up early tomorrow... and shower...and cough a little:)

[Edited on 5-9-2019 by fishbuck]

bajapedro - 5-9-2019 at 06:13 AM

I have a pellet stove in the house.
Will burn bag of pellets at low 12-14 hours. Heats house nicely.
Almost no smoke or smell.
Also have a pellet fire pit.
5# pellets burns long and hot for 1-2 hours with no to min smoke. I also have asthma and this does not irritate my lungs.
Issue, of course, is the pellets.
Currently I bring them across the border. Have not been asked to pay tariff on them thus far.

SFandH - 5-9-2019 at 06:50 AM

Check out this website:

https://www.kozyheat.com/

4x4abc - 5-9-2019 at 10:26 AM

I have built fireplaces before
good looking and functional?
not easy
functional?
still not easy

there is a delicate balance between the fireplace opening, the chimney diameter, the chimney height and whether the chimney cools down too fast with increased height
get any of the positions wrong and you will have smoke

another thing is that most of the heat generated goes not towards the room
it goes up in smoke

[Edited on 5-9-2019 by 4x4abc]

when you look at pictures of old fireplaces in England or France (castles, grand houses etc) - only the fireplaces on the ground floor had large openings (long chimneys). At floors higher up the openings were very small (short chimney). In some old apartment buildings they used the same fireplaces on all floors and then used reduction masks for higher floors to keep the opening small. Comment only for the ones among you who like history and physics

[Edited on 5-10-2019 by 4x4abc]

David K - 5-9-2019 at 10:34 AM

In one of the 1960s Erle Stanley Gardner Baja books, he goes into this subject and showed how shooting some holes through the metal stove pipe/ chimney above the camp oven solved the problem.

[Edited on 5-9-2019 by David K]

bajaric - 5-9-2019 at 10:42 AM

The Mr. Heater big buddy heater is advertised as being safe indoors, however in the fine print it says room must have a small opening to outside air for ventilation.

John Harper - 5-9-2019 at 05:16 PM

Quote: Originally posted by 4x4abc  

there is a delicate balance between the fireplace opening, the chimney diameter, the chimney height and whether the chimney cools down too fast with increased height
get any of the positions wrong and you will have smoke


Yep.

John

fishbuck - 5-10-2019 at 08:33 AM

I need to improve on it a bit. My lungs are wrecked. I'm still coughing up soot.
I got to get away from combustable fuel heat.
Solar and electric has got to work for me. And the infloor system.
That I like best. My builder has installed one or at least understood.
The floor was cold.
Off-grid clean heat is what I need.
Wood is a real pain.

Hold the manzanita?

AKgringo - 5-10-2019 at 08:44 AM

I cut it yesterday, 18 inch lengths! Oh well, my rig doesn't have room for very much, and might have caused me problems at secondary anyway.

fishbuck - 5-10-2019 at 09:07 AM

Quote: Originally posted by AKgringo  
I cut it yesterday, 18 inch lengths! Oh well, my rig doesn't have room for very much, and might have caused me problems at secondary anyway.


That is amazing wood!
I'd love it but please don't bring it on my account.
Unless you need a cold beverage or two... them come on over... I'd alert the dog your coming...but...
Just stay in the car and his mom will let you in...