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How do you heat a log home?

If you have a smaller log cabin, consider heating it with a direct-vent wall furnace. This self-contained heating system provides heat to a defined area. Choose from gas or electric models, both with built-in safety features and a thermostat. If you opt for the gas version, get a professional to install the gas line.

thecabindiary.com - Tips for Heating a Log Cabin

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During the chilly fall and frigid winter months, staying warm and cozy in your log cabin is a top priority. With the right heat source for your living space, you won’t have to bundle up in multiple layers, and your teeth won’t

be chattering from the indoor cold.

Most log cabins contain a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) ystem that provides multi-season comfort. Besides electric heat, fuel sources include propane, natural gas, and heating oil. You can also consider wood-burning heat sources such as wood stoves or fireplaces. For the purposes of this post, we’re going to discuss electric, propane, and gas heating options. If you’re just building your log cabin, or you’re considering an additional heat source, look at the nature of the cabin. If it’s primarily a summer-season home, or doesn’t have much square footage, one of these lower-priced options may do the trick.

1. Direct Vent Wall Furnace

2. Portable Heating Unit

If you’re heating a smaller cabin, or a single room, a portable heater is always a good choice. Newer units have lots of safety features. Big box and online stores should have models that will blend nicely with your cabin décor.

Evaluate Two Larger-Space Heating Options

If your larger cabin requires a new heat source, consider two systems with relatively straightforward installation methods. For the best outcome, call in a professional with the knowledge and proper equipment.

1. Ductless Mini-Split Heating System

If your log cabin lacks a ductwork system, and you don’t want to install one, a ductless mini-split heating system may work for the entire cabin or an extra area (or two). These systems use multiple air handlers, with each handler installed in its dedicated service area. The air handlers are connected to an exterior heat pump. When they’re properly installed, a single system can effectively service several parts of your cabin.

2. High-Velocity Forced Air Heating System

These systems do incorporate ductwork, but it’s considerably smaller than the ducts in traditional forced air systems. Consider this super quiet system that won’t keep you up at night.

Tips to Increase Your Log Cabin’s Heating Efficiency

Regardless of your heating system, it needs help to operate at maximum efficiency. Here are two easy-to-follow tips that should enable better system performance.

1. Increase Your Log Cabin’s Insulation

Add insulation to your log cabin’s walls, attic, and basement. Applying foam board and/or spray foam will help to keep heat from escaping into the great outdoors.

2. Purchase a Smart Thermostat

These programmable digital thermostats are worth their weight in gold. You can control each room’s temperature separately rather than heating the entire house. When everyone’s out for the day (or on vacation), set the thermostat to a lower temperature. And, you can easily control the smart thermostat with your smartphone. With just a few simple adjustments, you’ll see real dollar

savings over time.

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Are log cabins energy efficient?

Because of the log's heat storage capability, its large mass may result in better overall energy efficiency in some climates than in others. Logs act like "thermal batteries" and can, under the right circumstances, store heat during the day and gradually release it at night.

energy.gov - Energy Efficiency in Log Homes

A material’s thermal resistance or resistance to heat flow is measured by its R-value. In a solid log wall, the logs provide both structure and insulation. The R-value for wood ranges between 1.41 per inch (2.54 cm) for most softwoods and 0.71 for most hardwoods. Ignoring the benefits of the thermal mass, a 6-inch (15.24 cm) softwood log wall has a clear-wall (a wall without windows or doors) R-value of just over 8. Compared to a conventional wood stud wall (3½ inches (8.89 cm) of insulation, sheathing, and wallboard, for a total of about R-14) the log wall is apparently a far inferior insulation system. Based only on this, log walls do not satisfy most building code energy standards. To find out the log building code standards for your area, contact your city or county building code officials. Your state energy office may be able to provide information on energy codes recommended or enforced in your state. The extent a log building interacts with its surroundings depends greatly on the climate. Because of the log's heat storage capability, its large mass may result in better overall energy efficiency in some climates than in others. Logs act like "thermal batteries" and can, under the right circumstances, store heat during the day and gradually release it at night. This generally increases the apparent R-value of a log by 0.1 per inch of thickness in mild, sunny climates that have a substantial temperature swing from day to night. Such climates generally exist in the Earth's temperate zones between the 15th and 40th parallels.

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