I've always used the oil based radiators but would now be buying my 3rd one in nine years, they just don't seem to last? Thinking of switching to an RHP. What size/wattage would I need in a 4' x 3' well insulated box, in SoCal? Are they more economical to run than the radiators?
From radiator to RHP?
- Thread starter Ellie Mae
- Start date
Something is wrong somewhere in your system. I run a dozen oil heaters on my ranch and in two decades I've never had one fail. I tried a different type that was flatter and only 400 watts, and those both died after a couple of years. The normal ones just keep working.
What type are you using?
If you want to switch to a RHP/Kane mat combo, it should work in your box. I use the 80 watt Kane mats and the 21 inch, 78 watt RHPs. You need both and they can run on the same thermostat. A RHP alone won't be enough.
Where in SoCal? Different advice for Ridgecrest vs. Redondo Beach.
What species?
This thread shows how to use the Kane mat/RHP combo:
Single Tortoise Night Box
I like my larger tortoises to live outside full time. My climate permits this year round with a little help. For people who live where it snows all winter, this type of box is still good for warmer weather, getting them out earlier in Spring, and keeping them out a bit later into fall. You'll...
tortoiseforum.org
Thanks for the info! I get them on Amazon and they actually don't even have the brands on them, just weird named stores like Poople ~ am in coastal temperate SD area, never freezing. Maybe will just try my luck with another radiator heater then since they've worked so well for you!Something is wrong somewhere in your system. I run a dozen oil heaters on my ranch and in two decades I've never had one fail. I tried a different type that was flatter and only 400 watts, and those both died after a couple of years. The normal ones just keep working.
What type are you using?
If you want to switch to a RHP/Kane mat combo, it should work in your box. I use the 80 watt Kane mats and the 21 inch, 78 watt RHPs. You need both and they can run on the same thermostat. A RHP alone won't be enough.
Where in SoCal? Different advice for Ridgecrest vs. Redondo Beach.
What species?
This thread shows how to use the Kane mat/RHP combo:
Single Tortoise Night Box
I like my larger tortoises to live outside full time. My climate permits this year round with a little help. For people who live where it snows all winter, this type of box is still good for warmer weather, getting them out earlier in Spring, and keeping them out a bit later into fall. You'll...
What do you think of this? https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CCTTBLGK?tag=exoticpetnetw-20Something is wrong somewhere in your system. I run a dozen oil heaters on my ranch and in two decades I've never had one fail. I tried a different type that was flatter and only 400 watts, and those both died after a couple of years. The normal ones just keep working.
What type are you using?
If you want to switch to a RHP/Kane mat combo, it should work in your box. I use the 80 watt Kane mats and the 21 inch, 78 watt RHPs. You need both and they can run on the same thermostat. A RHP alone won't be enough.
Where in SoCal? Different advice for Ridgecrest vs. Redondo Beach.
What species?
This thread shows how to use the Kane mat/RHP combo:
Single Tortoise Night Box
I like my larger tortoises to live outside full time. My climate permits this year round with a little help. For people who live where it snows all winter, this type of box is still good for warmer weather, getting them out earlier in Spring, and keeping them out a bit later into fall. You'll...
What do you think of this? https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CCTTBLGK?tag=exoticpetnetw-20Something is wrong somewhere in your system. I run a dozen oil heaters on my ranch and in two decades I've never had one fail. I tried a different type that was flatter and only 400 watts, and those both died after a couple of years. The normal ones just keep working.
What type are you using?
If you want to switch to a RHP/Kane mat combo, it should work in your box. I use the 80 watt Kane mats and the 21 inch, 78 watt RHPs. You need both and they can run on the same thermostat. A RHP alone won't be enough.
Where in SoCal? Different advice for Ridgecrest vs. Redondo Beach.
What species?
This thread shows how to use the Kane mat/RHP combo:
Single Tortoise Night Box
I like my larger tortoises to live outside full time. My climate permits this year round with a little help. For people who live where it snows all winter, this type of box is still good for warmer weather, getting them out earlier in Spring, and keeping them out a bit later into fall. You'll...
You posted the same one twice or your posted just posted twice which happens sometimes
Sorry not very familiar with this format!
That's okay, it's no problem. I just wanted to make sure you knew Incase you meant to post a different heater and accidentally posted the same one.
When buying the oil filled electric radiator, don't just look for the cheapest price. Look for the number of watts. The smallest number of watts isn't as hardy as the ones with the larger number. I've always bought 600/1200 watts and I'm still using two that I bought about 15 years ago. One is turned on in my greenhouse every night all winter, and the other is in my bedroom. Of course, I don't run them full power. The one in the greenhouse is on the 600 watt setting and the dial (goes from 1 to 6) is up at 5.
The minis that fit inside the night boxes are all 700 watts and have just the one setting of on or off.
The full size ones I've seen have a 600 and a 900 watt setting, or both of those settings on at the same time for 1500 watts.
That type of heater is very inefficient, and also very desiccating. It will run a lot, dry everything out, and cost a lot more on your electric bill than a radiant oil heater.
Yes, I use the minis, 700 w. Have ordered another but this time with the 3 year protection plan!
Boy I guess I've just had bad luck with the ones I have only lasting a couple of years. Will try another and this time with the protection plan!
How are they failing for you? Leakage, not making any heat, button or dial failure? Are you sure the dial thermostat on the actual heaters is turned up the right amount?
Ever since you showed us the mini radiator I've tried to find it hrte with no luck.
That's what I have. Mine run 24/7 in winter. Fall and spring mostly only at night always on a thermostat. I have gone thru many though. Always brand named ones. Since 2014 have had two that pooped out, it might actually be 3. I have two always set up in the shed one running one for back up and one in storage as a back up.
The newer ones just don't last like the older ones, but do a better job heating a whole shed.
Yep, this has been my experience too.
I have consider trying one of these out, but worry about them being too drying and a bigger fire hazard.
