Fan-less radiant heating?

[zuren]

I saw something mentioned in a thread over at the Sprinter-Forum and wanted to float it out here for discussion. Has anyone installed or considered the electric radiant floor heating film as shown here to help supplement the comfort of the cabin during cold weather?:

http://www.homedepot.com/p/ThermoSo...ing-Film-Covers-15-sq-ft-18FF240-10/203993074

This got me thinking about small oil-filled radiant style heaters and the radiant panel heaters (that mount to walls). This would only be when when connected to shore power or when running a generator. I have found that many of my excursions during the cold seasons do allow me access to run a heavy extension cord.

I'm not willing to run a Buddy Heater while I sleep. I've tried an electric space heater (w/ fan) but it is loud. An RV furnace is out of budget. As I continue to consider how I'm going attack the problem of heating my van, I've been thinking that electric radiant could be an interesting, inexpensive, and silent approach to help take the edge off......if it is up to the task and could be wired in safely. I have 2 large yet silent 12v muffin fans (for cooling computers) to move air if needed.

Thanks!

 

[Bbasso]

For years, I've lost count... I used a mr buddy heater in my vans. It's not a big deal if you have cross ventilation. The reason why I stopped using it was the expense over time and the lack of being able to control the interior temp. I bought a Espar D4 heater recently, and it's just awesome.

 

[luthj]

Heating the floor is more comfort related than it is effective for cabin heat. It depends on the insulation level in the vehicle and floor space, but it would be tough to get substantial heat this way. I would suggest doing the math. How many watts of heater film can you fit on your existing floor? That will be the determining factor.

There are electric heaters that are radiant only (no fan). They are a bit of a fire risk, so you would need to take care with placement, as items that are very close can get hot enough to burn.

 

[Pinnacle Campers]

I have seriously thought about this, and applying it to my bed platform. With such a small amount of sq. footage the draw would be minimal.

 

[Treenail]

...the draw would be minimal.

Sure it would...but how much heat will you get? Do the numbers.

You CAN empty a swimming pool with a soda straw...the draw would be minimal...if you get my drift

 

[luthj]

I have seriously thought about this, and applying it to my bed platform. With such a small amount of sq. footage the draw would be minimal.

I have one of these 12v heating pads for my van (have not used yet). I have heard good things about them. Its much easier to keep the bed warm than the entire van. It will use up to ~75 watts. However it will cycle once up to temp, so average is closer to 25W. A modest auxiliary battery system should be able to run it through the night.

http://amzn.to/1RELvdn

 

[huskyhauler]

I have one of these 12v heating pads for my van (have not used yet). I have heard good things about them. Its much easier to keep the bed warm than the entire van. It will use up to ~75 watts. However it will cycle once up to temp, so average is closer to 25W. A modest auxiliary battery system should be able to run it through the night.

http://amzn.to/1RELvdn

I used to do a similar thing with a heated blanket, only I used just to warm up the blankets before getting into bed. I generally run "hot" so heated blankets tend to make me overheat at night.