Heating & Insulation in Arbor Shepherd Huts
Are you considering a shepherd hut as your next home or office space? If so, you may be wondering how to keep it warm and cosy during the colder months. Luckily, there are several heating options available, from traditional wood-burning stoves to modern radiators and underfloor heating.Shepherd huts have been with us since the Middle Ages, when they were used as temporary dwellings for shepherds and other rural workers. These original, uninsulated shepherd huts could often get cold in the winter, but now modern technology, insulation and efficient wood burning stoves ensure that Arbor Shepherd Huts stay beautifully warm in the winter and cool in the summer.
Insulation
Insulation is key to keeping a shepherd hut warm in the winter months. At Arbor Shepherd Huts we insulate all of our huts with sheep wool. Not only is this a more sustainable material than the rockwool or foam compounds some makers use, it is also great at retaining heat while letting the hut ‘breathe’. Keeping moisture down is an important consideration for any small living space, and sheep wool insulation does an excellent job. The windows of all of our huts are also double-glazed to reduce heat loss. Insulation is also important during the summer. Small spaces like cabins and huts can overheat, even in the British Summer, but our sheep wool insulation does an excellent job of keeping Arbor Shepherd Huts cool in the summer as well as warm in the winter.
Heating
At Arbor Shepherd Huts we offer different ways to heat your hut:
Shepherds hut wood burning stove
A shepherd hut wood burning stove is a fantastic addition to your shepherd hut, providing you with both warmth and a cosy and inviting atmosphere. Not only does a wood burner make your shepherd hut feel more like a home, it can also be a cost-effective way to heat your space. With a shepherd hut wood burner, you can enjoy the gentle crackling of the fire and the comforting warmth it provides, all while knowing that you're doing your part for the environment by using a renewable fuel source. Whether you're looking to relax after a long day or simply enjoy a cup of tea by the fire, a shepherd hut stove is a great investment for any shepherd hut owner.
When considering a wood burner for your shepherds hut, it’s important to consider the relatively small area to heat and the size of your wood burner, alongside the quality of manufacturers used. At Arbor Shepherd Huts, we install the Charnwood C4 wood burning stove. Charnwood is a British company that has been manufacturing wood burning stoves for over 40 years. The company is known for its high-quality, efficient stoves that are built to last, and they have an excellent reputation. We’ve tested the stove over a number of years and know that they offer a great balance between space, heat and efficiency.
The C4 stove has a power output of 4.9kW which is more than enough to heat the space of even our largest huts. It also has an 82% fuel efficiency rating which exceeds the Ecodesign standard laid out in the UK government’s Clean Air Strategy requirements for pollution control. The Ecodesign standard came into force on January 1, 2022, mandating that all closed wood burning home appliances should have a minimum efficiency of 65%. The Charnwood C4 exceeds this standard by some margin, making it one of the most efficient stoves on the market.
All of our wood burning stoves are fitted by a HETAS certified installer and sit on stone bases with the backs protected by a heat shield. As is the case with all heating systems, you should maintain and monitor them properly. In particular, flues should be checked and cleaned on a regular basis. If you look after your wood burning stove well, it should be as safe as having a stove installed in your living room, but for added peace of mind we also provide all our owners with a carbon monoxide monitor.
Underfloor Heating
We offer underfloor heating in all of our huts. Underfloor heating and wood burning stoves are not mutually exclusive, and we have built several huts that have both, so that owners can enjoy the benefits of either or both when they want.
At Arbor Shepherd Huts, heating and insulation have always been one of our key considerations. We know it’s essential that all of our shepherd huts are comfortable and usable at all times of the year. If you have any further questions about the heating & insulation, don’t hesitate to get in touch, and we’ll answer any questions you have.
A combination of the two
If you're looking for a way to create a comfortable and cosy space in your hut, then combining a wood burner with underfloor heating may be the perfect solution for you. This is the most common choice for a lot of our customers. Not only do these two heating methods complement each other perfectly, but they also provide a range of benefits that will help to keep your space warm and inviting all year round.
