Your in the process of designing your tiny house and one of the issues you must decide is how to heat your small space. “Normal” central heat or wood stoves, etc. just produce to much heat for your small space. So what are some of your options? Following are some ideas for using wood, gas, propane and electric heat.

Wood

The original Very Small Woodstove is the Jotul 602, from Norway. This model is a mere 12 inches wide, 19 inches deep. They are found most often in cottages and cabins in the woods, where the 602’s good looks are a highlight. It’s been around almost forever. Although very small it can heat amazingly well.

Jotul 602
12 x 19
$700
Available from Jotul

The tiniest very small woodstoves are those built for boats. These are designed for very tight quarters, and often have a railing on the top to keep pots from rolling off. Here is a typical one from the Canadian coast measuring all of 12 inches by 12 inches. They are made of cast iron and porcelain and are so cute and enchanting, folks have thought of getting a sailboat just so they need one. You can use one in your tiny house just as easily.

Sardine
12 x 12
$650
Available from Marine Stove

Gas/Propane

Propane is also popular in tiny houses and Jay Shafer of Tumbleweed Tiny House fame uses the Newport Propane Fireplace. This lovely little heater/fireplace. Ideal for boats up to 30/32 ft. The combustion process is completely isolated from the inside of the boat by the unique, direct vent design. A built-in blower provides good heat circulation. Heater is sold with all accessories including a stainless steel backing plate and 28” of flexible, double stainless chimney. Safe, easy to use and extremely economical.

Newport Propane Fireplace (P9000)
17 x 9
$972
Available from Dickson Marine

Gas is also an option and Woodstock Soapstone Company has the perfect little stove for tiny spaces called the Cottage Mini Soapstone Gas Stove.

• Its 8,000 BTU heat output is perfect for a cozy, intimate area
• It takes up little space (it can be installed on a stand or wall- mounted shelf)
• It’s a handsome design
The “Mini Franklin” will bring warmth, grace, and style to any room setting. Its small fire will add ambiance and though it is just 17” tall, it will produce almost 8,000 BTU/hr!

Cottage Mini
17 x 14
$1049
Available from Woodstock Soapstone Company

Electric

There are many small electric heaters that will work extremely well in your tiny house. Following are a couple examples available at your local Walmart. Electric heaters cost much less than the above wood stoves and propane or gas stoves. If electricity is easily available this might be your most affordable option.

OIL- FILLED RADIATOR
De’Longhi EW0715W Safeheat Oil-Filled Radiator features Patented Easy Snap Wheels, Adjustable Thermostat and Three Heat Settings

$39.87
Available from Walmart

Titan Ceramic Heater with Thermostat #TCM16W-U
Compact yet powerful, this ceramic heater sports a thermostat that lets you choose how much heat you want.

$18.44
Available from Walmart

Hopefully this has been helpful in giving you some new ideas on how to heat your new tiny space.

Featured at the Dwell On Design Conference, the V2 Prefab Microhome is designed and built in Phoenix Arizona by V2 World.

The 384 square foot model below is the smallest version and units can be added or modified in size. The welded steel frame can be modified in 4 foot increments.

Imagine being able to design your dream home in harmony with its location.

Price is approximately $200 per square foot. Now you can live simply and energy efficient in a modern prefab microhome.

Visit the V2 World website to learn more.

Also watch the ABC News special featuring the V2 and other microhomes.

Kitchen

Living Room

Bedroom

Exterior 384 sq. ft.

The Folding and Transportable Home. The Habitaflex is another tiny home on wheels. Along the lines of the Tumbleweed Tiny House and the Martin House-To-Go. The Habitaflex expands or folds into a much larger living space yet folds down to a very small footprint so you can take it anywhere.

Here is a quote from the Habitaflex website.

An entirely factory-built and innovative solution to temporary and permanent accommodation, this home can be unfolded, transported and relocated. Its rapid and easy installation can get this home up and running in a few hours only! Thanks to its clever opening mechanism, Habitaflex deploys virtually effortlessly and, in no time, reveals a complete and comfortable home comprising: a kitchen, living room, bathroom as well as 1, 2 or 3 bedrooms. Its plumbing and heating systems are fully integrated in the wall cavities so you can be operational and stay in your new home the very same day of your installation!

Following is a sequence of photos showing the setup of the home. Make sure and visit the Habitflex website.