Heating my porch - any problems?

longwalks1

My 'external' porch (protrudes from the house) is very cold in the winter, so much so things feel almost wet in there (it's not damp, just far too cold). If I was to heat it, would that cause condensation or anything?
Was thinking of one of those plug in tube type heaters that look like a length of plastic pipe
Are they the cheapest type to run/leave on?
Cheers

Ectophile

Adding heating normally reduces condensation, rather than increasing it.

The small tube-type heaters are relatively cheap to run, but only because they are low power. All electric heaters are 100% efficient, so it makes no difference to efficiency what sort you use.

longwalks1

Cheers Ecto

Would the tube type heater be ok to leave on constantly to keep the porch warm? Or is there a better type heater for there?

Thanks again

ic

You can get frost protection heaters, this might be what you're after? http://www.screwfix.com/p/wall-mounted-ch-500p-frost-protector-400w/35719

McKneff

Is it double brick or just single.

Ectophile

One with a thermostat would save money, as it would only come on when needed.

The tube heaters are typically around 60 to 100W, about the same power as an incandescent light bulb.

You're looking at about 1.4 to 2.4 units of electricity a day, so it's only a few tens of pence. But a low power heater isn't actually going to make the porch warm, just a bit less cold.

meer53

For me, seems a waste of money ? Why not just move stuff when it gets too cold ?

tony6403

A rather obvious point, but make sure that the porch has good insulation/draughtproofing - otherwise you will be wasting your money buying and running a heater.