| The versatility and affordability of enclosed RV | | | | the square footage of the structure. A less |
| carports has expanded their uses beyond just | | | | expensive option, such as a radiant or infra-red |
| sheltering vehicles to functioning as home offices, | | | | heater, would work if the area to be heated can be |
| work spaces, and/or play areas. As these uses | | | | targeted to a specific area, such as a work desk. |
| become more integral in work and family life, having | | | | Money can also be saved by insulating the structure |
| the area in which these activities take place get shut | | | | and adding weather stripping to doors and windows. |
| down due to cold temperatures becomes less and | | | | As more RV carports are being wired for electrical |
| less of an option. As carport designs continue to | | | | output, hooking up regulation heaters has become a |
| evolve, making them more like room additions than | | | | common practice. For areas that don't experience |
| bare bones shelters, a variety of heating options has | | | | freezing temperatures, space heaters can also |
| also developed. | | | | provide enough heat from a 120 volt outlet but care |
| The two primary options for heating these living | | | | must always be taken to keep the heaters upright |
| spaces are electrical or gas generated heat. Getting | | | | and away from all kinds of flammable materials. A |
| the right sized heating unit for the space being used | | | | "tip-over" feature automatically turns the heater off |
| is critical to make sure that enough heat gets | | | | or emits a beeping sound should the unit be upended. |
| generated without spending too much on a unit that | | | | Gas heaters can generate heat from both fixed and |
| is bigger than it needs to be. The following are | | | | portable sources. Natural gas and liquid petroleum |
| approximations for the heater output required to | | | | supply heaters from fixed piping systems while |
| warm the square footage of a living/working space: | | | | propane and kerosene are carried in storage tanks. |
| * 250 square feet - 24,000 BTU's (British Thermal | | | | With any gas based heating system it is extremely |
| Units) | | | | important to ventilate the heated area as well as |
| * 350 square feet - 36,000 BTU's | | | | placing carbon monoxide sensors around the interior |
| * 550 square feet - 48,000 BTU's | | | | of the structure to alert occupants of any kind of |
| After getting the right sized heating unit, the next | | | | buildup of the noxious gas. Of the four gas sources, |
| decision will be how best to heat the designated | | | | kerosene carries a consistently strong odor making it |
| area. Depending on whether heating must be spread | | | | probably the least desirable source of heat, especially |
| throughout the area or targeted to a specific area | | | | in an enclosed or poorly ventilated structure. |
| will determine the proper type of heater. For heating | | | | RV carports have come a long way from their |
| wide areas, going with a convection heater is usually | | | | beginnings as open sided shelters and now provide |
| the best choice. | | | | extra, and often much needed, space for both work |
| An example where a convection style heater would | | | | and play on a year-round basis. For more information |
| be best is an area where people might be dispersed | | | | on customization and heating options, visit us at: |
| or moving around such as a play area or for a | | | | rvcarportsdirect. |
| business with work areas which are spread out over | | | | |