Underfloor heating provides a gentle, consistent heat that can help to keep your space warm and comfortable without the need for radiators or heaters. By combining a wood burner with underfloor heating, you can enjoy the best of both worlds - the cosy, traditional feel of a wood burner, combined with the practicality and efficiency of underfloor heating.
One of the great things about this combination is that it allows you to heat your space in a way that suits your needs. If you're looking for a quick burst of heat on a cold winter's day, then the wood burner is the perfect choice. But if you want to maintain a consistent and comfortable temperature throughout the winter months, then underfloor heating is the way to go. By using both methods together, you can create a space that is warm, cosy and inviting all year round. Although we don’t currently offer underfloor heating from a wood burner, it is something that we are interested in exploring in the future.
In conclusion, combining a wood burning stove with underfloor heating is a great way to create a comfortable and cosy space in your hut. Not only do these two heating methods complement each other perfectly, but they also provide a range of benefits that will help to keep your space warm and inviting all year round. So, whether you're looking to add a touch of rustic charm to your home or simply want to create a warm and comfortable living space, this combination is definitely worth considering.
Heated towel rail
A shepherd hut is a small and cosy space that provides a unique experience of living close to nature. However, it is essential to make sure that the hut is equipped with all the necessary amenities to ensure comfort and convenience. One of the essential amenities that should not be overlooked is a heated towel rail in the bathroom.
Having a heated towel rail is important for two main reasons: warmth and drying. Firstly, a heated towel rail can provide a source of warmth in the bathroom, making it more comfortable to use the facilities.
Secondly, a heated towel rail is essential for ensuring that your towels dry quickly and effectively. In a confined space like a shepherd hut, it is important to make the most of the limited space available. A heated towel rail can help to free up space by eliminating the need for a bulky drying rack. It also ensures that your towels are always dry and warm, which is especially important in colder weather.
For these reasons, Arbor Shepherd Huts offer these as standard in all huts that have a bath or shower room. Having a heated towel rail in the bathroom of a shepherd hut is an important investment for both comfort and convenience. It provides a source of warmth in the bathroom and ensures that your towels dry quickly and effectively, freeing up space in the small living area.
Radiators
Although our shepherds huts are often equipped with a cosy wood burner, which is perfect for warming up the space on a chilly evening, a growing number of people are opting for a small radiator instead of a wood burner.
One of the main reasons people are choosing radiators over wood burners is the time and effort that wood burners may require. While the warmth and ambiance of a shepherds hut stove can be appealing, starting and maintaining a fire can be a hassle. It requires a certain level of skill and attention to keep the fire burning, and it can also be time-consuming to collect wood.
Additionally, some people may prefer a radiator because it frees up space in the hut. A wood burner can take up a significant amount of room, especially in a small space like a shepherd hut. By choosing a radiator, people can enjoy a warm and cozy environment without sacrificing precious square footage.
Of course, there are still many people who love the traditional feel of a wood burner and find the effort well worth it. However, for those who prefer a simpler and more convenient heating option, a small radiator can be a great alternative. Ultimately, the choice comes down to personal preference and what works best for each individual's lifestyle.
However you choose to heat your hut…
No matter which heating option you choose, you can be sure that your shepherd hut will be a comfortable and cosy space to relax in, thanks to our exceptional insulation. Our huts are designed to keep you warm and comfortable, no matter what the weather outside may be like. So why not invest in a shepherd hut today, and enjoy all the benefits of a warm and cosy home or office space?
Wood-burning stoves are a popular choice for shepherd huts, as they provide a rustic and cosy atmosphere. They are also highly efficient and cost-effective, as wood is a renewable and relatively inexpensive fuel source. With a properly installed stove and chimney, you can enjoy a warm and comfortable space all winter long.
However, if you prefer a more modern look, then radiators or underfloor heating may be a better option. These heating systems provide a more even and consistent heat, and are often easier to control and maintain.
Underfloor heating is a fantastic way to keep your space warm and comfortable with a gentle and stable heat source that doesn't require radiators or heaters. When paired with a wood burner, however, you can enjoy the best of both worlds. This combo offers the traditional, cozy feel of a wood burner, while also providing the practicality and efficiency of underfloor heating.
