Another heater question, but please help...

[little kid]

After some good advice on propane heaters from here on FM, I was all set to go with the Empire, but then was wondering about the pros/cons of a forced air heater ? How much of a pain is it with these being operated by battery? Any idea how long one would run on a marine battery when running electric lights as well?? Thanks again fellas...

[hanson]

Little Kid-

I have no personal experience running a forced air furnace in my fish house but did give them a good look over before going with an Empire.

-The one thing I really like about the forced air furnaces is they can be built into a cabinet, or under a dinette bench and don't take up wall space that way.

-Moving air is a definite plus in a ice shack as well.

-The drawback is the battery. If it goes dead, does your furnace continue to operate? I'm not sure about that answer. If so, on longer weekend trips, I could see having multiple batteries with and would probably have multiple batteries anyway- 1 for my heat and 1 for my lights.

Like I responded in your previous topic, I have a 15,000btu Empire and my shack is easily kept at 70-80 degrees when it is -20 outside. I'm installing fans this fall to circulate the air better. My floor is always cold and it is also insulated. The ceiling has got to be near 90 degrees. The ceiling mounted fans will help push the hot air back down since it naturally rises.

Good Luck to you, I'm sure you'll be happy either way you go. All I can say is you'll be a happy camper choosing any direct vent model, forced air or otherwise.

[little kid]

Thanks for the advice Hanson... I always appreciate and respect your two cents. I think I will be going with the Empire - easier than dealing with the battery issues.

[bobberal]

Little Kid,

I use computer fans, which draw little power and are very quiet...

Al