Heating a container home: heat pumps, stoves and electric options

A steel box loses heat quickly without good insulation, so the heating system and the insulation must be planned together. The right system depends on the climate, the fuel and the budget.

Heat pump

A heat pump is efficient and works well with a well-insulated container home. It needs a good outdoor unit location and a power supply.

Wood stove

A wood stove gives warmth and character, but needs a flue, fire safety and a fuel supply. Check the rules for flues and clearances.

Electric panels

Electric panels are simple and cheap to install, but running costs can be high in cold weather.

Underfloor heating

Underfloor heating gives even warmth, but it needs a good floor build-up and insulation under the floor.

Read the cold climate guide for the insulation levels, and test the layout with the UnedPod configurator before you choose a system.