Eco-fans - X-post from Environment and Energy

[ConcernedCanuk]

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Circumstances left me in an 18 foot trailer - totally off the grid.

Heat is only by propane - unless I want to run the generator - At 2 bucks an hour - for HEAT? - I think not. I use the generator mostly to operate the computer, microwave, toaster and other high consumption devices and charge up my 12 volt system.(had solar panels, they died)

ANYHOO

Living in Northern Ontario - it gets quite cool

This, and most travel trailers are not designed for -30C - so the heater works poorly below freezing.

While I don't recommend using the propane stove-top for heat(CO emissions and O2 depletion) but I found with carbide blades(old plow blades - won't warp) on top of the burners, at a VERY minimal setting - much heat is retained - however - much of it was going straight to the ceiling

ECOFAN makes the day - runs with no hydro, and greatly increases the comfort



This is the model I have



but there are other models as well





more info at http://www.caframo.com/home_office/homeoffice_products_...

[troubleinwinter]

1. I have experienced one

used atop a wood-burning stove. It certainly moved the heat around the room efficiently.

I'd say thumbs up.

Dunno how many folks have old plow blades (!), but it did make me curious about an old circular saw blade. ?

[ConcernedCanuk]

2. Old plow blades -

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Check a local township office

or anyone with a plow on a 4x4?

I'm sure they'd be willing to part with them on the cheap.

Circular saw - nope - don't think so - most are thin, and would warp like crazy

and then there's those sharp edges to deal with.

ouch

[Po_d Mainiac]

3. How hot would your stove get? n/t

[cbayer]

4. I also live off the grid and am interested in these heating fans. It doesn't

get nearly as cold here as it does where you live, but heating is an issue at time. I usually turn on the stove top and put the heavy iron griddle over it for awhile, but these fans look interesting.

Thanks for the info!

:hi:

[ConcernedCanuk]

5. OH - some more info on the fans I show - I call them "idiot-proof"

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My stove-top is sorta crowded with a pot of water for hot water, and other pots.

I've got my hand into the fan more than once. The blades don't turn fast enough to hurt, and are not sharp enough to cut.

One model will take temperatures up to 650F - my blades are double 1/2 inches on the back two burners, and 3/4 inches on the front single burner.

With the propane on less than half, the blade turns pretty quick, and the heat disperses real well. I figure having the burners above 1/2 is a waste as the heat goes around the plate - my idea is to store the heat in the blade - with one rear and one front burner on almost the lowest possible setting I get a pretty decent heat and flow.

I sorta judge the efficiency of storing the heat by the speed of the blade - if the blade is going full bore, I turn the heat/flame down JUST until the fan starts to slow down. That way I figure most of my flame heat is going into the steel plates, and not just passing it by.

For less than 100 bucks, it's an investment you will not regret.

[cbayer]

6. I did not get around to ordering this last year, but just ordered one for this winter.

Will let you know how it works on the boat.

:hi:

[cbayer]

7. Just got it and love it.

We can heat the back plate on our stove with a minimal amount of propane and the fan works great. Warmed up the cabin really quickly.

:toast: