On Sat, 18 Jan 2014 09:33:42 -0600, "RogerN"
wrote:

Looking for a heater to keep my utility room pipes from freezing, either
electric or propane. It would be ideal to have a thermostat that went down
to around 35 or 40 degrees F. Other than that, I'll use a temperature
control to turn on power to an electric heater or a propane heater with
continuous electric start pilot light substitute.

Heat tapes would do the trick for the pipes but I don't want residual water
freezing in the washing machine pump. This doesn't freeze when it's 20
degrees F outside, but we had a pipe bust when it got to -9 degrees F.
We've had pipe freeze problems twice in the 10 years I've lived here so I'm
thinking it wouldn't take much heat to keep the room above freezing.

Anyone know of an electric or propane shop heaters that have a thermostat
that goes close to freezing temperature?

RogerN

Get a regular plug-in electric heater and a "plug-in" line
thermostat. Modify the calibration if necessary.


Another idea - use a contactor-relay to control the outlet you plug
the heater ijnto. Control the relay with one of the old round
honeywell mercury switch thermostats - calibrate the thermostat 10 or
20 degrees down by rotating the mounting. They are only accurate when
mounted level..
Third option - get a refrigerator thermostat and have it operate a NC
relay - reversing it's operation - it heats when the thermostat calls
for no cooling, and does not when the thermostat calls for cooling.

The plugin thermostat used to be a common item for "milk house
heaters" at farm supplies. Might even be able to get a "milk house
heater" with a thermostat that goes low enough. -

Or get a "block heater thermostat" - Here in Canada Canadian Tire
carries the Noma brand.

Or go to Home Despot and buy a "thermocube" - on at 35F, off at 45F.

Handles up to 1500 watts. I'd run it on a 750 or 1000 watt heater