I found a lot of comments from people who have heat pumps that said they were too loud. Then I found the following video and it convinced me it wouldn't work since we're outside on the porch so much. You're right about the cost and efficiency. I just don't think it'd work here. Any other ideas?

Ooops- forgot the link.
Noises a Heat Pump Make by Jerry Kelly on Youtube

Would you have a need for indoor heating while you are sitting on the porch bundled up in polar fleece? LOL

You got a point. Bundled. Fleece. Porch. Pretty much describes us. The heat's for the wimpy members of my family:)

I know what you mean. We are still looking at highs in the 50s but my husband got out the porch heater yesterday. We will bundle up soon and go out.

My votes goes to mini split too. Can you install it on the opposite end of the cottage? Or at least down the side?
If not check out wall mounted units by Runtal and Convect Air.

Ms. Wolfe- I think we'd be ready to jump in the Maine ocean if it hit the 50's! It's been a long winter... What kind of porch heater do you have? Does it work?

Is the mini-split a kind of heat pump? If you check out the YouTube video I mentioned, you can hear the loud noise they make on the defrost cycle. I'm afraid that no location will render it silent to us.

I've been pinning different heat sources. The Runtal wall panel sounded interesting. Bob Vilas had info on radiant wall panels that looked like a sort of wainscoting.

Radiant floor heat seems too expensive. I found a very thin baseboard heating system. I've seen those heat registers in walls or floors that are about 16" by 8" and they don't "stick out". I guess they're for forced air. We'll have propane gas for the stove.
I am thrilled about any suggestions you can make. Thanks to all.
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