Back up heating

[ChrisR]

I use electric fan heaters but have a propane heater in case of electricity supply failure outside my control. Fortunately never needed over many years but there just in case.

Unfortunately even though the ca.15 year old "Hotbox Regal Silver" 4kw gas heater has never been used in anger, upon testing this time it's failed - the thermocouple is faulty so the pilot light won't stay on. It's a poor design. The thermocouple is crimped or pressed into a steel mounting plate together with the piezo igniter and the pilot burner. After a few emails with the suppliers, Kirklees Developments Ltd they stopped responding so I can only assume they have no spares.

Therefore I won't be buying a new heater from them and would appreciate any recommendations.

What do others use as back up to their main source of heating?

[ralphrmartin]

Have you tried Hotbox international? They have a spares page here:
https://www.hotboxworld.com/top/spares-and-repairs/
I'm not sure if they are the same people or not, but they do have a different phone number.

[Roatavator]

Have to confess I haven’t got what you might call a formal back up to my electric heater. In the past in an emergency I’ve resurrected my old electric domestic convector heater which resides covered in dust in my shed. It kept the frost off ok until a new heater arrived.

[Cidermanrolls]

For power cuts, have you thought of a petrol generator? You’d not want it in the greenhouse, but outside under cover with an extension lead?
If you go that way, make sure you don’t overload it and be prepared to top up the tank regularly.

[Tony R]

After a few emails with the suppliers, Kirklees Developments Ltd they stopped responding so I can only assume they have no spares.

So much for what they say on their website
"Our products are designed and built here in our factory in West Yorkshire. We stock a full spare parts list and offer a return to base repair and servicing facility."
I have had a few dealings with them directly over the years.

[ChrisR]

Have to confess I haven’t got what you might call a formal back up to my electric heater. In the past in an emergency I’ve resurrected my old electric domestic convector heater which resides covered in dust in my shed. It kept the frost off ok until a new heater arrived.

I'm thinking about a local or national power cut, not just a spare heater issue. Thanks anyway Peter.

[ChrisR]

After a few emails with the suppliers, Kirklees Developments Ltd they stopped responding so I can only assume they have no spares.

So much for what they say on their website
"Our products are designed and built here in our factory in West Yorkshire. We stock a full spare parts list and offer a return to base repair and servicing facility."
I have had a few dealings with them directly over the years.

I'll quote that in another email to them Tony and see if that garners a response. Thanks.

[ChrisR]

For power cuts, have you thought of a petrol generator? You’d not want it in the greenhouse, but outside under cover with an extension lead?
If you go that way, make sure you don’t overload it and be prepared to top up the tank regularly.

I'm sure the neighbours would love that!

[Roatavator]

I'm thinking about a local or national power cut, not just a spare heater issue. Thanks anyway Peter.
[/quote]

My example would seem to rely on crossed fingers and prayer...... Funnily enough, in the 25 odd years I’ve been growing cacti and succulents second time around, I’ve never had a back up, nor any losses due to power failure

[el48tel]

I'm thinking about a local or national power cut, not just a spare heater issue. Thanks anyway Peter.

My example would seem to rely on crossed fingers and prayer...... Funnily enough, in the 25 odd years I’ve been growing cacti and succulents second time around, I’ve never had a back up, nor any losses due to power failure
[/quote]

Saying that is tempting fate, surely?