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Heating, Cooling, and Insulating a Log Siding Cabin
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If you have ever spent time in log cabins, you know they must have some type of heating and cooling system for comfort like other homes. Ways of keeping comfortable can vary depending on their location and the frequency of your cabin’s use. They can range from a fireplace and fans to the most modern HVAC systems.
The variables that should be included in selecting a heating and cooling equipment are:
- The size of a cabin
- Amount of tree shade
- Your budget
- Amount of insulation
- The climate
- Your temperature tolerance
Some advice here is to consult with several contractors to obtain professional advice on heating and cooling before your build or buy a log siding cabin.
Heating a Log Siding Cabin
Better heating systems are required in colder climates, and you must consider the equipment cost and the fuel cost for the colder months.
Typically, smaller cabins cost less to heat when there is adequate insulation. Here are some common ways to heat with their pros and cons:
| Pros | Cons | |
| Wood-Burning Fireplace | Ambiance, no electricity | Not efficient, lot of work |
| Fireplace with insert | More efficient than a fireplace | A lot of work with wood |
| Wood-burning stove | Heat and cook with it | A lot of work with wood |
| Natural gas furnace | Reliable and lower fuel cost | Higher equipment cost, emissions |
| Propane heater | Burns clean and non-toxic | Fuel costs more, and gas tank rental cost |
| Fuel oil furnace | Delivers more heat | Fuel costs more, more maintenance |
| Electric heating | Convenient and versatile | High operating cost |
You should research other potential heating equipment and systems if you live in a warmer climate. Keep in mind you never know when an unusual cold front may come through the area.
Cooling a Log Siding Cabin
Warmer climates need better cooling systems, and again you must consider their cost and the power bill for the hotter months. Smaller cabins typically cost less to cool when there is adequate insulation. Common ways to cool cabins with their pros and cons include:
| Pros | Cons | |
| Fans – Ceiling and floor | Inexpensive and simple | No refrigerated air |
| Central air conditioning | Consistent temperatures | Equipment and installation costs |
| Ductless air units | Efficient and no ducts | Expensive equipment |
| Window air conditioners | Affordable for small spaces | Visually unappealing, security risk |
| Evaporative units | Economic and efficient | Not good for humid climate |
If you live in a colder climate, you may need little or no air conditioning in the warmer months. Fans and open windows may suffice to keep everyone comfortable.
“Ways of keeping comfortable can vary depending on their location and the frequency of your cabin’s use. They can range from a fireplace and fans to the most modern HVAC systems.”
Insulating a Log Siding Cabin
Insulating a log siding cabin is quite different than insulating a full log cabin. For one thing, log siding and conventional insulation cost much less than full logs and their insulation. Building with log siding is also faster and easier. The following pros of log siding cabins should be helpful:
- Insulating walls – Use the best type of insulation for your climate. It is easy to install it in the wall framing like conventionally-built homes.
- Insulating floors – Insulate under the first floor with the best type for the climate.
- Insulating attics – Put as much insulation as needed in the attic for your climate.
All this insulation will not only keep you more comfortable, but it will also save on utility bills and can affect the equipment selection. You only get the full insulation benefit when installed in all the places mentioned above.
Heating and Cooling Log Cabins: Maintaining the Equipment
Maintaining any heating and cooling equipment is essential to its longevity and efficiency. HVAC experts tell us that installing equipment and systems correctly is just as important as choosing the right type and size of equipment or system. This is why you should only hire reputable heating and cooling contractors. These tips are common sense, but you must do them regularly:
- Filters – Change or clean them as often as they need it
- Heating and Cooling Equipment – Completely clean them inside and out as needed
- Ductwork – Vacuum out ductwork and check for air leaks every year
- Chimneys and Stove Pipes – Clean them as often as necessary to avoid creosote
- Inspections – Have a professional check your equipment each year
Keeping your heating and cooling equipment safe and clean will prevent wasted fuel and reduce the chance of fires.
Heating and Cooling Log Cabins: When to Buy New Equipment
Many log cabin owners ask how often they need to replace heating and cooling equipment. The answer is not always an easy one, but here are some tips from the experts that should help:
- Your equipment is too old and inefficient
- The equipment is no longer safe to use
- Your equipment is insufficient for heating or cooling
- Repair and maintenance are too costly
- You make a room addition to the cabin
- You notice odd sounds, smells, and too much house dust
The U.S. Department of Energy recommends changing out your equipment every 10-15 years because it becomes outdated. Another thing to watch out for is poor air quality because it can harm your health and your pet’s health.
This information on heating, cooling, and insulating a log siding cabin should prove helpful. It should alert you to potential problems, keep you more comfortable, and save some money. Let the folks at The Log Home Shoppe help you with your log siding cabin wood product needs.
